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Discover the DanceMode Immersions

Join us on a journey through the rich connections between our bodies, rhythm, music, movement, culture, community, and dancing!


DanceMode Immersions go beyond traditional dance workshops—they are transformative experiences designed to help you unlock your natural rhythm, refine your skills, and immerse yourself in a supportive community of movement enthusiasts.

For over two decades, DanceMode has been creating immersive learning experiences for movers, dancers, and teachers of all levels. Since 2012, we’ve been proud to bring these unique retreats to Berlin, welcoming participants from around the world. Our programs have shaped and inspired countless dancers, including teachers and performers from the local Blues, Balboa, and Lindy Hop scenes, many of whom return to our immersions year after year.


Fusion has been part of our curriculum from the start, and since 2022, we’ve introduced dedicated Fusion tracks to cater to the growing interest in this expressive style. Whether you’re a beginner discovering dance for the first time, an experienced dancer looking to deepen your craft, or even a teacher seeking fresh perspectives, DanceMode Immersions are for you.


What makes DanceMode Immersions unique?

Personal guidance
You can spend long hours learning, but if you're working in a group of several dozen, you're often left to your own devices because there's only one teacher who can't dedicate much attention to everyone. Our teacher-to-student ratio is 1 to 2 or 1 to 4. This close-to-personal guidance is a unique approach at dance retreats. This way you learn more and progress faster than in other dance classes.


Unravel your native dancer
Some people are lucky enough to grow up dancing. Others learn it later in life, often thinking that dancing is about steps, patterns, or frames. For us, dancing is breathing and moving in response to vibration and sound. Learning these fundamentals is key to unravelling the natural dancer within. We are here to help you do this through a specially designed program where each element is set and planned to synergistically build your progress.


Come as you are
Workshops are often targeted at dancers of specific skill levels. This is partly because it’s easier to convey knowledge to large groups that way. DanceMode Immersions work differently. They are very intimate, allowing each participant to be guided almost individually. This event is tailored to your needs and abilities. We gather at the beginning of the retreat, work with each participant, and create a unique schedule that will improve your skills regardless of your dance level. Many dance teachers and beginners alike have participated in our immersions. We welcome you regardless of your level of dance experience.

Brenda Jean Russell

Brenda comes from a family of social dancers and musicians. 


As dance became her profession, she began specialising in African American cultural jazz, blues, and latin dances. 


For the last 24 years, Brenda has travelled the world teaching movement and dance, including balboa, blues, swing, tango, west coast swing and fusion.

She is also a certified movement educator through multiple disciplines since 2011. 


Brenda is known as a technician, historian, and sometimes drill sergeant. She is most known as a dancer and teacher for her feel, and that of her students.


Brenda promotes the philosophies of proprioceptive partnering, neutral frame, spinal alignment and pulse-based dancing, helping her students experience an organic connection often found in native social dancers.


Brenda Jean has founded DanceMode in 2001.


When describing her vision, she states:

Movement  |  Sensuality  |  Community

Fusion, Mind & Body Immersion

Fusion, Mind & Body Immersion is designed for individuals interested in integrating partner dancing, and body mechanics with holistic practices, including breath work and Qigong. It focuses on mind-body modalities such as the Franklin Method, Alexander Technique, anatomical education and imagery, neurocognition and neurodynamic imagery to enhance overall movement capacity.

We will explore these complementary elements, as they align with developing versatility and creativity in movement, making this immersion ideal for dancers seeking a well-rounded and innovative approach to improving their skills. If you feel you need a “magical quality” element in your dancing, this track is for you.

Registration

Blues & Movement Immersion

Blues & Movement Immersion centers on traditional and modern blues dancing with an emphasis on partner connection and musicality. While it can include optional wellness components like Qigong and breathwork, these are usually less integrated into the core schedule to accommodate participants' preferences.

During the track, you’ll also explore mind-body modalities such as the Franklin Method, Alexander Technique, anatomical education and imagery, neurocognition and neurodynamic imagery to enhance overall movement capacity.

You’ll also have live sessions with Dan Nash, to immerse in Afro-American music and culture. Blues Immersion is tailored to those who value a more focused exploration of blues and African dance and develop dance vocabulary and partner dancing.

Registration

Where do the retreats

take place?

Welcome to Eden!

Our retreats are held at a cultural center that was once a legendary jazz club. This historic and vibrant venue is located in the Pankow district, central Berlin. The center includes both historical café and hotel buildings as well as modern training halls where you'll be learning.


EDEN****** 

Cafe, Garden, Studios, Rooms
Breite Strasse 43, 13187 Berlin / Pankow

Google Maps link


EDEN Reception
Mo-Fr 10am - 6 pm: call +49 30 - 35120312


Public Transport:

Station Pankow-Kirche: Tram M1, M50
Station Pankow: U2, M27, S2, S8, RE3, RE5

Bus: 107, 155, 250, 255, X54, N50, N2

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Where to stay?

As the program is from morning to night,  and the community plays an essential role in the immersive aspect, we would like you to stay at Eden, in the near neighborhood, or 15-30 mins from where the lessons take place.


Eden residence rooms, that is the preferred choice rooms — DOCK 11.


Room categories go from single room incl. bathroom to shared room without shared bathroom.  In order to have the majority on site we ask that you share a room if possible.  We have reserved all guestrooms and will assign rooms according to registration. 


We will be reserving additional lodgings in the area as well, or you can reserve your own housing.


We can only guarantee housing until September 15th, but we will do our best to help you find nearby accommodation.  We will likely still have housing options up until the week of the event


What do I eat?

Meals are not included, though we may do some catered meals together.


