Retreats · Selected destinations worldwide
5-Day Wild Nature Ecstatic Dance Retreat
Move, Release & Come Alive
Five days of music, movement and nature — with nowhere to perform and nothing to prove.
A five-day immersive Ecstatic Dance and embodiment retreat with Shi Min — created for singles, couples and anyone who wants to reconnect with their body through free movement, music and the natural world.
Dance beneath trees. Move barefoot on sand. Let your body respond to rhythm beside the sea. Slow down near a waterfall. Wake up with gentle movement. Dance until thought becomes quieter. Rest. Begin again.
Some journeys may open with cacao. Some may end beneath the stars. One or two DJs may guide the larger Ecstatic Dance journeys. Nature is never just scenery around the retreat. It is part of the experience.
5 days / 4 nights · Singles & couples · Selected destinations worldwide · Limited places
Leave the room
Take the dance floor outside
Most of modern life happens inside — at desks, in cars, in elevators, in gyms, in studios and in front of screens. Even dance is often contained inside four walls.
Wild Nature Ecstatic Dance Retreat takes movement somewhere else: into a forest, onto a beach, beside the sea, among mountains, near flowing water and into places where the body is already receiving information before the music begins.
Wind. Heat. Earth. Sand. Water. Light. Sound. Space.
The retreat combines Shi Min’s approach to private guided Ecstatic Dance with the freedom and collective energy of Wild Nature Ecstatic Dance.
You are not here to learn choreography. You are here to rediscover movement that belongs to you.
Who is this retreat for?
- love music but feel disconnected from your body;
- want to experience Ecstatic Dance more deeply than a single evening allows;
- are curious about Ecstatic Dance but nervous in large public events;
- want to move freely without worrying how you look;
- spend too much time sitting, thinking or working at a screen;
- want to release accumulated tension through movement;
- want to explore sensuality without performance;
- enjoy dance but are tired of clubs, alcohol and nightlife;
- want a meaningful experience in nature;
- want more confidence expressing yourself physically;
- enjoy breathwork, meditation or somatic practices;
- want to experience cacao as part of an embodied journey;
- are single and want to connect with yourself and a group;
- are a couple and want to share something playful and different;
- simply feel that your body wants more freedom.
You do not need dance experience. You do not need rhythm. You do not need to be flexible. If you have a body, you already have somewhere to begin.
What may emerge from five days?
A longer retreat gives the body time to move beyond the initial self-consciousness that can appear during a single session.
- greater freedom of movement;
- increased body awareness;
- less self-consciousness;
- physical release;
- greater ease moving to music;
- deeper awareness of rhythm;
- more confidence expressing yourself;
- greater sensual awareness;
- playfulness and joy;
- stronger connection with nature;
- greater ease being seen;
- meaningful connection with other participants;
- a sense of vitality and aliveness;
- moments of complete absorption in movement;
- increased confidence attending future Ecstatic Dance events;
- a clearer understanding of how your own body likes to move.
You may also discover that dancing freely does not always mean dancing intensely. Sometimes freedom looks like stillness.
Your five-day journey
From listening — to freedom
The retreat follows a gradual arc. We begin by learning to listen, awaken different areas of the body, let movement become more integrated, expand the music and allow the group to become familiar. Eventually instruction falls away. The dance becomes yours.
Day 1
Arrival & Grounding — Begin with your feet
The first day is intentionally gentle. You arrive, meet Shi Min, meet the group, explore the surroundings and begin leaving ordinary life behind.
The first movement practices stay close to the ground: feet, ankles, weight, balance, walking and small shifts.
You begin noticing: How do my feet meet the earth? Where do I hold tension? Do I move quickly? Do I hesitate? Can I feel my weight?
There is no need to immediately “dance.” A single step can be enough. The evening may close with gentle movement, grounding, music and a welcome circle. Depending on the edition, an opening cacao ritual may also be included.
Day 2
Awaken the Body — From the feet to the hair
Day two explores the body gradually, not as one object that should somehow know how to dance, but as many different areas with their own possibilities.
- Feet & ankles: grounding, stepping, weight, rhythm.
