WELCOME TO THE
7-DAY Afrocuban dance retreat
Taught by Dance Ethnologist, Kimberly Miguel Mullen, M.A.
&
SPECIAL GUEST CUBAN ARTIST,
WISLEY ESTACHOLI
March 23, 2024 through March 30, 2024
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
Join the global dance activation!
You’re invited to the Dominican Republic to dance with two world-class, award-winning dance artists; Dance Ethnologist, Kimberly Miguel Mullen, M.A. & Special Guest Cuban Dance Artist, Wisley Estacholi for a 7-Day AfroCuban Dance Retreat featuring AfroCuban Oricha Movement & Danza Contemporánea (Técnica Cubana). Through the rich and powerful cultural dances from Cuba, we’ll tap into an infinite well of renewal and inspiration to discover new pathways to wellness, longevity & spirituality.
THE POWER OF CUBAN DANCE
While AfroCuban polyrhythmic folkloric movement amplifies the healing and embodied power of sacred Oricha & Franco Haitian cultural dance practices, the technical precision and movement training that Tecnica Cubana provides dancers with a strong fundamental base for going deeper into the “subtlety” of the traditional dances. Both dance styles are complementary to one another and when combined as a method for training empowers dancers to elevate their dance abillities by increasing fluidity, strength, and control.
MEET OUR SPECIAL GUEST CUBAN ARTIST WISLEY ESTACHOLI
We are elated to welcome award winning professional Cuban Dance Artist, Wisley Estacholi as a guest instructor who will be teaching Danza Contemporanea (Tecnica Cubana). Professor Wisley graduated from the reputable ENA (National School of Art) in La Habana, Cuba in 1998 and became the principal dancer Danza Contemporánea de Cuba. His awards include recognition from UNEAC (Union of Writers and Artists of Cuba). In 2010, he won the Male Interpretation Award (Ramiro Gerra) First Edition, and then in 2011 he won the award by the UNEAC Male Interpretation (Ramiro Gerra) at the National Level. He has performed and taught internationally for 23-years and has a loyal following of students from around the world. Among the reputable dance schools across Cuba, Tecnica Cubana is utilized as a universal training methodology that provides dancers a strong fundamental dance base pursuing professional careers in dance.
A Cultural Expression of Pure Joy!
Award Winning World Traveling Dance Artist & Cultural Ethnologist, Kimberly Miguel Mullen, M.A. is a leader in the field of dance ethnology for her development of culturally conscious art curricula and travel abroad immersion programs. Since 2010, she has curated over 30+ international travel abroad programs and facilitated 100’s of travelers to destinations throughout the Caribbean, Latin America, Southeast Asia & Europe.
I found so much that I was looking for through this experience – adventure, friendship, reflection, rest, healing. It was truly amazing! I absolutely cannot wait to do it again.
breathe in the lush, tropical vegetation of the Caribbean jungle.
Our island destination offers eco-friendly, open-air accommodations with breathtaking views, an expansive Caribbean beach, adventurous nature excursions, massages, delicious meals, and a beautiful dance studio to move through life with a renewed sense of freedom, balance, and harmony.
Rope bridges and jungle paths join the Casitas allowing you to completely immerse yourself into the Caribbean jungle experience. The open-air design allows you to feel the breeze, hear the birds call, and connect with the immense vitality of jungle life – completely mosquito-free! There is limited WIFI so that you can disconnect from the outside world while reconnecting to your internal world. You’re invited to hike the meandering paths, swim in the lagoon, and relax by the evening fireside. Break free from the busy world and embark on an adventure like no other you’ve experienced before.
What’s Included In This Retreat?
Retreat Investment starts at $2110
7-Nights Eco-Conscious Jungle Accommodations Starting @ $2110
3-Healthy Organic Meals A Day (Organic & Locally Sourced including Vegan, Vegetarian & Food Sensitivity Friendly Options)
Airport Transfer To/From Retreat Center
Daily Dance Classes: AfroCuban Folkloric & Danza Contemporanea
Snorkeling Boat Excursion To A Private Island with Lunch Provided
Ocean Yemaya Cleanse & Gratitude Offering
Zip-Lining Over The Jungle
Access To Online Preparation “Study Guide” Video Tutorials
Pre-Trip Planning Guidance & Group Support
And, more!...
