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Inception: A DTM Immersion
May 11 - 16, 2026
Almería, Spain

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About the Immersion

Come retreat with us. We call it an Immersion because that is exactly what you’ll do: allow the outside world to fall away and become fully immersed in dance, community, and a unique group-field experience facilitated in the way only the DTM Team can.

The idea is simple: a group of people comes together with the intention to dance, focused on a central theme. We each bring our own medicine — our circumstances, desires, struggles, hopes, and curiosity — and dance with it all in relation to that theme. We dive deep into the group field created by a unique constellation of dancing humans and attuned facilitators, trusting the magic that unfolds.

Each Immersion retreat is facilitated by Bernice and other members of the DTM Team. We will dance at least twice each day to impeccably curated music that is DJed live. We will also engage in non-dance practices and processes, each shaped by the specific team, location, and theme. While the Immersion format and method remain consistent, the combination of theme, place, and practices shifts — making this a living practice dancers can return to again and again to reconnect to themselves, their dancing family, and whatever infinite source they credit with their existence.

This is a conscious free-form dance practice (often called Ecstatic Dance). There is no choreography or steps to learn. You do not need to identify as a dancer to join us. Each DTM Immersion follows a similar rhythm and includes a theme that shapes the experience; however, it is the group field — the shared creation of those who show up — that ultimately generates the transformative power of each Immersion. It will not be the same without you.

This retreat will be capped at 40 participants to keep it well-contained and intimate.

This Immersion's Unique Theme

Inception.

 

This immersion is for the way-makers, those who want to be part of a new chapter in the DTM story. This is the first DTM Immersion ever offered. While we have led other retreats, we have never before offered one with this intention, format, or depth.

The spark came when one of our facilitator students declared that all people should have access to the level of alchemy and transformation created during our facilitator programs. We could not agree more. So, for those of you who want the opportunity to be immersed in dance for six days, we invite you to help us create a new way.

Those who show up will become the first lineage holders, the torchbearers of a format we intend to share repeatedly across the world. You will help shape the blueprint. A first time comes only once.

This immersion is open to everyone, including those who may not see themselves as initiators or leaders. Way-makers are not always the bold ones; often they are the steady ones who bring the missing piece that allows a collective vision to land. Join us, and one day look back and say, “I was there at the first one.”

For this retreat, please bring two talismans: one that represents you, and another symbolising what you hope for us to build together. This second talisman will be a giveaway you leave as part of the altar, which we will carry forward to the Lineage Immersion in Portugal in October 2026.

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What's Included

6 Days of Dance & Live DJed Music 

We begin each day with dance, a practice we call Morning Movement, and return to dance again throughout the day at different times and in different spaces — indoors and outdoors — guided by the rhythm of the retreat. All dances are accompanied by impeccably curated live DJ sets.

Professional Facilitation

We will offer both dance-based and non-dance-based sessions, each relating to the theme and the evolving arc of the immersion. Non-dance-based sessions may include meditation, group process work, nature immersion, creative processes, and more. Every session is held by experienced facilitators, creating a thoughtful and supportive environment where you can meet your edges, awaken your creativity, and discover new parts of yourself.


5 Nights Accommodation & Healthy, Nutritious Meals
The cost of the retreat includes accommodation and 15 shared meals. We choose venues that value whole, nourishing food, using local and organic ingredients whenever possible. Meals will be vegetarian, with vegan options available, as well as accommodations for special dietary requirements. Upgrades for double and private accommodation will be available for those who prefer them.

Community Living

We offer this immersion as an opportunity to dance with the broader conscious dance community. While our organization focuses on conscious dance education, we recognize that some of you are seeking a chance to dance together and experience the depth, care, and connection that defines our work. This immersion offers that space. We will move, live, and journey together in a well-held and intentional container. Whether you have trained with us before, are considering it in the future, or are just discovering Dance The Medicine, you are welcome. 

Immersion Pricing

The Immersion all inclusive price: €895

A €300 deposit is required to book, and we offer flexible payment plans.

  • This price includes dorm or camping accommodation, food, access to all amenities.

