GREEK ISLAND DANCE RETREAT

Cultural dance immersion with Nikos Zekis & Simona Jovic
Spetses island, September 10-17, 2023

A cultural dance trip designed for a small number of participants that combines relaxation, cultural immersion and festive atmosphere.

6 rejuvenating days on the island of Spetses (including 1 day in Hydra)

On the island of Spetses, where private cars are not allowed and is off the radar of foreign tourists but adored by Greeks, you will have the opportunity to recharge your batteries amidst the natural and cultural splendor. Every day will be a captivating adventure, with dance workshops set in nature, invigorating swims in crystal-clear waters, exploration of unspoiled nature, excursions to neighboring beaches and island, cultural visits to museums, and indulging in authentic taverns serving fresh delicious meals and local wine.

2 festive days in vibrant Athens


We will end our journey by heading to Athens where our choreographer and guide will introduce us to his festive world, far from what is usually reserved for tourists. These two days will include lively taverns, artistic encounters, and traditional parties with local musicians, providing the opportunity to discover the authentic joy of Greek dances and dance hand in hand with your Greek friends.

You will be guided by renowned choreographer Nikos Zekis, who will open the doors to Greek tradition and its way of life

You won't have to do anything, or think about anything. Just relax, have fun, and fully enjoy every moment and every beautiful vibration.


INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?


DANCE WORKSHOP

Dances from the Greek islands workshop with Nikos Zekis. Around 20 hours of dance.

4* HOTEL ACCOMMODATION IN SPETSES ISLAND 

Double occupation (twin). Swimming pool, calm, close to the beach and the city center.

TRANSFERS BETWEEN THE PORT TO THE HOTEL

In Spetses, upon arrival and departure.

BOAT EXCURSION TO BEAUTIFUL ISLAND BEACHES

One or two boat excursions. The prices of the taxi/boat included. 

CULTURAL AND HISTORICAL DISCOVERY OF THE ISLAND

Walks in the city and visit to at least one museum. Entry to museum included.

ONE DAY EXCURSION TO THE ISLAND OF HYDRA 

Price of the boat included.

HIKING, BIKING, WALKS & DANCE IN THE NATURE

Exploration of the island on foot and on the bicycle. The bike rent is included (extra charge for the electrical).

ATHENS ACROPOLIS HOTEL ACCOMMODATION 

Double occupation. In the central neighborhood of Koukaki, next to Acropolis.

BREAKFASTS AND ONE OTHER MEAL PER DAY 

Rich breakfasts + 7 other meals mainly in taverns and restaurants.

DANCE AND MUSIC CELEBRATIONS IN ATHENS

Dance, live music, celebrations, artistic encounters, taverns...

NOT INCLUDED

* Airplane ticket
* Ferry Athens-Spetses-Athens
* 6 meals
* Beverages
* Travel and health insurance
* Transportation in Athens (metro, taxi)
* Personal expenses
* Anything else than mentionned below

THE ADVANTAGES OF THIS TRIP

SMALL NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS

This adventure is specially designed for a small number of participants. We aim to offer you an almost familial experience, where every moment is precious and unforgettable. We will be there to guide and accompany you throughout this immersion, taking care of every detail so that you can relax and focus on discovery, joy, and your senses, without having to think about anything else. You are going to live a unique and exceptional tailor-made journey, which will hopefully remain engraved in your memory forever.

CONTACTS OF OUR TEACHER AND GUIDE

Being accompanied by Nikos Zekis, the choreographer of one of the largest traditional Greek dance troupes, known for his generosity and connections, opens doors that are usually inaccessible to tourists.

OTHER KIND OF CULTURAL VACATION

A unique and rejuvenating combination of vacation, celebration, and cultural discovery that will nourish both your body and soul. Dance, taverns, parties, visits, encounters, sea, beach, nature... Leave your worries behind and immerse yourself in this unique experience with peace of mind. You won't have to worry about anything, just let go and fully enjoy every moment.

PRICES

2095 €

Bookings before June 30, 2023
Book your spot by sending us a 500 euros deposit.

