WELCOME TO THE ‘DANCING FOR THE ORICHAS’ RETREAT!
A 5-Day Sacred Dance Retreat
with Kimberly Miguel Mullen, M.A.
WINTER 2026
FEBRUARY 16 through FEBRUARY 21
PANAMA
“To dance was at once to worship and to pray…the gods themselves danced, as the stars dance in the sky… To dance is to take part in the cosmic control of the world.”
— Havelock Ellis, Dance of Life
FEED YOUR SPIRIT & NOURISH YOUR SOUL
Join the global dance activation with Dance Ethnologist, Kimberly Miguel Mullen, M.A. and immerse yourself on a private island oasis surrounded by jungle and ocean in an exclusive Panama retreat. Accessible only by boat, this magical island destination offers eco-friendly, waterfront accommodations with serene ocean facing views, delicious culinary seasonal meals, and an open air dance friendly studio to move through life with a renewed sense of freedom, balance and harmony.
Pay Homage to The Divine Forces of Nature!
“Dancing for the Orichas” is a 5-Day spirited AfroCuban & AfroBrazilian dance retreat that celebrates the joy of living. Through daily inspirational and invigorating movement classes, we will enrich our lives by paying homage to the divine forces of nature while discovering pathways to wellness, longevity, and spirituality.
A Cultural Expression of Pure Joy!
World Traveling Dance Artist & Cultural Ethnologist, Kimberly Miguel Mullen, M.A. is a leader in the field of dance ethnology for her development of culturally conscious art curricula and travel abroad immersion programs. Since 2010, she has curated over 30+ international travel abroad programs and facilitated 100’s of travelers to destinations throughout the Caribbean, Latin America, Southeast Asia, and Europe.
I found so much that I was looking for through this experience – adventure, friendship, reflection, rest, healing. It was truly amazing! I absolutely cannot wait to do it again.
Rukshana Singh
- Librarian + Dancer, (Bay Area, California)
What’s Included In This Retreat?
Retreat Investment starts at $3250
5-Night / 6-Day Eco-Friendly Boutique OceanFront Resort on a private island oasis only accessible by boat.
Luxury waterfront accommodations with ocean facing views.
All inclusive dining: a la carte breakfast, lunch, snacks & 3 course dinner (gluten free, vegetarian, and vegan preferences available.
Airport Transfers To/From David Airport to Resort.
An extensive AfroCuban & AfroBrazilian dance program including 2-Classes a day with historical & cultural references.
A Yemaya Gratitude Offering at the Sea.
All retreat excursions including: Half-Day Snorkeling & Island Hopping Tour to Islas Secas, the option to scuba dive (if already certified), Howler Monkey Hiking Tour, Kayaking Mangrove Tour, Sunset Cruise, And, more!...
Unlimited use of adventure equipment: surfboards, kayaks, and paddle boards, games room, private beaches…
Pre-Trip preparation guidance
A Study Guide of instructional dance videos.
BONUS: Professional video documentation of dance classes - up to 50-video clips.
BONUS: A Self Care Gift Bag Provided by Kuumba Made Botanicals
Not Included:
Alcoholic Beverages and/or beverages outside of meal times
Airplane Tickets To/From Panama City + To/From Panama City to David
Hotel Accommodations & Expenses in The DR before & after retreat.
Mandatory Travel Insurance
Retreat Center Tips (obligatory 20%)
GETTING TO OUR RETREAT DESTINATION
OUR RETREAT CENTER LOCATION
Located on Panama’s Pacific coast in the Gulf of Chiriqui, our retreat destination is only 1 hour away from David Airport. Within close proximity to Boca Chica Panama, our tropical private island oasis is only accessible by boat. Transportation service from David Airport is included in your retreat tuition.
HOW WE GET THERE
The fastest way to get to the retreat center is via plane from Panama City (PTY) to David (DAV). Two airlines operate this route daily, with 5-6 flights per day and a flight time of only 55 mins
David Airport is just a 55-minute flight away from Panama City. If you plan to make your way to David straight after landing in Panama City, make sure that your international flight arrives in Panama City no later than 1:00 PM.
Upon your arrival in David, the following will be included for your group:
Travel Services from David Airport include ground transportation to the nearest marina (20 minutes) – Boca Chica Panama or Chorcha Marina. A private boat ride through the mangroves to the island resort is 45 minutes.
BOOKING YOUR FLIGHTS
When booking your flights, please note that it takes 2-flights to arrive at David Airport. You will need to first arrive at Panama City Airport and then book another flight to David Airport.
For arrivals flying to David Airport on the same day, you will need to arrive to Panama City no later than 1pm to catch a flight to David.
For returns, you will need to book your flight after 1pm.
We will go over this during our trip planning preparations. We ask that you don’t book your flights until the retreat is confirmed and we have signaled the green light.
Please contact [email protected] for questions regarding disability and handicap access.
I am ready to join!
The people! Kimberly gathered an esoteric and wildly comparable group of like minded souls. It was a true gathering of the tribe and long lost family members. The dance classes were world class. I have been dancing pretty much nonstop for 45 years and was in heaven with great authentic Cuban music and Kinberly’s infectious energy and expertise.
