The atmosphere was friendly, cultivating curiosity, and wonder.
- participant, Sensing Bodies 2023 retreat (Brazil)
Registration will open soon for 2027!
Come connect, expand and transform through joy-filled dancing, sensing, listening and creating.
Registration is limited. Once the participation limit is filled, we will begin a waitlist.
Sensing Bodies
Dates
February 12 - 21, 2027
(10 days)
Location
Gamboa, Santa Catarina, Brazil
Price: 1650$ Canadian Dollars
The price for Sensing Bodies includes:
-
10 days of programming
-
delicious vegetarian lunch and dinner on site
Upgrade 1: Shared Accommodations
+ 550$ CAD
A bed in a shared room. Bring a friend or meet someone here!
Upgrade 2: Private Room
+ 800$ CAD
Have your quiet space in your own room.
Registration for Brazilians: click HERE
Pricing Considerations
Our goal in creating two different payment options is to support equity and community care in a global context. Please take the time to honestly think about your ability to pay and your access to financial resources. We work hard to make this event affordable and accessible, and tuition remains our only source of income to pay for program costs. Please pay at the highest level possible. We ask you to consider your own capacity to earn and to find financial support in relation to a global context. Our intention is to balance participant access and program sustainability. Join us and participate in building this collaborative retreat model. Our desire is to bring together people from different walks of life, knowing that we all have something to contribute and something to receive. Some factors to consider: - Currency you use most often - Country you live in - Income tax bracket - Ability to meet basic needs (food, shelter, transportation) - Level of debt and ability to pay it - Housing (accession to property, type of rental, precarious housing, etc.) - Access to health care - Disposable income (coffees, drinks, movies, concerts, new clothes, etc.) - Ability to save and access savings - Employment (full/part time, type of employment, need for employment, etc.) - Possibility of taking a vacation - Annual income level - Dependents (children, elderly, etc.) If you are applying to an arts council or other funding body for funding to participate in this program, please contact us so that we can provide you with a letter of invitation to support your application. If you are a Canadian citizen and an artist, please contact the Canada Council for the Arts and your provincial arts council regarding travel and professional development grants. Don't leave this until the last minute! Funding is available if you are proactive. Former participants have successfully obtained funding for this event.
Meals
The meal plan includes lunch and dinner. Breakfast is the responsibility of the participant.
We are partnering with a local production space called TOCA Studio Vivo to provide nutritious meals during the retreat. TOCA is a guesthouse and gathering space for the local community, and also hosts artistic residencies. Camila Seeger, a Sensing Bodies faculty member, has built the space alongside Rafael Henrich (Rafa), as a family-friendly place to welcome dance, arts, culture, community, and the environment.
From the hands of Rafa and his team, we offer lunch and dinner on location at the retreat space, included in the event package. The meal plan will cover the nine days of active classes, but not our day off mid-program. There are grocery stores, cafes and restaurants to explore during our day off.
The food is simple and delicious - vegetarian and vegan food with organic salad, made fresh on site every day.
Accommodations
Gamboa is a seaside community of fishers, surfers, and families. Throughout the neighbourhood there are small houses and guesthouses with accommodations available for tourists and visitors.
You can choose one of the following three options during registration:
1. No added accommodations. You take care of your own lodgings in the area. (For those who are familiar with Gamboa, or know someone in the community.)
2. Shared room. Come with a friend or meet someone at the event.
3. Private room. Have your own quiet space.
Our team will organize your accommodations according to your choice at checkout.
Sample Schedule
subject to change
Daily classes offer improvisation, somatic practices, cultural exchange, and creative process. This is a time and space to connect with self, others and our natural environment.
9:00am -
9:15 am
Daily opening
9:15am - 11:15am
Class in studio
11:15am - 2:30pm
Lunch & break
2:30pm -
4:00pm
Class in nature
4:00pm -
4:15pm
Break & snack
4:15pm -
6:15pm
Co-creation session
6:15pm -
6:30pm
Daily closing
6:30pm -
Dinner & free time
FAQ about travel to Gamboa, Brazil
I am NOT a professional artist - is this event for me?
Yes! We love when people with different experiences and backgrounds come together to share and exchange. If you are interested in this event, you can come.
I AM a professional artist - is this event for me?
Yes! Again, we love when people with different experiences and backgrounds come together. We offer new perspectives, and relationships between practices. The focus of this retreat is shared experience, process, connection and community.
When is the program?
Our 2027 event is Feb 12 - 21. This is directly after Carnaval. Join our waitlist to get event updates directly to your inbox.
Can I attend only one part of the retreat?
This event is designed to be immersive, and to create connections over time. We ask you to commit to being present for the whole 10 days. (If at any point you feel unwell or need a rest, that's ok.)
Can I bring my family?
If you would like to create a family trip around this event, there are enough accommodations options to support this.
Is there childcare available?
Young children can be in the program space with us, in keeping with Brazilian culture. Let's facilitate intergenerational transmission of knowledge. Expectations are that children be present without distracting.
How much time do we spend in program?
50 hours spread over 10 days, including a day off mid-program.
What is the event space?
The program is held at Gamboa's community centre. It is a big open indoor space with lots of light. We also have opportunities within program time to explore the beach, ocean, dunes and other natural spaces.
I want to come but I need financial support - what can I do?
Please connect with your arts councils and professional membership organizations. If you are an artist living in Canada, we can direct you to professional development funding for artists. If you need a letter of invitation for a funding application, we can provide this.
In what language is this program offered?
Our team collectively speaks English, Portuguese, Spanish and French. We also speak body language. And, we invite listening without understanding as a practice.
What amenities are in Gamboa?
There are grocery stores, restaurants, cafes, guesthouses, and other amenities. There is no bank or ATM. The closest ATM is in Garopaba which is 30 minutes south of Gamboa by car.
How do I get there?
International participants: fly into Florianópolis international airport (probably connecting through Sao Paulo). Gamboa is one hour south of Florianópolis by car. We offer support for participants to coordinate about bus and taxi transport from Florianópolis to Gamboa.
What do I need to enter Brazil?
Check with your government on entry requirements to Brazil, as well as re-entry requirements for your country of origin. Entry requirements change periodically, so please stay up-to-date for your situation.
What should I bring with me?
Mosquito repellent. Bathing suit. Medications. Some cash in Brazilian reals, just in case. Clothing for summer weather. Rain gear, just in case. Sun protection gear, for sure.
Is Gamboa safe?
Yes! Gamboa is a very quiet, safe and peaceful community. It is a place where solo travellers and families alike can feel at ease.
Cancellation Policy
Participant Cancellation
By January 1st, 2027: If you need to cancel for any reason, we will refund the amount paid minus a 150$ CAD administration fee.
From January 2nd, 2027 – February 11th, 2027: There are no refunds, but if the retreat is sold-out, we will invite someone from our waitlist. If we find a replacement, we will refund the amount paid minus the 150R administration fee.
After February 12th, 2027 (retreat start date): There are no refunds or transfers.
Event Cancellation
If we need to cancel due to lack of registration, this decision will be communicated by December 15, 2026. Full refunds will be issued in this case.
If we need to cancel due to force majeure (unforeseen circumstances of a global or environmental nature), we will offer you the choice of either a) a full refund, or b) a credit to the next event.
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