ARRÁBIDA DANCE LABS
Summer Solstice Gathering 2025
20 to 28 June 2025, Ser Vivo (Arrábida)
1st Price Slot ongoing (15 places):
After seven years of artistic immersion, community, and transformative movement, we’re stepping into a momentous new chapter with our 30th edition — a celebration of Embodied Arts, and the deep human experience through movement and poetic acts!
This commemoration will happen around the Summer Solstice - when the Sun is in the highest point, bringing the longest day and shortest night - is celebrating the peak of light and vitality, the triumph of light over darkness, and the abundance and energy and life of nature at its fullest!
30th Edition: LABORATORIUM
As we realized that Radical Presence (our previous theme) occurs through the interplay of work and contemplation, this time we decided to launch this edition's theme calling us into the heart of experimentation, where both words Labor and Oratorium come into play. These two Latin words offer a profound analogy to the left and right hemispheres of the brain:
-
LABOR represents the discipline, the practice, the commitment to research, and the grounding work that pushes us toward mastery and discovery. It connects to the left side of the brain, where logic and structure guide us toward understanding and progress.
-
ORATORIUM, on the other hand, invokes the space of contemplation, the abstract, and the poetic — the realm of imagination, intuition, and the unknown. This is the right side of the brain, a mysterious and powerful domain now understood to be even more enigmatic than we once thought. Recent scientific discoveries suggest that the right hemisphere is directly connected to life force itself, serving as a gateway to the very source of creativity and existence.
In this edition of the Labs, we will explore the intricate dance between these two sides of our being — Labor (the “Secretary” or Observer of our consciousness, organizing the flow of our creative insights) and Oratorium (the sacred space of mystery, intuition, and connection to the source). Dance becomes the bridge that unites these hemispheres, facilitating a deeper flow of creative energy, a greater access to the unconscious, and an opportunity to align with the rhythm of life itself.
It will be a journey that invites us to engage with both discipline and surrender, embracing the Art of Movement and the Poetic Act, for greater presence awareness, and authenticity. This engagement is an ultimate act of celebration.
- WELCOME MESSAGE BY THE CURATOR & FOUNDER -
"
"Arrábida Dance Labs is a place where Art becomes a conduit for personal and collective transformation. It's not only about learning dance skills, but about discovering how to live more fully. We believe that through the practice of embodied arts, we can tap into deeper layers of understanding, expression, and potential.
This journey is about presence — in your body, in your heart, in your relationships, and in the world around you. It’s about radical empowerment through the practice of movement and the quiet, reflective moments that come from stillness and contemplation.
As we celebrate this 30th edition, we invite you to step into the LABORATORIUM with an open heart, a curious mind, and a willingness to explore the unknown. "
- Pedro Paz
The Program
No matter your body type, age, cultural heritage, or movement/dance experience, you are encouraged to join this inclusive dance journey, guided by a familiar and experienced team of teachers and space holders.
While the daily schedule for our 9-day program is still being put together, we can already announce the amazing team of teachers and artists that will support an unforgettable experience of community and art:
Claudia Ambrósio
Pilates
We will also have house musicians (to be announced) and a wonderful team supporting the whole process: Patrícia Barata (Video & Photography Artist), Mieke Maria (Body Therapist), Yentl Tsemah & Joana Garras (Catering), Jo Bruhn & Marjorie Sloof (Ser Vivo Space Holders), Cristina Crespo (Production)
Voices from the dancefloor
"The Arrábida Dance Lab isn't what you might expect... It's far, far more than that. It's an immersive and unforgettable journey of life, weaving together emotions and movement. It's a singular, exquisite, and transcendent experience of self-discovery and profound learning through body and spirit. Within its sacred space, you encounter yourself - finding love, understanding, challenge, surrender, and inspiration with every breath. It propels you beyond your limits, guiding you to depths previously unexplored. Here, in the heart of the Arrábida Dance Lab, you confront, live, and surrender to each passing moment, each graceful movement, each spirited dance... And in the end, you are reborn."
- Pedro Neves
“There are no words to describe the emotions, the feelings, the sensations we feel, and the peace after the ‘storm’, every time I join Arrábida Dance Labs for one of their intensive week-long workshops. Thank you.”
- Rui Almeida
Practicalities
Dates:
From 20 to 28 June ( Friday to Saturday), 2025
Limited Spaces:
Only 50 participants (most previous editions were fully booked)
Participation Fees
We’re committed to making our offerings accessible to everyone, which is why we keep our prices affordable and well below average for the quality and impact of the experience we provide.
We now work with price slots in a first-come, first-served basis. Each price slot has 15 places available. Currently, the 1st price slot is still ONGOING (don't wait long, it sells out very fast!)
The following participation fees include:
- all workshops and activities with amazing teachers and a community of dancers from all around the world;
- 3 delicious vegetarian meals per day (mainly organic);
- use of the space and its facilities
* due to the variety of accommodation options, overnight stays are charged separately - see the next section
** it is possible to pay the full participation fee in 2 installments (more info at the registration form)
Discounts!
You may get a 10% discount over the above participation fees if:
- You are a REGULAR FULL PARTICIPANT (i.e. you have attended in full at least 3 editions and now applying for the 4th time)
- You are a RELEASE MEMBER (i.e. you have a paid membership in Release - Embodied Arts Association)
- You received a DISCOUNT CODE (you may redeem it through our application form)
* please note that these discounts are not cumulative
Accommodation Costs
You may choose the accommodation option that best suits you, or choose to sleep outside SerVivo!
* dormitory is mixed with bunk beds - toilets are outside
** rented tent includes beddings and mattress
Are you ready?
Book your spot now
Venue
The gathering will happen at Ser Vivo, in the heart of Arrábida Natural Park, 45 minutes drive from Lisbon and a few minutes from some of the most beautiful beaches in Portugal.
Volunteer Opportunities
We have 4 spots available for supportive professional dancers (teachers or performers who would like to support the dance space and venue logistics) and 6 spots for cooks or experienced kitchen helpers. These spots are reserved for individuals who cannot afford our regular prices.
To apply for these positions, please use the forms below. Not everyone will be selected. We will notify you if you are chosen.
Contacts
Cristina Crespo + 351 912 900 066 (Bookings)
Pedro Paz + 351 925 872 344 (Program)
Yentl Tsemah +31 6 43181454 (Venue)
arrabida.gatherings@gmail.com
For any question, do not hesitate to get in touch :)
Make sure you read also the info in the registration form before reaching out to us, as it may answer some of your doubts ;)
Credits: Photos & Videos by Patricia Barata