Salt Spring Fusion Dance Festival 2027

Photos by Linda Allen and Mathieu Parent

Drawing from Brazilian Zouk, Tango, Samba, Forro, Capoeira and Contact Improvisation, we will explore spicy possibilities in fusion dance. Morning classes with Samuel Samways, afternoon nature excursions and lots of dancing time where we will integrate it all!

Improve your movement quality, learn new skills and meet others who love expressive, dynamic movement.

TEACHER

SAMUEL SAMWAYS

is a Brazilian professional dance artist with 15 years of experience and research in partner dancing. His research extends to acrobatic movements, floorwork, capoeira, contemporary dance, contact improvisation and the fusion of Latin American social dances, with an emphasis in Brazilian Zouk, Tango, Forró and Samba.

He is the creator of Mutual Leading, an improvisational technique in partner dances that challenges the hierarchical structures traditionally associated with gender roles in social dance. His approach conceives dance as a multifaceted activity encompassing social, political, educational, and artistic dimensions. His research holds significant importance in critiquing and deconstructing the heteronormative norms prevalent in ballroom dance, while also incorporating elements from traditional Brazilian and Latin American dances, capoeira, contact improvisation, and contemporary dance.

In addition to his specialization in partner dances such as contact improvisation, tango, samba de gafieira, zouk, forró, salsa, west coast swing, and lindy hop, Samuel's research extends to acrobatic movements, floorwork, the Continuum method, and capoeira. Since 2018, Samuel has also been actively involved in researching DanceAbility, a dance practice that integrates individuals with and without disabilities.

https://www.instagram.com/samuelsamways/reel/DCIWoMLSel-/
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DDNt72kPlCa/

DATES

• July 9th - July 12th, 2026

• Arrival Day: July 9th (welcome mixer & dance) 4:00pm

• Departure Day: July 13th (farewell & departure) by 12:00 noon

SAMPLE SCHEDULE

8:30-9:30AM BREAKFAST AVAILABLE

10:00-12:00PM CLASS WITH SAMUEL SAMWAYS

12:00-1:00PM DANCE LAB!

1:30- 2:30PM LUNCH

3:00-5:30PM EXCURSION IN NATURE WITH MOVEMENT THEME

(STUDIO AVAILABLE FOR DANCING IF DESIRED)

6:30-7:30PM DINNER

8:00-11PM LED WARM UP (MINI CLASS) & DANCE

Code of Conduct

This festival is built on care, consent, and genuine connection. These agreements help us create a space where everyone — across backgrounds, bodies, and experience levels — can feel welcome and at ease. Click here for more information on our Code of Conduct

Recreational Substances

This is NOT a space intended for exploring recreational substances, so we invite you to experience this event sober. 

We ask that everyone remains aware of how their state and presence affects the safety of others as well as their own ability to listen to and exercise good judgement concerning boundaries/consent. Organizers reserve the right to remove a participant from the property without refund in serious cases.

TRAVEL TO SALT SPRING ISLAND

• Travel by air to Vancouver International Airport YVR or Victoria YYJ Airport.

• Salt Spring Island is a popular tourist destination. Travel during the summer months can be BUSY! Best to reserve your route as early as possible (reserve your flight or ferry travel).

• We will organize a rideshare for those interested. Its also a great way to meet your fellow attendees before the gathering.

• If you are coming by foot (i.e. no car) we can organize a pick up for you at the Harbour Air or Ferry terminals if you let us know in advance.

• TRAVEL BY AIR from Vancouver YVR Airport (select Richmond YVR Airport) on Harbour Air into Ganges Harbour on Salt SpringIsland. The travel is 35 mins. This can be helpful if traveling to YVR airport already from elsewhere. You will need to transfer to the South Terminal via airport shuttle (free) or taxi (paid) (may take between 15 and 30 mins depending on traffic).

