DJ Justine Dembo
Justine curates fearless, magical journeys that transport dancers deeply into themselves, where they can explore and release all emotions and sensations, while held safely in a musical embrace. Her blending of world music, deep house, Afro house, Latin house, drumming, and drum and bass has been described as melodic, cathartic, hypnotic, and transformative.
Engagements:
Founder and DJ: Ecstatic Dance Cobourg: A monthly conscious dance journey in which we move freely in community without judgment. Cobourg, Ontario, Canada, since November 2023.
Soulful Soundscape: DJ, ecstatic dance and opening dance, for an evening hosted by Tasha Bodnarchuk and Terri Trickett (“T&T Productions”) including cacao ceremony, dance, and sound-bath. November 30, 2024, Picton, Ontario, Canada (hired again for the next event, which will be March 2025).
International School of Temple Arts (ISTA) 2024 North American Tribal Gathering: DJ, Sunday ecstatic dance “Unearth Your Passions,” and “High School Favourites” dance. September 2024, New York State, USA.
Workshops:
“Dancing With Your Disowned Parts,” Feb 2024, Cobourg, Ontario, Canada.
“Dancing With Your Disowned Parts for Trauma Therapists,” June 2024, Cobourg, Ontario, Canada.
Therapeutic Dance Groups: for individuals living with OCD and PTSD - virtual, October/Nov 2023 and Jan/Feb 2024.
Living Well Movement Centre: ecstatic dance celebrating the Summer Solstice. Cobourg, Ontario, Canada, June 21, 2023.
Wolfe Island, Ontario, Canada: ecstatic dance closing out a women’s meditation retreat. May 27, 2023.
Deva Gardens, Norwood, Ontario, Canada: DJ, ecstatic dances in nature, summers 2023 and 2024.
Training and Employment:
Justine graduated from Powerhouse DJ School, led by world-renowned DJ Tasha Blank, in August 2023.
She is now an Apprentice and Peer Support Lead in this same program since January 2024.
She is also a psychiatrist and psychotherapist.
Music:
Socials and Contact:
Justine Sarah Dembo
DJ Name: DJ Justine Dembo
Pronouns: She/her
Primary Location: Cobourg, Ontario, Canada
Email: Justine.dembo@mail.utoronto.ca
Testimonials
DJ Tasha Blank
"It's difficult to sum up what Justine does in a few sentences. She's a deeply attuned, incredibly empathetic and highly skilled DJ. You can feel a deep dedication to her craft in everything she does, and her extensive background in psychiatry, therapy and trauma healing bring a level of expertise to her facilitation and space holding that are a rare gift to everyone who gets to dance with her.
I've had the privilege of witnessing her growth on the dance floor and behind the decks for the last several years, and it's clear that Justine was made for this work. I'm so grateful to be on the receiving end of her music and guidance now. There aren't many DJs I trust to take me on a ride out of my comfort zone and into new levels of liberation on the dance floor — and she is one of them.
Even if you've never danced before, if you ever get the opportunity to experience one of Justine's offerings … go for it! Your future self will thank you.”
Jackie:
“Justine’s kind, gentle high vibrational energy has beautifully created a safe space for all to express their individuality through freedom of dance… brilliant.”
“Justine’s music choices allowed me to tap into deep inner spiritual releases that I was surprisingly unaware of…it has been a fantastic experience.”
Carol-Anne:
“I was able to access my body in a way I never have before….What a surprise! I am 60 years old and have suddenly found a way into my body…which, as it turns out can be disconnected from the brain and speaks to me much more coherently than my brain ever did. Who knew that there was an intelligence present throughout the body? Intellectually I know this, (particularly mind-gut) but to experience such a thing viscerally, was utter nirvana.
The introduction to ecstatic dance was perhaps the best part. Justine provided an introduction on her website that made me feel so welcome and included. I use a wheelchair for my mobility and was worried if everything would be accessible (it usually isn’t) and whether I would feel comfortable. Everything was so accessible and welcoming that my worries quickly faded and I disappeared into the ecstatic dance ether, thoroughly enjoying every minute. It was a transcendent experience.”
Giulia:
“Justine was the DJ at my first ever ecstatic dance. The night was mind blowing; her soulful and warm music supported me as intense emotions came up and I shook, cried, and had the most fun I’ve had in a long time! I left feeling happy and a whole lot lighter. Thank you so much for facilitating such a wonderful experience!”
“Justine’s music choices allowed me to tap into deep inner spiritual releases that I was surprisingly unaware of…it has been a fantastic experience.”