- Legs & knees: bending, bouncing, strength, momentum.
- Hips & pelvis: circles, shifting, fluidity, sensuality.
- Belly & rib cage: breath, expansion, contraction, twisting.
- Spine: waves, curves, direction, connection.
- Shoulders & arms: reaching, opening, shaking, taking space.
- Hands & fingers: detail, expression, sensitivity.
- Neck & head: turning, releasing tension, changing orientation.
- Face & hair: letting expression become less controlled.
The emphasis is not technique. It is listening. What changes when every part of the body receives permission to move?
Day 3
Wild Nature Dance — Let the environment move you
Once the body is more awake, we take the practice further into nature. Depending on destination, this may mean forest, beach, coast, jungle, mountains, gardens or another suitable natural environment.
A forest invites something different from an open beach. Sand changes how the feet move. Wind changes the skin. Water creates rhythm. Uneven ground changes balance.
- walking meditation;
- sensory awareness;
- movement with trees;
- barefoot grounding where appropriate;
- spontaneous dance and stillness;
- nature-based partner exercises;
- free movement without music;
- movement with natural sound.
Later, music returns. The distinction between environment and dance begins to soften.
Day 4
Ecstatic Dance Journey — Let the music take over
By day four, the body knows more, the group feels more familiar and the need to understand what to do may have softened. One or two DJs may guide the group through a long musical arc.
The journey may begin slow, grounded and spacious. Rhythm builds. The body warms. Movement expands. Bass deepens. Music may move through organic, tribal, electronic, percussive, melodic and atmospheric landscapes.
Eventually, instruction disappears. You dance — perhaps intensely, perhaps subtly, perhaps alone, perhaps near others, perhaps with eyes closed, perhaps watching the sea or moving beneath trees.
The goal is not a peak. The goal is immersion.
Optional Cacao Opening
Selected Ecstatic Dance journeys may begin with ceremonial cacao. The group begins seated, slow and present before movement begins. Cacao is always optional and clearly communicated before the retreat.
Day 5
Integration & Celebration — Dance less. Feel more.
The final day begins more quietly. After several days of movement, it can be powerful to notice what happens when the body becomes still.
- gentle stretching and somatic movement;
- meditation and breath;
- free movement;
- journaling;
- optional sharing;
- time in nature.
You may reflect on what changed in your movement, where you surprised yourself, what still feels difficult, when you felt most free and what you want to continue after the retreat.
The retreat closes not with another challenge but with celebration: music, movement, connection, perhaps sunrise, sunset or one final barefoot dance.
Your body does not need choreography
Many people think they cannot dance. Usually what they mean is: I don’t know what I am supposed to do.
Ecstatic Dance removes that question. There are no steps to memorise. No one evaluates rhythm. No mirror tells you how you look.
You begin with sensation. Perhaps the foot wants to tap. The knee follows. The hips begin moving. The spine responds. The shoulders soften. The arms open. Suddenly the entire body is participating.
Dance can emerge naturally when you stop requiring yourself to produce it correctly.
Somatic movement before ecstatic movement
The retreat does not ask you to arrive on the first night and immediately surrender to a huge dance floor. We build gradually.
Before freedom often comes awareness. Can I feel my feet? Can I release my jaw? Can my pelvis move without embarrassment? Can my arms occupy more space? Can I move slowly? Can I be still while music continues?
Somatic exploration expands the possibilities available to the body. Ecstatic Dance then gives those possibilities somewhere to go.
Nature is our studio
Wild Nature Ecstatic Dance Retreat is not conceived as five days inside a conventional workshop room. Whenever weather and safety allow, nature becomes a primary practice space.
Forest
Trees, earth, shade and layered natural sound create an environment suited to grounding and exploration.
Beach & sea
Sand, horizon, sea air, swimming where appropriate and the rhythm of waves naturally invite openness and movement.
Waterfall
Where access and safety allow, flowing water can become a setting for meditation, sensory exploration and selected movement practices.
Mountains, gardens & tropical nature
Open landscapes, altitude, gardens and lush outdoor environments create different qualities of spaciousness and sensory attention.
