Retreat FAQ
All participants must sign a liability waiver prior to the start of the retreat
When does the retreat start and end?
The retreat begins Thursday, August 21st, 2025, Arrival time begins at 3:00 PM, please try to arrive by 5:00 PM at the latest, Dinner is at 6:00PM sharp. Check in at the office where you will get your room assignment. The retreat ends after Lunch on Sunday August 24th, approximately 1:00 PM.
Can I bring my husband/boyfriend, or kids/pets?
Ya Helwa Dance Retreat is an opportunity to fully concentrate on yourself and your dancing. The retreat is for registered participants only. No pets allowed.
Roommates:
You can request your roomies or we can assign roommates. Let us know if you're an early-to-bed, early-to-rise-r, or if you're a night owl and like snoozing in the morning till the last minute. We'll do our best to match you with kindred spirits. Let Zahra know if you are with a troupe or have a friend you'd like to room with. All rooms are shared, double and triple occupancy, we have limited space. Sorry, no private accommodations.
Can I just register for one day?
Ya Helwa Dance Retreat is a Dance Immersion Weekend. It's an opportunity for the dancers to open up and tune-in to the total dance experience. Full registered participants only.
Is there air-conditioning/heat in the buildings?
Each of the three residential buildings has modern conveniences, heating, air conditioning, and kitchen facilities.
What are the rooms like? What do I bring?
What kind of meals will be served?
The retreat has a commercial, fully-licensed catering kitchen, serving gourmet farm-to-table meals. All meals have a vegetarian focus with chicken or fish options at main meals, and are prepared fresh onsite daily. We share all meals together in the dining hall. Snacks are also available 24/7, as well as coffee and tea. IMPORTANT! PLEASE LET ZAHRA KNOW IF YOU HAVE FOOD ALLERGIES OR OTHER DIETARY NEEDS
KEEPING IN-TOUCH WITH LOVED ONES AT HOME:
Cell phones DO NOT work at HSI, however --
We easily connected to WIFI on previous retreats and were able to keep in contact with loved ones via text or FB calling. Whats App also works great for calls.
There is a landline in the office you can also use to call home.
How many people will be in the workshops? I will cap enrollment at approximately 25 dancers (maximum counting teachers) in order to keep the experience intimate and unique.
Will we be sharing the facility/grounds with other groups?
Our group has exclusive use of all the buildings and grounds.
MORE QUESTIONS? Contact Zahra via phone/text or email (323) 630-3586