Journey Within: Dance and Embodiment Retreat Featuring Meditation Near the Bay Area
Step beyond the ordinary and into a Redwood oasis where dance, mindfulness, and gentle ritual unite. The Witches In The Woods: A Yoga and Dance Retreat is a Dance and Embodiment Retreat designed to rekindle your connection with the natural world, your own body, and a circle of supportive women. Hosted at Spirit Camp, this immersive experience unfolds just a few hours north of San Francisco, making it a movement and self-discovery workshop near San Francisco unlike any other.
If you yearn for soul-stirring dance, guided meditations beneath towering Redwoods, and witchy fire ceremonies, read on. You’ll discover how to breathe fully, move freely, and embrace the wisdom your body holds.
In the Heart of Mendocino’s Redwoods
Dates: October 23–26, 2025 (Thursday to Sunday)
Location: Northern California, near the Bay Area
Registration & Calendar:
Mendocino’s Redwood forests provide a nurturing backdrop—think ethereal morning fog, the fragrance of damp earth, and sunlight filtering through ancient canopies. No matter where you’re coming from, this retreat offers an accessible getaway for those searching “Spiritual camp near me” within Northern California.
History & Background of Embodiment Practices
Philosophical Underpinnings
Embodiment emphasizes that mind and body are deeply intertwined, an idea discussed by philosophers like Maurice Merleau-Ponty, who argued that perception arises from our physical experience. This perspective shaped modern somatic practices, suggesting we can understand ourselves more fully by paying attention to how we inhabit our bodies. Learn more.
Somatic Therapies & Their Growth
Somatic modalities such as the Feldenkrais Method, Alexander Technique, and Body-Mind Centering gained traction in the mid-20th century. Their common principle: bringing awareness to bodily sensations can reshape habits, reduce tension, and promote emotional well-being. Movement becomes a dialogue between internal cues and external expression. Learn more.
Dance as Embodied Expression
Forms like 5Rhythms, ecstatic dance, and contact improvisation expand upon these somatic foundations. Participants learn to trust their impulses, release inhibitions, and interpret rhythm with authentic motion. Here, dance isn’t just a performance; it’s an embodied meditation—a path to self-realization. Learn more.
Why It Matters at Retreats
A dance ritual retreat Redwood forest merges embodiment with nature’s grounding influence. Surrounded by Redwood trees, participants often tap into deeper states of calm and creativity. The synergy between mindful movement and forest immersion fosters a rare sense of wholeness—body, mind, spirit integrated in a living dance. Learn more.
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 Dance and Embodiment Retreat. All cabin spaces are included in Embodiment practices in Northern California.
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.
Meet Your Facilitators
Kirin Power
Yoga teacher, meditation guide, and holistic hypnotherapist, Kirin’s methodology merges grounded mindfulness with uplifting energy. She encourages each participant to move with curiosity and compassion, reminding us that our bodies hold innate wisdom ready to be tapped. Follow her Instagram for inspiring insights.
Magalí Clazon
A movement artist specializing in somatics, creative dance, and nature-based shamanic principles, Magalí helps participants explore the interplay of music, breath, and intuition. She fosters an atmosphere of playful discovery, weaving in ceremonial elements that deepen the dance experience. Check her Instagram to see her in action.
Together, they ensure each workshop is a blend of dynamic movement, quiet introspection, and communal celebration. Their synergy sparks a safe environment where you can relax your guard and embrace heartfelt exploration.
Immersion at Spirit Camp
Embodiment Sessions
From morning to evening, you’ll explore the full spectrum of embodiment practices in Northern California. Morning guided meditations set a reflective tone, followed by yoga flows to gently awaken the body. Afternoon sessions dive into expressive dance, with exercises that encourage you to inhabit each gesture fully—whether that’s a soft sway or a confident leap.
Ritual & Witchy Forest Gathering
Embrace the retreat’s witchy flair at nightfall, when firelight illuminates Redwood trunks. Gather in circles to cast intentions, share personal insights, or simply soak in the magic of star-studded skies. The Redwood forest hums with an ageless energy that feeds the collective spirit, making each ritual experience profoundly resonant.
Accommodation & Amenities
You can choose from bunkhouses for a communal vibe or private cabins for more intimate reflection. Each lodging arrangement is carefully curated to maintain that cozy summer camp essence while ensuring adult comforts like warm bedding, electric stoves, and tidy bathhouses. Meals feature plant-based menus that support an active schedule, fueling your dance explorations.
Nourishing the Soul
Between sessions, find pockets of solitude in the Magic Meadow or Redwood trails. A Redwood Lodge with houseplants and a disco ball invites spontaneous dance parties—a nod to the retreat’s playful atmosphere. Or lounge on the deck with a warm mug of tea, journaling about any insights from the day’s embodiment work.
Near the Bay Area Yet a World Away
Located about three hours north of the Bay Area, Spirit Camp makes it feasible to slip away for a four-day holiday without venturing too far from home. The route curves through vineyards, rolling hills, and eventually Redwood corridors that signal you’ve arrived in a wilder realm. Once you step onto the camp’s tranquil grounds, everyday stresses fade, replaced by the Redwood hush and the glow of kindred spirits.
For those in search of a women’s healing dance near the Bay Area, this location hits the mark—offering forest seclusion and communal connectivity. Explore the Mendocino coastline, just ten minutes from camp, if you crave a scenic ocean viewpoint or local treats after the retreat wraps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this retreat for advanced dancers only?
Definitely not. Both Kirin and Magalí cater to all skill levels, inviting you to move at a pace that honors your body’s unique rhythms.Do I need to identify as ‘witchy’?
The retreat welcomes anyone curious about nature-based rituals, but there’s no requirement to align with any specific spiritual label.What’s included in the retreat cost?
Your fee typically covers lodging, all meals, and the full program of dance, meditation, and group ceremonies. Check the booking page for specific pricing tiers.
Two Nearby Adventures
Mendocino Village Exploration
Once the retreat ends or during a free afternoon, stroll through Mendocino Village’s charming streets. Perched on scenic cliffs, the town boasts cozy cafes, hand-crafted boutiques, and ocean overlooks. Reflect on your embodiment journey while sipping a warm drink or watch for harbor seals frolicking near the shore.
Pygmy Forest Natural Preserve
A short drive away, this ecological curiosity features miniature conifers and unique soil conditions. Take a meandering walk to witness how life adapts in marginal environments—a fitting metaphor for how our bodies can transform and thrive with the right nurturing.
Final Call to Action
Your body is more than a vessel; it’s a portal to self-knowing and transformation. If you’re ready to feel grounded, awakened, and alive in every cell, claim your spot at our Dance and Embodiment Retreat: Witches In The Woods: A Yoga and Dance Retreat. And if you’re curious about other Redwood adventures, visit the Spirit Camp retreat calendar. Let the forest, the dance floor, and your own breath lead you home to yourself.
TOPICS:
Dance and Embodiment Retreat, Movement and self-discovery workshop near San Francisco, Embodiment practices in Northern California, Dance ritual retreat Redwood forest, Women’s healing dance near the Bay Area, Mendocino embodiment program, Somatic exploration weekend, Spiritual camp near me, Witchy forest gathering, Yoga and dance synergy.
