About Our Immersion Dance Retreats
We call these retreats “Immersions” because that is exactly what you will do: step away from the outside world and fully immerse yourself in movement, community, and epic live DJ sets. Each Immersion offers a unique conscious dance experience, guided in the way only the DTM Team can.
The idea is simple: a group of dancers gathers in a beautiful location, connected by a central theme, and together creates something new and magical each and every time.
Each Immersion will be hosted by Bernice, DTM founder, and special guest members of the DTM Team. The retreat will combine a familiar structure with a fresh, evolving focus.
As is the DTM way, we will always begin our days with dance, while the activities and practices throughout the day shift from retreat to retreat. There will be space for connection, exploration, and rest, but always, we will dance at least twice a day, usually more, and always to gorgeously prepared sets.
The unique combination of location, practices, theme, and people makes every retreat a distinct experience, one that dancers can return to time and again.
This is a conscious, free-form dance practice, often popularly called ‘Ecstatic Dance’. There is no choreography or steps to learn, and no prior experience is required. You simply need a willingness to move, explore, and be part of the experience.
Ultimately, it is the group field — the shared creation of every human who shows up to be a part of the experience — that generates the transformative power of each Immersion.
It will not be the same without you.
To preserve the intimacy and depth of the experience, each retreat is capped at 40 participants.
This Immersion's Unique Theme
Imagine beginning every day with dance, food, and a sense of belonging — and ending every day the same way. With impeccably curated live DJ sets atop a mountaintop on the island of Corfu, the sun setting over the Aegean Sea, with nowhere else to be.
In between, the days are yours. Swimming in turquoise waters, drinking coffee with friends, long lunches, wandering through the village, with nothing to do except complete one little mission each day. What kind of mission? A dance mission, of course!
For seven days, this is our rhythm. A dance mission set against the sun-soaked shores and magic of Arillas, with space to explore, slow down, reconnect, and have a little adventure.
Each day brings a new invitation to follow your curiosity, embrace the unexpected, and dance your heart out in Greece.
Your dance mission awaits.
What's Included
7 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.
Healthy, Nutritious Meals
The cost of the retreat includes 12 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.
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 Price is €1,495
A €300 deposit is required to book and we offer flexible payment plans.
Accommodation is booked separately. Please see the options below.
Early Registration Price – €1,095
(Available until 18th August 2027 — 60 days before start date).
We also offer work trade opportunities for alumni. For more information, click here.
The Location
Our Retreat Immersion will take place across three locations, each offering a different part of the experience.
Buddha Hall
Our main venue is a purpose-built retreat centre nestled among ancient olive groves and cypress trees on a beautiful hilltop in northwest Corfu. Designed for meditation, movement, and conscious living, this is where we’ll spend our mornings and afternoons.
You’ll have the opportunity to dance in a beautiful 200m² hall with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, forest, and sea, while also enjoying the swimming pool, gardens, outdoor spaces, and breathtaking sunsets. The setting offers a unique opportunity to step out of everyday life, immerse yourself in dance, and connect with a vibrant community.
We will have breakfast and dinner here. Meals will be vegetarian or vegan, and dietary requirements will be catered for to the best of our abilities.
Arillas Soundgarden
We’ll also attend dances and interactive sessions at Arillas Soundgarden, the mecca of ecstatic dance in the region. This magical space overlooks the Ionian Sea and features a high-end professional sound system, giving you a first-hand experience of how a successful dance community is created and nurtured.
Nearby Lodging
Our accommodation is nestled close to Arillas Beach, making it easy to enjoy swimming and relaxing during afternoon quiet hours. We’ll stay together as a group, gathering in the evenings for discussion, tea, and fun.
We will provide a variety of accommodation choices, from shared budget rooms to private rooms with en-suite bathrooms.
Transportation between the locations is included in the add-on package.
Accommodation Package
As mentioned, the accommodation, food, venue, local transport, and materials add-on is booked separately from tuition.
Add-on packages will range from €450 to €1,050, depending on your room choice. More information on the location of the accommodation is coming soon.
If you have any questions about accommodation, please contact info@dancethemedicine.com.
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.
SOPHIE AUBER • Founder of Ecstatic Dance Montpellier and Ecstatic Dance Gathering
Sophie aka DJ Soph is the founder of Ecstatic Dance Montpellier, Ecstatic Nîmes and Ecstatic Dance Oxytocine (the famous Ecstatic Dance with outdoor headphones in the south of France), she organized Ecstatic Fest Lez'Arts for 3 years and is today the organizer of the Ecstatic Dance Gathering, the first edition of which took place in July 2025. Passioned by movement from a young age, Sophie practiced competitive gymnastics for 10 years, followed by acrobatic diving. She then turned towards Yoga and dance, practices that led her to a greater body awareness and, above all, the desire to transmit the pleasure of inhabiting and being at ease with one’s body.
