“It’s half dream, half reality…I’ve learned that it’s not magic or mystic, it’s just about a connection with someone and I was really interested in that connection.” – Yanis

In his debut single, Paris electro-pop artist, Yanis, gets dancers to undergo hypnosis and lose magnificent control in his aptly named track, Hypnotized.

When asked about the uninhibited state he and the dancers underwent for the video, Yanis stated:

“The thing that’s interesting with hypnosis is that people can’t really lie… You don’t really have complete control, and I was searching for an experience that would bring that.”

While it’s certainly not a new practice – as tribal trance dancing has been a common practice in various cultures for centuries – it’s great to see it surfacing into the mainstream environment, while giving hypnosis a fresh face.

Interested in trying it yourself (or suggesting it to a subject)?

Put the above song on repeat (or any trance dance song that you connect with) and try the following steps:

1. Before you begin, think of a symbol that signifies healing to you. Everyone’s symbol will be different, so there’s no right or wrong. But try and think about something that resonates strongly with you.

2. Make sure you have a big open space so you can freely move around without fear of hitting anything. The space should also be private if you don’t wish to be seen by anyone! You don’t want any distractions, so it’s important to set the right environment.

3. Turn your music up and put on sleep blinders so you’re dancing in the dark. Or if that’s too much the first time, just close your eyes.

4. Focus until you go into trance.

5. Let your body dance around freely. Don’t interfere with your style, or try to control it.

6. Now recall the symbol that represents healing to you. Focus solely on that symbol by blocking out everything else as you continue to dance.

7. While focusing on that symbol, dance with free abandonment, and for as long as you need to in order to release any negativity from your body (and until you feel free).

8. Repeat as often as you can… there’s a reason African tribes don’t have a need for mental health specialists – this practice is incredibly healing!

Credit: Big thanks to NOWNESS for sharing the original video.