Join the DTM team in person to learn the art of conscious dance set creation and develop essential DJ skills to fulfill you dream of being a DJ - all while being the part of a community that is engaging, supportive, and fun!

Looking to make the most of autumn of 2025? Join us for a 7-day immersive DJ Training at Quinta São José dos Montes. Our experienced DTM team will guide you step-by-step through our proven curriculum, designed to accommodate even complete beginners. This comprehensive 9-module program will transform you into a confident DJ! You'll learn the art of song curation, selection, and placement, as well as how to create seamless transitions to craft the dance journeys you've always dreamed of. Additionally, you’ll receive a detailed technical training manual, complete with space for notes, ensuring it serves as a valuable reference for years to come.

For a glimpse of what the week will look like, click HERE.

Why take your DJ Training with the DTM DJ School?

We aim to create a unique and meaningful learning experience that not only boosts your skills and confidence but also ensures plenty of fun. Our 9-module curriculum is designed to provide you with the technical expertise and hands-on practice needed to become a confident DJ with a solid foundation. Each module builds on the previous one, featuring Q&A sessions, live demonstrations, and opportunities for one-on-one support from a DTM DJ coach. Whether you're a complete beginner or already have some experience, our expert team will guide you every step of the way. Having taught this curriculum over 15 times, we've helped many students launch successful DJ careers. By the end of the 7 days, you'll be ready to create magical music sets with confidence.

In addition to the learning and practice, we've incorporated downtime into the schedule, allowing you to relax and enjoy the stunning surroundings. You'll also be nourished with healthy vegetarian meals, ensuring a well-rounded and enjoyable experience throughout.  

Our DJ  School is Ideal for those who

→ Want to be a DJ! 

→ Have you attended an Ecstatic Dance and want their chance to be behind the decks.  

→ Are seasoned DJ keen to step into the world of ecstatic and conscious dance 

→ Are conscious dance facilitator using iTunes/Spotify and are ready to level up 

→ Are Ecstatic Dance organizers events seeking the confidence to DJ their own events 

→ Already work with Traktor software but want a better understanding of how it works 

→ Want to learn alongside peers who understand the unique skills needed to DJ conscious dance, skills often overlooked in traditional DJ academies. 

→ Want to learn to DJ in a kind, supportive environment where you feel safe asking those potentially “stupid” questions?  

If any of the above sound like you  join us in Portugal for the in-person DTM DJ school, designed specifically for conscious dance professionals by conscious dance professionals.

What to Expect at our In-Person Ecstatic DJ School

Our 7-day immersive DJ School is a dynamic experience that combines training, music, dance, and opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals.

We’ll start with a comprehensive introduction to Traktor software and DTM’s unique Set Creation Model. From there, we’ll guide you step-by-step through both theoretical and practical aspects of DJing, with ample time for group discussions, live demos, and plenty of dancing.

The curriculum is hands-on, with personalized one-on-one sessions to ensure each student builds a solid foundation, regardless of experience level. We adapt our teaching to the cohort’s skill level and interests, covering topics like:

→ Traktor DJ Software basics
→ Smart library management
→ Using DJ controllers
→ Track curation and sourcing
→ Waveform analysis
→ Looping and effects
→ Understanding the beatgrid
→ Counting music and phrasing
→ Customizing your DJ software
→ And more

Our 9-module curriculum is designed to equip you with the technical knowledge and hands-on practice you need to become a confident DJ with a solid foundation. Each module builds upon the last, with plenty of opportunities for Q&A sessions, dancing, and loads of fun. You’ll also have a personalized 1-on-1 session with a DTM DJ coach to ensure you get tailored guidance for your growth. Whether you're starting from scratch or have some experience, our supportive team will be with you every step of the way. By the end of the 7 days, you'll be ready to create magical music sets with confidence.

✤ Module 01 • THE BIG PICTURE 

→ Introduction to the team and your cohorts 

→ DTM's Conscious/Ecstatic Dance Set Creation Model (aka the 'The Magic Carpet Ride')

→ Demystify DJ Software: an introduction to Traktor Pro3 DJ software

✤ Module 02 • IMPORTING + PREFERENCES

→ Importing: Best practices for getting music into Traktor

→ Get to grips with Traktor: Learn how to fine-tune preferences and configure your setup

→ Group continuity: Ensuring all are ready for the technical segment of the training

✤ Module 03 • SET CREATION + BROWSER

→ Introduction to set creation, with focus on crafting the ‘Body of the Set’

→ Exploring set creation tools, and what determines the “energy level” of a track

→ A deeper dive into Traktor browser and smart library organisation and file management

✤ Module 04 • CONTROLLERS + INTRO TO PRE-CUEING 

→ DJ controllers/consoles: fundamentals of Traktor S2 MK3

→ Getting the hang of pre-cueing 

→ Intro to counting music

✤ Module 05 • TRACKS + DECKS

→ Tracks! When to use them, how to find them, and where to buy them!

