carry
water
A 5 day intensive dance retreat & filmmaking experience in Xpu-Ha, Mexico
May 7th-11th 2026
An exploration of the connection
between movement & water.
As women we carry a deep memory of water. From the water we carry in our wombs, to the water that makes up our bodies, to our connection to our ancestral oceans, rivers, and rain. We have the ability to tell beautiful stories for this element with our dance.
In this retreat ‘Carry Water’, we will enter the depths of dance, through awareness of this element that makes up all life. A unique dance format was created especially for this container that delves into movement through intensive dance training, choreography & performance art through filmmaking. The main intention of this container is to explore the fluid principles of water that reside within motion, and expand our awareness of how we dance with this in our perception.
Mexico is a place where my roots run deep, and that I’ve had some of the most beautiful experiences connecting to water. It has always been a dream to facilitate a dance project on land that is ancestral & I am so excited to create art with you in these sacred mayan jungles.
A percentage of this retreats profits will go to this charity, empowering local young women in Mexico.
“Water bearer women who’s walk calls the rain, who’s devotion & purpose is woven into her name.”
For those looking for
-a dance container to be in sync with like minded women
-a call to be fully seen in your unique muse and gifts
-a immersive experience to support expanding in dance technique
-a way of creating where we honor the elements & our ancestors through intention & movement. Where we give thanks to the elements & the earth with art.
-a feminine earth paced approach to a movement space. a space that puts the feminine body first while tuning our awareness to a deeper listening and conversation with the body.
Ancient Artistry through Dance & Visual Media
In this 5 day Retreat & Dance Journey,
We will dive into choreography and freestyle movement that explores concepts and textures such as fluidity, intuition, ever flowing movement, & connecting to the spirit of different bodies of water.
Exploring the Water Bearer Archetype
The ancient symbology of the Water Bearer has echoed across lifetimes for most of human history. Water Bearer women are the ones who have had the roll of fetching the water & bringing it back to the village to keep their people nourished. In this modern time, I like to think of the Water Bearer as the artist, the ones who go fetch the deep visions from the muse & bring back the findings to share with the World & our communities.
A Unique Blend of Dance, Nature, and Filmmaking
This experience was carefully crafted with love and intention to bring the participant on a journey exploring the concepts above through dance, choreography, elemental movement practices, & intention. We will work with Earthbased Media to create a short dance film of the choreography we learn in our time together & explore assorted freestyle practices with film. Each dancer will be credited in the dance piece & sent a folder with beautiful videos and photos to be able to share after the video is complete.
Why Choreography?
Choreography has always been my favorite way to learn & expand as a dancer. It is meditative & rewarding getting in the rhythms of repetition of dance & movements that starts out unfamiliar to then watch it all come together like a puzzle. Also not to mention the beauty of when women sync up in motion with a similar collective prayer or intention.
Get a feel for the container in our recap video from our VELA Retreat from earlier this year in California.
“Something powerful happens when women gather with a collective intention or goal. When we come together to dance in sync we harmonize. I cannot wait to meet you here.”
LOCATION: Onze Luxury Retreat Center Xpu-Ha, Mexico
What is included:
4 night & 5 day stay at Onze Retreat Center
11 nourishing meals brought to you by Onze
13+ hours of Intensive Dance Training
Group Video Project with Earthbased Media
Folder of group photos and videos to share
Individual moment to create a personal reel for you during the making of the project
What is not included:
Prices do not include flights or transportation. There will be a group chat where participants can plan rideshare options from the local airports. Both airports are about an hour taxi ride from ONZE. Recommendations to trusted and reliable taxi companies will be provided.
Prices do not include clothing. You will be asked to buy, thrift, or borrow 2 outfits. 1 will be an outfit of plain cream fabrics and the other will be an outfit that is a shade of blue of choice. There are very inexpensive ways to do this and I have styled entire shoots by just thrift store fabrics. In addition you will be asked to bring a nude bra, nude shorts for under our outfit, and a pair of dance shoes that you can buy for $11. links will be provided.
Travel Insurance not included
Is this experience designed for all levels?
If you are brand new to dance I encourage you to come challenge yourself. There will be enough time in person to get familiar with the movements. This experience is more about the process of coming together to make something special as a group. It is less about doing the choreography perfectly but there will be allot of time to practice and learn it.
If you are already a seasoned dancer I invite you to attend! I created this choreography to train and challenge myself. It is designed to bring inspiration, new perspective, and new movements into your dance vocabulary. It’s always so special to see a choreography danced through different bodies & I hope you enjoy this dance as much as I loved creating it.
In most of the group dance videos I have put out into the world it is always a mixed level group that I work with. Every body is different and I find that so beautiful.
This immersion has very limited spaces to offer dancers an intimate and meaningful learning experience, to ensure your spot reserve as soon as possible.
Feel free to reach out to jadeeyemoon@gmail.com with any questions.
About Jade
Jade Sanchez is an Mexican/American dancer, choreographer, creative director, filmmaker, and multimedia artist with Aztec & Irish roots. Born and raised on the California coast, she is passionate about collaboration with the intention of bringing women of unique gifts and backgrounds together through movement & art. Her message is to live closer to the earth. She is located deep in the Appalachian forest and travels often to bring perspective, diversity, and culture into her work and dance. Jade is passionate about holding movement based spaces where those partaking in a project can explore the voice of earth that moves through each person individually. These dance projects feature a global network of dancers from all around the world. Through her art she explores using choreography as a medium of embodying that voice while also celebrating the resilient feminine spirit.