2295 €

Bookings from July 1st, 2023
Book your spot by sending us a 500 euros deposit.

YOUR GUIDES ON THIS TRIP

NIKOS ZEKIS
Originating from the village of Aetopetra in Epirus, Nikos Zekis is a professional dancer, dance instructor, as well as the choreographer of the Lekyon dance group based in Athens. He's been collaborating with Simona Jovic and our association since 2017 on several dance trips. 


SIMONA JOVIC
Simona Jovic is an internationally renowned dance artist, instructor and researcher originating from the Balkans. She has been teaching and performing world dances all over the world for the past 20 years and she has organized dozens of cultural dance trips, 5 of them in collaboration with Nikos Zekis.

Excerpts from our dance tours (Serbia, Northern Macedonia and Transylvania)

TESTIMONIALS

Simona Jovic and Nikos Zekis, by their radiant presence, have the art of opening hearts, arms ... and doors! Beyond a dance trip, it is a path of discovery and appreciation of life. Do not expect anything, be ready for everything, and you will receive a lot.

by Pascale Goubert

I was enchanted by my dance-travel workshop with Simona in Montenegro, so I didn't hesitate to repeat the experience in Epirus! And I was not disappointed! Simona is not only an exceptional dance teacher, but also a wonderful organizer of cultural trips in a region where we wouldn't have set foot without this opportunity. She is also a great entertainer and companion. We learned local dances, took part in cultural and religious ceremonies, met other enthusiasts of folk dances, and made new friends! I highly recommend The Dances of Joy to anyone looking to expand their human potential.

by Monique Amsel

Traveling with Simona and Nikos is a journey of immersion in dance and music. You eat, drink, and you dance in taverns until dawn. You become enchanted by the electric atmosphere and experience Greek generosity. Thank you for the wonderful week. I hope there will be many more like this.

by Prune Thuillez

I can easily say, the one week with you and Nikos on the Greek folk dance tour was the absolute highlight of the year, and maybe many years...

by Miriam Gopi Weinstein

Thank you for this very special week for me. Thanks to Simona, Nikos, and the Universe for the dream cast of this lovely group full of authenticity and humor.

by Cécile Deslandres

An unforgettable trip! Great encounters, lots of joy, dancing, and great memories with great girlfriends and great teachers!

by Meriem Hakmi

I really recommend Simona's Dance Seminars. I have participated in four of these: Serbia, North Macedonia, Albania/Greece, and Montenegro during 2014-2018. The seminars are filled with dancing, but we also discover the culture of each of these countries. I enjoyed every moment and I am looking forward to the next seminar.

By Anne Mynnti

A unique experience! Excellent organization, lots of pleasure, a whirlwind of new dances, unforgettable encounters, and shared emotions

by Anne Jouve

I first danced with Simona in 2014 in a dance workshop in Sao Paulo, Brazil. It was a very nice experience. When she announced a dance retreat in Bahia next year, I was sure I would participate! We danced a lot and had a lot of fun! It was a wonderful mix of vacation, tourism, and dancing!! Then, I attended other cultural and dance retreats in Macedonia/Serbia, Albania/Greece, and Turkey during 2015-2017. On these trips, we dance with local people, learn about their dance, culture, music, food. It is also an opportunity to relax and visit beautiful places. We also have dance classes with local teachers, very well chosen, which makes the whole experience even more interesting and magic! I really recommend Simona´s dance workshops and seminars!

by Julieta Gloria da Souza

A big THANK YOU for your joy and for these moments together. It was out of time and it feels good to be on such an adventure!

By Nathalie Cauquil

Week rich in EVERYTHING. I really loved everything, this magnificent country, the hotel, each person in the group, the music, the lessons and all your messages between two dance steps ...... ( and the "food" !!!). I am especially deeply touched to have been able to be in contact with a person as radiant as you.

by Nadia M.

Thank you again for this seminar. I really liked your approach and this immersion in body, music, and spirit came at the right moment in my life!

by Marie-Odile L.