Heart Dancer Experience .
- Email address verified
9 reviews
Apr 12 - 17, 2026
Group size: 8 - 12
The Wellspring Within: Dance & Restorative Movement Retreat
Monchique, Portugal
Heart Dancer Experience .
- Email address verified
9 reviews
$NaN
Apr 12 - 17, 2026
Group size: 8 - 12
About this trip
What’s included
- 2 Daily Dance ClassesExcept for our day of arrival/departure which will have one light opening/closing session; and no dance class when we take one day off from dancing for a day trip to Lagosh.
- 3 meals a dayLight, pre-dance breakfast; lunch; afternoon snack; dinner; some complimentary local wines included with dinner. *NOTE: one day meals are not included when we take a day trip to Lagosh.
- 5 Nights of Lodging
- Visit to LagoshTransportation is arranged to visit the city of Lagosh for a day; participant gets a free day to explore!
- Local guided group hikeGuided hikes around the retreat property
What’s not included
- Airfare
- Transfer to/from airportWe can help you make arrangements for an airport transfer with a referred private car service, and put you in touch with other retreat participants to ride together.
- Lunch and Dinner at LagoDuring our day trip to Lagosh meals are covered by retreat participants. This day trip is a "free day" to explore, go to the local markets, shop, visit local beach or restaurants.
- Personal PerchasesMassage, shopping, or any personal shopping or excursions
Available Packages
The Barn: Triple Room (EARLY-BIRD)
Available until January 31, 2026Only 3 left
$1,850
The Orangery: Double (EARLY-BIRD)
Available until March 20, 2026Pre-registration
$2,325
The Orangery: Single (EARLY-BIRD)
Available until March 13, 2026Sold Out
$2,900
The Studio: Double (EARLY-BIRD)
Available until March 20, 2026Only 2 left
$2,150
The Studio: Single (EARLY-BIRD)
Available until March 20, 2026Only 1 left
$2,750
The Shed: Double (EARLY-BIRD)
$2,090
The Mill Grand: Double (EARLY-BIRD)
Available until January 31, 2026Only 2 left
$1,925
The Mill Grand: Single (EARLY-BIRD)
Available until January 31, 2026Only 1 left
$2,350
The Mill Petit: Single (EARLY-BIRD)
Available until January 31, 2026Only 1 left
$1,950
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival Day
Your Organizer
Heart Dancer Experience .
9 reviews
Abagail is a performer, choreographer, instructor, creative and dance educator. She's traveled to Guinea, Senegal, Ghana, and the Ivory Coast to study dance + music since 1999. She is an international performer and teaching artist, having performed at the Paris 2024 Olympics, Bercy Arena, Paris; Arena Di Verona, Italy; and the Fifa World Cup, Qatar. In the US, Abagail is dance faculty with Pomona College and AMDA College of the Performing Arts, and runs her online dance platform, Heart Dancer Experience.
Reviews
SM
The trip to Senegal with Abagail, Karim and Moussa was a chance to get to know Senegal like a local with friends and family. Abagail and Moussa organized a well designed introduction to sabar dancing and Senegalese culture. We were greeted like friends and shown gracious hospitality throughout our stay. Abagail went out of her way to understand and respond to each person’s interests. We joined the throngs for a Youssou N’dour concert and often had the only drummers on the beach for dance classes. We had dance classes on sandy beaches and by rivers, and saw parts of Senegal far from tourism. Throughout there was a spirit of camaraderie amongst the group which made it fun to try new adventures together. I can’t wait to return.
By Suganya M for SENEGAL: Dance & Cultural Immersion Experience on Feb 21, 2025
«A Transformational Journey Through Senegal – Dance, Culture, and Connection»
Thank you Abby, Moussa, Uncle Karim and everyone that made this journey possible. My trip to Senegal was nothing short of life-changing! This was more than just a dance retreat; it was a deep cultural immersion that left an imprint on my soul.
