The week you stop performing: July 18–25, 2026
You know that feeling?
When you’re so good at managing everything that you’ve almost forgotten what it’s like to simply be?
Life is full, you’re doing your best to take care of yourself – and yet something inside tells you that there could be more ease, more spaciousness, more joy. Not burnout… just a sense that you’ve been running on “efficient” instead of “alive.”
When your days become focused on getting things done instead of savoring them. When playfulness slips to the background. When your body becomes something you “use” rather than a place you explore, feel, and enjoy.
When was the last time you gave yourself space to move outside roles or rules – simply for the pleasure of feeling your own body in motion? Or gave yourself space to breathe, wander, stretch, or dance – without needing to prove anything?
This is that time.
One week in the French countryside with no performance, no productivity, no pressure. Just movement, breath, curiosity, laughter – and room to rediscover what lights you up.
I’m not here to fix you. I’m here to offer a gentle space where you can reconnect with your body, your presence, and that inner spark that’s still very much alive – waiting for a little attention and freedom.
What the week looks like
You arrive at Château d’Archambault, a manor house in Burgundy where each room has its own character – some bohemian, some elegant, not a hotel, but a home.
Mornings start gently. We ground ourselves through bodywork that draws on yoga, spiral dynamics, and other somatic practices. This isn’t about contorting yourself into positions that don’t serve you. It’s about breath, presence, and arriving in your body after spending so long living in your head.
Afternoons are where we explore creative movement – inspired by modern dance, spontaneous theatre, circle practice, and Argentine tango. This might sound intimidating if you’re thinking „but I don’t dance.“
Here’s what it actually means: we move in ways that bypass the critical voice in your head. Sometimes individually, sometimes together. Sometimes structured, sometimes completely improvised. We let nature inform the practice – the gardens here are extensive, and there’s something profound about moving outdoors, letting the environment guide you rather than fighting it.
You’ll discover resources within yourself you’d forgotten were there. You’ll experiment with new ways of moving that feel awkward at first and then suddenly… don’t. You’ll settle into something deeper than calm – call it embodiment, call it coming home to yourself.
Evenings are for nourishment. A shared meal, conversations with people who understand. A pool and mini-sauna if you want them. Optional dance space if you’re not ready to stop moving. Or simply time alone in your room, which might be the greatest luxury of all.
One full day mid-week is completely unstructured – yours to rest, explore, or simply be still.
About Melina
I’m a psychologist by training, but I’ve spent the past 25 years teaching tango and exploring how movement can help us reconnect with ourselves. That curiosity led me to become a facilitator of therapeutic dance.
Not „therapeutic“ in the clinical sense – I’m not here to analyze you. But therapeutic in the sense that sometimes the path back to yourself isn’t through talking about it. It’s through moving, breathing, giving yourself permission to take up space without justification.
I’ve worked with individuals at every stage of life who arrive feeling disconnected from their bodies, trapped in routines that no longer serve them, or simply exhausted from a lifetime of performing for everyone else.
What they discover here isn’t that they need to become someone new. It’s that they can finally stop pretending and just be who they already are.
What my participants say
„The seminar with Melina was a great enrichment for me, inspiring me to move differently and feel my body in new ways. … Afterwards, I felt ten years younger and more alive.“
Irma, Germany
„After years of doubt and being close to quitting in 2024, Melina’s retreat gave me just enough momentum to keep going. Even a perimenopausal brain still learns, apparently.“
Crista, Luxembourg
„Melina is deeply committed to creating experiences that are not only beautiful, but that genuinely support lasting outcomes for everyone involved.“
Varvara, USA/Greece
„I highly recommend Melina as your guide in therapeutic dance. She has been an important guide for me in the beauty of simplicity in dance. … As a psychotherapist myself, I laud her for her continuing self-actualization, now seen in this high calling of therapeutic dance. Let her guide you on the path she practices herself.“
Mark Word, France
„Therapeutic dance with Melina helped me come into harmony with my injured body, expand my movement possibilities, and feel free and expressive again. Her work creates a rare balance of movement, relaxation, and emotional integration.“
Kerstin, Germany
„Melina is a wonderful teacher with a gentle and effective approach, she sees the heart of your dance and gives clear, practical advice. Her attention to each person, combined with her insights, makes every class a moment of discovery in how you move, listen and connect. I have been exploring tango and bodywork with her for many years and I keep coming back for more.“
Alja, Slovenia
The practical details
Dates: July 18-25, 2026
Location: Château d’Archambault, Burgundy, France
Languages: English, German, French, Italian
Group size: Maximum 14 participants
Daily rhythm:
9:00-10:00 Breakfast
10:30-12:00 Morning bodywork
12:30 Light lunch
13:30-16:00 Dance atelier
19:00 Dinner
20:30 Open dance space (optional)
What’s included:
Full board with all meals and drinks, coffee and tea throughout the day, all movement sessions. One completely free day to explore, rest, or simply enjoy the space.
Investment:
Double room with private bathroom: €1,280
Double room with shared bathroom: €1,080
Single room with private bathroom: €1,680
Single room with shared bathroom: €1,480
Here’s what happens next
You can close this page and think about it. Maybe revisit it in a few weeks. Maybe tell yourself you’ll do it „next year“ when things are less busy (they won’t be).
Or you can make the decision now. Book the week. Put it in your calendar. Tell the people in your life that you’re going to be unavailable. Not because you’re escaping from them – because you’re finally returning to yourself.
To reserve your place:
Email: ms@melinasedo.com
Phone: +49 151 40526333
Questions you might have
I don’t have dance experience. Is this really for me?
Yes. This isn’t about being „good at dance.“ It’s about reconnecting with movement in whatever form that takes for you. Every body is welcome, exactly as it is.
What if I have physical limitations?
Everything can be adapted. Melina has 25 years of experience working with different bodies and needs. Just let us know what would help you participate comfortably.
I’m coming alone – will that be awkward?
Most participants come solo. There’s something profound about being in a group of people who don’t know your story yet, who meet you exactly as you are in this moment.
What should I bring?
Comfortable clothes for movement. Layers for the variable French weather. Whatever helps you feel at home. We’ll send a packing list before the event.
Is this some kind of intense personal development thing?
No. It’s gentle, grounding, and restorative. You won’t be asked to share your trauma or perform vulnerability. You can be as social or as private as you need to be.
What if I need to cancel?
We’ll discuss cancellation terms when you book. Life happens – I understand that.
How do I get there?
The easiest way is by car. If you’re coming by train, your stop will be Tonnerre – just 25 minutes from the château. We’ll take care of the rest and arrange your pick-up, either with another participant passing through or a member of our team. We’ll also help coordinate car-sharing. Don’t worry!
The week starts July 18th.
There are 12 spaces.
Will you join?
Email: ms@melinasedo.com