The place changes. The principle remains: nature participates.
Dancing with the elements
Earth
Weight. Grounding. Stability. Feet.
Water
Flow. Waves. Softness. Continuous movement.
Air
Space. Lightness. Breath. Expansion.
Fire
Energy. Intensity. Rhythm. Expression.
You do not need to interpret these spiritually. They can simply become different physical qualities to explore.
From private dance to group freedom
Some people are comfortable dancing alone but freeze when others are present. Others only feel free in a crowd. The retreat gives space to explore both.
There may be individual guided movement, small-group practice, partner work, group movement and fully open Ecstatic Dance.
This gradual progression can be particularly valuable if you are curious about public Ecstatic Dance but do not yet feel comfortable stepping straight into a large event.
For singles
You do not need a partner to attend. Movement offers an unusual way of connecting with people without needing constant conversation.
You can dance alone. Near others. With others. Leave. Return. Observe. Participate.
The emphasis is always on maintaining connection with yourself first.
For couples
Couples are equally welcome. Some practices may invite movement together through eye contact, mirroring, following, leading, moving close and moving apart.
You are not expected to spend the entire retreat as one unit.
Sometimes one of the most interesting experiences is discovering how differently each partner moves when given complete freedom.
Connection does not require identical movement.
Partner work & contact
Selected practices may involve partner movement or contact.
- mirroring;
- responding to another person’s movement;
- sharing weight lightly;
- giving and receiving space;
- leading and following;
- contact improvisation-inspired exercises;
- exploring proximity and distance;
- supporting and being supported.
Touch is always optional. Consent remains active throughout.
Sensuality without performance
Free movement can naturally become sensual. The hips move. The spine waves. Breath deepens. Skin feels air. Hair moves.
But sensual movement does not need to be directed toward anybody else. You are not performing attraction. You are experiencing sensation.
Sensuality can become an internal relationship with your own body.
The role of the DJs
Music is not simply background. For the larger Ecstatic Dance journeys, one or two DJs create a complete musical arc.
A retreat DJ set needs room to breathe, build, change direction, become intense and eventually land. With two DJs, different musical energies can meet across the retreat.
A sunset beach set may feel expansive and melodic. A forest night journey may become deeper and more percussive. A morning movement session may barely feel like a DJ set at all.
The environment shapes the music.
Sober by design
The retreat is designed around a clear-minded experience. No alcohol or recreational drugs are needed to create intensity.
Music. Movement. Rhythm. Breath. Nature. Collective energy. Fatigue. Stillness. All of these can alter the way experience feels.
The intention is to remain present enough to notice it.
Rest is part of the movement
Five days does not mean dancing all day. The body needs cycles: activation, rest, movement and stillness.
- swimming;
- beach;
- forest walks;
- hammocks;
- massage;
- journaling;
- naps;
- spa;
- reading;
- doing nothing.
Rest does not interrupt the retreat. It supports it.
A typical day
Morning
Breath, grounding and somatic movement.
Breakfast
Unhurried meal and personal time.
Late morning
Embodiment workshop or body-part exploration.
Lunch
Rest and integration.
Afternoon
Nature activity, swimming, hiking, beach, waterfall or free time.
Late afternoon
Partner work, gentle movement or guided dance.
Dinner
Shared meal.
Evening
Ecstatic Dance, sound, cacao, sunset movement or quiet integration depending on the day.
The rhythm matters more than maintaining a rigid timetable.
The destination is flexible
There is no single location for Wild Nature Ecstatic Dance Retreat. Different editions may take place in Bali, Japan, Europe or another destination where nature, privacy and practical conditions support the experience.
Bali
Jungle, rice fields, tropical gardens, waterfalls, beaches, warm sea, private villas and open-air practice spaces.
Japan
Forest, mountains, coast, onsen, seasonal landscapes and quiet. A Japanese edition may be more contemplative, with dance alternating with bathing, walking and stillness.
Europe
Mediterranean beaches, countryside, islands, forests, mountains and lakes — with opportunities to combine Ecstatic Dance with hiking, sea or thermal water.
