Discover the Magic of Ballet at Our Retreats!
Ready to embark on a ballet journey like no other?
Don’t miss your chance to share the joy of dance with fellow ballet enthusiasts in a setting of pure beauty and serenity.
Save the Dates: October 4-6, 2024
A little glimpse into our 2023 Swan Lake Ballet Retreat
Embrace Movement, Friendship, Serenity and Artistry
Step into a world of grace and beauty with our remarkable ballet retreat led by the renowned professional ballerina and teacher, Maria Osende, and our beloved Marel Eager. Located in the heart of Nova scotia’s valley, enjoy a beautiful blend of art, relaxation, and delectable local cuisine.
Rejuvenate in the Heart of Nova Scotia
Nestled in the heart of Nova Scotia, our retreat promises an enriching ballet experience amidst stunning surroundings.
Package options include eco-cabins, single or double at the farm house across the centre or dorm-style rooms at the center, with delicious, healthy meals sourced from their own vegetable garden.
A Weekend of Delight
Experience a delightful weekend filled with a variety of activities, including:
- Ballet classes and workshops with expert guidance.
- A Ballet Movie Night.
- Nature walks to connect with the surrounding beauty.
- Stretching sessions to enhance your flexibility.
- Relaxation and social time to build lasting friendships.
Level and Fitness Considerations for our Adult Ballet Workshop
This retreat caters to adult ballet enthusiasts with previous ballet training, including those with physical limitations or injuries. The program is adaptable to varying expertise levels ranging from advanced beginner (about 3 years and up once a week) to advanced.
Revel in a rejuvenating ballet experience amid the picturesque Nova Scotia valley at the Ross Creek Centre for the Arts.
We anticipate a diverse range of ages among our participants. We recognize that each of you brings unique abilities and fitness levels, so we wholeheartedly encourage you to engage at your own comfort level.
Level Minimum requirement: you are able to follow fundamental barre exercises and some centre exercises. If you indulge in ballet for personal enjoyment, whether it’s once a week, a cherished practice from years ago, or a regular class or at-home practise you do regularly, you are warmly welcomed.
Here is a Sample Retreat Schedule:
Friday
5-7pm Arrival, meet & greet, dinner
7pm Movie night
Saturday
- Morning: Breakfast, Warm-up and extended Ballet class with a coffee break included
- Lunch break
- Afternoon: Free time or optional workshops, stretch and relaxation
- Evening: Dinner, Social time and bonfire
Sunday
- Morning: Breakfast, Warm-up, Ballet Class
- Lunch break
- Afternoon: Ballet Workshops, Stretch and relaxation. Early dinner and departure around 430pm
Accommodation Options
Choose from a range of accommodation options that suit your preferences:
- Cozy eco-cabins for a close-to-nature experience.
- Single or double rooms in the charming farmhouse located near the center.
- Dorm-style rooms at the center for a communal feel.
Enjoy wholesome and delicious meals crafted from locally sourced ingredients.
Meet the Artists/Instructors
Maria Osende: Award-winning dancer, teacher and choreographer, will lead classes, guide stretches and lead you through dreamy ballet moments inspired in the classes.
Marel Eager: Butler University graduate, ballet instructor since 1980, will act as support staff through the guided one-on -one alignment sessions and as support staff to help those who need more assistance, she has a kinesthetic approach.
Extended Bios
Maria Osende
Maria Osende is an award-winning dance artist based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. With a background in ballet and a deep love for flamenco, she is a prominent figure in Canadian dance. Maria teaches both dance forms at her school in Halifax and online. She is excited to host her special retreat for the third consecutive year at the Ross Creek Centre for the Arts, where her Canadian journey began in 2004.
Dance Education: Maria studied ballet in Madrid, achieving high commendation at the Real Conservatorio de Danza de Madrid. She also received a Fulbright scholarship to attend the School of American Ballet in New York. Her flamenco training took place at the Centro de Arte Flamenco Amor de Dios in Madrid, Spain.
Professional Dance Career: Maria danced professionally for a decade with the Ballet National de España in Madrid and later with the Berlin Ballet in Germany, where she became a soloist. Her repertoire includes classical ballet to contemporary dance, collaborating with renowned choreographers. Since 2004, she has led her own flamenco dance company in Halifax, touring across Canada.
Teaching: Maria has been teaching ballet and flamenco since 2004 at various schools in Halifax and New Brunswick. She also lectured on flamenco and the creative process. She runs her own dance school in Halifax, catering to adult students. Learn more at FlamencoSchool.ca.
Choreography: Maria excels in choreography, creating works for her company and solo/group pieces for ballet and flamenco dancers. She enjoys adapting ballet classics for adult students and has been commissioned to create contemporary dance works.
Marel Eager
Marel Eager, with a BA in Dance from Butler University, began her teaching career in 1977. She has taught ballet, pointe, and character dance at Halifax Dance since 1980. Marel is an Associate with the Society of Russian Ballet and examined students in the Vaganova technique. She has served in various administrative and artistic roles at Halifax Dance and was a founding faculty member of Dance Nova Scotia’s Summer Dance Camp.
Marel’s passion is teaching ballet to students of all ages, emphasizing proper alignment and technique. She uses a kinesthetic teaching approach based on the work of Irene Dowd and continuously expands her knowledge through international teacher training courses. Marel has received recognition for her contributions to dance education, including the DANS Recognition of Service Award and the Halifax Dance Award of Distinction.