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3rd Annual Winter Solstice Dance Retreat
3rd Annual Winter Solstice Dance Retreat
Sunday December 21, 2025
Sunday December 21, 2025
8am-10pm
8am-10pm
Leelanau Outdoor Center in Sleeping Bear Dunes
Leelanau Outdoor Center in Sleeping Bear Dunes
In 2023 we began recognizing the Solstices and Equinoxes through all day or multi-day gatherings. We had epic ecstatic dances, long lazy afternoons together in nature, and workshops led by skilled movers to broaden our exposure to different forms and deepen our skills for dancing together. We shared food and ate together, sang around the fire, connected with new people and built a new sense of ourselves.
This year we continue that tradition with a whole day for Winter Solstice. We want to dance together, but we also want to create something magical that speaks to what is calling to us in these times. This time of year, and this moment in human history. We are trying to build the world we want to see. One that is based in love, our gifts, embodiment, truth, movement, play, land, health and our sense of the whole and who we are in that context.
A small group is working together to plan the Winter Solstice Dance Retreat for 2025. What follows is an outline of the day as we have imagined it. Special moments will occur within and beyond this structure, some planned, and some that arise spontaneously within those who join us. We invite you to join us in this spirit of co-creation with the moment, noticing what is calling for you to do, and following that call.
Flow of the day
Flow of the day
Each piece of this was intentionally crafted to help us connect with one another and to our intentions on this solstice day.
We were inspired by the single flame, and the way it invites intimacy into the small glow it creates. And the way this only works in the darkness.
We notice the beauty of simplicity and how much is possible within subtle movement.
We hope you join us. The day will flow like the arc of the dance. Gradual opening, building connection, big release, warm flow, rejuvenating rest.
8 AM (Sunrise at 8:15 AM)
Arrive and Gather You will enter ceremonial space when you come in the door. Soundscape, firelighting and drum smudge will hold the space for your intention setting, stretching, prayer, meditation, quiet beingness.
9 AM
Round Dance Courtney will guide us into connection with the land and teach us this Anishinaabe traditional dance. (It is OK to arrive during this time, the steps are easy to learn, slide in when you are ready)
10:00 AM - Break
10:30 AM
Danceball. A new dance game, developed by James, and designed for all ages. James will introduce us to the rules of the game then give us plenty of exploration time to discover what is possible.
Noon
Pack lunch and outdoor play time. Bring food for yourself, then choose your afternoon activity. Sledding, hiking, and fireside relaxation are all available. A dune ecosystem movement opportunity will be offered by Daniel at the top of Pyramid Point.
3:45 PM
Family Dance Jesse will lead a kid-focused, short dance wave that is about the light, the flame, and the beauty of simplicity. All ages.
4:45 PM (Sunset at 5:06 PM)
Initiation into darkness. Light a candle for your entry into the night. Materials and guidance provided.
4:45 PM
Evening Meal, potluck style. Vegan soup with add-ins to customize your bowl will be provided and available immediately after the Family Dance. Please bring whatever you like to round out the meal. Simple foods are welcome such as bread, hummus, carrot sticks. We will lightly organize this among everyone who registers.
6:30 PM
Solstice Ecstatic Dance, 90 min, curated by Jeanie. The theme is "Heart of the Flame," inspired by the ideas of subtle movement, intimacy, and a single flame in the darkness.
9PM
Afterglow Fire, songs, cuddles, and enjoyment into the night. Snacks provided.
Pricing is Sliding Scale
Pricing is Sliding Scale
To accommodate everyone, we let you choose the amount that fits your budget, trusting that together we will meet all of our costs. Here are suggested contributions:
Full Day: $50-125
Morning only: $25-50
Afternoon and Evening only: $35-75
Evening Ecstatic Dance and Afterglow only: $25-45
Adjust the scale to fit the part/s you plan to attend, noting that there is additional expense for the evening meal.
17 and under are free with their adult.
Venmo, Paypal, and Cash accepted.
Pay in advance (preferred) or day of.
Guidelines
Guidelines
Come as you are. We can hold it all.
Substance free the whole time.
Photos and recording with permission only.
We will practice going slowly enough to ensure everyone involved can choose to opt in to or opt out of what is happening.
Everyone is invited
Everyone is invited
All ages.
Dancers and non-dancers.
Please share widely and invite people you know.
Please register so you get all of the details on the event, what to bring, etc.
Food
Food
Tea and hot water available all day. Bring a mug, and maybe a box of tea to share.
Food is your responsibility during the daytime. There are outlets to plug things in, but nothing available for keeping food cold or warming it up.
Bring your own flatware, bowl and plate.
Dinner is potluck. Warm vegan soup will be provided. A simple contribution is welcome (bread, hummus, carrot sticks). More information provided when you register.
Location
Location
Leelanau Outdoor Center is located in the heart of Sleeping Bear Dunes Map
A private location, perched on the bluff, overlooking Lake Michigan, a short walk to the trailhead for Pyramid Point.
We will be inside a large lodge with , fireplace, wooden floor, and ample dining area.
The building is not handicap accessible, unfortunately.
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