  • Upgrades to a double/private room available for an additional cost (see below). 

Early registration: €795
(Available until 12th March 2026 — 60 days before start date).

We also offer work trade opportunities for alumni. For more information, click here. 

The Location

Located between the Tabernas Desert and the Cabo de Gata Natural Park in Níjar, Almería, Oasis Al Hamam is a peaceful retreat centre surrounded by gardens, orchards, and desert landscapes at the foot of the Sierra Alhamilla mountains. The name “Al Hamam” refers to the natural sulfur baths that once existed here, known for their therapeutic properties since the 19th century.

 

Originally built as a thermal bathhouse, the Cortijo Los Baños has been lovingly restored to preserve its natural Andalusian charm while offering the comfort and facilities of a modern retreat space, including a pool and haimas inspired by the exotic riads of Morocco. The result is a sanctuary where silence, creativity, and connection unfold naturally — a place for wellbeing and transformation of body, mind, and spirit.

 

Accommodation upgrades are as follows:

Camping, Van or Dorm • Included • Dorm Spaces First Come, First Serve

 

Indoor or Outdoor Quad w/ Communal Bath • €75

Share a Haima or Tipi (Outdoor Glamping), or shared indoor room with three other people. 

 

Indoor or Outdoor Double w/ Communal Bath  • €150

Share a Haima or Tipi (Outdoor Glamping), or shared indoor room with one other person. 

 

Indoor Shared Double w/ Ensuite Bath • €200

Share an indoor room and private ensuite bathroom with one other person.

 

Outdoor Private Glamping w/ Communal Bath  • €275

Enjoy your own private space in either a Haima or Tipi (Outdoor Glamping) with a shared communal bathroom. 

 

Indoor Private Room w/ Communal Bath  • €325

Stay in your own private indoor room with a shared bathroom. 

 

Indoor Private Room w/ Ensuite Bath • €425

Stay in your own private indoor room with a private ensuite bathroom. 

After booking and paying your deposit our student liaison will assist you in selecting accommodation. For any questions prior to booking, please email info@dancethemedicine.com or see the FAQs below for details on what to bring.

Your Facilitators

BERNICE RAABIS • Founder of Dance The Medicine

Bernice is on a mission to spread conscious dance communities across the globe. In 2011, she founded Dance Church, a long-running and wildly successful conscious dance in the vibrant mountain town of Nelson, BC, Canada. There, she DJed and facilitated weekly, weaving epic soundscapes into transformative dance experiences that support freedom through connection to self, community, and humanity. In 2019, she set out to gather an epic team of conscious dance professionals, and the Dance The Medicine Team was born, dedicated to providing embodied conscious dance education.

Bernice is a certified Soul Motion facilitator, a student of the Tamalpa Institute, and a relational somatic therapist. Her work is deeply grounded in embodiment, community building, and supporting her students to deliver the specific type of dance medicine they feel called to bring into the world.

To read more about Bernice click here.

ALEX SEVILLA • ED Madrid & Co Teacher at DTM DJ School  

After more than two decades behind the decks as a club DJ, Alex stumbled upon conscious dance—and everything changed. The encounter transformed both his personal life and professional path. He soon left his career as a computer engineer to become a conscious dance entrepreneur, whose full time work is in facilitating, Djing and organizing conscious dance for DTM, Ecstatic Dance and the 5Rhythms. He is dedicated to sharing his love for dance, music, and embodied awareness with the world. 

Click here for a complete list of our team.

WHAT OUR STUDENTS SAY 

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Roni, Ireland

Loved this retreat and was so inspired by how Bernice and her amazing team work together. I appreciated the care and professionalism, the flexibility, the honesty, the creativity, the magic, the music, the dance…

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Gigi, Italy

This retreat facilitated by Dance The Medicine was a holistic experience where body, spirit and mind were all nourished. The calibre and care of the  facilitators offered a safe space to voyage into music. The art and emotionally focused experiences were  presented with full consciousness and respect for both the individual, and the collective process that was developing throughout the days…I have no hesitation in recommending this Immense, with gratitude for the enriching experience!

