“The Heart of Belly Dance retreat is always a highlight for me. I’ve been going for several years and always have an amazing time. Waking up to the sounds of howler monkeys, eating fresh and delicious food, and dancing all day with newfound friends alongside sweeping views of the Pacific? Yes, please!” – Megan
Are you ready to embark on an unforgettable vacation of dance, connection, and creativity in beautiful surroundings? The 18th Annual Heart of Belly Dance Retreat is back at the breathtaking Blue Spirit Retreat Center in Nosara, Costa Rica from May 4-11, 2024. Get ready to immerse yourself in the vibrant world of belly dance, surrounded by the beauty of the Pacific Ocean, white sand beaches, and a lush tropical landscape.
Perched on a hill overlooking the Pacific, Blue Spirit Retreat Center offers a truly extraordinary setting for our dance celebration. In addition to dance classes, you can swim in the ocean, learn to surf, ride horses on the beach, watch baby monkeys from your window, zip-line through canopy tours, meditate, practice yoga, and so much more.
“The Heart of Belly Dance Retreat has changed my life and I’m not exaggerating. I decided to attend on a whim, as a B1 student, after I saw the video on the Sahara Dance website that seemed to portray paradise. I discovered that it really was paradise! I couldn’t believe how joyful and peaceful I felt all week and beyond.
The setting, the amazing supportive community of dancers who have now become friends, the programming, the food! I decided to make this retreat part of my life by going every year and I haven’t missed a year since. Every year has been a little bit different and I can’t wait to see what this year brings.”
-Mari
Dance, yoga, and connect with Jillina: designed for all levels
This year, we are thrilled to host the incredible Jillina, a master teacher and choreographer, to guide us through the theme of cultivating connection and creativity through belly dance. Learn more about Jillina’s background here. And if you haven’t met Jillina yet, check out her special message to all Sahara Dance students about the retreat!
Whether you’re a beginner or a professional, Jillina’s classes will inspire and challenge you to explore the artistry, community, and expression within belly dance. All belly dance classes will be designed to be inclusive and supportive of all levels. Each year, we have had beginner students dancing alongside advanced dancers.
The schedule is a bit different each day, most typically offering morning yoga and 1-2 belly dance classes with Jillina, shared breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and evening yoga and mindfulness. Each day also offers plenty of downtime to relax on the beach, explore the town, indulge in a massage, or read by the pool. Best of all, you get to create your schedule. Attend all the classes or none at all – you can go at your own pace.
There will also be one free day that culminates with a salsa night. Finally, dancers are invited to dance in a supportive student show on the second to last day of the retreat—which is always a highlight and fun way to close out the retreat! Learn more about how to be part of show and the steps you’ll need to take here.
Learn more about the schedule here.
I’m excited to join my fourth Heart of Bellydance retreat. It’s an amazing way to deepen your dance practice and connect with other dancers in a beautiful and supportive environment. – Randa
Goal clarity and mindfulness workshops with Tanjina
Tanjina Shapiro, our Retreat Coordinator, is deeply passionate about unlocking potential and helping others achieve clarity in their goals. With a background in mindfulness, journaling, yoga, coaching, and community support, Tanjina will lead two workshops throughout the retreat: one on goal clarity and mindfulness and a heart-mind workshop. Both will be opportunities to set intentions and connect with your heart center, free of distractions from regular daily life.
The Heart of Belly Dance Retreat has become a ritual for me. It is a week where I get to deeply connect with dance, free my mind to invite calm and stillness through meditation and where my body finds comfort through the daily yoga practice. The retreat offers a rare opportunity to connect with old friends and make new ones. Thanks to HoBD I have friends in all corners of the world!
I love that the retreat is structured and flexible at the same time. What I mean by that is, you can join every class and be as active as you want, or choose to take things at your own pace. After all we are in Costa Rica, which is the blue zone and at this retreat, you can leave your worries behind, and really immerse yourself in self-care, learning and deep connection with like-minded people.
Hosting the retreat on behalf of Rachel Brookmire last year (and again this year), I am most looking forward to learning from the incredibly talented artist Jillina. And giving back to the dance community that means so much to me.
-Tanjina
All-inclusive bliss
Our registration rate covers everything you need for a week of dance, connection, and rejuvenation. From classes led by the renowned master teacher and choreographer, Jillina, to comfortable lodging and three delicious and healthy meals per day – we’ve got you covered. The only things not included are airfare, shuttle transportation, gratuity, excursions, bar services, and spa treatments. Note: Payment plans are available for the retreat.
Blue Spirit offers a variety of accommodations to suit different tastes and budgets, from luxurious ocean-view rooms to charming nature suites and platform tents. Visit our website for more information on rooming options.
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Don’t miss out on this extraordinary opportunity to dance, connect, and create in the heart of Costa Rica. Join us for the 18th Annual Heart of Belly Dance Retreat this May! To register and secure your spot, visit our website or email retreats@saharadance.com.