A weekend dance retreat allows you to experience sacred dance and movement which can be used in liturgy or for one's personal prayer life. During this time, you can participate in technique classes, choreography, movement exploration, repertory (learning dances and simple movement prayers). There is also an opportunity for you to share your special gifts with others, whether it is dance, poetry, art, music, etc. [ October 2010 | January 2011 ]

Also, a Wholistic Retreat for Women is offered every summer. This is a wonderful time to come together as women of various faith to dance, pray, meditate, drum, laugh, talk and sing as we explore our creative selves.

Weekend of October 01 - 03: PRAISE GOD IN DANCE, A WEEKEND DANCE RETREAT at La Casa de Maria Retreat Center, Santa Barbara, CA (map & directions)

THEME: THE WORK OF OUR HANDS - “And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us, And establish the work of our hands for us; Yes, establish the work of our hands.”  - Psalm 90:17 (New King James)

Vocation or avocation, the work of our hands is significant.  It is the result of both the creativity and productivity which are integral parts of who we are.  Our work might be the way we spend a large portion of our day, whether in a job we would choose or not.  It might be the ministry or hobby to which we give our passion and energy when our “paying the bills” job is done.   Or it might be a concrete expression of what lies in our hearts.

As an integral part of who we are, this work has a spiritual component.  Sacred and secular are not neatly divided by the days of the week or the hours of a day.  Invest some time in our weekend retreat turning your focus to the work of your hands.  “Let the beauty of the Lord our God rest upon us.”  

People of all skill levels and faith traditions are welcome to join us as we explore "the work of our hands" through movement, drumming, meditation and sharing.

Optional pre-event drumming begins at 7 p.m. on Friday. We will officially begin at 8 p.m.   On Saturday and Sunday there will be two or more levels of technique and repertory, as well as movement exploration of the theme.  We also invite you to bring something (not necessarily a dance) to share with our group on Saturday evening.

Family and friends are also invited to attend a closing event created from the participants’ weekend experiences along with additional performances by the company.  This CLOSING CELEBRATION will take place Sunday at 1:30 p.m.

WHEN: October 1-3, 2009

COST: $335. Fee includes tuition, shared room, five meals, snacks.

PAYMENT TERMS: A non-refundable deposit of $75 must be submitted with your registration to reserve your space, with the balance of $260 due by September 20, 2010.

TWO WAYS TO REGISTER!
You now have the option of registering online and paying by credit card, or the conventional method of completing a hard copy registration form and dropping it in the U.S. Mail along with a check.

1) REGISTER AND PAY ONLINE: To register and pay via a credit card, or to inquire about a partial scholarship, click here. A new browser window to La Casa de Maria's website will open where you can get additional information or register and pay immediately via their secure payment system.

2) REGISTER VIA U.S. MAIL: Download a printable registration form (Mac users may need to Control-click) to be completed and mailed in along with your payment. Your check, payable to La Casa de Maria, and completed printed registration form registration should be mailed to:
La Casa de Maria
800 El Bosque Rd
Santa Barbara, CA 93108

If you still have a question or two, please feel free to contact us. We are more than happy to assist you.

Printable Event Flyer (PDF file, 52 KB) (Mac users may need to Control-click)

Printable Registration Form (PDF file, 52 KB) (Mac users may need to Control-click)

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Saturday, January 22: DANCE AND PRAYER WORKSHOP at Holy Retreat Center in Encino, CA
(map & directions)

THEME: "CELEBRATION!"

Movement is one of the classical signs of life…yet we spend a significant amount of our spiritual life in stillness.  While stillness is a necessary aspect of spirituality, so too does movement contribute to spiritual health.

Rebbe Nachman of Breslov said he danced to balance the acts of darkness in the world: dance as balance, not just for the dancer, but as a force to balance the external world.

Join us as we dance in celebration: for balance within our selves and for our world, for the new year or for the year past, for our intentions going forward or for our past triumphs or perhaps, even our mere survival.

All faiths and skill levels are welcome.  Wear comfortable clothing you can move in modestly, including athletic shoes or dance shoes.  Bring your own lunch to enjoy or reserve a lunch in the dining room for an extra $10.

We will also be drumming, so feel free to bring a drum if you have one.  Drums and other percussion provided if you do not.

Alleluia Dance Theater is a Christian-based dance company with over 30 years of performing and offering retreats and workshops.

WHEN: Saturday, January 22, 2011; 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m -- SAVE THE DATE!

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