Mana & Motion: A Pole & Acro retreat in Hawaii

Retreat Overview

Aloha and welcome to this incredible 9-day, 8-night discovery of Hawaii’s Big Island...an outdoor lover’s paradise! Set along the Kona coast within walking distance to the beach, restaurants and shopping, your accommodations are the perfect mix of comfort and function.

Each day will offer something new, with with an invigorating mix of acro, pole, adventure, beach, rainforest, mountain and sea. This retreat gives you the opportunity to explore much of what makes Big Island so special; the spirit of aloha, a landscape that varies from one mile to the next, the crystal blue ocean waters, the endemic wildlife, and an endless supply of new and exciting experiences.  

We look forward to welcoming you, as we bring like-minded adventure travelers together for a unique Hawaiian experience you won’t soon forget. 

What you can expect

Expert instruction and leadership: Learn from skilled and experienced acro and pole dance instructors, offering a platform tailored to all levels from beginner to high intermediate.

Connection: A loving and supportive environment in which you can connect with fellow attendees and develop deep bonds over a shared and enriching experience. 

Scenic location: Taking place on the beautiful Big Island of Hawaii, you couldn't ask for a more beautiful backdrop. This retreat offers a perfect mix of outdoor adventure, and cultural immersion.

Wellness & Relaxation: After challenging yourself in the studio, unwind at the beach or in the pool to enjoy some solo time before embarking on a group activity. 

Location/Activity Highlights

West Side

Kona

Hiking

Snorkeling

Surfing

Manta Ray Excursion

Photoshoot

North Side

Mauna Kea Summit & Stars

Waimea

Waipio Valley

East Side

Hilo

Akaka Falls

Rainbow Falls

South Side

Volcano National Park

Black Sand Beach

Punalu'u Bakery

*See Complete Itinerary Below

Pole & Fitness Studio in Kona, Hawaii

All workshops during this retreat will be held at The Pod Kona. This space features three separate studios, each with 5 poles. There will be 4 days of workshops, each 3 hours long (12 hrs. total).The format will be as follows:

Each workshop will be 3 hours long.

Participants will be divided into two groups.

Group A will be those with intermediate to advanced acro skills. Group B will be those who are complete to early beginners. The pole portion will be appropriate for all levels.

For each workshop day, Group A will spend the first 1.5 hours in an Acro intensive. They will spend the second 1.5 hours in a Pole Dance intensive. Group B will spend the first 1.5 hours in a Pole Dance intensive and the second 1.5 hours in an Acro intensive. 

Pole Workshops

Our pole workshops will consist of four days of 1.5 hour sessions, taught by one of the talented instructors from The Pod Kona. Two of the workshop days will focus on foundations, as you work up a sweat with your instructor diving deep into technique to polish the basics and sore to new heights. Classes are taught in a progressive nature, starting with the foundational aspect of the skill and building levels of difficulty on top of that. Progressions are like climbing a mountain, each advancement is a different peak, and you can decide how high you want to climb based on your own goals and capabilities. You don't have to reach the absolute summit, but each level you reach provides you with a new and exciting perspective. The exact curriculum will be customized to the level of the retreat attendees, so all are welcome. See just how far foundational moves like Jasmine, Figurehead, Pole Sit, and Climbing can take you by perfecting and progressing. You may just surprise yourself! 

The other two workshop days will consist of  a heels/socks choreo intensive, where you will build on what you learned over the 2 classes. The choreo will be a fun and challenging blend of sensuality, athleticism, and artistry, emphasizing flow, transitions, and graceful movements around the pole. We will incorporate elements such as pirouettes, squats, body rolls, leg twizzles, heel clacks, hair flicks, and more!

 Acro Workshops 

Students will be split into Group A or Group B, based on previous Acro experience.

Over the course of 4 days, Group A will build upon the foundational skills they already know, refining them and introducing more complex movements, often including aerials, walkovers, handsprings, and somersaults. We will focus on enhancing strength, flexibility, balance, and body awareness while learning new skills safely.  

Over the course of 4 days, Group B will learn the basics of AcroYoga by exploring range of motion and how to move safely, effectively, efficiently, and compassionately with one another in good alignment. The focus of this fun workshop will be creating a safe space for communicating and trusting in one another, which leads to a deepening trust in ourselves. This is an introductory workshop that is accessible to people who have never tried Acro before and are interested in the practice.

The end goal for both groups is to laugh and have tons of fun while building strength within oneself in the wake and way of connection & community. 

Acro Instructor

Meet your Acro Instructor, Rob. For 30 years, Rob has been immersed in the world of acrobatics and cheer while sharing his knowledge and extensive experience with people of movement. After being a cheerleader for Drexel University, the Philadelphia Soul Arena Football Team, and the Philadelphia 76ers NBA Team, he coached the co-ed cheerleading team at Temple University and has taught Acro at various festivals and workshops across the US, South Africa, Singapore, Japan, and Taiwan.

His enthusiasm and passion for acrobatics have driven him to create various programs and events. He collaborated with Aqua Vida to introduce SUP (Stand-Up Paddleboard) Acro in Philadelphia and has developed Pole Acro and Aerial Acro Workshops. You may have seen him on stage at various competitions, choreographing Acro Dance flows, or performing at multiple venues. Utilizing his skill sets, he and his team of talented Acrobats, Aerialists, Polers, and Dancers won the coveted Diamond G String Award in 2018.

Rob has organized numerous acro workshops and co-hosted Acro Intensivals featuring World Champions and Cirque du Soleil coaches. He also founded the PhillyAcro program, providing a platform for intermediate and advanced level acrobats to learn and share their skills as well as introducing beginners to the wonderful world of Acro. He left his job in tech to pursue his passion of Acro and even started a high-end clothing line for acrobats, pole dancers, aerialists, and yogis. You can also find him behind the lens as he promotes his pole photography.

Some may recognize Rob through his Acro project of lifting 10,000 people in various acro poses worldwide. With over 9,970 different people being lifted already, he is close to his goal and has inspired and empowered many through his #ridetherob challenge.

Featured on Fox 29, 6ABC, CBS3, and Philadelphia Magazine, Rob's influence in the acrobatics community continues to grow, motivating others to participate in his workshops, unlock new skills, and experience the joy of acro poses. Rob warmly welcomes anyone interested in joining the challenge, regardless of experience level, to embark on this journey of exploration and elevation through acrobatics.

Philadelphia Magazine: https://www.phillymag.com/be-well-philly/2018/02/13/rob-li-lift-acro/

 
Photoshoot

In addition to being a talented performer and instructor, Rob, is also an avid photographer. After the final day of workshops, we will offer an outdoor sunset photoshoot where you can take turns posing in different pole or acro moves. Each participant will receive 3 edited digital photos. Additional photo sessions/prints can be purchased separately.