
Dreaming Stone CI Lab
for Experienced Dancers
Sept 23rd – 27th, 2026
Sept 23rd – 27th, 2026
A 5-day retreat in the mountains of North Carolina focusing on collaborative research and play among experienced CI dancers, time to enjoy the river and forest, and connecting over delicious meals. We have had two successful years of producing this event and are adjusting the dates so as to enjoy swimming in the river and enjoying a deeper dive with five days together.


Founded in 2021, Dreaming Stone is a NEW retreat and arts center in the mountains of North Carolina founded by long-time CI dancer, performance artist, and activist, Tevyn East. We see this Experienced Dancers Retreat as a *CELEBRATION* of Dreaming Stone as a new home for CI practice and research in the United States and a time to *ENVISION* more CI magic at Dreaming Stone in the future. Joining institutions like Earthdance in Western Massachusetts and The Field Center in Vermont as a home for residential CI, arts, activism and related events, Dreaming Stone also embodies a strong commitment to restorative justice and permaculture programming, year-round events for the local community, and cultural organizing work.
Dreaming Stone features a large round studio with windows on all sides, beautiful common areas for cooking, eating, and connecting, and is the steward of 50+ acres of land, including a swimmable river with rocks for lounging.

EVENT DETAILS
Participants will arrive in the afternoon or evening on Wednesday, September 23rd, to settle in, have dinner, and enjoy an opening jam. The event will end after lunch on Sunday, September 27th, to leave time for travel. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday are the meat of the program, with early-morning contemplative practice (Authentic Movement, Contemplative Dance Practice, etc.), morning and afternoon classes and labs, and evening jams.


Attendees can apply in advance to host a class or lab based on their current interests, and the organizers will curate a balanced program of offerings. A few slots will remain open for emergent ideas. Although there is only one large dance space, it will be possible to offer co-occurring movement offerings outdoors and discussions in the library/living room. All sessions are optional, and skipping out on some scheduled events to nap, spend time by the river, or connect with new and old friends is very welcome.
Who is ELIGIBLE FOR THIS RETREAT? Those with the following:
- Competent in higher-level technical CI skills. Not necessarily flashy or hyper-athletic skills, but certainly a sense of nuance, safety, and experimentation which comes from many years of dedicated practice.
- A current, committed, and regular CI practice.
- Many years (5+) of experience studying with respected teachers and participating in CI events, jams and retreats.
- Passionate about the history, culture, and future of CI.
- Perhaps significant experience teaching.
- Able to maintain community relationships over time via excellent practices around consent and communication.
- Able to collaborate effectively with peers in a labbing context.
FULL ATTENDANCE IS PREFERRED:
We ask that everyone arrive on Wednesday and stay through Sunday if at all possible. If you need to attend for a shorter period, let us know. We are not able to offer discounts for partial attendance.
FOOD:
All meals and snacks are provided and we can accommodate your dietary preferences. Abundant, locally sourced, and delicious!
SLEEPING:
There are guest bedrooms in the main house, additional residential spaces on the land, and plenty of space and utilities for campers. Camping is included in the general costs. If you want a bed, you can save money by sharing a room with another, or pay more for a private space. If you would like to stay nearby, we can equip you with additional local options.
CHILDCARE:
There will be childcare. Please let us know if you are interested in coming and bringing a child.
COST:
We have a three-tiered sliding scale, with incentives to register early. Please pay the highest amount you can afford. These costs include camping and commuting. On-site accommodations are an additional cost.







Suggested $625.00
Choose this option if you are financially stable (for instance, you have savings and budget for extracurricular activities or travel). This option covers event expenses and labor.
Sustaining $750.00
Choose this option if you are financially well-off (for instance, if you have received significant generational wealth/inheritance, you own your home and have savings). This option supports lower registration fees for those who need it and makes the event possible.
Supported $450.00
Choose this option if you wouldn’t otherwise be able to attend (for instance, if you live paycheck to paycheck despite working full time). This amount does not fully cover the expense of the event. The number of supported slots is limited, so please choose the suggested one if possible.
WORK-TRADE AND ACCESSIBILITY:
- There is work-trade available for:
- Child Care
- Extra kitchen support
- Care of the facilities
- It is possible to set up a monthly payment plan. Early bird discounts only apply if you provide the full registration costs before the early bird deadline.
- We have a limited number of partial scholarships awarded on a rolling basis as funds allow, and priority will be given to those who belong to groups that have been or are currently systemically marginalized, racialized, or underserved.
You may also reach out to Aliza at info@dreamingstone.org with any questions about the above.
CANCELLATION POLICY:
- Full refund minus a $75 admin fee before August 1
- 50% refund from Aug 2-Sept 9
- No refund after Sept 9
- Exceptions may be made for emergencies and unexpected illness.
Timing: You can secure your spot with a deposit ($75) and pay later, but note that prices do go up as the event gets closer:
- Secure your spot with a deposit ($75) or full payment
- JUNE BIRD full payment by June 30 – $75 discount
- JULY BIRD full payment by July 31 – $50 discount
- STANDARD PRICE full payment by Sept 1 – Standard Registration price
- LATE REGISTRATION full payment Sept 2-16 – +$75 to standard reg
- LAST CALL: all payment is due by Sept 16
If you would like to come, please fill out the application here!
Applicants will receive a response within two weeks of submitting their application. Please apply as soon as you can. It’s helpful for us to hear from you earlier, especially if you are in need of work-trade or would like indoor accommodations.
Registration and full payment must be completed September 16th at the latest.
ORGANIZERS:
- Tevyn East of Dreaming Stone, Rutherfordton, NC.
- CJ O’Reilly of CI Groundswell, Asheville, NC.
- Toni Craige, who co-produces some events through Living Arts Collective, and also self-produces some events. Durham, NC.
All CI photos are by Anna M Maynard
