A dance retreat for devotees of free movement
Back Doors to Dance
What we believe
Together, we can change the approach to dance & free movement education.
Since the beginning of time, dance has been used to process the stuff of life. Through embodied expression, in unison and solitude, we have survived as a species — and evolved.
We have experienced that our embodied processing practices have enabled us to move through the tough stuff of life. We use it to move through everyday emotions, capital T Traumas, mental blocks, limiting beliefs, stale identities, and so much more. We use it to express life’s joys, connect deeply with others, and alchemize into a higher frequency of aliveness.
Somewhere in time, dance culture went astray. Dance is often taught from the outside-in through stylistic forms, shapes, and techniques. These approaches aren’t wrong, but they can feel hollow and not resonate. Not everyone dances. “It’s not my thing”, they might say. And for those who do, there are often limited options available that aren’t accessible, playful, pleasurable, or serving a greater purpose. As a culture, we’ve strayed away from enabling everyone to connect with their intrinsic dancer.
It is not easy to reclaim dance for ourselves — and it’s not easy to facilitate that reclamation for those of us who teach. This retreat is for facilitators and students alike. We know:
We all have a dancer within. Our work as students and facilitators is to be in the practice and investigation of helping set everyone’s inner dancer free.
Back Doors to Dance is a retreat for those deepening into free movement.
This retreat is for you if you…
Facilitate movement and are interested in refining your approach to facilitating dance or free movement
Have a dance or free movement practice and are interested in going deeper
Are exploring the possibility of teaching dance or free movement in the future
Join us August 22nd-26th at Sunrise Ranch in Loveland, CO
For five days, we’ll bask in the mountain summer as we explore dance and embodiment practices.
6 movement sessions led by Alex Milewski
4 guest workshops
11 farm-to-table meals
1 co-facilitated session
1 group soul dance session
Ample free time for community, nature immersion, and rest
Hi, I’m Alex Milewski
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.
Sunrise Ranch
A Rocky Mountain sanctuary
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 enjoy farm-to-table meals from the ranch itself, be able to explore the lands around the ranch (trails, fire-circle, garden Labrynth, hottub, etc) , and most importantly: dance & experiment in the incredible 3600sqft movement and meditation octagon space.


The Program: what to expect
Movement Sessions
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.
Facilitation Sessions
WORDS
Co-facilitator Sessions
WORDS
Integration & Community
WORDS
Food & Nature
WORDS
Learnings
WORDS
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 (more on this below)
-
Item description
-
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 have exclusive use of the “Green Ridge Room”: an epic 3,600 sq ft octagon movement & mindfulness space for all of our indoor programming, dance delights & late nights!
-
Yes! Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Rocky Mountains: explore over 7-miles of private trails and numerous outdoor spaces perfect for movement & mindfulness. Experience the tranquility of the labyrinth or unwind in a hot tub between sessions. This serene environment provides an ideal backdrop for reflection, connection, and rejuvenation.
-
Item description
The Program
Facilitated by Alex
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.
Facilitating Movement Containers: How do we hold supportive, fun and nourishing space for movement? Whether this is for a family member, friend, client, or classroom full of people, holding space is subtle art. This session will dive deep into movement facilitation mastery.
Floorwork Concepts: This session will provide concepts and invite exploration for how we move in-to, out-of and on the floor.
Soft Acrobatics: Gentle yet dynamic movements that enhance body awareness, capability, and fluidity.
Outdoor Partner Games Playshops: Engage in collaborative games that foster connection and creativity.
Co-Facilitator Workshops:
Mapping Workshop with Michael Naffier:
”Mapping” is a system for understanding movement, music, and how they connect to us as humans and creatives.Partner Bodywork, Nervous System Mapping & Somatic Relating Workshop with Robyn Faike:
Navigate your inner nervous system landscape & explore the art of touch and connection.Experimental Latin Dance Workshop 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, and Spirit with Nick Fern :
Awaken the infinite potential of dream and sleep states to enhance your life.
… and the dream team.
Izzy Hererra-Santos
Michael Naffier
-
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.
Nick Fern
Robyn Faike
Investment
We are so excited to bring together an incredible team of facilitators and a vibrant community of movement enthusiasts.
We will have a group limit of 25 students, setting the tone for an intimate and supportive atmosphere where everyone can thrive.
Your investment combines two fees: Accommodations & Participation
Participation Fee
Retreat participation fee is $1,100*
*Early Bird discount of $200 if booked before July 1
Early Bird Participation Fee: $1,100 $900
Pay-in-full: 5% discount
Interest-free payment plans available: 2 payments of $450
Scholarship options: if you need financial assistance, please let us know.
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!
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 retreat participant)
“I absolutely thrived in the space Alex prepared for us… it was safe welcoming and inspiring: we could play, learn, share, and grow. I felt like I was able to come home a better brighter and more loving human.”
Bryan V. (2023 retreat participant)
“Alex takes great care to make sure people are comfortable as they embark on their sometimes emotional journeys of self discovery through movement. No matter the age or ability, he's made it easy for people from various backgrounds to come together and share in vulnerability through his genuinely open, respectful, and light-hearted nature.”
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.

“This is such a beautiful place: I came here for nature trips many times growing up, and couldn’t be more stoked to be hosting a retreat on this land! Not only are the surroundings beautiful and spaces a wonderful fit, but the vibrations on and around the ranch are truly magical. When I drove up to tour the spaces, I was in awe by the last ~30 minutes of the drive: red cliffs, flowing water, horse-filled pastures and vast peaceful landscapes. I wanted to visit again as an adult, just to make sure it would be perfect for what i’m creating, and it most definitely is. ”