WINTER WELLSPRING
An annual dance, art, and grief retreat at Aldermarsh on Whidbey Island
We remember. Before screens and zoom rooms. We remember that once, we gathered at wells where nourishment and connectivity flowed along with the stream of water. When our ancestors were connected to the rhythms of the earth.
It’s easy to forget the nourishment fallow winter can bring as fruit and leaves decompose.
But beauty still shines in the quiet stillness.
In these times of heightened disconnection, collapse and chaos, wise ones remind us still—
true wealth is found in gathering together and listening to something deeper.
With amulets of play, ease, and laughter hung around our necks, we show up at the wellspring to remember.
To love wider and peel the layers down to the roots. To rise up connected to our bones.
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
Stay tuned for 2027 dates.
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.
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.
REFLECTIONS FROM PAST WINTER WELLSPRING PARTICIPANTS:
“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.”
“Come for connection with others. Come for food. Come to reset and tune into the patterns of our lives. Come to sing. Come to dance.”
“Deep rooted connection. Being tended to and tending to others. Renewal.”
”If you are thinking of coming to Aldermarsh, you have the opportunity for deep, timeless nourishment on beautiful, well-tended land. Open-hearted, funny, tender, kind facilitators will help you move anything you need to in your body, soul, and heart through art, writing, dance and grief ritual. Are you ready to step more fully into your humanity? Into the web of relations holding all of us? Come to winter wellspring to be in the sacred flow of love, in community.”
“Nourishment for the soul through community, dance, nature, joy and food. Come with your internal compost and let’s feed the winter garden.”
“A weekend of deepening connection with self and others. Nourishment through movement, good food, community and beautiful, peaceful, magical surroundings”
“A lush time to be in a body in a place that welcomes, and wants(?) your body. Phenomenal space to reach towards and within while held in your tender truth.”
“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.”
“Accepting and supportive community practice to deepen further into your fullest expression of self. A safe place to explore your edges!”