Each time we welcome special guests from the DTM team, who have real-world experience and many years in the ecstatic dance scene, to share their unique approach and skills so you can learn directly from the best. Our DTM team includes:
TÉTÉ ARBUÉS MOREIRA • Systemic Dance & Somatic Experiencing®
ALEX SEVILLA • Ecstatic Dance Madrid & Co Teacher in the DTM DJ School
RENÉE LACROIX • Founder of Ecstatic Dance UK and Ecstatic Experiences
FABIO FREDDI • Founder of Ecstatic Dance Italy & Ecstatic Dance DJ & Facilitator
ÉADAOIN NÍ CHALLARÁIN • Open Floor Facilitator and Co-founder of WILD
WHAT OUR RETREATANTS SAY
Roni, Ireland
Inception Immersion Retreat 2026
I had such a profound experience in this immersion, I cannot recommend it enough. Bernice and the team created such a rich, transformative retreat, where we have all been each other's witnesses both in and outside the dance floor. I came out of it with so much inspiration, insight and memories for a lifetime. I also loved the venue and the connection to nature. Can't wait to be back...
Emmet, Ireland
Inception Immersion Retreat 2026
This is such a safe space of freedom that I have only experienced at Dance the Medicine events... It really amazes me how within such a short space of time a bunch of strangers can become so tight knit... connections are made that allow difficult stories to be shared... vulnerabilities are loved just as much as strengths... I felt I had transcended into a divine experience... brief moments of bliss where everything made sense in the human experience... So for anyone thinking about going to a Dance the Medicine Event. Just book it.
Regine, UAE
Inception Immersion Retreat 2026
What can I say… it was magical, transcending, heart opening, real, raw, magical, transformative and I can keep going. The venue was beautiful, the people in the group phenomenal. The dances filled our hearts. It was too short!!!
More Info
Arrival and departure times
Please note, these times are approximate and may change.
ARRIVAL
On Sunday, October 17th, arrival is between 15:00-17:00. Allow time to check in, explore the grounds and settle in before our first dinner at 19:00.
DEPARTURE
On Saturday, October 23rd, we will share one last meal together before we all depart around 15:00. Please give yourself extra time for departure, since good-byes can be tough!
How to get to Arillas
ADDRESS
The immersion will take place over three locations in Arillas. We will stay altogether in an accommodation in Arillas. Location of accommodation TBC.
CLOSEST AIRPORT
Corfu International Airport "Ioannis Kapodistrias" (CFU).
BY CAR / TAXI
From the airport, it is a 1 hour drive to Arillas. In our opinion, renting a car is the most economical option for transport on the island especially if shared among cohorts. It will give you the most flexibility for your time at the immersion and allow you to explore the area which has so much to see. That said, the town or Arrilas is very walkable.
BY SHUTTLE
Corfu Buddha Hall (one of our venues) can organise a private shuttle from the airport. Depending upon request and availability, we may organise the shuttle on your behalf or you can organise directly with them.
BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT
You can take a local bus from the airport into Corfu Town's main bus station, then catch a Green Bus (KTEL) line heading toward Arillas.
What to bring
CLOTHING & ITEMS
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Headlamp or head torch to walk around at night
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Clothing suitable for dancing (we’ll dance numerous times a day, both inside and outside)
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Clothing suitable for both indoors & outdoors and for the weather (you may need a hat, sunglasses, etc)
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Swimsuit and towel for the beach
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Mosquito spray, room plugs and pants that can be tied tight at the ankle.
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Bring layers. It may get cold at night!
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Comfortable and appropriate outdoor shoes to walk/dance outside
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Dress up for a fun night; not fancy, just fun. Bring something if you enjoy dressing up
OTHER
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Toiletries
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Refillable water bottle
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Pens and markers
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Ear plugs and eye mask (if sharing accommodation)
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Talisman (or sacred item) for the community altar
FAQ
→ I'm coming from abroad. Do we need a visa to enter Greece?
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 to go ahead with in-person events. 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 Arillas, our beaut
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 beginning 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 Le Hameau de l'Étoile and exchange numbers with your new family
14:30–15:00 Pack your bags and take in the majestic view before saying goodbye.