A mountain retreat for the study of free movement

Back Doors to Dance

It’s time to reclaim dance.

Back Doors to Dance is a retreat for those deepening into free movement.

This is for you if you identify as a…

  • Student of dance and free movement

  • Facilitator of dance, movement, or fitness

  • Coach, therapist, or healer

  • “Dancer” or “Not a dancer”

Connect more deeply with your body and its dance

Swap wisdom with other dance & free movement mavericks

Become a more effective facilitator

August 22-26 at Sunrise Ranch in Loveland, Colorado.

For four days, we’ll bask in the mountain summer as we explore dance and embodiment.

  • 6 unique sessions led by Alex Milewski

  • 4 co-facilitator workshops

  • 11 farm-to-table meals

  • Group deep-dive “Soul Sessions”

  • Ample free time for community, nature immersion, and rest

Sunrise Ranch is a retreat center and 400-acre operating ranch in Loveland, Colorado and it will be our home for the long weekend.

We’ll dance and move in the incredible 3,600 square foot octagonal movement space at the heart of the property. All meals are included, farm-to-table from the ranch itself.

Experiments in Rhythm “Free Your Style” sessions

Dive deep into expressive movement through concepts, games & experimentation. Break free from style-specific forms and explore your own unique style.


Free movement facilitation training sessions.

  • Why free movement? A general overview, philosophy & resources.

  • Facilitating group classes: best practices for groups and what to avoid.

  • Guiding 1:1 sessions: the power of individual work and group conversations on holding supportive space.


Guest Facilitator sessions

Mapping, with Michael Naffier:

"Mapping" is a system for understanding movement, music, and now they connect to us as humans and creatives

Partner Bodywork, Nervous System Mapping & Somatic Relating, with Robyn Faike:

Navigate your nervous system landscape & explore the art of touch and somatic connection.

Experimental Latin Dance with Izzy Hererra-Santos

Dive into the rhythms and passion of Latin dance in a fresh, experimental format.

Dream & Sleep Practices for the Mind, Body, & Spirit with Nick Fern.
Awaken the infinite potential of dream and sleep states and how they can be used to enhance your life.

Meet Alex

Hi there, i’m Alex Milewski! I started Experiments in Rhythm to offer students and facilitators a different way of engaging with dance.

I’ve spent 25 years immersed in dance and movement: as a student in dance, martial arts, & movement, and professionally as a global breakdancing competitor, facilitator, studio owner, and performer.

Having spent so much time in different movement cultures, I bring a deep understanding of where things have gone wrong in dance classes and culture. I offer a fresh approach to dance that brings nourishment for every-body despite experience, learning style, “skill” level, etc.

My biggest influences are my movement mentors: Mike Fitch, Marlo Fisken, Kyle Fincham, Jessi Stensland, Archie Burnett, Celia Grannum Perarnaud, and so many more.

Join me in blending dance, play, rhythm, and self-expression into a movement journey that will transform you, back to you.

Together, we can upgrade the approach to dance & free movement education.

Since the beginning of time, we’ve danced to process the stuff of life.

If you’re here, you likely have an embodied expression practice. Maybe you call yourself a dancer, maybe not. Regardless, you’ve felt how movement alchemizes the tough stuff of life — the emotions, mental blocks, and limiting beliefs that can get us down — into beauty, connection, and aliveness.

We know dance can bring transformational healing and joy, so why don’t more people do it?

It’s hard to connect with our own inner dancer. Somewhere in time, dance culture went astray. “Dance” became dominated by styles that are taught outside-in, that have a “right and wrong”, and that emphasize performance over pleasure. These approaches aren’t all bad, but they miss the potential to bring the transformative power of dance to more people.

We all have a dancer within. This retreat is for those of us — students and facilitators — learning how to set the inner dancers free. Through an inside-out approach centered on play, exploration, and sensation, we can connect even the most adamant “non dancer” with their dancer within. Through a style-agnostic, non-performative approach, we will continue to collect the best approaches of free movement facilitation in service of helping you set your inner dancer free, and become skilled in helping facilitate that process for others.

Join Us

We know this is an investment in your time, energy, and dollars. We’ve designed it to teach you, transform you, leave you rejuvenated and connected with a vibrant community of dance enthusiasts and yourself. We hope you’ll choose to join us!