Ashen

Ašhen, Serbia

Endless flower meadows, peace, fantastic accommodation, wonderful food, many insights... knowledge about yourself and others...Thank you! 

More Info

How to get to Oasis Al Hamam​

ADDRESS

The event takes place in Oasis Al Hamam, located in Andalusia, Almería, 1km from the town of Lucainena de las Torres. 

 

Cortijo los baños, s/n,

04210 Lucainena de las Torres,

Almería, Spain

 

CONTACT

+34 630 40 37 66

+34 645 96 00 96 (to arrange pick up by the venue)

NEAREST AIRPORT 

The nearest airport is Almería. From the airport, there are buses to the Almería Intermodal Station, where you can catch a bus to Sorbas. Buses are infrequent, so plan your trip in advance and check the timetable.

Once you arrive in Sorbas, the venue can pick you up. They can also pick you up directly from the airport. In both cases, please let them know in advance so that they can organise it. There is a fee for both Sorbas and airport pickups. You can contact Elena for pick up via this number: +34 645 96 00 96

BY BUS

There is no direct bus to Lucainena. You must take a bus from Almería Intermodal Station to Sorbas, the nearest town. Buses are infrequent, so plan your trip in advance and check the timetable. Once you arrive in Sorbas, the venue can pick you up. Please give them plenty of notice so that they can make arrangements. There is a fee for the pick-up. You can contact Elena for pick up via this number: +34 645 96 00 96

BY CAR

If you are coming from Granada, you should take the A92 towards Almería, take the exit for TABERNAS and at KM. 488 there is a turnoff towards Lucainena de las Torres.

 

If you are coming from Almería, we recommend you take the A92 towards Granada and exit at TABERNAS and at KM. 488 there is a turnoff towards Lucainena de las Torres.

If you are coming from Murcia on the A7, we recommend you take exit 514 towards SORBAS.

Once past the village of Lucainena de las Torres, follow the wooden arrow signs to Cortijo Los Baños.

We recommend that you DO NOT come via the Níjar-Lucainena road due to the number of curves, unless you are already in the town of Níjar or want to explore the area.

​What to bring​

 

CLOTHING & ITEMS 

  • Headlamp or head torch to walk around at night

  • Clothing suitable for dancing (we’ll dance numerous times a day, both inside and outside)

  • Clothing suitable for both indoors and outdoors 

  • Bring layers. It can get cold at night!

  • Swimming costume and towel for the pool

  • Comfortable and appropriate outdoor shoes to walk/dance outside (lots of nature to explore)

  • Dress up for a fun night; not fancy, just fun. Bring something if you enjoy dressing up


OTHER 

  • Toiletries 

  • Two talismans (or sacred item) for the community altar - one that represents you, and another symbolising what you hope for us to build together. This second talisman will be a giveaway you leave as part of the altar, which we will carry forward to the Lineage Immersion in Portugal in October 2026.

  • Pens and markers

  • Ear plugs and eye mask (if sharing accommodation)

FAQ

→ I'm coming from abroad. Do we need a visa to enter Spain?                               

Mostly likely you will not.  But be sure to check with your own government and your own specific requirements. 

 

→ Can I come on my own? 

Absolutely! Most of our participants actually come on their own and many do not know anyone else who is coming. This immersion is inclusive, and we strive to create a culture of belonging through group exercises and daily sharing circles. 

→ Is this a festival?                                                                                                                                              

No. Festivals are typically larger, with multiple programs and flexible attendance; meals are usually not communal. Our retreat is a closed container—we begin and end together. Participation is limited to foster a more intimate experience. There is one shared program, and all activities, including meals, are communal. This retreat is an invitation to dive deeper into your practice and disconnect from the outside world.

→ What's your cancellation & refund policy? 

In case of cancellation from your side, we don't offer any refunds, regardless of the reason. We require a minimum of 25 sign-ups for this immersion to go ahead. We will issue you a full refund if we do not hit this number. Please make sure to insure any travel ticket as DTM can not be responsible for cancellation fees on travel. 

