Space & Silence
with Ana Leonor Ladas
21 - 26 August 2023, Sintra
Summer retreat workshop
Dance Improvisation & Body ∞ Mind Awareness.
What does it mean to be silent? Is it merely the absence of words or sounds?
How much silence exists in your daily life?
Is Space merely something to be filled in or an infinite field of information?
Are we in Space or are we Space itself?
How can we tap into the deep source of our being, navigate the subconscious field
and move, dance, create from there?
“When there is total attention there is silence”
Krishnamurti
“Your task is not to seek for love, but merely to seek
and find all the barriers within yourself that you have built against it”
Rumi
This workshop retreat is an invitation:
- to dive within and discover oneself through movement and the creation of dance
- to observe and contemplate the inner landscapes of our being
- to expand awareness and sensitivity
- to integrate, align & (re)connect body ∞ mind ∞ spirit
- to invite the mind to rest and ‘fall in its place’, giving space to the Body Intelligence
- to explore and meet the unknown
- to dance the 'invisible'
- to swim in our individual and collective imagination
- to serve as mirror and be mirrored by other bodies ∞ existences
- to navigate in the space that we are…
- to enjoy and surrender to the magic of Dance...
In essence, it is an invitation to get closer to our authentic and original being, simply ‘be’ and dance from this state.
✺ THE PROCESS
My main role as a guide is to create meaningful situations for deep exploration, setting a fertile ground for creativity to unfold and for Dance to emerge…
… and we contemplate and celebrate the emergency of Dance!
The work is based on improvisation, sensible touch, somatic and energetic practices, visualization, instant composition, performative awareness and contact with nature. The sessions are formed organically in the actual moment unfolding in direct relation with the present individual and group dynamics and what the situation is ‘asking for’. There is an invitation into deep listening and courage to go with ‘what is’.
Together we will tap into the essence of our being, into the intelligence of Body. Body is here seen as the microcosms of the universe and gate to spirit and other dimensions. Tuning into this deep source we activate an inner energetic field that has the power to regenerate and transform ourselves. These inner movements have a direct influence in the various fields of our existence and our activities in daily life.
How much we engage in the integrity and responsibility of this journey of self-discovery is up to each one of us. Each person is invited and supported to follow their own path and rhythm.
Dance is available to all that are willing to meet it. You are invited to come as you are. The workshop is open to all, from teenagers, to adults to seniors. There is no age limit and no previous dance background is required. Nevertheless, what is required is a genuine willingness and interest to dive within and discover oneself
through the moving body in a context of a group.
About Ana Leonor Ladas
Since early age I have been driven by a constant curiosity in understanding the nature of life and the human condition. This basic drive led me to dedicate my life for over then 25 years to practices where Body ∞ Mind Awareness are central. Despite all the profound trainings and experience I embody, I consider myself an auto-didactic (life) researcher, having my own body, soul, physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual dimensions as a direct and primary field of investigation. This is complemented by the sharing and learnings with all other beings that cross my path.
Initially I studied at the University of Psychology at I.S.P.A in Lisbon (1992-1997). While still studying I discovered Dance as my deep passion and consequently I moved to Holland where I studied at the Dance Academy in Arnhem. For many years I worked as a professional dancer in dance companies, did collaborations with independent choreographers and created in parallel my own artistic work. In my continued search for the Sacredness of life through Dance I stopped working in the professional dance field as such and decided to ‘discover’ and develop Dance in a way that made profound sense to me. This unfolded into a personalized artistic, pedagogic and transformational approach of Dance ∞ Life.
A profound contribution to the unfolding of this approach was the ground break through, radical transformation and re-orientation of my whole existence that was triggered when I met, lived and worked for long periods (2006-2010) with the master Min Tanaka at the Body Weather farm in Japan. Here many seeds were planted in my heart and since then my work both as a dancer, teacher and coach has evolved and matured finding its own ground, its own body. Another strong influence of 9 years of trainings in Instant Composition with Julyen Hamilton. I am also a shiatsu practitioner (www.kokyushiatsu.com) and have a strong influence of more than 10 years of practice in Aikido and Katsugen Undo (regenerating movement) from the Ecole of Itsuo Tsuda where ‘breathing' is central. Presently my work is shared through regular classes, workshops, retreats, shiatsu practice, individual movement sessions, as well through simple daily living. (www.analadas.blogspot.com).
Video from the previous 2 days workshop 'States of Presence' with Ana Leonor Ladas
Practicalities
Schedule
Monday, 21th Aug 2023 from 6.00 pm – 9.30 pm
Tuesday, 22th Aug 2023 from 8 am – 6 pm
Wednesday, 23th Aug 2023 from 8 am – 6 pm
Thursday, 24th Aug 2023 from 8 am – 6 pm
Friday, 25th Aug 2023 from 8 am – 6 pm
Saturday, 26th Aug 2023 from 8 am – 6 pm
Venue
Quinta Ten Chi,
Sintra
Price
Full amount 500 €
EARLY BIRD INSCRIPTION - 420 € (Deadline 1st June 2023)
5% discount through Release - Embodied Arts
There is the possibility to pay in two instalments before the workshop has started.
There is also the possibility of a free place in exchange for photos and/or video footage.
The food ingredients are included in the price.
Accommodation is NOT included in the price.
The sleeping options at Quinta Ten Chi:
10 €/night - common dormitory without beddings
15€/night - common dormitory with beddings
7€/night - staying at your own tent or caravan
Registration
Course registration form (requires the payment of a non-refundable deposit of 100€)
For inquiries, write to release.arts.production@gmail.com