Participation Fee

Retreat participation fee is $1,100

  • Pay-in-full: 5% discount ($1,045)

  • Interest-free payment plans available

  • Scholarship options are available for those needing financial assistance: please reach out to Alex to learn about options.

Accommodations

Food & Lodging is all-inclusive and booked directly through Sunrise Ranch. The following options are available:
*Cost is per person and includes 4 nights stay and all meals. Shared accommodations will be with other EIR retreat participants (specific roommates can be specified if desired).

  • Camping: $364

  • Dorm room: $472

  • Triple room: $520

  • Double room: $576

  • Singe room: $704

Learn More about Accommodations at SunriseRanch.org

Abraham E (2023 participant)

“I absolutely thrived in the space Alex prepared for us… I felt like I was able to come home a better, brighter, and more lovable human”

Bryan V (2023 participant)

“No matter the age or ability, Alex makes it easy for people from various backgrounds
to come together and share in vulnerability through his genuinely open, respectful, and light-hearted nature.”


Meet your co-facilitators

Izzy Hererra-Santos

Michael Naffier

Nick Fern

Robyn Faike

  • Israel Herrera Santos is not just a dancer, but a movement artist whose journey in the world of dance spans over 18 years. From the streets where he first discovered the electrifying rhythms of breakdancing, Israel has evolved into a versatile performer, embracing a myriad of dance styles with an infectious passion. His love affair with dance knows no bounds: as he seamlessly transitions from the dynamic footwork of breakdancing to the sensual sway of bachata, salsa, merengue, zouk, and beyond. With deep roots tracing back to his Mexican heritage, Israel finds joy in exploring the rich cultural dances of his ancestry, infusing his performances with authenticity and flair.

    In his relentless pursuit of self-expression, Israel has transcended the confines of any single style, embodying the essence of a true movement artist. For Israel, dance is more than just a form of artistic expression-it's a way of life, a source of vitality and joy that permeates every aspect of his being. In his eyes, movement is one of the purest manifestations of human existence, and dance is the ultimate celebration of that freedom.

    You'll often find Israel lost in the music, his body effortlessly gliding across the dance floor, inviting others to join him in the exhilarating journey of movement and self-discovery. Whether on stage, in a studio, or simply dancing in the streets, Israel's spirit shines bright, a testament to the transformative power of dance in his life.

  • Michael Naffier is a Colorado-born artist on a mission to redefine and revolutionize the way music and dance are perceived together. Always somewhere between definable structures, his multimedia work carves out space for all marginalized artists who have felt trapped within the boundaries of the dominant narrative.

    He is a graduate of the USC Glorya Kaufman School of Dance as a BFA dance major with a concentration in Choreography for Stage and Screen. There he received training in styles such as hip-hop, house, contemporary, ballet, jazz, and gaga; and discovered a love and passion for music composition, production and performance.

    Utilizing his unique perspective as a dancer and movement maker to inform his musical process, Michael has done commissioned work for choreographers, scored evening-length works, performed live for dance events and shows utilizing Ableton Live and MIDI instruments, and is currently developing his own movement system, “Mapping”, that allows dancers to connect more deeply with music and themselves.

  • Nick is a spirited and playful adventurer that lives to explore his physical limits, the wildness of the natural world, and the vast unknown landscapes of his subconscious mind. Whether he's soaring amongst the clouds in his wingsuit, trekking over a thousand miles across countries on foot, or diving into the infinite black abyss of the VOID, Nick is on a perpetual quest to stretch his boundaries, expand his horizons, and overcome his most formidable fears.

    The dream realms have always been a rich source of experience and insight in Nick's life, often challenging him with every inconceivable scenario and antagonist. Having learned to embrace the profound opportunity that each night may present, especially in nightmares, Nick seeks to understand, to awaken, and to positively transform himself using the power of his mind. Some of his current goals include exploring the possibility of creating shared dream experiences, as well as the potential for the physical healing of ourselves and others within lucid dreams.

    After years immersed in the study and practice of lucid dreaming, Dream Yoga, mindfulness, and manifestation, Nick's mission is to inspire and guide others to unlocking their greatest potential and to embark on their own journey of self-transformation and awakening. Fueled by a deep compassion and curiosity, Nick seeks to reach his own highest vibration, live in service to others, and be a powerful beacon of love and light.

