Ecstatic Dance and Embodiment Retreat in California’s Majestic Redwoods
If you’re looking for a Dance and Embodiment Retreat that blends free-flowing movement, soul-stirring ritual, and deep connection with nature, the Ritual & Renewal: Samhain Fall Retreat may be calling your name. Hosted from October 16th to 19th, 2025 (Thursday through Sunday), this women-centered event offers the perfect opportunity to embrace the energy of Samhain through healing movement practices and communal ceremony in the redwoods of California. Whether you’re new to ecstatic dance or have been practicing for years, this transformative retreat at Spirit Camp will guide you into a full-bodied experience of self-expression, breathwork, and sacred sisterhood—infused with the profound stillness and mystery of Northern California’s towering forests.
Picture waking up each morning to the hush of dew-soaked ferns, fueling your body with nourishing meals, and then diving into dynamic movement sessions that invite you to explore your body’s intuitive wisdom. Imagine meeting kindred spirits around the bonfire at night, listening to the crackle of flames as you share stories, insights, and laughter under the star-strewn sky. This Dance and Embodiment Retreat harnesses the potent energy of Samhain—a Celtic cross-quarter festival known for transformation and renewal—to create an experience that resonates on both physical and spiritual levels.
Moving Through Samhain: An Overview of Ritual & Renewal
Every autumn, Samhain marks a gateway between seasons, reminding us of life’s cyclical nature. From October 16th–19th, the Ritual & Renewal: Samhain Fall Retreat will support women eager to release the old and welcome new possibilities. Held at Spirit Camp, this Samhain-inspired movement gathering weaves ancient Celtic roots with modern embodiment practices. Over four days and three nights, you’ll immerse in guided ceremonies, journaling sessions, and Ecstatic Dance explorations that help you connect deeply with yourself and the land.
Participants often arrive on Thursday afternoon, settling into cozy cabins or a nostalgic bunkhouse before the first evening circle. Each day offers a flow of dance workshops, nature walks, breathwork, and integrative conversations. Nights bring the glow of the fire pit, the comfort of shared laughter, and the embrace of Redwood guardians. Although the schedule provides structure, you’ll also have ample space for solitary reflection, silent hikes, and resting beneath the evergreen canopy. Whether you’re a seasoned dancer, a newcomer seeking a movement therapy in Northern California, or simply someone craving a spiritual reset, this weekend can become your portal to renewal.
The Rise of Ecstatic Dance: Ancient Origins to Modern Practice
Dance has always been part of human culture, serving as a form of prayer, celebration, and communal bonding. Ecstatic Dance, in particular, has deep roots spanning continents and centuries, connecting participants to both individual expression and collective synergy.
Ancestral Roots
Across the globe, dance rituals have been central to community gatherings and worship. Indigenous tribes in Africa, South America, and beyond have long used free-form dance to commune with the spiritual realm. This primal synergy—body, beat, and collective spirit—speaks to the heart of what we now call ecstatic dance. Learn more.
Western Emergence
During the 1970s and 1980s, experimental communities in Europe and the United States began weaving conscious dance forms into holistic festivals and yoga studios, giving birth to the concept of “ecstatic dance” as a spiritually infused, judgment-free zone. In these spaces, participants ditched inhibitions, letting the music guide them into meditative states and cathartic release. Over time, such practices spread and evolved, embracing influences from contact improvisation, 5Rhythms, and other dance modalities. Learn more.
Unique Qualities of Ecstatic Dance
Unlike performance-focused styles, Ecstatic Dance requires no choreography or technical training. It’s an invitation to move as your body desires, letting rhythms evoke emotional breakthroughs and deeper self-awareness. This organic approach aligns naturally with breathwork, meditation, and yoga—hence why it’s a perfect addition to a Transformative dance near Bay Area. Practitioners often report heightened clarity, a sense of oneness, and emotional release that extends well beyond the dance floor. Learn more.
