Nature's Dance

All the information and bookings can be made here or by emailing barefoot.dancer@yahoo.co.uk

There are a couple of places left and it’s now open for bookings from people not already part of the Exeter Barefoot Dance group.

Connection to nature and community in movement

“Interbeing is the understanding that

nothing exists separately from anything else."

“Only when we can touch real love for the Earth

will we have the immense energy we need to make

the radical changes necessary to save our civilisation.”

Thich Nhat Hanh

Barefoot community warmly invites you to journey with us, using the map of Movement Medicine as our guide.  

The intention of this retreat is to empower you to deepen your connection to yourself as part of nature. We gather together with the wild nature of Dartmoor around us to reconnect, to re-member, and renew from the inside out.

Together we will share the awareness of the story of separation that is at the heart of the illusion of the western world. Through movement and being we will embody the experience of "interbeing".

It is clear that we are at a critical turning point in human history, and that the shift we personally and collectively do or do not make, will shape our future. The prayer of our time together is that by embodying the lived experience of interbeing, this will empower whatever field of life and work you bring your unique gifts to. 

We will begin by connecting with the elements of the natural world, found within and around us. We will then journey into our relationship with the 5 dimensions of self, other, community, ancestors, and the source, to strengthen our connection to the roots of the tree of life.

This practice is an integral part of Movement Medicine, but you do not need to be familiar with Movement Medicine to attend. You will learn the basics of the map we work with experientially.

There will also be time to immerse yourself in the nature around us, including quiet time and self-reflection exercises. There will also be time off just to be and nourish and resource in whatever way feels right for you. Maybe a wild swim or a walk on the moors.

Facilitated by Benjamin Tree and supported by 

the barefoot community

at Gidleigh Village Hall

from 5pm Friday 2nd June to 5pm on Sunday 4th June 2023

(you can arrive anytime from 2pm)

Booking will be open on Sunday the 2nd April at 5pm, initially for barefoot regulars only. Then from Sunday the 16th of April at 5pm,

we will be open for booking from the wider dance community

if we have any places left.

Please note we have set a maximum of 26 places this year. 

​If you would like to come, please book your place by emailing barefoot.dancer@yahoo.co.uk from Sunday the 2nd April at 5pm

(Please do not email to book a place before this date and time).

Places will be allocated on a first come first served basis; if oversubscribed, we will have a waiting list in case

a place becomes available. 

Cost: £120 for the weekend  (ask about concessions if needed). 

This includes food (apart from the Friday night when this year it will be bring food to share), camping fees and facilitation.

Please pay the full amount by BACS: 

Ms K Dudley 30-59-27, a/c 22145550

alternately you can pay cash or with a bank card at dance. 

Open Invitation for the Barefoot Friday Night (2nd June 2023).  

There is an open invitation for all barefoot dancers to join us for supper at 6.30pm and a Barefoot dance (at 8pm) on the Friday evening. Please bring food to share (as we will not be providing food on this evening) - something that doesn’t need heating up or cooking. Please note there is no limit to the number of people able to come along on the Friday evening, however we are unable to offer you a space to stay overnight as we have a limited number of spaces which are allocated for those staying for the whole weekend. 

Please note: If you book a place on the weekend, we strongly encourage/request that you attend all sessions on the Saturday and Sunday.

Covid: We have reflected on how to create a safe space for the whole community. We ask that you do not attend if you are unwell. 

Cancellation policy: If you cancel up to 4 weeks in advance we will offer a full refund. If you cancel after then if we have people on the waiting list you will have a full refund. However if we can't fill your place we will retain half of the money to cover our costs. 

​​​Friday 2nd June 2023

from 2pm onwards - arriving and setting up 

6:00pm Supper - please bring food to share

7:30pm - 9:30pm Opening Circle and Welcome

followed by a dance journey led by Benjamin (1).

Saturday 3rd June 2023

Breakfast provided

10am - 1pm Session with Benjamin (2)

1pm - 4pm Lunch (provided) and free time

4pm - 6:30pm Session with Benjamin on the moor (weather permitting) (3)

(please bring appropriate footwear and clothing)

Supper provided

Sunday 4th June 2023

Breakfast provided

10am - 12:30pm Session with Benjamin (4)

Lunch provided

2pm to 3:30pm Session with Benjamin (5)

3:30pm Clearing away (6) 

5pm Leave ...