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Join me for a once-in-a-lifetime African dance experience at the AWJ Retreat in Kenya in 2024. This retreat promises to offer a truly holistic experience that will push your boundaries, help you connect with others, yourself, Africa and most importantly, have fun. I can't wait to share my love for African dance and culture with you in this beautiful setting!
A once-in-a lifetime Afrodance Retreat
Hey there! I'm Jeevi, the founder of AWJ (AFROWITHJEEVI). Over the past year, I've had the privilege of calling Nairobi my home. This vibrant city has captured my heart, and it's shaping up to be my second home for the foreseeable future. While it's not without its quirks, the sheer joy, connections, and sense of purpose I've discovered here are simply unparalleled.
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My time in Nairobi has been a journey of immersion into its rich dance culture. Each week, I eagerly attend various dance classes, soaking up knowledge from different instructors. Beyond the enjoyment these classes bring, they've also nurtured my confidence as an instructor, dancer, and individual.
But my experience here isn't confined to dance studios. I've delved deep into the local community, embarked on breathtaking safaris, and felt a profound connection with both myself and the natural world. One constant source of inspiration during my time here has been my connection with the Cheza Cheza dance Foundation. Witnessing the incredible impact they make within communities fuels my desire to do more, to create more meaningful change.
The purpose of this retreat is to channel our collective energy and intention into something truly transformative. It’s not just about dance or self-discovery—it’s about breaking barriers, challenging perceptions, and embracing the power of unity to make a meaningful impact. Traveling to Africa, especially as a solo female traveler, can feel both exhilarating and overwhelming. Uncertainties about safety, trust, and where to begin are real and valid concerns. Having navigated these challenges myself, I understand the hesitation, but I also know the profound growth and joy that awaits on the other side.
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This retreat is designed to address these fears and open the door to an enriching, safe, and authentic experience. Over the past months, I’ve dedicated time to researching, planning, and building connections with trusted local experts to ensure every detail reflects care, respect, and a celebration of Africa’s beauty and resilience. Together, we’ll overcome the stereotypes, embrace the unknown, and create memories that last a lifetime.
So, if you're ready to join me on this adventure of a lifetime, mark your calendars. Together, let's make waves of change that ripple far beyond the confines of the dance studio.
A GLIMPSE OF WHAT TO EXPECT
Dance
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Indulge in 8 to 10 hours of Afro Dance Classes ranging from fitness-oriented sessions to beginner and intermediate levels.
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Get ready to be immersed in the vibrant dance culture of Nairobi with Kenyan Afro Dancers, experiencing the rhythms and movements firsthand.
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Connect
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Reflect and connect with yourself and the community during a guided journaling session.
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Reconnect and rejuvenate your body with yoga stretches and relaxing massages.
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Experience the beauty of Kenya's wildlife and beaches through trips outside Nairobi.
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Immerse yourself in Kenyan culture through local dishes and the Maasai Market, connecting with local artisans and traditions.
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Push Boundaries
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The retreat will offer insights into organizations pushing boundaries in various fields.
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You will have the opportunity to visit organizations like the Cheza Cheza Foundation and get firsthand experiences of their impactful work.
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Participate in a sanitary pad program, gaining awareness and education while learning to hand-sew pads to support the initiative.
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Overall, the AWJ Retreat in Kenya aims to provide a transformative experience where participants not only learn and grow but also connect deeply with themselves, the local community, and the rich cultural and natural heritage of Africa.
*Program is subject to changes*
WHO IS THIS RETREAT FOR?
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Solo female travelers seeking an authentic and safe African experience
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Dance enthusiasts eager to explore Kenya's vibrant dance culture in a unique way
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Aspiring dancers keen to learn from local instructors and immerse themselves in the source of dance
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Individuals interested in gaining a deeper understanding of Africa
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Those looking to connect with the essence of Kenya and its people
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Participants passionate about giving back and engaging in meaningful social impact work in Africa
WHAT'S INCLUDED:​
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Dance workshops
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Nairobi street vibes
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Matatu experience (local bus ride to
town) -
Karura Forest Walk (optional)
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View of Nairobi from KICC
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Nairobui National Park Safari
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Trains to & from Diani
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2 nights in Diani
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Boat cruise in Diani
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Yoga on the beach
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2 Dance workshops on the beach
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Journaling session
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Massage
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Cheza Cheza Dance Foundation visit
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Sanitary Pad programme visit
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Transport
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2-3 meals a day
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Private Chef
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9 nights of Accommodation
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED:​
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Flights
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Travel insurance
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Visas/ETA
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Vaccinations
Village market/Masaai market shopping -
2 Dinners
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Additional stay or activities
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Alcoholic beverages
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Tips
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Laundry services
INVESTMENT - $2897 SGD
Payment options available
FAQ
Q: How do I reserve my spot for the retreat?
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A: Contact Jeevi, by dropping your email below. She will guide you through the process and ensure your retreat experience is seamless.
Q: Can I request a specific dietary requirement?​
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A: Absolutely! Our private chef is adept at catering to various dietary requirements and restrictions
Q: Do I get my own room?
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A: In Nairobi, each person has the option to have their own room, although shared accommodations are available, it is limited. Regardless of your choice, the price remains the same. In Diani, solo room options are not available and accommodation will be shared with fellow travelers.
TESTIMONIALS​
Though this is our 1st retreat, the AWJ instructors have come to Nairobi to attend an instructor training (March 2024) and have had a glimpse of what you would be experiencing IN KENYA. Here is what our instructors have to say:
“For me, being there in the midst of the
culture, nature and people was a
special kind of experience which no
matter how much I speak about in
class, can’t be fully translated except
in the joy I feel and radiate as I
reminisce!😌
I built friendships with the dancers and
staff at The One studios over delicious
local meals, dancing on the streets,
sharing our perspectives on life with
each other, and just seeing things for
myself instead of hearing others’
version of it. 💛
I still miss the people we met there and
the experiences May, Jeevi and I were
able to have together, of which my
favourites would include the safari
and Nairobi street kitchen night.🥰
Aside from that I also loved the time
we got to spend just the 3 of us at
Jeevi’s go-to breakfast spot where we
too became fans of mandazi (a type of
fried bread).😋
I hope you too will get to experience
this for yourself in a space where you
know you’ll be okay (under Jeevi’s care)
-KRIPA-
What an amazing experience! I knew
that I would get a lot out of it in
terms of dancing, but I came back
with so much more. Thanks to
Jeevi, I got to experience a bit of
life in Nairobi, its beautiful nature,
amazing food, and kind hearted
and welcoming people. There is a
vibrancy to life in Nairobi that's
palpable and I am grateful to have
gotten to experience it. I am eager
to go back and experience even
more.
I was also lucky enough to forge
new friendships with other
dancers as we bonded through
movement and music. They inspired
me to reach beyond what I
thought were my limits and to
want to keep learning more. And
of course, I was fortunate enough
to get to make some amazing
memories with Jeevi and Kripa! I felt
our bond grow stronger every
day and I felt so proud to be a
part of this beautiful AWJ
community.
-MAY-