Dancing Spirits Workshops

Nestled within a short drive into the woods of Northern California, The Dancing Spirits Retreat was my summer's nature-filled, spiritual highlight. As an educator, dancer, and mother, my time during the summer is as precious to me as it is time with my family, but the sacrifice to attend proved well worth it.

The weekend retreat was a much-needed time to myself while in a community of sisterhood. Those women, whose backgrounds and life experiences were different than mine, were strangers to me upon arrival but quickly became more familiar because of how space was intentionally held for us. At times, it was as spiritual as it was rhythmic and reflective. I was compelled to go inward with our time to journal, create, meditate, laugh, and relax. Days were centered around dance and song, yoga at sunrise, mid-day massages and feminine care from healing hands, and a night among the stars. And we danced! The three dancers, Asatu Hall (Cuba), Dhanda da Hora (Brazil), and Portsha Jefferson (Haiti), each messaged truth, strength, and authentic femininity in each step. They worked us out! And I have to shout out the beautiful facility and gracious hosts who never stopped feeding us fresh, well-prepared nourishing meals and fruit straight from the trees. It was amazing how much was planned for us in a weekend. I will be back!

I came to this retreat last year, struggling to maintain peace in times of great turmoil and grief. I needed to feel the love of a women-centered community, to be held in ritual and ceremony, to connect to Spirit, to let go of a lot of s**t. I received ALLA THAT and so much more!!!

I left this retreat singing, praising, blessing, and thanking Spirit for placing me in this space exactly when I needed it. I left as an empowered woman, restored from the inside out. The magic and energy I received have propelled and fed me throughout the entire year (which has not been an easy one by any means), and I look forward to being in this sacred space again! Dance, Ceremony, Community, Education, and Healing Bodywork, all against the beautiful backdrop of a secluded retreat center in Northern California created and run by a wonderful couple who was ready to meet our needs and then some. Delicious homemade food for every meal and a Social Justice centered approach to holding space for healing and spiritual WORK!

Yes, We DANCED in nature! Our Soulful Spirits will keep moving while finding peace and calmness in the storm of Life! Thank you...Muchas gracious...Salamat po to Sister Portsha, Sister Asatu, and Sister Dandha for teaching us about Ezili Freda Dahomey, Yemaya, Osun-Oxum & Oya-Iansa as well as indigenous Haitian, Cuban, and Brazilian knowledge, practices, and dance/movement/ceremony. Thank you...Muchas gracious...Salamat po to Luna Nueva Wellness Collective Healers: Sister Holly, Sister Luanda, Sister Asatu, and Sister Sabrina for your touch of love, healing, and herbs. Thank you ALL for a wonderful journey! I am so BLESSED to know, connect, break bread, and be surrounded by a positive, thoughtful, and loving Womxn community!!!!!

As an educator, dancer and mother, my time during the summer is so precious to me as it is time with my family, but the sacrifice to attend proved well worth it."