Mardi Swatek
- Dance Instructor, (Maui, Hawaii)
ROOM ACCOMMODATIONS & PRICING
There are a maximum of 20 available on a first come first serve basis.
In Every Room:
Private en suite bathroom with hot water.
Ocean facing view with terrace.
Air conditioning.
Mini-Fridge & safe.
Beach & Shower Towels.
Shampoo & Conditioner.
Reusable Water Bottle.
Daily Housekeeping.
KMM Virtual Dance Studio Room Rates (includes KMM VDS $300 Discount):
$4547 Private Room 1-Person King Bed
$3497 Each Shared Room 2-Persons Twin Beds
$3197 Each Shared Room 4-Persons Twin Beds (Limited to 4-beds only)
$3050 Partner Rate
*General Public Rate (non-KMM VDS Members):
Not a Member of the KMM Virtual Dance Studio, no problema! Please inquire on how to become a KMM Virtual Dance Studio Member to receive our Member’s $300 Discount. Annual & Monthly options are available.
How Do I Pay?
$750 is non-refundable, no exceptions. Please review our cancellation policy.
REGISTRATION CLOSES SEPTEMBER 30TH!
EARLY REGISTRATION DEADLINE OCTOBER 31ST
Use Promo Code ‘KMM1000’
$1000 Initial Deposit ($750 non-refundable, no exceptions.)
For your convenience, monthly payment installments will be auto-charged to your account starting 30-days after your initial deposit.
AFTER OCTOBER 31ST
$1500 Initial Deposit ($750 non-refundable, no exceptions)
For your convenience, monthly payment installments will be auto-charged to your account starting 30-days after your initial deposit.
*$750 of the initial payment is non-refundable, no exceptions.
*Rooms are sold on a first come first serve basis based on availability. .
*If you are traveling with a friend, please complete the form to identify your roommate.
**If you are traveling alone and have selected a shared room, you will be assigned to share a room with another dancer.
**Prices of the shared rooms are based on the full occupancy of the room. The price will be subject to change to a private room rate in the event that the room is not fully booked.
HOW TO REGISTER:
STEP ONE:
APPLY for ‘The 5-Day Dancing For The Orichas Retreat’ By Completing the Online Code of Behavior & Conduct Agreement Application Form & Paying a $100 Application Fee.
Please allow 72-hours response after completing the form.
NOTE: A $100 Refundable Application Fee Is Required to Register and will be fully refunded if not admitted. If admitted, $100 will be applied & deducted from your FINAL balance.
STEP TWO:
Check Your Inbox For Your “Welcome Acceptance Email” & Instructions for Completing Payment For Your Deposit & Secure Your Room. Rooms are available on a first come first-serve basis.
STEP THREE:
Monthly recurring payments will start 30 days after your initial deposit payments and run until balance is paid in full.
Do you have additional questions and/or need help deciding on what the best option is for you?
Schedule a call with Kimberly here to discuss!
Schedule a Call
What Makes Kmm Dance RETREATS Unique?
Kimberly offers a unique holistic movement approach that emphasizes AfroCuban & AfroBrazilian sacred dance forms as a method for tapping into the body’s own intelligence as a playing field for transforming your mental and emotional processes and habits. Our extensive dance program & classes focus on Oricha movement as a process oriented dance technique that engages and utilizes the ‘whole’ body as a vehicle for embodiment, expression and storytelling.
As we discover more about our bodies through dancing, our mental capacity expands thus creating the vital connection between mind, body, spirit, and SOUL.
What You’ll Learn!
- West African cultural dance practices preserved in Cuba & Brazil from the Yoruba, Arara Dahomey & Congo Bantu lineages.
- The Yoruba Orichas (deities), their attributes, characteristics, and their corresponding dance steps.
- The social, cultural, and historical significance for each of the dances.
- How to coordinate polyrhythmic body moves to corresponding drum rhythms.
- How to isolate individual body parts in polyrhythmic time.
- Proper physical alignment & core strength.
What Can This Retreat Do For You?
- Increase your personal body awareness and a heightened sense for individual and shared space
- Improve your coordination, flexibility, mobility, control over body parts and strengthen their overall mind / body / spirit / soul connection.
- Cultivate trust with your body by building an intimate connection to your intuition and inner voice.
- Breakthrough self-limiting beliefs and boost your self confidence and self esteem.
- Increase joy, meaning & purpose in your life.
- Reset your nervous system and lower your cortisol levels from deep rest & relaxation.
- Spark creativity and a sense of flow in your life.
- Move unwanted stuck energy out of the body.
- Fortify a strong, open, and thriving mind, body, spirit and soul.
The trip was absolutely incredible! Everything from feeling safe, the delicious food with vegan options at every meal, the gorgeous location itself, the friendship that was built amongst the group, our slather gather at the waterfall, the Yemaya ceremony, the amazing dance studios, and of course the best dance classes and class schedule. It was all truly so well planned and felt so complete.
Sara Aguilar
- Filmmaker & Dancer, (Los Angeles, Ca)
Meet Your Host & Instructor!