→ Demystifying track formats and golden tips for track selection 

→ Deck layout, track decks, and waveform

✤ Module 06 • INTRO TO TRANSITIONS

→ Introduction to the phrasing

→ Understanding how the filter function

→ Top tips, shortcuts and lowering stress, so you can have more fun!

✤ Module 07 • FOUNDATIONAL TRANSITION SKILLS + MIXER 

→ Intro to three basic transitions: intro/outro, drop on the 1 and syncing

→ Deep dive into the mixer/EQ section of Traktor Pro 3 and your controller

→ Transition demo with tracks select by students 

✤ Module 08 • MORE TRANSITIONS SKILLS 

→ Stacking transition skills to create seamless mixes

→ Skilful looping to mix tracks  

→ Incorporating effects for even better transitions 

✤ Module 09 • ONWARD

→ Filling in the gaps: Best practices to step into the world as a DJ

→ Extra bits of wisdom and personal top tips from our DJ Coaches

→ We will end our time together with a graduation ritual ♥

✤ BERNICE RAABIS • Founder of Dance The Medicine

Having begun humbly in the Kootenay Mountains of Western Canada, Bernice is now a respected mentor for Conscious Dance Leaders across the globe. Her journey started with hosting Dance Church for over ten years, where she harnessed her expertise from training in various disciplines, including Soul Motion, Movement Based Expressive Therapy (The Life Art Process), and Relational Somatic Therapy. These were brought together to nurture her local multi-generational dance community, which flourished and surpassed even her most ambitious expectations.

In 2016, she stretched her wings co-founding Ecstatic Dance International, facilitating successful leadership trainings in the US, the Netherlands, Guatemala, and Portugal. Driven to incorporate DJ and dance facilitation skills into available trainings, she used the name of her unique practice, and founded Dance The Medicine, a collective of accomplished conscious dance professionals determined to infect the world with dance. 

While Bernice loves DJing and creating transformative events, her deepest fulfilment comes from facilitating deep somatic processes using a combination of dance, art, and ritual; to help dancers find freedom through connection to self, community, and humanity. 

✤ ALEX SEVILLA • Resident DJ @ Ecstatic Dance Madrid & Co-teacher @ DTM DJ Training 

After more than two decades behind the decks as club DJ, Alex stumbled upon conscious dance. This encounter reshaped not only his personal life but also his profession. He soon traded in his career as a computer engineer to become a conscious dance entrepreneur, sharing his passion for dance, music, and consciousness with the world. Stepping into his new life, to become a resident DJ at Templo del Baile, a monthly conscious club in his hometown Madrid, regularly attended by over 200 dancers. Two years later, an invitation to play Ecstatic Dance Madrid, enabled him to take his sets to the next level.

During the pandemic, it became Alex’ mission to help the worldwide Ecstatic Dance community by navigating the technical challenges of live-streaming dance and music events as we all struggled to fulfil our need to dance during lockdown. Post-restrictions, he facilitated in-person dancing again by offering donation-based sessions in the streets of Spain, giving birth to a monthly gathering known as La Plaga del Baile (The Plague of Dance) In May 2020, Dance The Medicine recognized Alex’ talent and generous nature recruiting him as a teacher and tech guru during their first Ecstatic DJ Conference. He has been with us ever since, lucky DTM!

✤ AMRIT DHILLON (Amritaji) • DTM DJ Coach, Founder of Ecstatic Dance Milwaukee & Resident DJ @ Ecstatic Dance Salt Like City

Amritaji (Amrit Dhillon) has been enchanting global audiences since 2007 with her unique fusion of psychedelic worldbeat and bass music. Rooted in psytrance and infused with a love for trance-like states induced by Kirtan, she has a unique style of weaving traditional Eastern and indigenous music with deep bass lines and modern dance rhythms. Her music is more than an auditory experience—it’s a sonic space for healing, free and authentic expression, and most importantly, fun!

In 2016, she founded Ecstatic Dance Milwaukee, a venture that continues until today. Currently, she’s also a Resident DJ at Ecstatic Dance Salt Lake City and serves as an ambassador for Ecstatic Dance Records. Since 2019, she has been using her skills as a DJ coach with Dance The Medicine, offering support during training sessions and providing personalized 1-on-1 DJ lessons. Through her various roles, she persistently spreads her love for conscious dance and movement across the globe, thereby nurturing the global Ecstatic Dance community.