Not Included:
Alcoholic Beverages and/or beverages outside of mealtimes.
Spa Treatments.
Airplane Tickets To/From Dominican Republic.
Hotel Accommodations & Expenses in The DR before & after retreat.
Mandatory Travel Insurance
20% Obligatory Tip + Gratuity.
How Will We Get There?
Guests will be transported from/to our retreat destination from Santo Domingo (SDQ) airport. Travel time is approx 2.5 hours. NOTE: Before you book your flight to the Dominican Republic, please consult the retreat coordinator to coordinate shuttle times.
It is highly recommended that Guests plan their trip to arrive in the Dominican Republic a day before the retreat begins and schedule your return flight a day after our retreat ends.
For inquiries and questions regarding disability and/or handicap accessibility, don’t hesitate to get in touch with support@kmmdancestudio.com.
The people! Kimberly gathered an esoteric and wildly comparable group of like minded souls. It was a true gathering of the tribe and long lost family members. The dance classes were world class. I have been dancing pretty much nonstop for 45 years and was in heaven with great authentic Cuban music and Kinberly’s infectious energy and expertise.
ROOM ACCOMMODATIONS & PRICING
(STARTING @ $2110)
What Are The Room Options?
There are 14 casitas available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Please inquire about our couples’ pricing rate.
AVAILABLE CASITAS:
>> 2 (SOLD OUT) – Private VIP Casitas with 1-King Bed
>> 6 (2 Left) – Private COFFEE Casitas with 1-Queen Bed
>> 5-Shared COFFEE Casitas with 1-Queen Bed & 1-Twin Bed Each
(Total of 5 (4 Left) Queen Beds and 5 (1 Left) Twins Beds Available in SHARED)
*Private VIP Casitas have hot water plumbing.
**Coffee Casitas (both Private & Shared) do not have hot water plumbing.
There are hot communal showers scattered throughout the property for hot showers.
THE ROOM PRICE LIST
All prices below reflect a $300 KMM Virtual Dance Studio Member Discount Rate.
If you are not a member & would like to sign up for the retreat, you will be given the option to “add on” the $35 monthly membership rate to your cart when registering.
Couples rates are available, please inquire!
THE EXCLUSIVE VIP CASITA
Private KING BED WITH OWN PRIVATE EN-SUITE bathroom
GENERAL PUBLIC RATE
$4160
KMM VDS MEMBER RATE
$3860
Experience the best views on the property. Each VIP Casita features a comfortable King Bed and has the highest views and largest floor plan. Includes electricity, a ceiling fan, two bedside tables, a hammock chair and a directly attached private bathroom with sink, toilet, and hot outdoor shower. This room is perfect for a solo traveler and/or a couple. For couples rates, please inquire.
THE COFFEE Casita
The Coffee Casita features spectacular jungle views and a comfy queen bed draped by a mosquito net to ensure a peaceful rest after a long day. Includes electricity, a ceiling fan, two bedside tables, hammock, chairs, and a directly attached private bathroom with a refreshing cool water outdoor shower.
2-OPTIONS:
Private Queen Bed
GENERAL PUBLIC RATE
$3180
KMM VDS MEMBER RATE
$2880 PRIVATE QUEEN BED
SHARED ROOM OPTION WITH ADDED TWIN BED
GENERAL PUBLIC RATE
$2710 QUEEN BED
$2410 TwIN BED
KMM VDS Member RATE
$2410 QUEEN BED
$2110 TwIN BED
How Do I Pay?
