Winter Retreat 2009 Is In Our Hearts

Every December, NCDC hosts a weekend getaway at Monte Toyon Camp, near Santa Cruz. We always have a lovely, sweet, and deep time at this beautiful retreat center in the redwoods. Often it is rainy and we spend our time indoors, taking classes, sitting around the fireplace and singing songs, dancing at night in the beautiful lodge. When the sun peeks out, we take hikes up to the ridge for wonderful views of the ocean. Photos from past retreats are here.

Our 2009 teacher linup was:
Zuza Engler: Soul Motion
Richard Bock (Breathwork) was injured and his replacement was Denise Martini
Paige Wyatt: Acro-Yoga
Daniel Mollner: Contact improv
Lynne Caryl: Tango

Housing and Accommodations

Our housing options and arrangements are very specific at Monte Toyon and somewhat limited, so we will be filling them on a first-come, first-serve basis. There are approximately 18 four-person rooms (see pricing on registration page). The rest are dorm rooms with bunk beds, housing 6 to 10 people -- this will be a cozy event! If you'd like, pull together a group of friends and register together to share a room. There will be no private rooms this year. Some camping and RV (no hook-ups) spaces are available for the same price as dorm rooms -- just remember that the weather in December is unpredictable. Mattresses are provided in the rooms but you must bring your own pillows, bedding and towels.

Arrival and Overall Schedule

Arrive after 4 p.m. Friday and expect dinner around 6. We'll have a boogie that night, classes and meals together on Saturday, along with a rockin' boogie, and another yummy day on Sunday with two meals and two class periods, finishing around 5 p.m. We'll have that satisfying mix of deep and sweet movement modalities NCDC's known for, pulling from the Bay Area's rich well of high energy and inner-directed teachers of Contact Improv, Soul Motion, Body Tales, and ethnic dance. Classes are geared to all levels; come ready to fling yourself into a delirium of dance!

Food

The in-house cooks at Monte Toyon, continuing menu and ingredients input from NCDC, will be providing vegetarian meals for us and will make accommodations for vegan, non-wheat, and other dietary needs -- please note on your registration form.

Child Care

Child care will be provided if we get enough kids registered. Please register your kids by November 25 so we know how to plan for them, and encourage other families to attend as well! Contact Amy at 831-476-9128 for information.

Work Exchange

A small number of work exchange positions will be available, so inquire early. Contact Ajua's voicemail and leave a message -- (510)843-4433 or send an email to:

Community Service

Since Monte Toyon is providing the food for us, our needs for community service will be minimal. Dance, relax, drop in and recharge (and pitch in when necessary!).

What to Bring:

  • your own bedding (sleeping bag, sheets, blankets, pillows) and towel
  • layers of warm clothing for nights that can be cold -- coat, sweater, gloves, hat, etc.
  • fun, festive clothing, costumes, etc.
  • dance gear, dance specific clothes and footwear, kneepads for contact improv, yoga mats
  • a labeled water bottle and a flashlight
  • personal toiletries (unscented please for those of us who are scents-itive!), healthcare supplies and earplugs
  • anything else that will aid your well-being, good health, and comfort at camp

Things to leave at home:

  • Your own food (there is no storage)
  • Pets
  • preconceived notions
  • alcohol
  • non-prescription drugs
  • perfumes and other scented products
  • candles and incense

More Information

Want more information, inspiration, a registration form?
Email:  
Phone: 510.496.2722

See you in the redwoods in December!

Directions to Monte Toyon

On Highway 1, eight miles south of Santa Cruz, take the State Park Drive Exit. Turn left, go over the freeway, and proceed towards Aptos. Turn right at the traffic light onto Soquel Drive. Continue through Aptos. Turn left onto Trout Gulch Road - crossing over the railroad tracks. Take first left onto Cathedral Drive at the Monte Toyon Camp sign. Monte Toyon is 1-1/2 miles along Cathedral Drive. Look for the Monte Toyon Camp sign on left. The next left is the main parking lot.
Travel Time From San Jose: 1 hour; from San Francisco: 2 hours

Map

http://www.uccr.org/driving_montetoyon.htm