Have you ever wanted to find an environment where you could dance without inhibition? Where music was not just a series of vibrations, but a liberating feeling that sent you on a freeform movement journey?

Roots to Crown may be the place for you. Coming to 1741 1st Avenue North, this healing space, spearheaded by owner Tanner Roan, is bringing a different way to unwind to the St. Pete area–through ecstatic dance.

Although Roots to Crown currently hosts several events during the week, much more is coming soon with a grand opening slated for the summer solstice on June 20th.

Weekdays start with embodiment workshops and classes, while the evenings feature meditations, kirtan (call and response chanting), ecstatic dance, and more. On the weekends, Roots to Crown brings the beats–and entertainment–in an alcohol and drug-free environment. 

Roots has also paired up with Mike Freiden, owner of Herb Scoop Shop, to create an apothecary tea bar–what Roan describes as “the evolution of the kava bar.”  Though the bar will offer kratom and elixirs, the emphasis will be on a variety of specially crafted herbal teas and mocktails known to ease ailments.

Roan hopes this non-alcoholic space will drive people to connect with others during free events, such as song circles, and paid events, like ecstatic dance. “Essentially,” Roan said, “I want to give others a place to commune and share in practices that uplift, empower, and awaken.”

If this is your first time hearing about ecstatic dance, you’re not alone. Though it’s a growing movement, the practice is newer to the St. Petersburg area–and redefines what you might think about traditional dancing.

For one, it doesn’t require any rehearsals or pre-planned moves–so you don’t have to brush up on your jazz squares or moonwalks beforehand. The goal is to connect with the music through movement, and how you do that is up to you. Some people simply tap their foot to the beat, while others completely let loose and see where the moment takes them. 

“I’m only opening this venue because of the support I’ve received from the ecstatic dance community in St. Pete,” said Roan. “Roots to Crown will be, what I believe is, the first edance-focused venue in the state.” 

There are three commonly accepted rules in the ecstatic dance community: no drugs or alcohol, no talking, and no judgment.

“Ecstatic dance requires a place that is safe and secure, with immersive sound,” Roan said. So Roots to Crown wants to turn up the music, serve up some kava, and generate some good vibes. 

While Roan is still planning on what pricing structure might best serve the community, he’s considering membership tiers with pricing that depends on the event or classes' complexity. A Roots membership, for example, might only give you access to the classes, while a Crown membership might include classes, ecstatic dance, and extra discounts. 

When it came to setting the tone for this 3,700 square foot space, Roan turned to local artists. Multiple murals already adorn the walls, such as Matthew Kurtyaka and Joel Jadus’ rainbow dragon, Yhali Ilan’s “Waking Goddess,” and works by Alyona Fleck, Jill Kelly, Erin Evers, Alyna Rose, Vannessa Circe, and Adam Smith. More pieces are in the works, adding to the ethereal atmosphere. 

An 1,800 square foot open-air hangar will serve as a general gathering location to chat and grab a drink while you’re waiting for an event to start, or to meet new people. A 400 square foot back patio is another hangout spot, with comfortable furniture and a fire pit. The rest of the 1,500 square feet of indoor space is split up between the dance area, sound booth, a section Roan refers to as the “heartspace room,” and kitchen. 

Each space is built to reflect different elements – the hangar brings in air and water, the main event space is on fire, the back patio digs into the earth, the heartspace room is, you guessed it, heart, and the front office will be themed as spirit.

Roots to Crown’s grand opening is planned for the summer solstice on June 20th. In the meantime, check out a list of upcoming events on Facebook and visit their website for more info.