EARLY BIRD SPECIAL ENDS 11/27
Use Promo Code ‘KMM1000’
$1000 Initial Payment ($750 non-refundable)
Plus, 2-Additional Payment Installments
REGISTRATION 11/28 THRU 12/23
$1500 Initial Payment ($750 non-refundable)
Plus, 2-Additional Payment Installments
REGISTRATION 12/24 THRU 1/23
$1500 Initial Payment ($750 non-refundable)
Plus, 1-Additional Payment Installment
REGISTRATION 1/24 THRU 2/23
Pay in Full ($750 non-refundable)
LAST DAY TO REGISTER IS FEBRUARY 23, 2024
*$750 Deposit is non-refundable, no exceptions.
*Registration Doors Close February 23, 2024.
*Rooms are sold on a first come first serve basis based on availability. .
*If you are traveling with a friend, please complete the form to identify your roommate.
*If you are traveling alone and have selected a shared room, you will be assigned to share a room with another dancer.
*Prices of the shared rooms are based on the full occupancy of the room. The price will be subject to change to a private room rate in the event that the room is not fully booked.
HOW TO REGISTER:
STEP ONE:
Please allow 72-hours response after completing the form.
NOTE: A $100 Refundable Application Fee Is Required to Register and will be fully refunded if not admitted. If admitted, $100 will be applied & deducted from your FINAL balance.
STEP TWO:
(Rooms are available on a first come first serve basis).
Do you have additional questions and/or need help deciding on what the best option is for you?
What Makes Kmm Dance RETREATS Unique?
Kimberly offers a unique holistic movement approach that emphasizes AfroCuban sacred dance forms as a method for tapping into the body’s own intelligence as a playing field for transforming your mental and emotional processes and habits. Dance classes focus on Oricha movement as a “process” oriented dance technique that engages and utilizes the ‘whole’ body as a vehicle for embodiment, expression and storytelling.
As we discover more about our bodies through dancing, our mental capacity expands thus creating the vital connection between mind, body, spirit, and SOUL.
What You’ll Learn!
- The Yoruba Orichas (deities), their attributes, characteristics, and their corresponding dance steps.
- AfroCuban Franco Haitian dance practices as it pertains to the evolution of the dances in Eastern Cuba.
- Danza Contemporanea dance technique as it pertains to developing a strong fundamental technical base for dancing folkloric movement.
- The social, cultural, and historical significance for each of the dances.
- How to coordinate polyrhythmic body moves to corresponding drum rhythms.
- How to isolate individual body parts in polyrhythmic time.
- Proper physical alignment & core strength.
What Can This Retreat Do For You?
- Increase your personal body awareness and a heightened sense for individual and shared space
- Improve your coordination, flexibility, mobility, and control over body parts and strengthen their overall mind/body / spirit / soul connection.
- Cultivate trust with your body by building an intimate connection to your intuition and inner voice.
- Breakthrough self-limiting beliefs and boost your self-confidence and self-esteem.
- Increase JOY, PURPOSE & MEANING in life.
- Move unwanted stuck energy out of the body.
- Fortify a strong, open, and thriving mind, body, spirit and soul.
The trip was absolutely incredible! Everything from feeling safe, the delicious food with vegan options at every meal, the gorgeous location itself, the friendship that was built amongst the group, our slather gather at the waterfall, the Yemaya ceremony, the amazing dance studios, and of course the best dance classes and class schedule. It was all truly so well planned and felt so complete.
Meet Your Host & Instructor!
Greetings, Dancers!
I am Kimberly! There is no better way to ignite our passion for living life to its fullest than by dancing around the world. So, I planned this special retreat for us to unite in one of the most intriguing destinations on the planet – a place known for its rich Caribbean culture, history, cuisine, and nature.
Everyday we will dance, laugh, play, eat, drink, rest, swim, connect, and renew. This is our special time to feed our spirits and to nourish our souls with the things that we love and bring us joy.
Thank you for joining me on this dance adventure of a lifetime. I can’t wait to experience what magic we will create together in the Dominican Republic.
Love,
Kimberly
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Who is the Retreat for?
The training is for everybody yet specifically designed for “Dancers” who are interested in upleveling their AfroCuban dance practice by providing an immersion study that not only covers dance technique training but also includes lessons in history and culture.
How many classes are offered?
