DESCRIPTION
Immerse yourself in a 9-day, 8-night transformative journey in the mystical setting of Khajuraho, India. This retreat is a unique invitation to explore self-knowledge and personal transformation through devotional art and the ancient practices of Tantra , which will revive your consciousness and awaken your inner beauty.
The Khajuraho Temples , a World Heritage Site, are a living symbol of spirituality and tantric art. Famous for their intricate sculptures and deep meaning, these temples have, for centuries, been a sacred place of connection between the human and the divine , inspiring spiritual seekers from around the world.
We will be inspired by the wisdom of the Devadasis , the ancient temple priestesses who, through dance, art and rituals , embodied the bridge between the earthly and the divine. These women, guardians of sacred knowledge, dedicated their lives to spiritual service and teach us, even today, to recognize divinity in our own essence.
This retreat is much more than a journey: it is an opportunity to rediscover yourself and connect with your true inner beauty. Immerse yourself in a path of spiritual and personal transformation that will enrich your life and broaden your vision of the world.
COURSE PROGRAM
BHARATANATYAM
Bharatanatyam is Bharatanatyam is one of the oldest and most sacred dance forms of India, originating in the state of Tamil Nadu. This style is characterized by its angular postures, precise eye movements and hand gestures. It is a deeply devotional dance that depicts mythological stories and seeks to create a spiritual connection through its precision, rhythm and symbolism.
PNEUMADANCE®
This approach includes advanced techniques of conscious breathing, prayer, technique, improvisation and choreography, allowing participants to have a firm understanding of the components of the movements that emerge in the Sacred Dances, as well as the development of techniques with precision and clarity. Through choreographic work, different languages are explored, learning symbols, forms and archetypes that provide a deep connection with the most sacred of these two essences of dance.
YOGA & MEDITATION
The yoga practice that seeks to balance body and mind. The word "Hatha" represents the union of opposing energies, symbolized by the sun and the moon. It involves asanas (postures) and pranayama (breath control) to purify the body and calm the mind. In addition, it prepares the practitioner for deep meditation, promoting concentration and inner serenity.
PNEUMA
BREATHWORK
Pneuma Breathing is a powerful technique for the expansion of Consciousness, self-knowledge and progressive analysis of the psyche.
TEMPLES VISIT
& EXCURSIONS
Experience the sacred atmosphere of the Khajuraho temples, where architecture and sculptures embody tantric philosophy and symbolism, creating a space for deep contemplation and connection.
INITIATION CEREMONY
Participate in a traditional ceremony that symbolizes connection with the divine, inviting sacred energy to guide this journey of self-discovery.
STUDY ON DEVADASIS
& TANTRIC PHILOSOPHY
Explore the principles of Tantra and its focus on the integration of masculine and feminine energies as a path to self-realization and spiritual ecstasy, as seen by Pneuma Studies. Delve into the history and sacred role of the Devadasis, temple priestesses who channeled divine energy and embodied a deep spiritual commitment through art and dance.
Key Course Topics
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Who were the Devadasis? Discover the story of these women and their profound role in Indian spirituality and art.
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Sacred Feminine Energy: Learn how the Devadasis channeled feminine energy for self-realization and spiritual awakening.
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Khajuraho Temples: Explore the tantric symbolism of these temples as an expression of divine union.
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Classical Indian Dance: Practice Bharatanatyam dances, used by the Devadasis to activate inner energy and connect with the divine.
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Yoga and Pneuma Breathwork Practices: Integration of yoga and breathing techniques to balance body, mind and spirit.
Benefits of the Course
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Awaken and honor your feminine energy: Activate your creative potential through artistic and spiritual practices.
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Explore the sacred essence of femininity: Immerse yourself in the wisdom of Tantra and the heritage of the Devadasis.
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Comprehensive transformation: Integrates body, mind and spirit for a deep and lasting transformation.
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Connect with the ancient culture of India: Immerse yourself in the art and devotion of the Devadasis as a source of personal empowerment.
