Sarah Robyn went on her very first escapade to the land of the Outdoor Psy-Experience last week-end. She took a camera, an open mind and a notepad along in her back pocket. What came out of the experience for her was a week-end of memories and a new appreciation for feeling her toes in the dirt…

You may call me somewhat of an inexperienced “trancer.” Given, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from this weekend. From the minute we had reached the bumpy road entrance, I had entered a new world. Tucked secretly away, in the grassy hills- Gaian Dream stole my heart and mind.

Before the music even began, I was met by friendly strangers, barefooted and smiling. I heard the sounds of jingly bells adorning the ankles of passersby. Tents were decorated with hand painted luminous images. The Dance floor and stage, covered in daisies and enclosed by trees, drew you into this magic that was Gaian Dream.

The music opened with Humerous on the stage. His set got it going lightly with a little progressive trance. This got us ready for what was to come. A few earth children had already headed for the dance floor. As the hours passed, the beats continued to build and the volume grew. By the time the moon had risen, Shockwave had taken the stage; the Dance floor muddy and filled with stomping feet.

Rubix Qube and Cybernetix stole the show with psy-trance at its very best. They were able to grab the, now jam-packed, crowd unlike any of the previous DJ’s could. We screeched and waved as the build ups intensified. The break would arrive, leaving us with as little as a second of silence. Anticipation and elation was met with hands rising to the moon. As the rapid beat returned in a massive drop, we would leap and laugh and wave our arms around.

Before I knew it, it was 4:30 am. I was being shamefully out-danced by a quirky, shirtless man with braids in his hair. Now I’m not proud to say this, but I’ll admit. He may have been at least forty years (or so, whose counting?) older than me. Nevertheless I quickly retreated to my tent in embarrassment of my pathetic twenty-year old self.

The sun rose to the exhilaration of Bretheren. Still- the Dance floor filled with smiling faces. For every coffee/snack/nap break I took, most of these people had remained stomping away, laughing, climbing trees and passing out delicious treats.

By nine-thirty I had indulged in a little sleep and returned to the dance floor- now as muddy and happy as ever. The sun-soaked grass now warmed my grubby feet. Plusminus had just begun their set. This music, which would usually be a challenge for me to hear (at this relatively early hour) now delighted my ears and got my body grooving once more. The crowd still psychedelic and excited passed around the “stomping stick.” Wrapped with ribbons and flowers, the stick would rise for every break, and beckon for every beat.

Gaian dream is no party for the faint hearted. You’ve got to be ready to get a little dirty and dance the night away. But trust me, if you’re open-minded you may just find yourself converted.  It proved to be a magical world where one can lose your inhibitions. Where you can love, laugh and delight in the beauty of the earth. Feel the grass beneath your feet, mud between your toes and not have one single care in the world.

REVIEW: Sarah Robyn Farrell