Connecting Movement & Writing

Reflexive Bodies
Retreat

A weekend of movement and writing in search of a healthful body-mind balance.

Experience the free flow of your body's intuition in nonverbal conversations.

*

About the retreat

Situated within the calming nature of the remote Oder valley, Ponderosa’s large dance studio provides the backdrop for a workshop aimed at enhancing the connection between our bodies and minds. Throughout the weekend, principles of body awareness and movement tools are taught in group, pair and solo exercises. We will put aside our stressed everyday egos, while focusing on our sensual perceptions and intuitive needs. Within the group we build trust and confidence in the nonverbal language of our bodies and the wide possibilities of touch. A free flow of energies will allow us to explore the powers of contact, resistance and resilience.

Through reflexive and creative writing segments we further investigate, share and discuss our physical experiences and the according dynamics. The process of writing and reading out enables us to speak freely about our inner emotional landscapes and allows us to create a space of resonance, exchange and profound connection.

Event Snapshot

when

8th — 10th September 2023

cost

Solidarity Sliding Price: 600 - 360€* Recommended Price: 480€

location

Ponderosa, Stolzenhangen

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accommodation

2 nights in the dormitory
Single and double rooms available for an additional fee

meals

Organic-vegan full board with
breakfast, lunch and dinner included

language

Bilingual: German / English. Participants may communicate in their preferred language

*

We live in times where finance has an increasing influence on the accessibility of recreational activities. We want to give everyone the chance to be part of our experience by offering a transparent sliding price. You decide what you are able or willing to pay within the solidarity range.

Programme

friday 8/9/23

Block One | Trust

4.30 - 7pm

We start the retreat with a Group Movement Meditation that is focused on building trust. We use our breath, gaze and tactile sensations to connect and develop group awareness. We will create a feeling of cohesion before we learn techniques to move with others and improvise together. The session will build up a mutual sense of movement that allows us to enter a free improvisation where different energies meet and merge into a group journey. Everyone is free to respond to what is happening around or to attend to their own needs.

8.30 – 10pm

The initial segment is followed by a writing session where we reflect on the first movement experience and creatively explore our individual movement biographies.

saturday 9/9/23

Block Two | Gravity & Space

10 am — 1.30 pm

Saturday begins with an experimental exploration of the movement possibilities of our body. We start to develop a feeling for weight by learning how to give and receive it. The transfer of weight helps to stabilize and ground ourselves. By opening the movement into space we allow new ways to perceive the other and gain a better sense for spatial awareness. In order to intensify the visual understanding we will implement a movement observation in combination with writing exercises.

Block Three | Resistance

5.30 — 7 pm

In the afternoon segment we explore the potential of resistance as a tool of moving. In the first sessions we have learned to trust each other and discovered several ways to get into a collective flow of movement. The focus has laid on harmony and the release of tensions. Now we want to expand our mindset in order to recognize possibilities of changing the mutual energetic flow with counter-impulses. We learn to deal with obstacles in the movement process and try to exploit the creative power of force.

This session aims to support our self-awareness and esteem. In the safe space of the studio we will learn to accept the contradictions in our emotional bandwidth and foster our resilience.

Intermission | Free Jam Session

8.30 — 10 pm

Free Jam Session in the studio. Attendance is optional.

sunday 10/9/23

Block Four | Blindness & Focus

10 am — 1.30 pm

After an extensive Saturday program we return to the studio for a calmly commencing morning segment that helps us deepen the experiencing and understanding of our own senses. We begin the last day of the retreat with an exploration of moving in space without sight. 

Based on what we have learned in terms of trust, boundaries and possibilities, the morning culminates in an improvisation, where the group will be able to integrate the acquired tools of nonverbal communication.

Block Five | Harvest

2.30 — 4 pm

The closing session gives space to reflect on the somatic discoveries made throughout the weekend. A writing impulse leads to an open exchange within the group allowing us to harvest the newly gained insights. How has our perception and interaction changed? What do we want to take back home with us?

About the Venue

The Ponderosa is a community arts center, a place of encounter and exchange. Founded more than 20 years ago, it has developed into an alternative dance retreat with several studios and a large garden.

It is located in the village of Stolzenhagen, about an hour by train from Berlin in the Lower Oder Valley National Park. The Ponderosa thrives on the self-organized charm of a sustainable ecological community that facilitates gatherings on fair terms.

Dorm Accommodation

Organisational Details

The workshop will be held bilingually (German-English). Participants may communicate in their preferred language.

The number of participants is 12 people.

fee and accommodation

The recommended participation fee is 480 € and includes, in addition to the course, 2 nights in the dormitory and organic-vegan full board with breakfast, lunch and dinner. Please bring your own towels.

Subject to availability, there is the possibility of renting single and double rooms for an additional fee. There are also tent areas on the premises.

About Your Instructors

Elke

dancer & movement teacher

Along with her deep interest in the mind-body connection and holistic healing, her biggest passion is dance. Elke spent many years studying the principles of the body. After learning the theoretical aspects of movement in sport science at university, she continued her professional dance education to experience the full depth of movement.

By realising the healing effects of dance on mind and body, she developed her own approach with akzepTANZ. At the same time she qualified as a holistic healing practitioner to combine the movement practice with a psychological and somatic background.

Adrian

writing teacher

Adrian sees writing as a process best experienced in the resonance of a group. Trained as an art historian, he shifted his focus to teaching as a second career.

He is currently studying Biographical and Creative Writing, where he explores the intersection of writing and movement. His particular focus is on the reflexive elements of writing as a tool for expanding self-awareness.

FAQs

What do I need to bring?

  • comfortable clothes you can move in (recommendation to bring long pants)
  • notebook and pen for writings
  • drink bottle
  • towel

What kind of meals will be served? I have food intolerances/allergies.

On the retreat we will be served 3 organic and vegan meals per day. Everything is cooked fresh at Ponderosa. The meal times are the following: Breakfast at 9 am, Lunch at 1.30 pm, Dinner at 7 pm. If you have any intolerances or allergies please let us know beforehand so we can plan accordingly and find a solution.

How do I get there?

The Ponderosa can be reached via public transport, car and bike. For the public option a train stop nearby is connected via a call bus with Stolzenhagen (prior notification needed). Beautiful bike routes through the Oder valley welcome ecological enthusiasts. Further a free public parking lot is available for vehicles in the village.

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Regular Package

Recommended Price: 480€

Solidarity Price Slide: 600€ – 360 €