Where? / When? / How?
Who are we?
This retreat will be led by me, Misako Envela, and my incredible co-host, Lorenzo Edwards.
I am a heart-centered dancer and digital creator. Over two decades ago, on the playground of Hancock Park Elementary School, I first laid eyes on a group of my peers practicing for the school’s competitive dance team. I remember this moment as if it were yesterday—sitting on the low bench in front of the school’s jungle gym, watching them from afar. It was one of the most mesmerizing things I had ever witnessed. I felt like I had stumbled upon something sacred, and I was right. Dance is transcendent, and ever since that moment, it has consumed my mind, body, and soul.
Little did I know at the time that I would soon become a part of that group, and our days spent dancing on a blue tarp laid over the concrete of that playground would become the foundation upon which I built my love for dance. Since then, I’ve spent over two decades searching for a dance community and a space to truly belong—dancing in and out of studios, coming close but never quite finding my dance home.
Lorenzo is a multi-disciplinary artist with Caribbean roots. Raised in the movement and spiritual arts with a focus on dance, he has been guiding his students through his unique training system, which he calls "movement therapy"—a blend of dance techniques, verbal guidance, and an environment of liberation. Through the medium of dance, Lorenzo aims to help others set themselves free to become everything they’ve dreamed of.
Our hope is that the THRIVING Retreat will become the safe dance space and community that many of us have been searching for—a place where we can move, heal, and grow together. Dance has opened the door to a world of healing, love, and connection unlike anything else, and our hope is that you’ll step into this world with us.
Who are you?
This retreat was designed to offer you the perfect balance of movement, adventure, education, contemplation, and relaxation. We’ve thoughtfully planned each day to provide the most expansive, enriching, and fulfilling experience we can offer.
This retreat is for anyone who loves to dance or feels curious about using dance as a tool to connect with their deeper desires and emotions. I wanted to create this experience because I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative healing and mental clarity that can emerge through dance and movement. If you’re seeking those two things, this retreat was made for you—especially if you’re someone who spends so much of your energy meeting the needs of others. This is your space to finally pour back into yourself.
Whether you’re new to dance, a seasoned professional, or somewhere in between, this retreat isn’t about technique or choreography—though that will be a part of the experience. It’s about freedom of movement, leaning into joy, and unleashing the inner artist that lives in all of us.