Sicily VesselIntensive
Six days of dance, partnering, improvisation, skills and creativity.
Hidden in the Sicilian countryside at the foot of Mount Etna, surrounded by volcanic landscapes and Mediterranean nature — you find place and time to dig into your own individual interest and explore what it means to transform through a collective experience.
When
May 12-17th, 2027
Start — Wednesday, 6:00PM
End — Monday, 2:00PM
Price
Sliding Sscale for my work
€300 – €500
Additional Costs
€540 – Communal Sleeping / Glamping Bell Tent
€645 – Double Room (Shared with 1 other participant)
€755 – Private Room (Double room for single use)
This includes your accommodation, meals, payment to chef.
Where
Femminamorta
Strada Provinciale 2/I-II,
188 Contrada Femminamorta
Carruba di Riposto (CT)
95018 Sicily, Italy
35min from Catania Airport
10min from the sea
Info
You should feel comfortable moving and improvising with others. The experience is designed to be relevant to different levels of movement. No complete beginner.
Accommodation and full-board included.
Only 18 spots available.
About the Vessel
TOOLS TO ACHIEVE YOUR MOVEMENT DREAMS
The Vessel Intensive is a unique opportunity for those seeking a profound, in-depth learning experience. The intensive gives time to transfer your movement into different contexts, providing a journey unlike any other.
The Vessel provides you with practical information, creative tools and exercises to navigate your personal path.
We will work with the technical — physical/emotional — creative. Each aspect flowing into each other.
In the technical blocks we will work on how to interact through movement and refine our skills in partnering, contact, improvisation and movement quality - finding softness and flow in the body. Gain understanding of how to let levitation happen rather than forcing it.
The physical/emotional blocks bring us back to our source, the present moment. This is a site-specific exploration where movement is shaped by the spaces we inhabit — every room, every surface, every shift in the environment becomes part of the work.
Lastly the in the expression blocks playing with collective improvisation we transcend the physicality of our bodies. The judgement of the ego can drop to encounter a place that holds all of lifes experience - the weird, the ugly, the beautiful wildness. We will stay in a constant process of self-questioning about how our bodies communicate. The free explorations will connect the dots and allow yourself to encounter full self-expression. Be ready to surprise yourself. Let go of any limitations and create something beyond yourself.
Some of the sessions are planned for outside (depending on the weather).
What to expect:
- Different Rooms — Different Moves: Adapt and respond to the unique qualities of each space.
- Outdoor Partnering/Contact Training: Explore physical connection and trust in nature’s unpredictable terrain.
- Improvisation Techniques: Develop spontaneity, break habits, and discover new movement pathways.
- Group Journeys: Experience the power of collective movement and shared momentum.
- Sound, Voice & Physical Theatre: Integrate voice and sound into your physical expression.
- Altered States of Consciousness: Use music and movement to access deeper layers of awareness and creativity.
Personalized Practice:
This retreat goes beyond structured sessions. I’ll be there throughout — offering one-on-one feedback, tailored exercises, and practical tips during open practice times to help you refine your skills and push your boundaries.
Collaborative Creation:
We conclude with Working Groups — small teams developing original movement pieces, combining personal expression with group dynamics.
This retreat is for movers ready to engage fully — physically, creatively, and collaboratively.
SCHEDULE
Wednesday
4:00 PM: Arrival
6:00 — 7:30 PM: Dinner
8:00 — 9:30 PM: Intro Class: Introduction to moving in spaces
Thursday, Friday
8:00 — 9:00 AM: Breakfast
9:30 — 1:00 PM: Technical Class: Partnering + Improvisation
1:00 — 2:30 PM: Lunch
2:30 — 5:30 PM: Free-Time, Pool, Beach, Deep Listening of Surrounding, Snacks
5:30 — 7:30 PM: Class Connective Movement Practice
7:30 — 9:00 PM: Dinner
9:00 — Open End: Talks, Reflection, Free-Time
Saturday, Sunday
8:00 — 9:00 AM: Breakfast
9:30 — 1:00 PM: Technical Class: Partnering Trios/Quartetts + Composition Tools
1:00 — 2:30 PM: Lunch
2:30 — 5:30 PM: Space for Individual Requests or Chill Out
5:30 — 7:30 PM: Creative Working Groups
7:30 — 9:00 PM: Dinner
9:00 — Open End PM: Experimental Jam in the House
Monday
9:00 — 10:30 AM: Breakfast
10:30 — 12:00 AM: Final Movement Session + Sharing Creations of Groups
12:30 — 1:30 PM: Lunch
1:30 — 2:00 PM: Departure & Goodbyes
The schedule is flexible and just a guideline for what to expect.