  • Robyn Faike's 15 year journey as a Certified Massage Therapist has been one of deep exploration and passionate dedication to the human body. Graduating from Boulder College of Massage Therapy in 2009 with Honors, Robyn's enthusiasm for understanding the complexities of the body is boundless.

    Robyn's desire to support others through bodywork grew from her life-changing experience of summiting Mt. Everest on May 24th 2008. During this incredible journey, she became fascinated with the mind/body/soul connection and knew she had found her calling in life. Influenced by her extraordinary life challenges and awakenings, Robyn brings a strong depth of unique intuition and desire to embrace each individual's personal path to healing.

    Robyn has always maintained a thriving private practice while also contributing her expertise at Peak Form Physical Therapy for 5 years and Canyon Chiropractic for 3 years. Additionally, Robyn is a Certified Lymphedema Therapist and Certified Medi-cupping Therapist. She also specializes in wound care, compression garments/wrapping and providing compassionate care for clients with cancer, Parkinson's, autoimmune conditions, Multiple Sclerosis, chronic pain management, Lipedema, body rehabilitation, paralysis, and so much more.

    One of Robyn's greatest strengths is creating a supportive, nurturing space for the body to heal. She also thrives on educating her clients beyond the massage table by sharing tools of growth including Nervous System Mapping and Somatic Healing modalities.

    Robyn's expertise and heartfelt dedication make her a remarkable guide in the realm of holistic well-being.

  • Hannah is, above all, a devoted lover of Mama Earth and all her creatures, particularly trees and humans. Her life’s mission is to foster connection and belonging, both within individuals and between people and the Earth.

    As a holistic coach, Hannah’s work integrates various modalities, including Hakomi Depth Psychology, Shamanic journey work, embodiment practices, and nervous system resilience. Having battled chronic illness throughout her life, she has become an expert in health, nutrition, and well-being, which she shares through her coaching. Her offerings are diverse, including Shamanic Journey dances for individuals or small groups, one-on-one coaching, dance and nature workshops, 12-week women’s circles, and guest teaching at workshops and events both nationally and internationally.

    Hannah is passionate about creating safe environments where individuals can deeply connect with themselves. She empowers people to explore embodiment, creativity, and joy. Instead of ignoring past wounds, shadow material, and harmful beliefs, she uses tools to help rewrite old stories and uncover the potential for belonging, love, play, and connection within each person. Her work is profound, yet she strives to maintain a sacred and playful atmosphere.

    Hannah holds a B.A. from Naropa University and is a certified Peacemaker and Hakomi Practitioner. She has studied polyvagal theory, non-violent communication, Shamanic journeying, Tibetan Vajrayana Buddha-dharma and more, which she integrates into the safe relational spaces she creates with clients, participants, and communities.

Hannah Kinderlehrer

Ready to dance? Apply here.

We would Love to get to know you a bit before beginning this deep journey together!

Please fill out the form below to let us know you’re interested and we’ll reach out directly.


 FAQs

  • Arrival: Check-in on August 22nd between 2pm & 3:30pm (first session begins at 4pm). The first meal provided will be dinner at 6pm

    Departure: Room check-out is 11am on August 26th. Participants are welcome to hang out on the property and book additional nights before or after the retreat

  • Choose to stay in a private room or share with other participants. See the accommodation section above and head on over to Sunrise Ranch's website to secure your chosen room.

  • Absolutely not: this retreat can serve as an introduction to and catalyst for dance and free movement practice.

  • Location: Sunrise Ranch is located 90 minutes from Denver in the foothills of Loveland, CO

    Food: All meals are farm-to-table from the ranch! Meals are included with accommodations

    Accommodations: Choose to stay in a private room or share with other participants (more on this below)

  • We will send a detailed packing list prior to the event, but expect to bring basic necessities and clothing to move indoors and out.

  • Both! While most of our dance sessions will take place indoors (we have an incredible 3600sqft room for this), we will also have several movement sessions outside in nature.

  • People who are interested in deepening their free movement practices, coaches, movement professionals, and many other fascinating open-hearted humans.

  • Currently, we are not able to offer CE credits for group fitness or personal training certifications. This is something that we are working on for future events though!