→ If I can no longer make it, can I transfer my booking to someone?                                                

If you transfer your booking to someone else, there's a €100 admin fee. If the event is full, and you want us to sell your spot, we'll keep your deposit and refund the balance only if we find a full-paying replacement. Booking transfers and posts on our social media are allowed only when the immersion is fully booked.

→ What are the payment requirements and do you have payment plans?

A non-refundable deposit is required to book and secure your place. Balance due 15 days before the event starts. Please carefully read our Event Terms & Conditions as by booking on our event, you become legally bound by these terms. We offer flexible payments plans, please inquire with info@dancethemedicine.com.

Immersion Overview

Please note: The following is an example schedule. As this is an immersive retreat, the exact timing may shift, but all elements of the overall program will be included.
 

Day 1 • WELCOME

Make your way to Oasis Al Hamam, our stunning retreat centre.

15:00–17:00 Upon arrival, check in with our team, settle into your accommodation explore the grounds.

17:30–19:30 Gather to meet the team, your fellow retreatants, and share our first full dance.

20:00–21:00 Gather in the dining tent for our first meal together.

21:30–22:30 We’ll share practical points and introduce you to your small group.

Day 2 • INWARD

9:00–10:00 Morning Movement. We always start our day with dance.

10:15–10:45 Fuel your body with a hearty breakfast.

11:30–13:30 Our second full dance session. We end the session by meeting in small groups.

14:00–14:30 Enjoy a filling and delicious midday meal.
 

14:30–16:00 Free time. Lounge by the pool, swim, write in your journal, reflect, meditate, and integrate the morning session.

16:30–18:30 Non-dance-based session involving art or nature, or a somatic session.

19:00–20:00 Back at the dining tent for a wholesome dinner.

21:00–21:30 A group check-in before bed.

Day 3 • OUTWARD

9:00–10:00 Morning Movement. 

10:15–10:45 Fuel your body with a hearty breakfast.

11:30–13:30 A nature-based session.

14:00–14:30 Enjoy a filling and delicious midday meal.

14:30–18:30 Begin with small groups and end with an afternoon off to enjoy the pool, retreat grounds, or simply relax.

19:00–20:00 Back at the dining tent for a wholesome dinner.

21:00–22:30 Our third full dance session at the heart of the immersion. 

Day 4 • UPWARD

9:00–10:00 Morning Movement. 

10:15–10:45 Enjoy a hearty breakfast.

11:30–13:30 Our fourth full dance session, a social activation. We end the session by meeting in small groups.

14:00–14:30 Enjoy a filling and delicious midday meal.

14:30–16:00 Free time. Use this time to enjoy the pool, journal, meditate, or simply relax.

16:30–18:30 Take part in a non-dance-based session, a celebration.

19:00–20:00 Back at the dining tent for a wholesome dinner.

21:00–21:30 A visualization session to ready you for the dream state.

Day 5 • ONWARD

9:00–10:00 Morning Movement. 

10:15–10:45 Enjoy a hearty breakfast.

11:30–13:30 Take part in a non-dance-based session building on the theme to begin the process of group integration.

14:00–14:30 Enjoy a filling and delicious midday meal.

14:30–16:00 Free time. Use this time to enjoy the pool, journal, meditate, or simply relax.

16:30–18:30 Our fifth full dance session, the begining of the end of our time. 

19:00–20:00 Back at the dining tent for a wholesome dinner.

21:00–21:30 A closing circle session to ready us for our final day.

Day 6 • INTEGRATION

9:00–10:00 Packing time.

10:15–10:45 Fuel your body with a hearty breakfast.

11:00–13:00 Dance your heart out in our final full dance session and closing ritual.

13:30–14:30 Enjoy your last meal at Oasis Al Hamam and exchange numbers with your new family

14:30–15:00 Pack your bags and take in the majestic view before saying goodbye. 

Still have questions?

Send us a message with your query and we will get back to you as soon as possible! 

You can also check out the FAQ box on our homepage or our general FAQ page. 

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