Or somewhere else
Thailand. Morocco. Portugal. An island. A forest sanctuary. A mountain lodge. A coastal retreat. The destination can change according to season, group interest, accessibility and the experience we want to create.
The retreat is not tied to a country. It is tied to movement in nature.
Accommodation
Accommodation should support both social connection and privacy.
- private villa;
- boutique retreat centre;
- nature lodge;
- small resort;
- ryokan;
- eco property;
- coastal accommodation.
Priority is given to nature, quiet, comfortable sleeping, appropriate practice space, outdoor access and enough privacy to rest between sessions.
Private, couple and shared rooms may be offered depending on venue.
Food
Movement requires nourishment. Meals should be generous enough to support active days while still feeling fresh and comfortable.
Cuisine follows the destination: tropical meals in Bali, Japanese seasonal food, Mediterranean cuisine or local food elsewhere.
Vegetarian and other dietary requirements can be considered according to the venue. Meals are also where the group simply gets to be together without another exercise to complete.
Approach and safety
Shi Min’s approach combines free movement with clear structure around personal boundaries and physical safety.
You are never required to:
- dance intensely;
- move continuously;
- touch another participant;
- dance with a partner;
- close your eyes;
- be sensual;
- share personal experiences;
- participate in cacao;
- swim;
- enter natural water;
- complete every practice.
You may always rest, drink water, slow down, sit out, ask questions, modify movement, decline touch and change your mind.
Outdoor environments require additional attention to weather, terrain, heat, hydration and local conditions. Waterfall, sea or swimming activities are never automatically part of the programme simply because they are nearby. Specific safety guidance is provided for each destination.
Please disclose relevant injuries, cardiovascular conditions, mobility restrictions, pregnancy or other health considerations before participation.
Practical details
Facilitator
Shi Min
Format
Small-group Ecstatic Dance & Embodiment Retreat
For
Singles and couples
Experience level
Beginner-friendly. No dance or Ecstatic Dance experience required.
Duration
5 days / 4 nights
Location
Selected destinations worldwide, including Bali, Japan, Europe and other suitable natural destinations.
Music
One or two DJs may facilitate the main Ecstatic Dance journeys depending on the edition.
Group size
Intentionally limited.
Programme may include
Ecstatic Dance, guided free movement, somatic movement, body-part exploration, embodiment, partner work, conscious contact, nature immersion, breathwork, meditation, optional cacao ceremony, sensory practices, integration and rest.
Accommodation & meals
According to the specific retreat edition and venue.
Investment
Confirmed for each retreat edition according to destination, accommodation, DJ format, inclusions, local activities and logistics.
Flights & travel insurance
Flights are normally not included. Participants should arrange suitable travel insurance.
Dates: Specific editions are announced once destination and venue are confirmed.
Before the retreat
Participants receive information about:
- location and schedule;
- outdoor conditions;
- movement practices;
- partner work and consent;
- cacao where applicable;
- accommodation and meals;
- equipment and clothing;
- health considerations;
- weather;
- arrival and departure;
- phone, photography and filming guidelines.
You may privately discuss concerns or boundaries with Shi Min before attending.
After the retreat
The retreat may end. Movement does not need to.
Shi Min may suggest simple practices you can continue at home: one-song free dance, body-part movement exploration, shaking, walking with music, movement without music, sensory grounding, breathing or attending a public Ecstatic Dance.
For participants who were previously nervous about public dance events, the retreat can also become a bridge toward joining the wider Ecstatic Dance community with more confidence.
About the facilitator
About Shi Min
Shi Min’s work brings together embodiment, Tantra, movement, sensual awareness, conscious connection and the transition from constant thinking into direct experience.
Her Private Ecstatic Dance Journey helps individuals and couples discover free movement gradually. Wild Nature Ecstatic Dance brings that experience into nature and community.
This five-day retreat brings both worlds together: personal guidance, group energy, music, nature, movement, rest and enough time for the body to move beyond the first layer of self-consciousness into something more spontaneous.
