SILENCE

Silence is an empty container that holds and connects.

It is a shared ground we can rise from and return to.

It invites us to enter a raw and open mode of being, readying our receptivity and availability.

It encourages us to relax into the unknown, waking our playfulness and curiosity.

Whilst we drop words, we have the opportunity to connect and exchange through lot subtler forms of communication in the spaces between our minds and bodies. Be free to explore.

We will observe silence every day from midnight until 4pm. In the afternoons, we will gently bridge silence and spoken words in a form of embodied group exploration and reflection.

The New Year transition will be marked with a long period of silence, started on the 30^th midnight, continued throughout the whole day on the 31^st and closed on the 1^st afternoon.

At the start of the retreat, there will be space to clarify how we navigate the silence together.

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THE ART OF IMPROVISATION

Most of our practice time will be held within a simple format of jam.

It is a beautiful opportunity to dive deep into the very essence of improvisation, relax into the unfolding process and research the vast expanse of landscapes that jamming may encompass.

We are envisioning jam as a collectively held space, nourished by care and shared interest in what is taking place – inside ourselves and inside the whole room as we jam. Whether dancing in contact or solo, resting or witnessing the space, in stillness or motion, we invite all participants to become the active co-creators of the space.

We are envisioning a jam as a continuous journey, which we enter and exit together. A jam, where every movement, every gesture and every experience becomes part of the composition.

What if, whilst jamming as usual, we could be also creating an effortless piece of art? A field of magic? A mosaic of diverse shapes and colours that are all part of one whole?

Requirements:

• To take part in this retreat, it is necessary that you have experience with Contact Improvisation: you have been to CI classes / workshops and jams and have a good understanding of what Contact Improvisation and jams entail.
• You are able to let go of spoken words, non-verbal gestures substituting words, and written communication during the Silent periods
• You agree to avoid use of digital devices for the duration of this retreat
• You are able to commit to attending the whole event, from the beginning to the end
• To nurture safety, transparency and healthy CI culture, we created a document with CI GUIDELINES. You have read the document and feel happy to follow these guidelines.

RETREAT STRUCTURE (subject to minor changes)

Cost:

CZK = Czech Crowns

STANDARD RATE: 12 400 CZK  (Equivalent of 515 Euro at the current exchange rate)

SPONSOR RATE: 12 500 + CZK (pay from the heart anything above the standard rate)

CONCESSIONAL RATE: 10 800 CZK (Equivalent of 450 Euro)

We have 8 spots at concessional rate available at request for those who are unable to meet the standard price. If you require a concession, please specify this in the registration form

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Once your registration is confirmed by us, you will be instructed to transfer 6000 CZK by PAY PAL within 3 days.

The remaining cost is to be paid in cash onsite.

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Cancellation Policy:

If you cancel before 1st December you will be refunded the amount you paid minus a non-refundable deposit of 3000 Kč / 120 €

After 1st December the whole payment is non-refundable.

However, if another dancer is able to replace you, you will receive your payment back. In such case, we will retain a manipulation fee of 750 Czech Crowns (equivalent of 30 Euro) to honour our time and energy. It is your responsibility to find a suitable person who comes instead of you, but of course, if we have a waiting list, we will assist in the process and offer your place to those waiting first.

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Registration:

Please find the REGISTRATION FORM HERE.

The maximum capacity of the retreat is 33 participants.

Address: Skalka 22, Skalka u Doks, Czech Republic

The venue:

A former homestead re-purposed as a retreat venue, beautifully renovated with natural materials. The venue is located at the edge of a small quiet village north of Prague, surrounded by fields, gentle hills and forests. Enclosed by a large garden, it provides complete privacy and plenty of space.

There is a large mixed woodland that can be reached by foot in about 15 minutes and a big natural lake in the village of Doksy, about 3km away.

The dance hall is situated in a detached building and offers 130m2 for dancing.

Both houses and the dance hall have a central heating, plus there are three wood burning stoves – in the dining hall, dance hall and meditation room to keep us extra cosy.

Accommodation:

Sleeping arrangements: 2-4 people in each bedroom. There are 11 toilets and 11 showers available.

To view the pictures of the venue, click HERE

How to get there:

From Prague, it is about a 2-hour train journey to Doksy (you will need to change once). From Doksy it is a short bus journey or a 3km walk to the venue. We will be sending out a detailed information about the transport, including carpooling spreadsheet.

For connections by local public transport please see IDOS. 

Shared Retreat Spaces

Meditation Room is dedicated to morning group meditation sessions and will be available all day for personal practice in silence and stillness (sitting or lying). Please enter and depart mindfully and observe Silence in this room at all times.

Dance Hall will host the morning silent jams, afternoon scores and evening music jams. Outside of these times, you are welcome to use it for any personal practice that involves movement, stretching, resting, bodywork exchanges etc.

Dining Hall is a space for mealtimes, socialising or a cup of tea and book on a platform by the fire.

All three rooms have wood burning stoves.

Organisers:

Len Sabolčáková – somatic facilitator, bodyworker, body-based coach, eco-therapist, CI and nature lover

Lada Kopřivová – body-oriented therapist, somatic movement educator & group facilitator, CI dancer, wilderness loving creature

The Care Team: 

Filip Knazek – lecturer, facilitator, personal development guide, nature and movement enthusiast

Maysara Volf – traveler, massage therapist, dancer & photographer on land and underwater. 

Musicans:

Petra Klementova – musican, dancer, mum of 2 children, improvisation lover

Master Chef: 

Tudor – traveler, artist, musician. And a chef of course, who will serve you very tasty, vegetarian/vegan food

ENQUIRIES: space.for.contact@gmail.com

FB EVENT: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069762395224

REGISTRATION: Please register by filling this Document

Click on the picture to view in full

Author: MAYSARA VOLF