From the moment I arrived, I was welcomed with warmth and openness by an incredible group of women, each with their own stories and energy, making the experience even more special. Learning Sabar dance from the phenomenal Abagail and Moussa was an absolute privilege—these masterful instructors not only taught the technique but also shared the rich history and cultural significance behind every movement. Practicing with four amazing drummers, who brought electrifying live music to every session, was an experience that words can’t fully capture. The rhythm, the energy, the connection—it was pure magic!
Beyond dance, this journey took me to some of the most breathtaking places in Senegal. Visiting Gorée Island was a deeply moving experience, standing in the The Door of No Return and reflecting on history. Ngor Island was a peaceful escape, while Sine Saloum’s natural beauty and vibrant culture shared from amazing Serer women dancing & singing captured my heart. And Toubab Dialaw—a dreamy coastal town with an artistic soul—was the perfect place to soak in the spirit of Senegal and dance on the beach. I also have my new favorite outfits from the boutiques in Dakar!
I even had the chance to learn some Wolof, which made my interactions with locals even more enriching. The warmth of the Senegalese people and their vibrant culture made every moment feel special.
This experience has truly transformed me, deepening my appreciation for African dance, history, and community. I returned home feeling more connected to myself, to the world, possibly my ancestors, and to the power of movement and tradition. If you ever have the opportunity to embark on a journey like this—do it! It will change you in the most beautiful way with @heartdancertravel
By Stephanie M for SENEGAL: Dance & Cultural Immersion Experience on Feb 06, 2025
This trip was life affirming in so many ways. A full on cultural immersion with gentle support throughout from the trip team. We had so many opportunities to fully engage with the Senegalese people and their practices, and to feel welcome and included. The combination of excellent planning, grounding and understanding of tradition and the amazing grace of the Senegalese people provided for a superb experience. I would/will go back in a heart beat. Any trip planned by Abby and her team is going to be magic.
Food, location, people, culture, experiences and opportunities all combined for a rare and beautiful life changing experience. Combine that all with exquisite dance instruction and classes and its pure heaven.
By Beth A for SENEGAL: Dance & Cultural Immersion Experience on Jan 20, 2025
I still don’t have the words to fully express what this trip meant to me. Abagail, Moussa, and Karim went above and beyond, thoughtfully curating an experience that immersed us in the culture, history, and beauty of Senegal in just two weeks.
From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed by people and quickly learned about Teranga - a Wolof word meaning hospitality. We stayed in Senegalese-owned spaces that were each perfect in their own way. Meals often had an emphasis on fresh, locally-sourced fish and other regional specialties.
The trip struck a perfect balance—one moment we were immersed in the energy of city (and night) life in Dakar, and the next, we found tranquility in the peaceful surroundings of the Saloum River delta. Both settings offered unique perspectives and helped us connect to Senegal in meaningful ways.
We also engaged deeply with the culture, learning traditional and more modern forms of Senegalese dance. We saw (and sometimes participated in) a variety of performances in a variety of settings. Dance classes and performances allowed us to better understand the art and movement central to the country’s identity.
Supporting local vendors and artisans was a key part of the journey, and sharing meals, music, and events together fostered a sense of community within our group and with those we met along the way.
I am deeply grateful for Abagail, Moussa, and Karim’s efforts to make this experience intentional and impactful. They planned so thoughtfully and helped us to be prepared through emails, group messages, and a pre-trip zoom call.
These two weeks together were a profound exchange of culture, connection, and learning. This experience will stay in my heart for a long time. 🇸🇳
By Liz F for SENEGAL: Dance & Cultural Immersion Experience on Jan 16, 2025
This trip was the experience of a lifetime...an immersive journey into the beauty of both the Senegalese countryside and its people. With excellent curation, planning and execution by Abby and Karim, we were able to fully experience everything Senegal has to offer. We were extraordinarily well cared for and, because of Abby and Karim's deep and authentic connection to all things Senegal, we were offered the opportunity to participate in off the beaten path experiences that would have been difficult if not impossible to find had we attempted to plan a trip of this caliber on our own. This trip was life changing for me and I will be forever grateful to Abby, Karim and all the artists who were a part of making this dream come true! If you ever get the chance to travel with Abby, do yourself a favor and take it!
By Heathre N for SENEGAL: Dance & Cultural Immersion Experience on Jan 16, 2025