BREATHE, MOVE, BELONG.

A South Coast Dance Gathering

GOLD - Canberra Dance Theatre Wellbeing in Motion and River of Art Present:

A weekend of dance workshops for movers aged 50+, celebrating the joy of movement, connection, and creativity as part of ‘River of Art’.

Open to all curious beginners and more experienced movers aged 50 and over, Breathe, Move, Belong celebrates the power of dance to bring people together across geography, generations and life experience. The event aligns with a growing national movement in support of creative ageing, wellbeing through the arts and physical activity, and inclusive arts programming in regional communities.

Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or simply curious to reconnect with your body in a supportive and inspiring environment, this is an opportunity to move, create, and belong.

WHEN:

Friday 3rd - Sunday 5th October, (October Long weekend) 2025

VENUES:

Friday 3rd October

South Durras (18km North of Batemans Bay). A Guided Nature Walk, outdoor movement workshop activity at a local ‘River of Art’ Exhibition - South Durras Community Hall (see indicative schedule below).

Saturday 4th & Sunday 5th

Bay Pavilions Arts + Aquatic (Dance / Rehearsal Studio) 12 Vesper, Batemans Bay

COST:

3 x days $170.00 (including Friday at South Durras)

2 x days $120.00 (Saturday & Sunday)

1 x days $75.00 One full day (either Friday, Saturday or Sunday)

Sessional Price: 1 x 1.5hr workshop $30.00 (It is possible to book multiple workshops across the 3 days).

NOTE: *Workshop fees will help to cover costs of the workshop, including venue hire and light catering. Our aim is not to make profit, but to provide an enriching experience for our participants.

WORKSHOP SCHEDULE

FRIDAY - DAY 1

9 - 10.30 AM Workshop 1 - Moving Tides, Dancing Trees

A guided nature walk through Murramarang National Park forrest and coastline with local guide Paul May. An opportunity to be immersed in and connected with nature and learn a little about the natural history of the area. The walk will be aimed at those with a moderate level of mobility with regular stops to talk and take in the surrounds.

10.30 AM Morning Tea

11 - 12.30 PM Workshop 2 - Nature Moves Us

A gentle outdoor somatic movement workshop that invites you to slow down, tune in, and let the natural world guide your movement. Through sensory awareness and embodied exploration, we’ll respond to the textures, patterns, and rhythms of the environment and the living structures within us. This workshop will take place at a chosen location in Murramarang National Park. This workshop will be led by Elise May (Wellbeing In Motion).

12.30 PM Lunch & Travel to Durras Community Hall

1.30 - 3PM Workshop 3 - ‘Art by the Sea’

Immerse yourself in the vibrant local arts scene with a visit to the River of Art exhibition at South Durras Community Hall. Through a guided process of movement exploration, we’ll respond to the artworks both individually and in small groups, translating visual inspiration into embodied expression. This will be playful and creative session where art, movement, and imagination come to life. This workshop will be led by Elise May (Wellbeing In Motion) and Jacqui Simmonds (Canberra Dance Theatre).

SATURDAY - DAY 2

9 - 10.30 AM Workshop 1 - ‘Energise & Uplift’

Start your day with a joyful boost of movement and breath to awaken the body. This session combines gentle cardio, fluid movement and uplifting music, leaving you feeling grounded, vibrant and alive. This workshop will be led by Jacqui Simmonds (Canberra Dance Theatre).

10.30 AM Morning Tea

11 - 12.30 PM Workshop 2 - ‘Reignite the Rhythm’

Rediscover your natural groove in this energising exploration of playful movement, and infectious music. Designed to awaken joy, boost confidence, and get your body moving, this workshop invites you to reconnect with rhythm as a driving force for movement. This workshop will be led by Elise May (Wellbeing In Motion).

12.30 PM Lunch

1.30 - 3PM Workshop 3 -“Neuro dance’

Explore the power of movement to rewire the brain and renew the body. This workshop blends mindful dance, breath, and simple coordination patterns that support neuroplasticity, enhance balance, and rewire movement pathways to support brain-body connection and our capacity to adapt, grow, and thrive at any age. This workshop will be led by Elise May (Wellbeing In Motion).

SUNDAY - DAY 3

9 - 10.30 AM Workshop 1 - “Flowing into Form”
A gentle and grounding workshop blending yoga and dance to reconnect body, breath, and spirit. This workshop will be led by Elise May (Wellbeing In Motion).

10.30 AM Morning Tea

11 - 12.30 PM Workshop 2 - ‘Moving Stories’

Every body holds a story. In this expressive workshop, we explore personal and collective narratives through gentle movement, improvisation, and guided dance. You’ll be invited to move from memory, imagination and emotion, sharing stories not with words, but with the body. This workshop will be led by Jacqui Simmonds (Canberra Dance Theatre).

12.30 PM Lunch

1.30 - 3PM Workshop 3 - ‘Fearless and Free’

Step into your power and move with confidence in this session designed to release inhibition and celebrate self-expression. Through improvisation, creative play and energising music, we’ll explore what it means to dance boldly, just as you are. Come as you are - leave feeling fearless and free. This workshop will be led by Elise May (Wellbeing In Motion) and Jacqui Simmonds (Canberra Dance Theatre).

*All workshops are designed for people who are able to move independently and without mobility aids.

3PM - Informal Showing / sharing session for friends and family and/or the public

At the culmination of our three days together we will invite our family and friends to share bits and pieces of our movement explorations over the three days. The GOLD dancers will perform a piece from their exquisite performance repertoire to conclude our event.

Meet the Teachers