There will be a full schedule of movement classes throughout the week with up to 2/Classes a day.
What level are the dance classes?
All skill and fitness levels are welcome in the spirit of learning and having a blast, however, the classes will be taught at an intermediate pace and/or a pace where the class will be challenged to grow and improve their abilities.
What music will we be dancing to?
The classes will be taught to pre-recorded music tracks from Kimberly’s field recordings in Cuba by Professional AfroCuban musicians for the company, Ballet Folklorico Cutumba based out of Santiago De Cuba, Cuba. There is no live drumming.
If I am not a member of the KMM Virtual Dance Studio, Can I sign up to become a member & redeem the $300 discount for the retreat?
Yes! If you are not a KMM VDS Member and would like to join the retreat, you can redeem the $300 discount by signing up for the studio. You will be given the monthly and/or yearly option to become a member at the time of signing up and we will apply the $300 Member discount to your final payment.
Please note: Monthly payment plans cannot be canceled before 12-months otherwise, you will be responsible for the remaining difference of the retreat price. Our annual plan offers 3/Months free.
LEARN ABOUT STUDIO + BECOME A GLOBAL MEMBER
What’s the Cancellation Policy?
KMM Dance Retreats cancellation policy is firm. Please be sure that you are ready to commit before making your payment. Once you make your deposit you are fully committed to the remaining investment in the retreat.
All payments must be received and paid in full by February 23, 2024. The $750 deposit is non-refundable, no exceptions. There are no refunds after December 23, 2023. Cancellations made before December 23rd will be provided with total payments made to date minus the non-refundable deposit of $750 plus a 50% cancellation penalty. All returned monies will be refunded within 90-days of your cancellation.
The retreat is non-refundable after December 23rd, 2023. This is due to the responsibility we have to the retreat venue. Thank you for understanding.
The 7-Day AfroCuban Dance Retreat is contingent on a minimum of 10-participants. If the minimum amount of deposits are not met by December 23rd, the retreat will be canceled and all deposits will be returned in full within 90-days of the cancellation.
Please note: If you are not a KMM VDS Member and would like to join the retreat, you will be given the monthly and/or yearly option to become a member at the time of signing up. Monthly payment plans cannot be canceled before 12-months otherwise, you will be responsible for the remaining difference of the retreat price.
I have a pre-existing injury, should I alert the teacher before class?
Yes. Please alert the teacher of any pre-existing injuries before the training begins.
What is not included in the retreat?
Airfare to/from Dominican Republic, 20% Gratuity for Retreat Staff, Alcoholic Beverages & Beverages served outside of the meal times, Spa services, overnight hotel stays and expenses in the Dominican Republic before and after retreat, and mandatory travel insurance, etc.
Is there time in the schedule for sight-seeing and to explore the island?
The retreat includes a group excursion. However, you are welcome to explore the island on your own time as well as take as much personal time as you need to relax and rest.
I am traveling alone but have reserved one of the shared room options. What happens if the room is not filled?
Great question! We will do our best to fill the rooms; however, our shared room rates (double single bed rooms) are based on the fulfillment of the room to its full capacity. In the event that the room is not filled, you may either be moved to another room and/or upgraded based on room availability. Additional fees associated with any upgrades or room changes will be applied. Should this change occur, you will be informed in advance.
Should I purchase Travel Insurance?
Yes!!! Travel insurance is MANDATORY to protect against financial loss in the rare event of personal injury/illness, trip cancellation, an emergency or any other unforeseen events. Recommended travel insurance providers are (non-affiliated): Travel Guard Insurance (800-826-4919), Allianz Travel Insurance (866-884-3556), or DMC & Travel (305-443-0417).
How can I connect with the organizer with any questions?
For any questions, please email: support@kmmdancestudio.com
It was AWESOMENESS to the max. Just enough classes. Opportunity to explore independently, group activity/excursion, free time to personalize & relax. Yes! Absolutely awesome.
“I think this is a no-brainer but the classes were the greatest part! Every class was challenging and exciting. Loved all the across-the-floor work!