A summer of festivals - Dancing, Teaching & Deep Connection.
This summer was one for the soul. A season of music, movement, connection, and celebration — woven together across some of Aotearoa’s most beautiful festivals.
It began with Shiva Shakti, a small, sacred gathering cocooned away from the world. The land felt ancient and alive — just a short wander from a sparkling lake, where many of us spent slow afternoons swimming under the sun. I had the joy of teaching two classes there, including one held in the open air beneath the shade of a huge gum tree. There was something deeply grounding about practicing surrounded by nature, barefoot and held by the land.
Then came WOMAD — this one was all play. We hit the road in the caravan and made our way to New Plymouth for three days of dancing, discovery, and musical wonder. From traditional rhythms to experimental beats, every performance reminded me of the beauty in global expression. No teaching here — just receiving, soaking it in.
Straight from WOMAD, we flowed into Earth Beat — five full days of somatic dance, yoga, cacao ceremonies, and sweet reconnections. Here I taught a sunrise vinyasa class at the Seleno Health stage, and it was magic to see so many friendly faces in the crowd. There’s something so special about waking the body with the sun, in community, under open skies.
And finally, the most heart-full chapter: Spirit Festival — the last one ever. I traveled with my eldest boy, and our little crew made it unforgettable. The weekend was filled with dancing, laughter, sound baths, and plenty of cacao. On the final morning, I offered a new class: Yoga for Human Connection — a quieter, slower, more intentional space. Unlike my usual energetic festival flows, this one was soft, emotional, and deeply tender. It was the perfect note to close the season on.
Each of these festivals offered something different — a different rhythm, a different lesson, a different joy. But what they all shared was connection — to nature, to others, to ourselves.
Already counting the days until the next festival season.
Connect & Reset - A Wild Forest Retreat.
Some weekends leave a lasting imprint on the soul — and our April Connect & Reset retreat was exactly that.
Held at the magical Wild Forest Estate, this retreat was a gathering of open hearts, kindred spirits, and the kind of joy that bubbles up when people feel truly safe, seen, and free.
Together, we danced, we sang, we laughed, we cried. There were soft moments of reflection and full-bellied laughter around the fire. Every part of the weekend was infused with intention — from the way we moved on our mats, to the way we listened to each other, to the way we ate.
And speaking of eating… we were deeply nourished by the incredible Aaron Brunet, MasterChef winner and plant-based wizard. Every meal was made with so much love and flavour — it was an offering in itself. Plates were scraped clean, hearts were full.
What made this retreat truly special was the people — this beautifully diverse, generous, and soulful collection of humans who showed up so wholeheartedly. I feel endlessly grateful to meet others in this way, and to hold space where connection, transformation, and reset can naturally unfold.
These retreats remind me, again and again, why I do what I do.
Stay close — new Wild Forest dates are blooming soon. I can’t wait to do it all again.
The most wonderful bunch.
The practice.
blue skies & deep chats.
The pile.
Flow & Frequency - A night of stillness, sound and soul.
Last Friday evening, the studio transformed into something truly magical as we hosted Flow & Frequency — a collaborative journey of movement and sound, held by myself, and the incredible sound wizard Anatman Music (aka Gonzalo Javier).
From the moment you stepped into the softly pink-lit space, there was a sense of calm and curiosity. Instruments of all shapes and stories were laid out in full view, already hinting at the sonic experience to come. The room held that kind of quiet anticipation you can feel in your bones — a promise of presence, of pause, of something sacred.
We began with a peaceful, spacious slow flow practice, where each movement was an invitation to slow down, to feel, to listen in. There were moments to pause inside a shape, let a thought drift through, or meet a feeling without rushing to change it. Soft, soulful music held us gently as we moved — and then, as we landed in savasana, I guided us into stillness with a meditation inspired by ancient forests and our connection to Mother Earth.
As my final words lingered in the air, Anatman entered the soundscape with the gentle whisper of his handmade rainmaker — and from there, we were gone. For 45 minutes, we floated through a live sound journey that wove together forest sounds, flutes, bowls, and pure presence. It was deep. It was otherworldly. It was a portal into the quiet parts of ourselves.
This was Anatman’s second visit to the studio, and every time he brings not only his incredible instruments and artistry, but also his warmth, passion, and heart. We’re already dreaming of the next one.
Gracias, amigo. Until next time.
Heavenly sounding chimes, hand made by Gonza.
Samadhi instruments.