This 3 day workshop will draw from:
the ANATOMICAL intelligence of the Axis Syllabus
the RELATIONAL intelligence of Contact Improvisation
the PHYSICAL and RHYTHMIC intelligence of Capoeira
We will practice functional strategies for locomotion, moving in and out of the floor, and build comfort moving off of the external vertical (finding support from hands/head/other).
As we inhabit the spirals present in our bodies and around us, we will find greater ease in dancing with them through space.
Inspired by the musicality and rhythmic quality of Capoeira, we will work with the ritual of creating a cypher, playing music and working in pairs to test and strengthen one another’s skills of creative adaptation.
To dance is to move with all of the limits and possibilities of what and where we are. To improvise is to be available to adapt and transform each moment as we meet it.
We will explore:
* Both solo movement and Contact Improvisation
* Practices, games and scores
* Anatomical research
* The engine of our own curiosity
Suitability: The workshop is for dancers with a good handle of CI fundamentals. Not suitable for beginners. If in doubt, reach out to us at info@rhizomesprings.com
What is the Axis Syllabus?
The Axis Syllabus is a source of information pertaining to dynamically moving human bodies. It includes information about biomechanics, myofascial anatomy, basic physics, the design concept of tensergrity. The Axis Syllabus was initially compiled by Frey Faust and has grown into an international community of movement researchers including doctors, osteopaths, dancers, teachers, circus performers and musicians.
The ASIRC is multigenerational, multinational and multilingual in composition. It has just celebrated its 20th year of existence and is continuing to grow in membership. The toolbox used for teaching such concepts is large and contains as many diverse tools as per the diversity of ASIRM membership.
TEACHER
Nuria Bowart
Nuria is a contemporary dancer, international performer, teacher/certifier of the Axis Syllabus, and a Capoeira Mestra. She is the a co-founder of a centre for contemporary arts practices including afro Brazilian arts and Capoeira (BCC) called the Field Center, in Vermont, USA.
She has dedicated over two decades to teaching movement, performing, and working one on one with clients. Her movement work is embedded in her knowledge of anatomy and basic physical principles that help to create ease and efficiency. Her consistent commitment to practice and research, serves as a source of inspiration and discovery.
After receiving a BA in performance studies Nuria became a Rolfer, and for more than two decades has practiced the weaving of teaching movement, performing, and working one on one with clients.
Nuria believes movement has meaning: It carries the potential not only for expression, but also the cultivation of awareness, insight and healing.
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DATES
August 7th - 10th, 2025
Arrival Day: August 7th (welcome & set up camp) 4-6:00pm
Departure Day: August 10th classes end 6:00 pm
SAMPLE SCHEDULE
8:30-9:30AM BREAKFAST AVAILABLE
10:00AM-1:00PM CLASS WITH NURIA
1:30- 2:30PM LUNCH
3:00-5:30PM CLASS WITH NURIA
6:30-7:30PM DINNER
8:00-11PM OPEN JAM WITH SELENA
TRAVEL TO SALT SPRING ISLAND
Travel by air to Vancouver International Airport YVR or Victoria YYJ Airport.
Salt Spring Island is a popular tourist destination. Travel during the summer months can be BUSY! Best to reserve your route as early as possible (reserve your flight or ferry travel).
We will organize a rideshare for those interested. Its also a great way to meet your fellow attendees before the gathering.
If you are coming by foot (i.e. no car) we can organize a pick up for you at the Harbour Air or Ferry terminals if you let us know in advance.
TRAVEL BY AIR from Vancouver YVR Airport (select Richmond YVR Airport) on Harbour Air into Ganges Harbour on Salt Spring Island. The travel is 35 mins. This can be helpful if traveling to YVR airport already from elsewhere. You will need to transfer to the South Terminal via airport shuttle (free) or taxi (paid) (may take between 15 and 30 mins depending on traffic).
