Transformative Yoga and Mindfulness Retreat with Ecstatic Dance in Northern California

Feeling the call to move, breathe, and connect in a setting where ancient trees sway overhead and your deepest self emerges to the rhythm of the forest? We invite you to explore the Beyond the Noise retreat or learn more about this transformative retreat happening August 13–18. Hosted at Spirit Camp, this immersive experience weaves yoga, ecstatic dance, and mindful meditation for a journey that sparks both personal release and communal bonding. If you’re seeking an uplifting yet introspective getaway, this yoga and mindfulness retreat in Northern California might be your perfect match. You can also explore our full retreat calendar for other upcoming events.

Dance Your Way to Inner Peace Amidst Towering Redwoods

Beyond the Noise unfolds over five nights, from August 13 (Wednesday) to August 18 (Monday), at a pristine forest sanctuary near Mendocino. Within this spiritual Redwood gathering, participants will delve into yoga, meditation, and the liberating art of ecstatic dance workshop sessions. Each day is a curated mix of structured practices and open-ended exploration—ample room to let your body speak through movement or find stillness beneath the Redwood canopy.

This northern California yoga event is especially crafted for those ready to break free from stagnant patterns—whether emotional, physical, or mental. By blending classic mindfulness techniques with organic dance, participants awaken an inner vitality that’s often buried beneath routine. Together, we’ll break bread, share stories around a campfire, and practice daily yoga that nurtures each person’s unique rhythm. Interested? Email alekaretreats@gmail.com to secure your spot.

Rhythms of Liberation: Ecstatic Dance Through the Ages

Ecstatic dance is far from a modern fad. Its roots trace back to ancient tribal gatherings where rhythmic drumming, chanting, and communal dancing served as a bridge to spiritual realms. Many indigenous cultures recognized dance as a language that transcended words—a sacred medium for expressing joy, sorrow, devotion, and unity. These collective movements were often integral to rites of passage, harvest celebrations, and healing ceremonies.

Fast-forward to the 1970s and 80s, and free-form dance movements began taking shape in the West, influenced by psychedelic culture, spiritual communities like Esalen in Big Sur, and the growing interest in Eastern philosophies. Spaces like the Osho Ashram in Pune, India, popularized dynamic meditations that included dance elements. Eventually, modern mindful movement immersions like 5Rhythms, Soul Motion, and Ecstatic Dance gatherings emerged, inviting participants to dance without judgment or formal choreography.

In these contemporary settings, participants often dance barefoot, allowing the body’s innate intelligence to guide each step. The music varies—ranging from tribal drums to electronic beats—designed to spark shifts in tempo and emotion. Many find that free-form dance fosters emotional release and heightened awareness. Studies in somatic therapy even suggest that unstructured movement can help us process trauma and stress. The Redwood environment of Spirit Camp amplifies these benefits. The towering trees resonate with an energy that anchors you deeper into your body, encouraging you to let go of inhibitions and fully inhabit each moment. For more insight on the roots of ecstatic dance, dive deeper into ecstatic dance history.

Photo of Deer Haven, one of the our many unique cabin spaces. This cabin has three beds. Cabins have between 1 to 8 beds each and provide several different sleeping arrangements for yoga and mindfulness retreat. All cabin spaces are included in ecstatic dance workshop.

Photo of Group Glamping Tents Setup in Sunset Meadow.  We have 10 Glamping Structures that can be added with 1to 3 beds each. This can increase bed capacity of campus to 50 guests across 20 unique accommodation spaces.  

Experience, Expertise, and a Passion for Expression

Meet your co-facilitators: Katie Corio and Alessandro Di Benedetto. Katie’s focus lies in creating inviting yoga and mindful movement immersion experiences. Find her on Instagram at instagram.com/cutekatiebug, where she shares tips on alignment, self-expression, and weaving movement into everyday life. Alessandro, on the other hand, brings a rich background in breathwork and holistic healing, found at instagram.com/naturcura. He views ecstatic dance workshop sessions as a portal to release stagnant energy and reconnect with our primal essence.

Their synergy is evident in how they build each day’s schedule: sunrise yoga that warms the body, midday breathwork circles for emotional clarity, and evening dance gatherings where music becomes medicine. Under their guidance, every participant is invited to embrace vulnerability, celebrate individuality, and discover new depths of their spiritual practice. Whether you’re a trained dancer or someone whose only moves happen in your kitchen, Katie and Alessandro will meet you where you are, nurturing a safe environment that encourages authentic exploration.

A Place Where Energy Flows and Spirits Soar

Spirit Camp functions as more than just a venue—it’s a living tapestry of Redwood groves, meadow clearings, and communal spaces that fosters intimate connection with nature. Check out this holistic forest sanctuary. You’ll sleep in comfortable bunkhouses, private cabins, or glamping tents, each blending rustic charm with modern touches. The Redwood Lodge, a spacious hall with a warm wood-burning stove, often hosts our group meals and daytime workshops. By night, it transforms into an inviting setting for heart-to-heart conversations or spontaneous drumming circles.