Why It’s Perfect for Samhain
Samhain magnifies our ability to face the shadow, honor ancestors, and open to spiritual insights. Ecstatic Dance can be a vehicle to metabolize subconscious energies. By surrendering to music and the forest’s grounding presence, participants can shift stagnant emotions into liberated movement. In the Redwood-laden realms of Northern California, this synergy becomes even more potent, reminding us that dance is both an embodiment of life’s flow and a doorway to deeper healing.
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 Movement therapy 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.
Your Facilitator: Rachel’s Ecstatic Flow
Rachel Simone Wilkins, the retreat’s primary facilitator, is a yoga teacher, energy worker, and longtime devotee of conscious dance. Her journey led her from small-town Maine to the redwood forests of Mendocino, where she discovered how movement can awaken personal power. Over the years, Rachel has woven together various threads—traditional yoga trainings, Shamanic Reiki initiations, and even dance pilgrimages—to form a teaching style that is both intuitive and heart-centered.
In Rachel’s sessions, no one is forced to follow a strict pattern; rather, she offers gentle cues and breath-based prompts that encourage each dancer to tune into their own body’s intelligence. She skillfully merges intention-setting, guided relaxation, and group sharing to craft safe spaces where every participant is free to explore. Follow her daily inspirations and behind-the-scenes reflections at @rachelwilkinsyoga, where she regularly posts tips on grounded living, self-compassion, and the power of embodied movement.
Immersive Redwood Experience: A Glimpse into the Retreat Schedule
To understand why this is an embodied wellness getaway rather than just another workshop, look no further than its unique blend ritual, community support, and Redwood forest immersion. While the schedule may evolve with the group’s energy, here’s a sample of what your day might include:
Welcome Ceremony & Sacred Movement
On arrival day, participants gather in a circle to honor the land, set personal intentions, and connect with each other. Under the protective canopy of California’s ancient redwoods, the group will invoke Samhain’s theme of metamorphosis, opening a space to explore the dance as a tool for personal discovery. Later that night, a gentle movement practice under twinkling string lights sets the stage for the weekend ahead.
Daily Ecstatic Dance Sessions
Mornings or afternoons often begin with a collective warmup—think breathwork, light stretching, and mindful listening to the body—before diving into a dynamic, freestyle dance. Music transitions from soft, melodic tunes to deeper rhythmic beats, mirroring the arc of an emotional journey. You’re free to move alone or interact with others if you feel drawn, always guided by the principle of respect for personal boundaries.
Shadow Work & Samhain Fire Circles
As day melts into dusk, the group gathers around a ceremonial fire to reflect on the old energies that need releasing. You may write down limiting beliefs on small pieces of paper, tossing them into the flames to symbolize letting go. Samhain invites us to also honor our ancestors and draw on their wisdom for guidance. Through storytelling, journaling, or silent contemplation, you’ll deepen your sense of belonging—both to the living community and the unseen realms.
Local, Plant-Based Dining
Throughout the retreat, homemade vegetarian meals provide nourishment for your dancing body. Fresh salads, hearty soups, and seasonal grains will keep your energy balanced, while coffee and tea offer cozy comfort in the crisp autumn air. These communal meals become a natural extension of the dance floor—an opportunity to continue connecting, laughing, and learning from fellow participants.
Dancing in California’s Redwood Sanctuary
Spirit Camp is located in Mendocino County, a short distance from the town of Mendocino, where local cafes, grocery stores, and art shops cluster along the rugged Pacific coastline. Tucked amidst these towering Redwood groves, Spirit Camp feels like a separate realm—a refuge where time slows and the forest hush envelops you. Cabins and bunkhouses incorporate Redwood touches, with oak floors, plush linens, and gentle lighting to maintain a warm, inviting atmosphere.
If you’re arriving from out of state, consider flying into the San Francisco or Oakland airports, then driving approximately three hours north to reach this women’s embodiment retreat in Mendocino. The scenic route offers glimpses of rolling hills, ocean vistas, and Redwood stands—an ideal prelude to the transformative experience that awaits you. To see other upcoming events and location details, visit the Spirit Camp Retreats page.