✤ ESTA POLYESTA • Co-teacher @ DTM, Global Ecstatic Dance DJ & Dance Facilitator, Event Organizer & Resident DJ @ Ecstatic Dance Amsterdam & Ecstatic Dance Goa 

Introducing Esta, your globe-trotting full time professional DJ and ceremony leader from Amsterdam. While she found her passion for music and dance early in life, she waited until 2005 to share her talent with the world. Nearly two decades later, Esta is celebrated for her significant influence on global beats, world music, and Ecstatic Dance, extending her reach from Russia to Thailand, USA to India, and beyond. Her playful facilitation and adventurous sets invite expression, connection, and joy have enchanted crowds worldwide. 

Esta's expertise isn't confined to the decks; Her versatile skill set includes ritual design,  music production, and Trance Dance facilitation. She showed her entrepreneurial prowess by pioneering Ecstatic Dance at Odessa and co-organising both Ecstatic Dance Amsterdam and Ecstatic Dance Ruigoord. She further shapes the Ecstatic Dance scene by offering 1-on-1 mentorship of emerging DJs and conscious leaders and teaching in several DTM trainings.

Esta's collaboration with DTM stretches back to the very first live DJ Training when she was hired as DJ Coach after Bernice stumbled across her play on a pirate ship. As one of DTM's first team members, she's been instrumental in shaping its identity as professional, fun, and supportive, and remains a crucial team member until this day.

More DJ Coaches to be announced soon

"The Beginners DJ School not only fulfilled my dream of being a DJ, but it allowed me to develop and create my own music/dance medicine flavour for the world to experience. I'm so excited about what is ahead for me, and I know that I am in good hands: the people I met are so incredible, we will forever be connected and follow each other's journey, and that in itself is a gift!"  → Maïté Azarov • San Francisco, USA

"Overall, it went beyond my expectations. I thought I would just learn how to be a DJ. But I found a community, support, and courage to be strong, daring and me! This training gave me balance in my daily life, allowing me to incorporate music, dance and DJ sessions. I improved fast and am shocked at where I am today: having released a first set. Now I am thrilled and scared to be on my own for my DJ journey, even though I feel the support still present from DTM and the whole group. So much advice on “do it your own way” “get inspired by others but remain yourself” “just do it!” “Some might criticize or judge, but they are not doing it, you are!” still resonates and allows me to feel that I can do it and that my music is worth being heard and dancing to! I don’t have to be the perfect expert or the greatest musician to be allowed to create sets and share them with people willing to dance to it. I am thankful for the diversity in our group, of age, gender, race and styles, countries and cultures. It was so great to meet all those people, not even knowing what job they might have, but knowing what music they dance to!"

→ Héloïse Ferber • Bagnolet, France 

“This school was amazingly well-thought-out and put together. A great balance of learning technique, theory, and practicing. The 1-on-1 time with experienced DJs was also extremely helpful. I ended this school experience feeling like my time and money was well-invested!” 

→ Stephen Wieber • USA

In 2012, Quinta São José dos Montes Farm was transformed into a retreat center focused on ecological travel. Though modest from the road, the venue offers breathtaking views of the grounds and surrounding mountains. The beauty of this region can be fully appreciated from the pool and dining areas, where we’ll share delicious vegetarian meals. Just a 10-minute walk away, Castelo do Bode Lake provides a perfect spot for swimming. The retreat center is located 120 km from Lisbon, 190 km from Porto, and 15 km from the center of Tomar.

The food at Quinta São José is organic (whenever possible), fresh, unprocessed, and lovingly prepared on-site using locally sourced ingredients. All meals will be vegetarian. If you have any dietary restrictions or allergies, please inform us when booking.

Quinta São José dos Montes offers a variety of accommodations, divided into two main areas on the property: INSIDE THE MAIN BUILDING, close to the pool and dining areas, and ON THE FARM, which is nearer to the classroom and dance space. When choosing your accommodation, please consider the following:

INSIDE THE MAIN BUILDING: All accommodations here have indoor bathroom facilities and a shared heating/cooling system. You’ll be close to the dining hall and pool, but will need to walk 5–15 minutes on an easy path to reach the dance space and classroom. Most of these rooms (excluding dorms) offer access to a shared kitchen with a fridge. Accommodation options range from dormitory rooms to private full apartments.

ON THE FARM: This area is a 5–15 minute walk from the dining hall and pool, and is located near the dance space/classroom. The farm is kept mostly natural, with minimal lighting. Accommodation choices range from camping to deluxe domes, some of which feature in-room tubs. Some accommodations have in-room toilets and showers, while others use shared outdoor dry toilets and hot showers. Some domes also have kitchen facilities.