One of the retreat’s highlights is the daily flow of activities. You might begin the day with a guided meditation on the deck, hearing birds sing as the morning light filters through giant trees. Midday is dedicated to deeper practices—ecstatic dance or movement classes that help you reconnect with your body’s innate wisdom. Late afternoons might find you journaling in the Magic Meadow, its sunlight creating playful patterns on the forest floor. Evenings often culminate around a crackling campfire or in the Sanctuary, lit softly as participants share breakthroughs from the day’s activities.

Meals are nourishing, plant-centric, and designed to support a Mendocino holistic healing journey. Fresh produce from local farms is incorporated into creative, hearty dishes. The communal dining setup fosters camaraderie, turning each meal into an opportunity for laughter, story-sharing, and deeper reflection. If you’re concerned about dietary restrictions, rest assured—Spirit Camp accommodates gluten-free, soy-free, or other special needs as long as you let your facilitators know in advance.

Escape the Ordinary: Retreat Amid Coastal Redwoods

Located in the lush corridor of Northern California, Spirit Camp is a retreat near Bay Area airports, making it accessible for those traveling from San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, or further afield. A scenic drive of about three hours will transport you from bustling cityscapes to misty Redwood groves. The camp itself is close to Mendocino, a charming coastal town just ten minutes away, where you can stock up on necessities, sample local coffee, or take in dramatic ocean views. This proximity means you can enjoy the best of both worlds—immersive forest experiences and quick access to amenities or coastal leisure.

For directions, lodging details, or specifics about upcoming northern California yoga events, visit Spirit Camp Retreats. Whether you’re seeking a quick weekend reset or a deeper spiritual immersion, the Redwood coastline offers a transformative backdrop that both soothes and energizes.

Three Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is ecstatic dance mandatory?
   While all activities are encouraged, nothing is mandatory. Some find deep healing in the free-form movement of ecstatic dance, but if you prefer to observe or take a more gentle approach, that’s perfectly acceptable. The goal is respectful participation at your comfort level.

2. Are the meals all vegan?
   Most retreats at Spirit Camp feature vegetarian- or vegan-friendly cuisine, though occasional dairy may be included. If you have strict dietary preferences, simply inform the facilitators, and they’ll do their best to accommodate.

3. What is the group dynamic like?
   The environment is inclusive, supportive, and intentionally small—typically around 15 to 25 participants. This size fosters a close-knit atmosphere where you’ll likely form lasting friendships. Activities are structured to cultivate trust, vulnerability, and communal celebration.

Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens

When the retreat wraps up or during an off-day, extend your stay to explore the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens. Nestled between Highway 1 and the rugged coastline, this 47-acre haven is home to an impressive collection of flora, from dazzling rhododendrons to native coastal wildflowers. Walking the trails is akin to a mini-pilgrimage—each turn reveals new bursts of color or a gentle hummingbird flitting among blossoms.

One of the highlights is the coastal bluff at the gardens’ edge, offering panoramic ocean views. The briny sea air and rhythmic crash of waves create a refreshing contrast to the forest calm you’ve experienced at Spirit Camp. Whether you choose to go solo or team up with new retreat friends, the gardens offer a quiet moment to process any personal insights gleaned during your mindful movement immersion.

Van Damme State Park

Another local gem is Van Damme State Park, a short drive from Mendocino. Encompassing picturesque Redwood groves, fern-laden canyons, and gentle hiking trails, the park provides a serene environment for reflective walks. Grab a journal and spend an afternoon meandering along Little River or through the lush forest trails, letting the echoes of the ecstatic dance workshop guide you into a deeper connection with the earth beneath your feet.

In addition to hiking, visitors often enjoy paddling on the calm waters of Van Damme Beach, spotting harbor seals or simply basking in the tranquility of the coastal environment. If you’ve found inspiration through dance and meditation, continuing your journey in nature helps weave these lessons into your everyday mindset. The Redwood canopy here rivals that of Spirit Camp, making it a seamless extension of the retreat’s grounding energy.

Unleash Your Body’s Innate Rhythm

If you’ve been yearning for an environment that welcomes movement beyond the yoga mat and honors the healing power of self-expression, Beyond the Noise could be the key to your next personal breakthrough. Dance has a way of stripping us of pretense, revealing raw truths and joyous possibilities that lay beneath the surface. Pair that with the tranquility of Redwood forests, and you have a potent formula for renewal.

Join us at this yoga and mindfulness retreat from August 13–18, and witness how ecstatic dance workshop sessions can unlock a wellspring of creativity and connection within you. Reserve Your Spot to be part of this spiritual Redwood gathering, or take a moment to explore our full retreat calendar for other opportunities to dance, breathe, and reconnect. The forest is ready to hold you in its gentle sway—will you answer the call?

Interested? Email alekaretreats@gmail.com to secure your spot.

TOPICS:
yoga and mindfulness retreat, ecstatic dance workshop, mindful movement immersion, spiritual Redwood gathering, northern California yoga event, Mendocino holistic healing, retreat near Bay Area airports, Northern California, Mendocino, ecstatic dance.