Top Three FAQ for Dance Enthusiasts
I have no dance background—can I still join?
Absolutely. The essence of Ecstatic Dance is about freedom and self-expression. Rachel offers optional guidance, but there’s no right or wrong way to move. Come ready to explore and trust your body’s impulses.What should I wear?
Any comfortable clothing that allows you to move with ease. Layers are advisable, especially as nights can be chilly in Northern California. Some participants enjoy dancing barefoot indoors, while others prefer lightweight dance shoes or socks for extra support.How do I handle body-image concerns?
This retreat is held in a judgment-free, safe space. You’ll be encouraged to honor your boundaries, modify movements as needed, and express yourself without fear of criticism. Participants commonly find the environment fosters new levels of self-confidence and comfort in their own skin.
Local Adventures to Extend Your Retreat High
A Dance and Embodiment Retreat in the Redwood forest offers plenty to do onsite, but if you feel inspired to explore the broader region, Mendocino County boasts several remarkable destinations. Consider arriving early or staying an extra day to integrate your experiences.
Hiking the Fern Canyon in Van Damme State Park
One of the area’s most enchanting wonders lies just south of Mendocino at Van Damme State Park. Here, you’ll find a lush canyon brimming with vibrant ferns that grow in layers upon damp rock walls. Wandering through this green corridor is like entering another world, where sunlight filters through treetops and sparkles across trickling streams.
If you’re seeking a gentle way to ground your energy after a weekend of expressive dance, a slow walk along these trails can help you integrate your newfound insights. You might also pause to journal under a Redwood tree, letting the soft hush of nature echo your internal transformation. The park’s main trail is well-marked, offering accessible routes for every fitness level.
Exploring Fern Canyon can be an extension of your own inward journey—an opportunity to notice details you might overlook when life is busy. As you meander through the canyon, you’ll hear the rhythmic drip of water, sense the cool air shifting across your skin, and recognize how your mind has been opened by the embodied wellness getaway you’ve just experienced.
The Skunk Train in Fort Bragg
Another lighthearted adventure awaits a bit farther north in Fort Bragg, where the historic Skunk Train still chugs through Redwood-filled corridors. Originally built in the late 1800s for logging, the train now ferries visitors on scenic journeys through the towering forests and over gentle rivers.
Riding the Skunk Train offers a playful way to come down from the spiritual intensity of the retreat. As the locomotive winds along its path, you’ll get a front-row seat to the majesty of the Redwood ecosystem—perhaps spotting deer, herons, or even the occasional fox. If you’re traveling with new friends from the retreat, the train ride can become a shared bonding experience, filled with laughter and reflection on your Samhain-inspired movement gathering. For those who prefer tranquility, simply sit back, watch the passing landscape, and let the rhythmic clatter of the tracks lull you into a meditative state.
Embrace the Rhythm: Reserve Your Spot
This Dance and Embodiment Retreat promises more than just movement—it’s an invitation to explore your internal landscape in harmony with the ancient Redwood forest and the transformative energies of Samhain. Each moment, from morning dance sessions to nighttime ceremonies, encourages you to honor your body’s cues, your soul’s whispers, and the collective power of sisterhood. By the time you depart, you’ll carry within you a deeper sense of freedom, belonging, and insight—essential ingredients for the next phase of your journey.
If you’re ready to move in sync with the rhythm of your own heart, guided by the Redwood’s silent wisdom, learn more about the Ritual & Renewal: Samhain Fall Retreat and claim your spot. To explore other opportunities for spiritual exploration and playful community, see the Spirit Camp retreat calendar. We look forward to dancing with you under the redwoods, celebrating your emergence into wholeness and renewal.
TOPICS:
Dance and Embodiment Retreat, Movement therapy in Northern California, Transformative dance near Bay Area, Embodied wellness getaway, Samhain-inspired movement gathering, Women’s embodiment retreat in Mendocino, California, Northern California, Mendocino, Ecstatic Dance.
