Connecting Movement & Writing

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 their own needs.

The initial movement segment will be followed by a creative writing session where we explore our individual movement biographies.

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 reflective writing exercises.

5.30 — 7 pm

After spending the free afternoon in and around the Ponderosa premises, we will return to the studio for a calm evening session. We will close our eyes and embark on a journey to our senses. Without sight and without the help of our voice, we have to focus on all senses left in order to seek a nonverbal group experience.

The movement session is followed by a creative writing impulse to allow for intentional sharing of the day’s experiences.

10 am — 1.30 pm

The second extensive morning session focuses on resistance. During the first two days we have learned to trust each other and discovered several ways to get into a collective flow of movement. The focus laid on harmony and the release of tensions.

Today we want to expand our mindset with an exploration of the potentials of resistance.

We will 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.

3 — 4 pm

The closing session will give space to reflect on the somatic discoveries made through the weekend.

How has our perception and interaction changed? What will we want to take back home with us?

A short writing impulse will lead to the creation of an individual movement gesture that embodies the main sentiment of our reflection. We will share our thoughts and feelings before returning to our everyday lives.

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.

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

The number of participants is 12 people.

The participation fee is 600 € 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.