The sacred power of drumming has been acknowledged by many cultures for thousands of years. Beats - the repetition of rhythmic patterns - have been used as a powerful spiritual tool in many native religions.

The continent most responsible for the development of complex, beautiful rhythms is Africa. In ancient Africa, drumming was developed and evolved into a high art form. Complex drum patterns in Africa can include group syncopation and many highly complex rhythms that have not been heard elsewhere.

These drum patterns were often used to create a trance state in listeners, thus transporting them to higher realms of reality. This type of drumming is still used today in many African cultures.

When the slave trade brought Africans to the New World, African rhythms were brought too. These rhythms took root in the Caribbean as well as North and South America. Modern day rock and roll has Africa to thank, for without African rhythms, the blending of Western chord structures with beats would have never occurred.

While sacred drumming has been embraced by certain elements of the New Age community, electronic rhythms have not been fully utilized. Yet, what a lot of people don't realize is that sacred rhythms have evolved and can be found today, at clubs and underground parties.

The rave movement, which started in the early 90s, was initially a spiritual movement of young people looking to bring peace and love to their world. Ecstacy, the drug of choice, gave users a feeling of oneness and closeness to everyone around them. Unfortunately, ecstasy is a dangerous drug and not good for you, but the sentiment - wanting to feel love and connection - was at its core a pure one.

The rave and dance movement that was thus developed during the 1990s had many elements of the trance-inducing rhythms that came out of Africa. In fact, it is no accident that the most popular form of dance music to come out of the 90s raves was called "Trance."

Yoga guru Shiva Rea took the best part of "trance" (the freeform dancing) and combined it with yoga to create "Yoga Trance Dance," which brings the best of both worlds together.

It is in this spirit - and without the illegal drugs - Pranamana offers dance music combined with affirmations. Utilizing electronic rhythms, spoken word, and chant, the purpose is to elevate your spirit and get you up and dancing.