• TRAVEL BY SEA on BC Ferries. There are 2 main options:

  • Travel direct from Tsawwassen ferry terminal to Long Harbour, Salt Spring Island (1 or 2 options daily). The crossing is 40 mins. See schedule here

  • Travel via Swartz Bay (Victoria)

    • Tsawwassen ferry terminal to Swartz Bay Terminal (Victoria) This option is available every hour daily. he crossing is 25 mins. See schedule here

    THEN TRANSFER

    • Swartz Bay to Fulford Harbour (Salt Spring Island). This option available every approximately every 2 hrs daily. See schedule here

• Travel questions? Please ask! [email protected]

TRAVEL TO RHIZOME SPRINGS ON SALT SPRING ISLAND

We are located in the south end of Salt Spring Island. The road is not paved, but maintained and graded semi frequently. Although it can be rough, most vehicles can drive it without issue. The key is to DRIVE SLOWLY. We will send complete directions upon registration. Questions? [email protected]

Location Details

• Salt Spring Island is a small town community (pop ~10,000). The closest store is 20 min drive (Fulford Harbour). The main town, Ganges, is 35 min drive away with a grocery store, ATM, cafes, pharmacy, small hospital and some general supply stores. There are no big box stores and limited amenities on island. The famous Salt Spring Island Saturday Farmers Market has fresh local produce and lots of famous artisanal food and crafts. There are lots of local farm stands selling home made/grown produce, baking, kombucha, soaps, teas, etc.

• Tent/Car camping included. Please bring your own gear (tent, sleeping mat/bag). We have some tents/gear for rent (please inquire prior to coming if interested).

• Potable water on site. Bring your own water bottle and mug for coffee/tea.

• Bring clothes to dress in layers, as the weather is unpredictable. Sometimes cooler nights/mornings and very hot afternoons/eves.

• We have showers. Only biodegradable soaps/shampoos please.

• The ocean or lake are within a 10 min drive. Sensitive eco systems - no oils/soaps etc.

• The land is a sensitive ecosystem and we count on you to respect and honour this by cleaning up after yourself, preserving water, being fauna and flora aware and embodying the animal this land asks for.

• Stinging nettle is on the property. Brushing with this is NOT as severe like poison oak. Symptoms are a tingly-burny sensation (like having rubbed against sandpaper) that may last for a few minutes to few hours (depending on your sensitivity).

• Bring: headlamp, footwear to meet a rugged landscape, sun hats, sunscreen, layered clothing, water bottle, mug for coffee/tea, journal, pen, tent, sleeping mat, bag, pillow, towel, toiletries.

Food

• 3 delicious meals provided (breakfast, lunch, dinner) lovingly prepared by our dancing resident chefs!

• Always available: tea/coffee

• If you like to snack during the day, best to bring your own.

• We source from local and organic foods as much as possible.

• Meals are octo/lacto vegetarian.

• We try our best to accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies, so please complete the registration to let us know of any dietary needs you have.

COST

Cost includes camping, classes, social dances, 3 meals/day (Fri/Sat/Sun)

We offer a sliding scale to help make the cost of entry affordable to a variety of financial capacities. Please consider honestly what you can afford, as this will translate to offer our teachers a reasonable compensation for their years of training and practice. You can pay anywhere along the scale suggested.

Partial work trade is available. Please inquire to: [email protected]

EARLY BIRD SPECIAL: (until May 1st) CAD$400 - $500

REGULAR PRICE (After May 1st) CAD $500 - $600

PAYMENT

To complete registration please send full payment to:   

Canadians pay via e-transfer to: [email protected]

Password: RHIZOME

Non-Canadians pay via https://wise.com/pay/me/selenal40

PAYMENT PLAN

To inquire about payment plan options email to: [email protected]

REFUNDS

*50% refund can be made until June 8th

** no refunds after June 8th

***In case of cancellation of the event all receipts will be refunded less $50 admin fee.

the Studio

Classes will take place in the 50-foot diameter dome, with walls open to fresh air and incredible views from Phoenix Domes