We are returning to Costa Rica to offer another round of poi and yoga retreats with La Escuela Del Sol! 
Join us for one or two weeks of intermediate/advanced poi retreat goodness with Nick Woolsey, Rob Thorburn as our guest poi teacher, and Banyan as our yoga teacher. Retreats are limited to 20 participants so best to register early if you want a spot.
(Note: For the intermediate/advanced retreats: if you only want to come for one week it has to be the first week if this is your first event with Playpoi.)
The basic format will be:
- Optional yoga
- Breakfast break
- 2 hour morning poi session
- Lunch break
- Fun Time for swimming, surfing, etc!
- Afternoon play session with further instruction and feedback
- Dinner break
- Playtime with LEDs and Fire!
Retreat Curriculum:
The two-week intermediate/advanced curriculum will include but won't be limited to the following:
- Advanced control of planes
- Variations of poi movement: Isolations, extensions, pendulum, inspin, antispin, etc.
- Freedom of movement and expression
- Stalls and speeds
- Variations of flowers
- Rhythm and timing
- Cubes and orbing
- Using focus points for turns, whirling, and beautifying patterns
- Pirouettes, whirling, and moving in circles, arcs, and lines on the floor
- Body alignment and conditioning
- Many "moves" such as Behind-the-back weaves, Under the legs, Inversions, hyperloops, orbitals, Waist-wraps, crossers, meltdowns, butterfly-weaves, the matrix, Spiral wraps, Anti-spin weaves, Atomic weaves, hybrids, etc.
- Sequence building
- Partner poi and beyond
- Throws
- "String Theory"
About Yoga with Banyan:
Banyan is an amazing yoga teacher and also amazing double-staff performer. We're tickled all kinds of LED colors that he is willing to be our yoga teacher. For those who wish to join the yoga classes we are asking for an extra $100/week. If you love yoga Banyan is very much worth it.
About Rob Thorburn:
Rob is a ten year globetrotting circus artist, specialising in object manipulation, movement and act creation. Renowned for his creativity with props and ideas, he founded Uberevents in 2005 - the first ever spinning masterclass series that has provided inspiration for thousands across the world. Rob co-hosts Play Festival - one of Europe's top circus and flow arts events - and loves sharing ideas, skills and enjoyment with everyone he meets. His unique poi style combines geometrics, body control, juggling and flow, as well as a focus on character and presentation.
Prerequisites:
This intermediate/advanced retreat is for those who can play comfortably with all the basics already. If you don't know all the basics, don't worry, we've just put up our beginner series, so you have time to finish learning! But yes you definitely need be comfortable with the windmill, weaves, and butterflies in both directions by the time the retreat starts. Please do check with your poi. Sometimes people think they can do windmill in both directions, but actually they can't!
Excursions and fun:
We'll also go on a couple of really fun excursions, such as zip-line canopy tours in the jungle! Also each day we can make trips to the beach and waterfalls at our leisure. Playa Grande here we come!
Accommodation:
Accommodations for this workshop will on a compound that includes several houses and apartments with pool, jacuzzi, wireless internet access and BBQ. All participants will be required to share a room with a maximum of 2 people per room (we'll place you with someone of the same sex, if need be), A/C, full kitchen and ocean view. If requested, we can place you in a room with a friend or in a house with several friends (up to 4 total).
Getting there:
Flights are pretty cheap from many parts of the USA (and even Europe) if you look for them via sidestep.com or Vayama.com. You will fly into the Juan Santamaria International Airport, in San Jose (airport code SJO).
Cost and Registration:
The costs will be $805USD for one week, and $1660USD for two weeks. Yoga will be an extra $100/week. This includes accommodation, excursions, all lessons, etc. but not food. You will have to buy your own food. There are kitchenettes in the bungalows.
To register: Go to the La Escuela Del Sol website.
Please contact us if you have any questions.
If you're still thinking about it:
Here are some steps to help you make the decision:
First: Check the cost of flights on sidestep.com, Vayama.com, or your own favorite flight site.
Second: Find a friend (or two) to join you.
Third: Say to yourself the magic words: “Why not?” (But don’t answer it, just book your spot instead, it's a great way to get stuff done!).
Here's the trailer from the first two Costa Rica Retreats: (Music by Hilight Tribe)