Shi Min does not teach you what your dance should look like. She creates the conditions in which you can begin discovering your own.
client reflections
“I almost didn’t come because I was convinced everyone else would know how to dance. The first two days changed everything. We started so slowly — feet, hips, spine, arms — that by the big dance journey I wasn’t thinking about what to do anymore. Dancing outside under the trees was one of the freest experiences I’ve had in years.”
Hannah, Singapore
“I spend most of my life at a desk and honestly felt disconnected from everything below my shoulders. The retreat was playful rather than serious, but I noticed a huge difference in how much of my body I could actually feel by the end. The forest dance and the night DJ journey were unforgettable.”
Marcus, Singapore
“We came as a couple but loved that we didn’t have to spend every workshop together. Sometimes we danced together, sometimes we completely disappeared into our own experience. The beach session at sunset was beautiful and we both came home feeling more playful and much less self-conscious.”
Chloe & Adrian, Singapore
“The cacao opening followed by the long Ecstatic Dance was the highlight for me. But what made it work was everything before it — moving slowly, learning to listen to different parts of my body and spending so much time outside. It didn’t feel like a dance retreat where you had to be a dancer.”
Maya, Singapore
Frequently asked questions
Is this an Ecstasy Dance retreat?
The established practice is called Ecstatic Dance. The retreat does not involve the drug ecstasy/MDMA.
Do I need to know how to dance?
No. There is no choreography and no dance technique being evaluated.
Is the retreat suitable for beginners?
Yes. The progressive body-awareness work is specifically useful for participants who feel unsure about free movement.
Can I come alone?
Yes. Singles are fully part of the retreat.
Can couples attend?
Yes. Couples may experience some practices together while remaining free to explore individually as well.
Is this a Tantra retreat?
The retreat is influenced by Shi Min’s broader embodied and Tantric approach, particularly around presence, sensual awareness, consent and connection. Its primary focus is Ecstatic Dance, movement and nature.
Will there be DJs?
Selected main dance journeys will feature one or two DJs depending on the retreat edition.
Is cacao included?
Some editions may include an optional Cacao Ceremony, particularly before a major Ecstatic Dance journey. This is clearly stated before booking.
Do I have to drink cacao?
No.
Is there touch?
Selected partner or contact practices may involve touch. Every touch-based practice is optional and requires mutual consent.
Will we dance outdoors?
Yes, wherever weather, privacy, terrain and safety allow. Nature is a defining part of this retreat.
Is it always in a forest?
No. The retreat may take place near forest, beach, sea, waterfalls, jungle, mountains or other suitable natural environments.
Can we swim?
Possibly, depending on location. Swimming is a leisure activity rather than a required retreat practice and is subject to local safety conditions.
How much will we dance each day?
The schedule combines movement with rest, meals, nature and integration. You are not expected to dance continuously for five days.
Is alcohol allowed?
The Ecstatic Dance space itself is sober and designed around clear-minded participation.
Will phones be allowed?
Participants will normally be encouraged to minimise phone use during practices and keep the dance environment free from unnecessary photography or filming. Specific guidelines are communicated for each edition.
What if I become tired?
Rest is encouraged. The aim is not endurance.
Can this prepare me for public Ecstatic Dance?
Yes. Participants who feel nervous about public Ecstatic Dance may use the retreat to build confidence with free movement and group dance gradually.
Where will the retreat happen?
Different editions may take place in Bali, Japan, Europe or elsewhere. The destination changes according to season, venue and interest.
How do I apply?
Tell Shi Min whether you are attending alone or as a couple, your previous dance or Ecstatic Dance experience, what attracts you to the retreat and which destinations interest you — forest, beach, sea, waterfalls, Bali, Japan, Europe or somewhere else.
Leave the room. Enter the rhythm.
Five days. Music. Earth. Water. Air. Bare feet.
A forest. A beach. A sunset. A DJ beginning the next journey. Maybe cacao first. Maybe silence.
Maybe you begin with one foot moving almost imperceptibly. Then the ankle. The knees. The hips. The spine. The shoulders. The hands. The head. The hair.
And eventually there is no need to decide what happens next. The music moves. The body answers. And for a while, you remember what freedom feels like from the inside.