There are a lot of possibilities for you to get food in cafés, snack bars or restaurants in the nearest neighbourhood

and also possibilities to organize food by yourself from groceries, organic or turkish shops.


Within a short walking distance, there are many dining options: 


A map of places nearby Eden.


What Options do we have? How are the costs?

Fusion Immersion

 


6 nights, 5 days

Sept 25 - Oct 1


without accomodation: 650€

950€ / 650€

 Fusion Immersion +

Blues & Fusion X


  11 nights, 10 days

Sept 25 - Oct 6


without  accomodation: 1100€

1300€ / 1100€

Blues & Fusion X

with accomodation 


4 nights, 3 days, October 2 - 5

(limited availability)


without accomodation: 175€

375€ / 175€

Blues & Fusion X +

Blues Immersion

 

 11 nights, 10 days

Oct 2 - 12 


without accomodation: 1100€

1300€ / 1100€

Blues Immersion



6 nights, 5 days

Oct 6 - 12


without accomodation: 650€

950€ / 650€

The Whole Shebang -

All Three Events


16 nights

Sept 25 - October 12


(Yes people do this)

2200€

*First-time Immersion Attendees have a 30€ Equipment Fee (yours to keep).


*Food is an additional cost. We have found people like to make their own food selections, however we may opt for some catering in order to have more time to focus on training and rest. There will be inexpensive food options, and vegan & GF food options as well. Supermarkets are close.


Dates and the program outline:


Berlin Fusion, Body & Mind Immersion - 25.09.2025 - 01.10.2025:


  • Thursday, Sept 25 | 19:00 Welcome Session
  • Friday, Sept 26 | Full-day sessions
  • Saturday, Sept 27 | Full-day sessions
  • Sunday, Sept 28 | Full-day sessions
  • Monday, Sept 29 | Full-day sessions
  • Tuesday, Sept 30 | Full-day sessions


  • Wednesday, Oct 1 | Check-out / Free Day / Individual sessions


Berlin Blues & Fusion Experience -02.10.2025 - 30.10.2025:


  • Thursday, Oct 2 | Opening Party
  • Friday, Oct 3 | Workshops, Afternoon & Evening Parties
  • Saturday, Oct 4 | Workshops, Afternoon & Evening Parties
  • Sunday, Oct 5 | Brunch, Workshops, Afternoon & Evening Parties


Berlin Movement & Blues Immersion - 06.10.2025 - 11.10.2025:


  • Monday, Oct 6 | 19:00 Welcome Session
  • Tuesday, Oct 7 | Full-day sessions
  • Wednesday, Oct 8 | Full-day sessions
  • Thursday, Oct 9 | Full-day sessions
  • Friday, Oct 10 | Full-day sessions
  • Saturday, Oct 11 | Full-day sessions


  • Sunday, Oct 12 | Check-out / Free Day / Individual sessions
  • Monday, Oct 13 | Check-out / Transition Day


Detailed Schedule is Subject to Change - these retreats are customized for participants present, therefore times and priority of topics will be given based on the attendees' personal preferences.


What is the program like?


The DanceMode Immersions program spans six days and is carefully designed to provide a comprehensive and structured approach to movement and dance. Here's how the schedule is organized:


Day 1: Orientation and planning

The retreat begins with an extensive evening session where participants introduce themselves, share their goals, and discuss their expectations for the week. This meeting allows us to understand your needs and customize the schedule accordingly, ensuring that the program supports your progress effectively.


Days 2-6: Immersion in movement practice

The next five days are dedicated to intensive learning and practice, with 7-9 hours of sessions each day.

Below is a breakdown of a typical day:


  • Morning Qigong Session (Optional)
    Start the day with Qigong, an ancient Chinese movement practice focused on energy flow and promoting health. Led by Brenda, a certified instructor, this session helps you prepare your bodies and minds for the day ahead in a gentle and energizing way.


  • Dynamic warm-up
    After a brief break, the day continues with a general warm-up session that incorporates elements of classical gymnastics, yoga, and fascial work. The goal is to awaken and prepare your body for the physical demands of the day.


  • Breakfast Break
    A break to refuel and relax before the more intensive sessions.


  • In-depth movement study
    This longer session focuses on body mechanics and understanding how movement works from the inside out.
  • Topics include:
  • Anatomy in motion:Learn about the structures and functions of the body to improve movement efficiency.
  • Elements of the Franklin Method: Explore techniques using Dynamic Neuro-cognitive Imagery, anatomical embodiment, and mindful movement to improve alignment, proprioception, and movement quality.


  • Lunch break
    A midday pause for relaxation and nourishment. You can use this time to have a meal, rest or even a short nap!


  • Dance technique and refinement
    The in-depth afternoon session focuses on dance-specific techniques tailored to the participants' needs and goals. This includes refining foundational skills, exploring advanced techniques, and integrating the principles of body mechanics into dance.

          During Blues Immersion, you practice with live music from Dan Nash; it’s like having a personal mini-concert each

          day!


  • Evening practice
    Optional evening sessions or social dancing provide time for additional practice, often in a relaxed and collaborative environment. For those who wish, Berlin’s vibrant dance scene offers opportunities to attend local events and social dances. Also, at least once during the week, we hold a Spa night to take care of our bodies, and a private party in the nearby pub on another night.


  • Structure and Flexibility

          While the program follows a structured daily schedule, there is room for adjustments based on group energy and     

          individual needs. This approach ensures that you receive the support and space you need to fully engage with

           the learning process.

DanceMode Experience Impressions

Videos and Interviews

about DanceMode Retreats & Brenda Russell

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