WINTER WELLSPRING
A weekend of embodied connection at Aldermarsh on Whidbey Island
January 21—24, 2027
5th Annual Winter Wellspring: hold. gather. nourish.
Once, wells were the mainstay of nourishment. The lay of the land where connection flowed with the stream of water. There are still wells, but they’re few and far between. Today the land is dry, but water is rising. The sky is hazy and winds are strong.
We stand at this precipice where there’s no going back. Without a clear map of what’s ahead, we slow down and gather at the wellspring. In these times of overwhelm, disorientation and mystery, we show up together in the heart of winter to hold, gather, nourish–to meet ourselves in this space between worlds and receive the medicine times of darkness can bring.
Join us on the magical grounds of Aldermarsh (Whidbey Island) for a 4-day residential weekend of connection, Open Floor movement, art, ritual, song, and story.
Guided by Kelsey Maloney and Monika Denise.
photos by Taber Darland and Summer Starr
LOCATION & ACCOMMODATION DETAILS:
ALDERMARSH is “a human-created space integrated within its natural setting where community, collaboration and sustainability thrive.” It is located on the south end of Whidbey Island at 6436 Maxwelton Road, Clinton, WA 98236. Most of the lodging is in shared spaces which you can explore here. In addition to dancing together, we will be sharing meals and other communal spaces. Group size is limited.
ABOUT OPEN FLOOR INTERNATIONAL:
Open Floor is a moving meditation practice and creative dance inquiry. In this workshop, we will lean into dance and other forms of movement as well as art, song, story, ritual, and nature connection.
DATES & APPROXIMATE SCHEDULE:
January 21—24, 2027
Thursday January 21:
3:30—4:30pm: Personal time— Arrive, rest, explore the land, soak in the tub (clothing optional)
5—6pm: Optional group dinner
6:30—9pm: Opening movement session
Friday January 23:
7—7:45am: Optional morning song practice
8—9am: Breakfast
9:30am—12pm: Movement and art session
12:30—1:30pm: Lunch
1:30—3: Personal Time
3—5:30pm: Movement and art session
6—7pm: Dinner
7:30pm: Embodied Grief Ritual
Saturday January 24:
7—7:45am: Optional morning song practice
8—9am: Breakfast
9:30am—12pm: Movement and art session
12:30—1:30pm: Lunch
1:30—3: Personal Time
3—5:30pm: Fireplace Session (song, story, and connection)
6—7pm: Dinner
8pm: Optional sauna or art exploration in the Marsh House
Sunday January 25:
7—7:45am: Optional morning song practice
8—9am: Breakfast
10am—12:30pm: Movement session
12:30—1:30pm: Lunch
2—3:30pm: Closing session
All participants depart Aldermarsh by 4pm.
MEALS & KITCHEN HELP:
Thursday dinner, Friday and Saturday breakfast, lunch, and dinner & Sunday breakfast and lunch are included. There will be light snacks and tea available throughout the weekend. All meals are vegetarian, though some meals may include a chicken option. We will do our best, but cannot guarantee we will be able to accommodate all dietary needs.
We ask each participant to sign up for two working meditation shifts. This will help with the flow and balance of our time together as well as support our kitchen crew. You can expect to help for 20-25 minutes and tasks may involve prepping food, washing dishes, or cleaning the kitchen.
PAYMENT DETAILS:
Extra early bird rate—sign up and pay in full by Oct. 31: $1,125
Early bird rate—sign up and pay in full by Dec. 18: $1,250
Standard rate: $1,395
CANCELLATION POLICY:
Up until December 1, 2026, if you need to cancel you will receive a refund minus the $450 non-refundable deposit. After Dec. 1, there are no refunds unless we are able to fill your spot. If your spot is not filled, your investment will not be refunded. You may also choose to sell or gift your ticket to someone else in the case you are not able to attend at the last minute. You must notify us in advance of this change along with who will be attending in your place.
SOUND AWARENESS
Please be aware that parts of this exploration of embodied movement, grief, and emotion may involve sounds such as wailing and screaming. Please bring ear plugs if you are sensitive to loud noises or reach out to Kelsey if you would like more information.
HEALTH INFORMATION & RISK MANAGEMENT:
This workshop is open to all individuals. Together we can do our best to reduce the risk of spreading colds, flu, and other illnesses by each of us tending to our overall well-being and the health of our immune systems.
Prior to the start of the gathering, please notify Kelsey and Monika if you or any members of your household are experiencing COVID-19, flu, or cold symptoms. By attending WINTER WELLSPRING, you are attesting:
The participant(s) are symptom-free, including symptoms attributed to COVID-19, and the participant(s) have not been in close contact with anyone with confirmed COVID-19.
We are not able to offer refunds after Dec. 1 for any reasons, including illness.
REFLECTIONS FROM PAST WINTER WELLSPRING PARTICIPANTS:
“Nourishment for the soul through community, dance, nature, joy and food. Come with your internal compost and let’s feed the winter garden.”
“Accepting and supportive community practice to deepen further into your fullest expression of self. A safe place to explore your edges!”
“If you aren’t sure about coming because the idea of 3.5 days of dance is intimidating, know that there is a balance of dance, art, song, food, alone time, and community.”
“A space to rest, connect, remember something slower and wiser. The wellspring has a surprising amount of good humor and laughter!
I wouldn’t want to go a year without it!”
“Aldermarsh magic—the land held our connection and brought us as a group to a deep place. Cozy conversations by the fire. Singing in the sauna and vibrant dancing in the marsh house.”
“Deep rooted connection. Being tended to and tending to others. Renewal.”