Why weave together relational and embodiment methodologies?

Authentic Relating (AR) and conscious connection lenses invite practices that enable us to engage in deep, meaningful, soulful connection with anyone, anytime, anywhere. In learning the principles of conscious connection through Authentic Relating and Somatics, we arrive at Embodied Relating: a whole-self approach to relating.

In this way we bring awareness to our ways of being and relating, and from there can go beyond unconscious programming and become integrated and empowered in how we show up in the world.

Through Embodied Relating practices:

• We gather the capacity and skill for full self-expression.

• We access the wisdom of the body for real-time knowledge, resource, and true intimacy.

• We welcome more parts of ourselves and in turn welcome more each other and the world.

• We enable ourselves to practice courageous vulnerability, growing beyond our comfort zone as we dance along our Tender Edge.

• We learn the potency of deep listening and empathy, developing the ability to truly Be With and meet people at their core.

• We increase our access to present moment awareness and relational attunement.

How do movement and dance enrich this experience?

Movement and dance unlock the wisdom of the body, providing a powerful avenue for whole-self access and authentic expression that transcends words, fostering deeper connection to self and others.

While going beyond, this retreat is largely rooted in Contact Improv (CI), which is is an open source improvisational partner dance developing internationally over the past 50+ years and is now a basis for dance communities worldwide. CI is silent but social, traditionally practiced without any talking or music. While improvisational, CI has a robust language of “pathways” from which to creatively combine for ultimate freedom and flow in connection with others.

Through these movement practices:

• We learn the trust and artistry of moving in connection.

• We develop embodied listening and embodied presence.

• We find strength and possibility in counterbalance and shared movement.

• We celebrate the potential of the human body and our bodies' combinations.

• We learn the mechanics of our forms, and how to creatively express somatically for ourselves and in connection to others.

• We increase our access to present moment awareness and relational attunement.

• We unfurl the core humanness and magic of creative, playful connection that goes beyond words.

ENTER: the Soma & Soul Experience

As we practice together in these ways, we open ourselves to the potential of deeper trust, more beauty and creativity, increased fulfillment in connection, and rewarding relationships to ourselves and others as we expand into personal and relational potential.

Amazing, Right?

At this Multi-Day Immersive Retreat

Walk Away With

• A greater ability to engage in deep, meaningful, soulful conversations with anyone, anytime, anywhere

• Embodiment of skills to lead any relationship toward greater understanding, deeper connection, holistic intimacy, and meaningful trust

• Expanded self-awareness and increased connection to self somatically, emotionally, relationally, and soulfully

• A range of the techniques and practices of Contact Improv and improvised partner dance, such as: CI pathways, weight-sharing, lifts, spirals, falls, Underscore, and more

• A deeper understanding of the psychology of trust, and how to build this in relationships somatically and emotionally for full-spectrum intimacy

• The valuable nourishment of platonic touch, relational intimacy, and value-aligned community

• An unforgettable week immersing in human potential, and from that birthplace, cultivating lasting connections and community

What to Expect

Wake up to sprawling forest views. Start the day with an optional vocal activation or forest walk before communal breakfast.

Then surrender to the one-of-a-kind curriculum in Authentic Relating, Embodiment, Contact Improv, freeform expression, and supporting connective and movement practices. We’ll gather for each session in the main house, the on-site dance studio, or the outdoor dance floor under towering Redwoods. Nourish between sessions with deliciously crafted meals from our private in-house chef.

Each evening will conclude with a different activity (ranging from the cozy to the celebratory to the ceremonious to the comedic). Additionally, you’re free to punctuate your week with nature walks, spa moments, integration, and down-time.

What’s Included

• All meals, chef-prepared and vegetarian

• 5 nights of accommodation to suit your needs and budget (private room, couple’s room, shared room options, and camping)

• 2 half days and 4 full days of bespoke curriculum:

  • Authentic Relating & Embodied Relating

  • Contact Improv & supporting movement and dance methodologies

  • Somatic practices

  • Underscore (a treasured practice of CI dancers)

  • Vocal Activation

  • Ecstatic Dance

  • Breathwork

  • Optional nature walks into the ancient Redwoods

  • Evening bonding & integration activities, ranging from the cozy to the celebratory to the ceremonious to the comedic

  • A private cohort chat for support in ride-shares, pre- and post-retreat gatherings, and on-going connection

  • Full access to the saltwater pool, hot tub and dry sauna with epic views

  • and so much more…!

What’s NOT Included

• Transportation to and from the venue (though we will help you organize carpools)

• If choosing the camping option, tents and bedding

Accommodation Options

2025 pricing coming soon!

• Camping: flat ground and gorgeous views, indoor shared bathrooms

• Shared Room 1: private quality air mattress, shared bathroom

• Shared Room 2: sharing a king bed, shared bathroom

• Shared Room 3: single bed, shared bathroom

• Shared Room 4: two single beds, private yard entrance, private bathroom

• Couple/Friend Room:one king bed, private yard entrance, private bathroom

• Private Room 1: private balcony access, shared bathroom

• Private Room 2: king bed, valley view, shared bathroom

• Deluxe Private Room: private yard entrance, private bathroom

Partial Scholarships & Financial Assistance

We believe that any space is better with diversity and representation. Holding this value means that we hold ourselves responsible to extend a bridge in accessibility. To support that effort, we offer:

• Partial scholarships for folks that identify as BIPOC or LGBTQ+ (distributed until funds are depleted)

• 2 discounted Work for Trade positions for folks that are financially strained

To be considered for either of these, simply indicate your interest and need in the Financial Assistance question when filling out your application.

Join us in the Redwoods:

A Venue Nestled in Ancient Redwoods

Soma & Soul is hosted at a private estate immersed in ancient Redwoods, hugged by neighboring state parks. The property offers sweeping valley and forest views, fresh mountain air and plenty of privacy for our immersive experience.

We’ll be held in the airy, bright, and spacious home with wrapping windows and cathedral ceilings. We’ll dance in the on-site studio and an outdoor dance floor under towering Redwoods.

PLUS, between sessions we get to enjoy:

• Salt-water pool

• Hot tub with a view a view of tree-filled valley

• Dry sauna with a view of Redwoods

• Entire property to ourselves

• Communing with Redwoods—among the tallest and oldest trees on Earth

• Direct access to the Skyline to Sea Trail, a 29.5-mile hiking trail that descends from the ridge of the Santa Cruz Mountains to the Pacific Ocean

Getting to the Venue

There will be multiple carpools organized from the Bay Area and LA to the retreat.

The exact details are released once your application is accepted and deposit is paid. The Soma & Soul team will help you self-organize to coordinate rides.

To orient, the venue is:

• 40 minutes from Santa Cruz

• 45 minutes from San Jose

• 1hr from San Francisco International Airport

• 6hrs hours from LAX Airport