Your Experience
Here’s what you will experience
OWN YOUR CREATIVE POWER
Draw inspiration from new experiences and free your imagination. Trust the process and let go of the “result”.
SENSITIVE AND ADAPTABLE BODY
Understand your own patterns and tendencies, break them, discover and reveal new aspects of yourself.
CONFIDENCE IN YOUR BODY AND SELF
By linking technique, introspection and creativity in movement and your thoughts you find an authentic expression in your body.
LIFE RESET
Use the change of environment and pace to become more attuned to your own needs and desires. Let dreams turn into reality.
The body is a vessel for creation, a tool to get to know yourself, a tool to reinvent who you are. The body is the only matter you own.
THE LOCATION
Between Mount Etna and the Mediterranean
Our home for these days is Femminamorta, a retreat center in the Sicilian countryside between Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea. It offers the perfect environment to step away from everyday life and fully immerse yourself in movement.
Life at Femminamorta extends beyond the movement sessions. Shared meals are enjoyed together on the patio, afternoons invite you to rest by the pool, read beneath the trees, or simply slow down and enjoy the Sicilian rhythm of life. The retreat center has been hosting artistic and holistic gatherings for many years, creating an atmosphere of warmth, simplicity, and genuine hospitality.
The Movement Space
Our practices take place in a beautiful 12 × 18 meter open-air Shala. Large windows can be opened completely, allowing fresh air and the surrounding nature to become part of the experience. The spacious wooden floor provides an ideal environment for partnering, improvisation and group practices.
Getting There
By Plane: The nearest airport is Catania–Fontanarossa Airport (CTA), approximately 35–40 minutes from the retreat venue.
By Car: Femminamorta is located in Carruba di Riposto, on Sicily's eastern coast, and is easily accessible by rental car or shared transfer from Catania Airport.
Transfers and carpooling information will be shared with all participants before the retreat.
Your instuctor
Elke Kalupar
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I choose who to share accomodation with?
Yes! If you’d like to share with a specific person or have any preferences—like sharing with a particular gender or anything else—just let us know in advance, and we’ll do our best to accommodate your wishes.
I booked the retreat, but can't make it anymore
If your plans changed after booking you have the following options
Cancellation Policy:
- Until 30 days in advance: 30% of the price incur
- Until 14 days before: 50% of the price incur
- 7 days or less before: no refund
You can always transfer your booking to another person
I have an allergy/food intolerance, can the food be adapted?
Absolutely! Just let us know in advance about any allergies or intolerances, and we’ll make sure to take them into account when planning the meals. We’ll all take turns helping with food prep and clean-up. All meals are vegetarian, with vegan options always available. If you need gluten-free dishes or have other specific dietary needs, we’re happy to adjust.
I have no experience in movement, can I participate?
The retreat is not based on a technical approach, but oriented towards the creative process. You should be open to move a lot, as we have multiple days for exploration.
Feel free to reach out and we can discuss for your specific situation.
How can I get to the venue in Sicily?
From Europe the closest airport is Catania Airport. From there it is a 35 min ride with car.
We will organize carpooling within the group to help pick people up or organize shared rides.
The travel costs to and back from the intensive are not included.
Choose Your Experience
Join this transformative 6-day Intensive dedicated to movement, introspection and creativity. Unlocking your authentic body and self, surrounded by nature, ocean and the most delicious food from Sicily.
Limited spots available.
This is what you get:
- 6 Days of Dance, Movement Tools, Partnering, Improvisation and Site Specific Movement Exploration
- Free time to relax and reflect
- 5 Nights Accommodation and 200sqm Movement Space
- Full-Board (incl. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Coffee/Tea/Water)
- High quality natural food
- vegan/vegetarian/gluten-free options
- Unforgettable Moments of Human Experience
Pricing
Sliding Scale for my work
€300 – €500
Organization and preparation of all practice sessions from Wednesday evening through Monday midday. Please choose an amount that honestly aligns with your financial stability, housing situation, and regular income.
Additional Costs (Accommodation & Full Board)
5-night stay at Femminamorta, all vegetarian meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) prepared with local products, venue space fees.
- €540 – Communal Sleeping / Glamping Bell Tent
- €645 – Double Room (Shared with 1 other participant)
- €755 – Private Room
Do you have questions about our retreat?
Send us a message. We're here to provide you with more information and help you feel comfortable taking this journey with us.