awakened body
may 1-4, 2026 – buffalo gap retreat, WV
Every sensation in the body is a doorway.
A tightening in the shoulders.
The warmth of breath moving through the chest.
The quiet pulse in the soles of the feet.
Each physical experience invites us closer to ourselves.
In this retreat we will explore the wisdom of the body — not as something to fix or improve, but as a living landscape to inhabit and listen to. Through movement and simple awareness, we will explore the territory of our physical being: the places we love to feel alive in, and the places we have learned to avoid, numb, or turn away from.
As we slow down and pay attention, more begins to reveal itself. Emotions surface. Old beliefs whisper. Patterns of relationship — with ourselves and with one another — come into view. Nothing needs to be pushed away.
Again and again we return to the body. To breath. To sensation. To the quiet intelligence that lives beneath our stories.
Here we rediscover a simple truth:
The body is not separate from healing.
The body is the path.
And in coming home to it, we come home to ourselves.
In addition to daily dance and movement sessions, you’ll enjoy a variety of experiences designed to nurture your entire being:
Wood-Fired Sauna: Relax and rejuvenate in the warmth of a hand-crafted sauna.
Nature Activities: Explore hiking trails, swim in a pristine lake, and immerse yourself in the beauty of the forest.
Community Fire: Gather under the stars to connect, share, and celebrate around the fire.
Optional Yoga Classes: Begin your mornings with a gentle yoga flow to awaken your body and spirit.
Massage and Cranial-sacral therapists available on site.
Set against the budding spring at Buffalo Gap—where forest meets sky and lake reflects heart—Awakened Body invites us to land gently and powerfully into the next layer of our becoming.
Registration
Use the form below to register for the retreat and reserve your cabin or campsite. All lodging options are for 3 nights, with Friday check in and Monday check out. Detailed information and pictures of each cottage are available on the Buffalo Gap Retreat cottage page. If you prefer a specific cottage, bed size, roommate, etc., please specify during the registration process.
We offer work-trade opportunities and partial scholarships to support those facing financial barriers. See our financial aid form for details.
Location + Lodging
Buffalo Gap Retreat is located in the foothills of the Potomac Highlands, and is just 2 hours from Washington DC. The retreat center features cottage rentals and tent camping in addition to a beautiful outdoor pavilion, expansive fields, a lake for swimming, a wood-fired sauna, hiking trails, a cafe offering prepared foods, and other amenities. The address is:
Buffalo Gap Retreat
229 Cool Creek Rd.
Capon Bridge, WV 26711
May 1
Friday
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Schedule
The retreat will begin Friday at 6:30pm and end Monday at 2:00pm. A tentative schedule for dance sessions is below. These times may change during the weekend depending on weather, but the start and end times for the retreat will not change.
May 2
Saturday
10:30am - 1:00pm
6:30pm - 9:00pm
May 3
Sunday
10:30am - 1:00pm
6:30pm - 9:00pm
May 4
Monday
10:30am - 1:00pm
Terms and Conditions
Liability Release
By completing registration for this workshop, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to the following terms and conditions, including the refund policy described below.
You voluntarily assume full responsibility for your participation in all workshop activities. You agree to release and hold harmless Ann Kite, Embodiment Group LLC, and Buffalo Gap Retreat from any and all liability for personal injury, illness, loss, or damages that may occur as a result of your attendance or participation.
You understand that this workshop may involve movement-based practices and emotional or somatic exploration. You acknowledge that you are responsible for your own health and well-being and agree to participate at a level that feels safe and appropriate for your body and personal circumstances. You agree to modify or discontinue participation in any activity as needed to support your health and well-being.
Ticket Transfers
Registration may be transferred to another person at no additional charge.
Lodging reservations may be transferred to another person of the same gender, subject to compatibility with existing roommate arrangements.
If you are unable to attend, you are welcome to resell or gift your registration and lodging to another participant. Please note that we cannot provide contact information for potential buyers; it is the responsibility of the ticket holder to arrange any transfer.
Refund Policy
Optional refund protection is available during registration and is recommended for those who wish to insure their purchase against unexpected circumstances.
Full refunds, minus non-refundable payment processing fees (typically 3-4%), may be requested within 24 hours of purchase. After 24 hours, all registration and lodging payments are non-refundable.
If you are unable to attend, you may transfer your registration and lodging to another participant according to the transfer policy described above.
Force Majeure
The organizers are not responsible for delays, changes, or cancellations caused by events beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to natural disasters, severe weather, public health emergencies, government restrictions, venue closures, or other unforeseen circumstances.
In such cases, we will make reasonable efforts to reschedule the event or offer credit toward a future workshop, but refunds cannot be guaranteed.
Program Changes
The organizers reserve the right to make reasonable changes to the workshop schedule, teachers, or program content if necessary. Such changes do not constitute grounds for a refund.
Event Cancellation
If the organizers cancel this workshop for reasons other than those described in the Force Majeure section, participants will receive a full refund of all registration and lodging payments made to Ann Kite / Embodiment Group LLC.
The organizers are not responsible for travel expenses or lodging costs booked directly with Buffalo Gap Retreat or any third party.
Every effort will be made to provide as much advance notice of cancellation as possible.
Requesting a Refund
Refund requests must be submitted by email to: info@annkite.com
Payment Disputes
By completing registration, you agree to the refund policy described above and agree not to initiate a chargeback or payment dispute for fees that fall within these agreed policies. If you have concerns regarding your registration, please contact us at info@annkite.com so we can work toward a resolution.
Photo and Video Release
During the retreat, we may take photographs or video recordings to share the spirit of the work and help others discover Ann Kite’s dance and embodiment offerings.
By registering, you consent to the use of your image, voice, and likeness in these materials for promotional purposes.
If you prefer not to appear in photos or videos, simply let us know anytime before publication by emailing info@annkite.com, and we will gladly honor your request.
Optional Refund Protection
Optional refund protection is offered during the registration process through a third-party provider. This protection will reimburse your registration costs if you must cancel due to covered unforeseen circumstances. Ann Kite and Embodiment Group LLC do not administer this policy and have no control over the terms, coverage decisions, or refund process. Any refund requests, excepting those permitted above, must be submitted directly to the refund protection provider.