Both INSIDE THE MAIN BUILDING and ON THE FARM offer a variety of accommodation options, ranging from plush to basic. The main difference is that the Main Building provides a more communal indoor experience, while the Farm offers a more nature-based experience. The most important considerations are your comfort with walking at night and your tolerance for noise (the farm accommodations are very quiet).

Further details of each accommodation type are provided below. Upon registration for the training, you can select your preferred lodging as an "add-on," and the accommodation cost will be added at checkout.

ARRIVAL 

On Sunday Nov 09th please arrive after 3pm but before 5pm to allow time to check in, explore the grounds and settle in before we begin. 

DEPARTURE

The retreat ends on Saturday, Nov 15th. Following a final nourishing lunch together we will depart from Tomar.

ADDRESS

Quinta São José dos Montes

Estrada Municipal 

530-1 nº 134, 2300-087 

Tomar

Google Maps

CONTACT

(+351) 917 935 392

CLOSEST AIRPORTS
Lisbon Airport: The nearest airport, offering both domestic and international flights. It is approximately 140 km (88 miles) from the retreat center, or about a 1.5-hour drive.

ARRANGED TRANSPORT
We will arrange a mini-bus service departing from Lisbon and returning after the training. If you plan to use this service, we recommend booking flights that land before 13:00 and depart after 20:00. The cost for this transport is €65. You can add this to your booking during checkout closer to the training date. For any questions or additional information, please contact karen@dancethemedicine.com.

SELF-TRANSPORT
Quinta São José dos Montes is located 150 km north of Lisbon (roughly a 1.5-hour drive). Alternatively, you can reach the retreat center by a combination of train and taxi. The cost is approximately €40 each way (€10 for the train from Lisbon to Tomar and €30 for a taxi). When you register, you’ll be added to a WhatsApp group where you can arrange ride shares or coordinate with others for shared taxis from the train station.

→ Tech & Gear

- Laptop

- DJ controller—for questions, email info@dancethemedicine.com

- DJ headphones

- Bag or backpack to carry your DJ gear

- Cables, stands or gear you need to DJ 

→ Clothing & items

- Headlamp or head torch to walk around at night

- Clothing suitable for dancing (we’ll dance numerous times a day, both inside and outside)

- Clothing suitable to bring outside
- Bring layers. It can get cold at night!

- Swimsuit

- Comfortable and appropriate outdoor shoes to walk/dance outside (lots of nature to explore)

- Dress up for a fun night; not fancy, just fun. Bring something if you enjoy dressing up.

- Towelfro the pool

 
→ Other

- Toiletries 

- Talisman (or sacred item) for the community altar

- Pens and markers

- Ear plugs (if sharing accommodation)

→ I'm coming from abroad. Do we need a visa to enter Portugal? 

It depends, please check with your own government and check your specific requirements. 

→ Can I come on my own?
Absolutely! Most of our participants actually come on their own, and many do not know anyone else who is coming. This training is inclusive, and we strive to create a culture of belonging. The program is designed to facilitate connections between one another with ice-breakers, group exercises and a daily sharing circle in small groups.

→ Do I need a DJ controller?

Yes, for this training you will need to bring a DJ Controller. We recommend the Traktor S2 MK3. If you need support with deciding which controller to acquire, please email info@dancethemedicine.com. We would also like to point out that our students get a 25% discount voucher for Native Instruments, the manufacturer of the Traktor software and controller.  

→ Is this a beginner's training? 

The DTM in-person DJ School offers training ideal for both complete beginners and conscious dance professionals with some DJ-ing experience. We provide personalised 1-on-1 sessions during the training and at times will divide participants into groups based on skill level. This approach ensures that everyone, regardless of where they are in their journey, is supported and leaves the training with new knowledge and a significant boost in confidence. 

→ Will I receive a certification?
Yes, after successful completion of the in-person part of the training, you’ll be a DTM certified Ecstatic DJ. Certificates are sent as a PDF on request.

→ What's your cancellation and refund policy? In case of cancellation from your side, we don't offer any refunds, regardless of the reason.

→ If I can no longer make it, can I transfer my booking to someone?

If you transfer your booking to someone else, there's a €100 admin fee. If the retreat is full, and you want us to sell your spot, we'll keep your deposit and refund the balance only if we find a full-paying replacement. Booking transfers and posts on our social media are allowed only when the training is fully booked.

→ Payment Terms

A non-refundable deposit is required to book and secure your place. Balance due 15 days before the retreat starts. Please carefully read our Retreat Terms & Conditions as by booking on our retreat, you become legally bound by these terms.