ONZE Retreat Center
This Sanctuary features seven beautifully designed villas, nestled within a peaceful, lush jungle setting. Blending elegance with local craftsmanship and minimalist design, the villas offer a serene haven for relaxation and renewal. Our exceptional facilities include a pool, private underground cenote, yoga shala, cinema room, temazcal, firepit, chapel, dining area, professional kitchen, relaxation areas, nestled in a jungle paradise.
Cost of Retreat
4 Month Payment Plans are also available, through Moonclerk for a $200 additional cost.
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The cancellation and refund policy for this retreat is in place to guarantee the fair allocation of slots in the program to students who have been accepted and are ready to commit.
Your registration payment to Brianna (Jade) Sanchez is not refundable, returnable, or transferable to a future workshop or to another person. No exceptions. Even in the case of medical or family emergencies, natural disasters etc. Because there is an application and selection process, students cannot ‘sell their spot’ in the program to another person.
Please register with full awareness of the agreement you are entering into. Payment , as well as this ‘Mandatory Waiver Form’ must be completed upon acceptance in the given time period to guarantee enrollment in the Intensive sessions.
Health/Safety: Student agrees to inform Jade Sanchez of any health conditions or important medications they are taking. Student assumes full responsibility for her/his safety and all risks of participating in this training and while enrolled in the program. We hold no responsibility for any such illness or injury that a student sustains while enrolled in the program.
Students who cancel will not be eligible for refunds as per our official cancellation policy.
By completing your payment, you have agreed to our refund terms and conditions already.
*** If by some unforeseen events or happenings (due to illness, weather, natural disaster or political upheaval, etc) & Jade Sanchez cancels the training, we will refund all deposits and payments, minus an administrative fee. We cannot however compensate airfare or travel costs incurred to come to the training. To cover these risks, we recommend you purchase travel insurance (the best way to protect yourself from unforeseen circumstances like weather, natural disaster, lost baggage, medical expenses, etc).
Daybed in Villa shared by 3
Our most budget-friendly option and is a small-but-cozy daybed next to the larger beds. Recommended for smaller bodied guests.
Single bed in Villa shared by 2
Single bed in Cottage or Lodge
Queen bed in Villa shared by 3
The standard option, a room of single beds, shared with 3 or 4 other people. Get cozy and enjoy the slumber part vibes.
$2100
A queen bed in a Villa with two other women. For those who may need a bit more privacy and comfort.
$2550
A Single bed in a Villa with one other woman. Our most private option we are offering.
$2550
$1700
Earthbased Media
Earthbased Media is a Multimedia Production company based in Asheville NC. It is the lovechild of Cinematographer/ Producer Summit Jaffe, and Creative Director/ Dancer Jade Sanchez.
Through nature, travel, soul-led visions, & intention, Earthbased Media presents a surrealistic style of filmmaking that transports the viewer into a realm of ceremony & connection with the earth.
Retreat Testimonials
“I am still basking in the afterglow from dancing and sharing with such a beautiful and powerful group of women. The experience was life changing and deeply inspiring for me. An honor to witness Jade and her beloved creative partner and videographer Summit of Earthbased media harmoniously co-weave and co-create an impactful and exquisite vision come to life. I feel honored and grateful to have been a part of this stunning retreat. I wholeheartedly believe in the powerful work Jade is creating and the profound impact her authentic, organic art has on women and the world as a whole.
-Blakely Stein
“I will carry my VELA experience as a jewel in my heart forever. Jade is the sweetest, most down-to-earth sage baddie that I know, her presence alone is medicine. Everything, from the practice days, choreography, styling, retreat center, ceremony, workshops, flow of time, and the nourishment of food, was curated with beautiful intentionality and spirit.
The choreography and storytelling was just so raw and alive, invoking something ancient, primal, feminine, and fierce within me. I feel she lives in every woman on the planet, wanting to be opened up, remembered, and honored.
To dance alongside women from around the world, weaving our stories together, contributing our unique essences to this project, moved me so deeply.
This experience affirmed my desire to keep being a part of dance projects with women across the globe. Jade and Summit are truly gifting something luminous to the world. Thank you so very much.
If your heart stirs at the call of Jade and Earth-Based Media's work, please trust it and honor it! It will be so worth it. <3.”
-Kiyomi Sales
“It was deeply felt and apparent that a lot of care, planning, and intent was put into the VELA experience. From the communication, to the beautiful venue, workshops, and the incredible food; everything was so intentional and experienced with such reverence and care. From the first time I met Jade at VELA, I could immediately feel her authentic heart and potent feminine expression and wisdom that she carries. Her devotion to her dharma, our Earth Homeland and her ancestors is very admirable and made VELA so special, from such a grounded, humanistic, and multidimensional perspective. It was such a blessing and honor to weave my essence into Jade's vision for the expressive art we created together, as women, for this felt like a deep remembrance and just so natural. This entire container and weekend was so magical, ineffable, and just what my Soul was deeply crazing; Sisterhood, creative expression, and Earth/Goddess reverence”
-Jenna Cataleta
