Motion: A Denman Island Contemporary Dance Retreat
Come join us on the stunningly beautiful Denman Island for a 3 day immersive movement & dance experience honouring the body and its expression.
For movers interested in deepening their dance skill and experience. For those wanting to expand their understanding of the body and movement and be curious about exploring creatively through the body.
All levels welcome.
When: July 6-8, 2026
Where: Activity Centre, Denman Island, BC
Cost: $180 (Subsidies & barters available upon request)
To register: https://janetjohnson.ca/classes/
SCHEDULE
9:30-10:45 a.m. Pilates ( M & W)/ Gyrokinesis (T)
11-12:30 p.m. Contemporary Dance (*with live accompaniment)
1:15-2:30 p.m. Improvisation & Creation
FACILITATORS
Janet Johnson https://janetjohnson.ca/about-janet-johnson/
Darcy McMurray has been dancing since the age of 4. Trained in ballet and contemporary, she has been focusing on improvisation and collaboration, for the past decade. Darcy has toured throughout Canada as a dancer and has had a parallel career training Pilates instructor’s internationally and developing Pilates curriculum. Darcy owned and operated a movement arts studio in Vancouver from 2008-2021. She lives on Hornby Island with her family.
David Macanulty began playing music for contemporary dance classes while in the interdisciplinary arts program at SFU in 1987. In Vancouver I worked at EDAM ,Main dance , Harbour dance and Arts umbrella dance . In Montreal I played for Ladmmi (now EDCM),Fondation Jean-Pierre Perreault, Regroupement québécois de la danse and many others.
CLASS DESCRIPTIONS
Contemporary Dance class: This class will include floor work, dance technique and components of improvisation and large movements across the floor. Physicality, mobilization, strength, musicality and comfortability and challenge of movement will be experienced in this class. *Accompanied by percussionist: Shara Claire or David Macanulty
Gyrokinesis class: https://janetjohnson.ca/gyrokinesis/
Pilates class: Darcy’s passion for anatomy is woven throughout her teaching. Focusing on alignment and stability, this class will encourage a greater connection to centre, exploring ways to find safe range of motion.
Improvisation class:This class will delve into a range of tools and techniques to derive movement, source intention and inspire new possibilities when approaching improvisation.
Testimonials:
I was not sure what to expect showing up to MOTION apart from one amazing dance teacher I have enjoyed classes with. I have to say it’s all I could have dreamed of and more in a dance retreat and I left feeling energized and deeply inspired by 2 phenomenal teachers and a community of brilliant dancers. Tara Lee Betancourt (they/them) Courtenay, BC
Janet and Darcy hosted a beautiful, welcoming space to challenge ourselves and grow in our own practices wherever we were at. With beautiful live musical accompaniment, pilates, gyrokinesis, intentional guided improvisation and choreography classes the retreat was well rounded, engaging and inclusive; I’m looking forward to the next one. Caresse Nadeau, Comox Valley
For anyone interested in exploring a few days of joyous movement, this intensive workshop is for you! The sequence of a structured warmup followed by a contemporary dance class and creative movement offers a wonderful combination of experiences to fill each day with physicality and fun. Martha Carter, Comox Valley