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.