Greetings, Dancers!
I am Kimberly! There is no better way to ignite our passion for living life to its fullest than by dancing around the world. So, I planned this special retreat for us to unite in one of the most intriguing destinations on the planet – a place known for its rich Caribbean culture, history, cuisine, and nature.
Every day we will dance, laugh, play, eat, drink, rest, swim, connect, and renew. This is our special time to feed our spirits and to nourish our souls with the things that we love and bring us joy.
Thank you for joining me on this dance adventure of a lifetime. I can’t wait to experience what magic we will create together in the Dominican Republic.
Love,
Kimberly
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Who is the Retreat for?
The training is for everybody yet specifically designed for “Dancers” who are interested in upleveling their Oricha dance practice by providing an immersion study that not only covers dance technique training but also includes lessons in history and culture.
How many classes are offered?
There will be a full schedule of movement classes throughout the week with up to 2/Classes a day (with the exception of excursion days).
What level are the dance classes?
All skill and fitness levels are welcome in the spirit of learning and having a blast, however, the classes will be taught at an intermediate pace and/or a pace where the class will be challenged to grow and improve their abilities.
What music will we be dancing to?
The classes will be taught to pre-recorded music tracks from Kimberly’s field recordings in Cuba by Professional AfroCuban musicians for the company, Ballet Folklorico Cutumba based out of Santiago De Cuba, Cuba. There is no live drumming.
If I am not a member of the KMM Virtual Dance Studio, Can I sign up to become a member & redeem the $300 discount for the retreat?
Yes! If you are not a KMM VDS Member and would like to join the retreat, you can redeem the $300 discount by signing up for the studio. You will be given the monthly and/or yearly option to become a member at the time of signing up and we will apply the $300 Member discount to your final payment.
Please note: Monthly payment plans cannot be canceled before 12-months otherwise, you will be responsible for the remaining difference of the retreat price. Our annual plan offers a discount of 3/Months free.
I am Ready to join!What’s the Cancellation Policy?
KMM Dance Retreats cancellation policy is firm. Please be sure that you are ready to commit before making your payment. Once you make your deposit you are fully committed to the remaining investment in the retreat.
All payments must be received and paid in full by October 15th, 2024. The $750 deposit is non-refundable, no exceptions. There are no refunds after August 15th, 2024. Cancellations made before August 15th will be provided with total payments made to date minus the non-refundable deposit of $750 plus a 50% cancellation penalty. All returned monies will be refunded within 90-days of your cancellation.
The retreat is non-refundable after August 15th, 2024. This is due to the responsibility we have to the retreat venue. Thank you for understanding.
The 5-Day Dancing For The Orichas Retreat is contingent on a minimum of 10-participants. If the minimum amount of deposits are not met by August 15th, the retreat may be canceled and all deposits will be returned in full within 90-days of the cancellation.
Please note: All prices reflect the $300 KMM Virtual Dance Studio Member Discount. If you are not a KMM VDS Member and would like to join the retreat, you will be given the monthly and/or yearly option to become a member at the time of signing up. Monthly payment plans cannot be canceled before 12-months otherwise, you will be responsible for the remaining difference of the retreat price.
I have a pre-existing injury, should I alert the teacher before class?
Yes. Please alert the teacher of any pre-existing injuries before the training begins.
What is not included in the retreat?
Airfare to/from David, Panama, 20% Gratuity for Retreat Staff, Alcoholic Beverages & Beverages served outside of the meal times, overnight hotel stays and expenses in Panama City before and after retreat, and mandatory travel insurance, etc.
Is there time in the schedule for sight-seeing and to explore the island?
The retreat is inclusive and covers all activities and excursions. You are welcome to explore the island on your own time as well as take as much personal time as you need to relax and rest – even if that means missing a class.
I am traveling alone but have reserved one of the shared room options. What happens if the room is not filled?
Great question! We will do our best to fill the rooms; however, our shared room rates but please note: (double shared rooms) are based on the fulfillment of the room to its full capacity. In the event that the room is not filled, you may either be moved to another room and/or upgraded based on room availability.
Additional fees associated with any upgrades or room changes will be applied. Should this change occur, you will be informed in advance.
Should I purchase Travel Insurance?
Yes!!! Travel insurance is MANDATORY to protect against financial loss in the rare event of personal injury/illness, trip cancellation, an emergency or any other unforeseen events. Recommended travel insurance providers are (non-affiliated): Travel Guard Insurance (800-826-4919), Allianz Travel Insurance (866-884-3556), or DMC & Travel (305-443-0417).
How can I connect with the organizer with any questions?
For any questions, please email: [email protected]
It was AWESOMENESS to the max. Just enough classes. Opportunity to explore independently, group activity/excursion, free time to personalize & relax. Yes! Absolutely awesome.
Melanie Haymon
- Teacher & Dancer, (Los Angeles, Ca)
“I think this is a no-brainer but the classes were the greatest part! Every class was challenging and exciting. Loved all the across-the-floor work!
Amy Young
- Pilates Instructor & Dancer, (Denver, Co)
