Unleash the Healing Power of Your Soul’s Rhythm
Step into a world of self-expression, connection, and healing with a liberating, soul-expanding weekend retreat rooted in the powerful East African tradition of Kucheza Kiuno (waist dance). Led by Nurjahan Boulden, renowned belly dance teacher, speaker, and survivor of gun violence, this experience offers more than just learning belly dance moves; it’s about celebrating your body, releasing trauma, and tapping into your natural rhythm. Through gentle, sensual movement, you’ll discover how to break free from body insecurities, silence self-criticism, and embrace the joy of moving with others. This is a space where mirrors are replaced by connection, and judgment gives way to celebration. By the end of the weekend, you’ll feel empowered, rejuvenated, and ready to move with more confidence, strength, and joy.
Recommended (but not required) viewing: Free Lesson with Nurjahan
Note: This retreat is exclusively for women and welcomes participants from novice to advanced dance experience levels.
Retreat Benefits
Ignite Your Rhythm
Learn or deepen foundational belly dance techniques that help you increase agility, no matter your experience.
Trauma Release
Heal through movement and rediscover joy in your body, releasing stress and past wounds.
Greater Strength
Strengthen your core, hips, and pelvic floor with empowering dance practices that meet you where you are.
Body Confidence
Cultivate confidence, release self-doubt, and allow yourself to take up space and be fully seen.
Self-Expression
Dress up, let loose, and enjoy a traditional belly dance party focused on community and celebration, not perfection.
Meaningful Connections
Dance, laugh, and forge new friendships with like-minded women from all walks of life.
SAVE! Add a day or two and save 20% off our R&R rates. Select your added day(s) on the Registration page.
Are you ready to move, heal, and celebrate your true self?
Liberation, Connection, and Celebration
1. Foundational Belly Dance Techniques
Learn the basics of belly dance including hip circles, lifts, drops, and more to connect with your body’s natural rhythm.
2. Body Connection Exercises
Strengthen your core and pelvic floor through gentle, empowering movement that honors your body.
3. Trauma-Informed Dance Practices
Move through practices designed to release trauma and reconnect with your body’s innate strength and joy.
4. Sensual Movement and Isolations
Explore sensual shoulder rolls, figure eights, and core movements to cultivate embodied confidence.
5. Self-Inquiry Journaling
Reflect on your dance journey and uncover the inner stories that have shaped your relationship with movement.
Reserve Your Spot Now
Presenter
Nurjahan Boulden
Nurjahan Boulden has always dreamed of sharing the empowering practice of belly dance with the world. At 21, after being shot in a random attack, she faced physical and emotional struggles that left her questioning if she would ever dance again. After nearly a decade of recovery, Nurjahan found the courage to dance once more and now uses belly dance as a tool for healing and activism. She advocates for a world where everyone can move freely, without the threat of violence. …
Rhythm & Reslience
This experiential retreat offers a well-balanced schedule that combines structured educational sessions with flexible time blocks – ensuring you have ample opportunity to engage in learning while also allowing personal time to explore the retreat center and enjoy moments of reflection and relaxation.
(Program schedule subject to change.)
4:00 pm
Check-in Begins
6:00–7:00 pm
Light Dinner
7:00–7:20 pm
Guest Orientation
7:30–9:00 pm
Session 1
7:30–9:00 am
Breakfast
9:30 am–12:30 pm
Session 2
12:30–1:30 pm
Lunch
2:00–4:00 pm
Session 3
4:00–6:00 pm
Free Time
6:00–7:00 pm
Dinner
7:00–8:30 pm
Dance Party
7:30–9:00 am
Breakfast
9:30–11:30 am
Session 4
11:00 am
Room Checkout
Luggage may be held at Reception.
12:00–1:30 pm
Lunch
Optional Activities
Yoga • Meditation • Kirtan • Bonfire • Labyrinth • Nature Trails
Extend your Stay and Don't Miss a Thing
Add a day to enjoy R&R activities!
Free activities include
Interactive Nature Hikes
Cooking Demos
Meditation & Movement Classes
Wellness Workshops
Paid activities include
Pottery Classes
Ayurvedic Wellness & Healing Arts Treatments
Nourish Your Body
Take your rejuvenation to another level with a soothing Ayurvedic treatment.
Call to check availability during Shankara Ayurveda Spa business hours; seven days a week, 9:00 am–6:00 pm.
SAVE! Add a day or two and save 20% off our R&R rates. Select your added day(s) on the Registration page.
