Going deep

Magic on Minjerribah

Last month, after much dreaming and planning, we ran our first dance retreat at Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island). 8 women from beginner and intermediate classes, some who hadn’t done a course in a couple of years, made the journey from Melbourne to Brisbane and then by boat to the Island for 4 days of deep rejuvenation.

After settling into our eco cabins nestled amongst the native trees we gathered in our lovely studio right next to the beach (separated by a wonderful paper tree forest) in our first circle to meet and set our intentions for the retreat. Each day began with yoga. A practice designed, much like our dance classes, to cater to all levels of ability and experience, focussing on presence with some explorations of the energy centres that reside in the body and meditation. Over 6 sessions we danced the equivalent of a 9-week course! This involved learning a routine to the rad track Energy by Sampa the Great and having time to really go deep and explore feeling, qualities and energy within our dance moves. We were initially unsure as to how we’d go dancing and moving for over 6 hours a day, but with all the warm sea swims, nourishing foods, nightly yin style yoga sessions and a lovely traditional Hawaiian healing massage, we actually felt fantastic physically. Some of us found a new resilience and respect for our bodies and all they are capable of. Our free time was spent napping, swimming in the ocean, lying on the beach, skyping family at home, walking across the awe-inspiring gorge with all its wildlife and lush forest, chatting, playing games and just chilling out. In this lush and relaxed setting, a real sense of connectedness and support was created naturally within the group. As a result, all participants were able to find revelations and insights into their relationship to their bodies and their lives that will no doubt be manifesting into everyday life as we speak. This is so exciting as these outcomes are really at the core of why Dee Street exists. It is such an honour to facilitate and hold such a rich, fun and transformative space. We will treasure the memories we made on Minjerribah forever!