July 26-30, 2023
Enchanted Ridge Dance Retreat takes place each summer in the mountains of northern California. Founded in 1998 by Jessica Adams, and co-taught with Dana Lawton, the Retreat brings dancers and nature together. Acclaimed San Francisco based musical artist, multi-instrumentalist and composer Daniel Berkman accompanies all dance classes.
Participants take an extraordinary five-day journey as they relax into nature, strengthen their modern dance technique, experience somatic arts (Pilates, Yoga, Pranayama breathing, Yamuna® Body Rolling), and delve deeply into their own choreographic process.
After a day of dancing, choose to get a massage, soothe your muscles in the wood-burning sauna, swim in the refreshing pool or pond (depending on the drought), or simply enjoy the glow of the bonfire. Delicious, organic meals, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner, are provided and allow time to socialize, relax and foster a deeper sense of community.
Dancers tent camp on the property in designated sites, with all personal camping gear. Based on need, dancers may request to sleep in the communal house (with personal bedding) for an additional fee. Space is limited.
There is a massage therapist on site who you pay directly. You may sign up on the registration form. Additional payment is due at the retreat.
Contact Jessica if you would like more information.
- Yamuna Body Rolling®: Using small balls to roll out tight muscles, you will create circulation and improve range of motion. You’ll feel lighter, in better alignment and ready to dance
- Dance: We teach modern dance with a strong emphasis on full-bodied movement, musicality, and rhythm. Each class is accompanied with live music and focuses on body alignment, qualities of energy and the joy of dancing.
- Yoga: This Hatha-based asana class supports the dancing body. You will learn to deepen your awareness of breathing, alignment and connection to body, mind and spirit.
- Pilates: This class will emphasize proper form, alignment and injury prevention. We’ll focus on strengthening the body’s core and maintaining optimal muscular balance throughout the body. Using neutral spine placement throughout all exercises, you will develop core abdominal and back strength, improve the use of breath, increase spinal flexibility, build upper body strength and reduce the body’s stress.
- Choreography: Designed for dancers of all levels, this class uses choreographic tools to support the creative process. We will explore the elements of nature as a means for inspiration and creativity.
- Tentative Schedule
“This program is very special, and I am not sure I would want to change anything. The best art is found when hearts are open, and you both gave so much of your heart and soul that I believe it inspired others to give in to dance.”
“All in all, it was such an enchanting experience. Powerful, expansive, liberating, supportive and exquisitely beautiful.”
“A wonderful and fabulous experience. The passion and love that you both bring to your teaching is truly a gift.”
“Dance classes were phenomenal…love the entire essence of the place and the experience you have created. Words fail on describing that.”