TRAVEL BY SEA on BC Ferries. There are 2 main options:
Travel direct from Tsawwassen ferry terminal to Long Harbour, Salt Spring Island (1 or 2 options daily). The crossing is 40 mins. See schedule here
Travel via Swartz Bay (Victoria)
Tsawwassen ferry terminal to Swartz Bay Terminal (Victoria) This option is available every hour daily. he crossing is 25 mins. See schedule here
THEN TRANSFER
Swartz Bay to Fulford Harbour (Salt Spring Island). This option available every approximately every 2 hrs daily. See schedule here
Travel questions? Please ask! info@rhizomesprings.com
TRAVEL TO RHIZOME SPRINGS ON SALT SPRING ISLAND
We are located in the south end of Salt Spring Island. The road is not paved, but maintained and graded semi frequently. Although it can be rough, most vehicles can drive it without issue. The key is to DRIVE SLOWLY. We will send complete directions upon registration. Questions? info@rhizomesprings.com
Location Details
Salt Spring Island is a small town community (pop ~10,000). The closest store is 20 min drive (Fulford Harbour). The main town, Ganges, is 35 min drive away with a grocery store, ATM, cafes, pharmacy, small hospital and some general supply stores. There are no big box stores and limited amenities on island. The famous Salt Spring Island Saturday Farmers Market has fresh local produce and lots of famous artisanal food and crafts. There are lots of local farm stands selling home made/grown produce, baking, kombucha, soaps, teas, etc.
Tent/Car camping included. Please bring your own gear (tent, sleeping mat/bag). We have some tents/gear for rent (please inquire prior to coming if interested).
Potable water on site. Bring your own water bottle and mug for coffee/tea.
Bring clothes to dress in layers, as the weather is unpredictable. Sometimes cooler nights/mornings and very hot afternoons/eves.
We have showers. Only biodegradable soaps/shampoos please.
The ocean or lake are within a 10 min drive. Sensitive eco systems - no oils/soaps etc.
The land is a sensitive ecosystem and we count on you to respect and honour this by cleaning up after yourself, preserving water, being fauna and flora aware and embodying the animal this land asks for.
Stinging nettle is on the property. Brushing with this is NOT as severe like poison oak. Symptoms are a tingly-burny sensation (like having rubbed against sandpaper) that may last for a few minutes to few hours (depending on your sensitivity).
Bring: headlamp, footwear to meet a rugged landscape, sun hats, sunscreen, layered clothing, water bottle, mug for coffee/tea, journal, pen, tent, sleeping mat, bag, pillow, towel, toiletries.
Food
3 delicious meals provided daily (breakfast, lunch, dinner) lovingly prepared by our dancing resident chefs!
Always available: tea/coffee
If you like to snack during the day, best to bring your own.
We source from local and organic foods as much as possible.
Meals are octo/lacto vegetarian.
We try our best to accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies, so please complete the registration to let us know of any dietary needs you have.
COST
Cost includes camping, classes, evening jams, 3 meals/day (Fri/Sat/Sun)
We offer a sliding scale to help make the cost of entry affordable to a variety of financial capacities. Please consider honestly what you can afford, as this will translate to offer our teachers a reasonable compensation for their years of training and practice. You can pay anywhere along the scale suggested.
EARLY BIRD SPECIAL: (until March 15th) CAD$375 - $430
REGULAR PRICE (After March 15th) CAD $430 - $530
PAYMENT
To complete registration please send full payment to:
Canadians pay via e-transfer to: info@rhizomesprings.com
Password: RHIZOME
Non-Canadians pay via WISE.com
PAYMENT PLAN
To inquire about payment plan options email to: info@rhizomesprings.com
partial wORK tRADE
Partial work trade is available here: WORK TRADE
REFUNDS
*50% refund can be made until July 7th
** no refunds after July 7th
***In case of cancellation of the event all receipts will be refunded less $50 admin fee.
the Studio
Classes will take place in the 50-foot diameter dome, with walls open to fresh air and incredible views from Phoenix Domes