A Transformational ExperienceThis course will allow you to reconnect with your deepest and most authentic nature. In an environment as charged with symbolism and energy as Khajuraho, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in a sacred tradition that integrates dance, art and spirituality in a single act of devotion. Prepare yourself for a journey of transformation and self-discovery!
PROGRAM SCHEDULE
Day 1:
14:00 - 16:00: Check-in
16:00 - 17:00: Registration
17:00 - 18:00: Introduction
18:00 - 19:00: Pooja (Ceremony)
19:00 - 20:30: Dinner
Days 2 to 8:
06:15 - 07:15: Yoga Class / Alignment / Asana Adjustment and Benefits
07:15 - 07:45: Pranayama and Meditation
08:00 - 09:00: Breakfast
09:00 - 10:00: Break
10:00 - 11:30: Bharatanatyam Practice / Visit to Temples
11:30 - 12:30: Philosophy
12:30 - 13:30: Lunch
13:30 - 16:30: Break
16:30 - 17:30: Navarasas / Symbolism of Mudras / Chanting of Mantras
17:30 - 18:30: Kathak / Pneuma Dance / Pneuma Breathwork
18:30 - 19:30: Meditation and Journal
19:30 - 20:30: Dinner
Day 9:
06:00 - 07:00: Pranayama and Meditation
07:00 - 08:00: Breakfast
08:00 - 08:30: Check-out and departure from the hotel
Most flights to New Delhi depart from 11:00 am (the airport is just 15 minutes from the hotel). We recommend checking out early to ensure a smooth transfer.
FACILITATOR
MTRA. SHAMTI RUIZ
Shamti Ruiz Velásquez holds a degree in Dance Sciences from the European University of Madrid, where she trained in various dance disciplines and Hatha Yoga in Kerala and Bangalore, India. During her stay in India, she delved deeper into the sacred art of Bharatanatyam under the tutelage of Guru Gayathri Keshavan at the Academy of Bharatanatyam in Bangalore, India. She continues to enrich this tradition through pilgrimages and teaching programs.
She also has training in Transpersonal Psychology from the Pneuma Institute and is an active member of EUROTAS (European Association of Transpersonal Psychology). She also has a Master's degree in Art Didactics, specializing in psychotherapy through movement and yoga and dance techniques.
She currently resides in Oxford, England, where she studied at the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies. There, together with her husband Rahul Nambiar, she offers programs that explore transpersonal dance as a therapeutic and sacred tool. With performances in Europe, India and Mexico, her holistic approach and dedication to the mind-body connection make her an inspiring guide for those seeking personal transformation and balance.
FAC. JULIANA PADILLA
I am Juliana Padilla, a graduate in Psychology and Advertising from the European University of Madrid, a yoga teacher and passionate about physical and mental well-being.
Exercise is my way of exploring and discovering new limits, both physically and mentally. I consider sport a powerful tool for self-discovery and I always encourage my students to direct their attention inward.
My classes are designed so that you listen to your body and connect with what you need at any given moment: moving forward with determination when necessary or stopping, feeling and resting when the body asks for it.
I currently work as a Transpersonal Psychology and Pneuma Breathwork facilitator at the Pneuma Institute. For 12 years, I have been a dedicated student of the Pneuma Institute, participating in personal and professional development trainings in inspiring places such as Bali, Peru, India, the United States, Italy, Mexico and Egypt.
Today, I share my experience and knowledge through personal development courses, meditation, and Pneuma Breathwork and Pneuma Therapy sessions in Madrid. My approach combines transpersonal psychology with the practice of yoga, promoting a holistic experience for deep well-being.
ACCOMMODATION & PRICES
Our course will take place at the prestigious Hotel The Lalit , located in a privileged setting overlooking the sacred temples. For 8 nights and 9 days, we will enjoy exceptional accommodation that will allow us to be close to these sacred places. We will have the wonderful opportunity to visit them regularly to study, practice and meditate in the tantric temples, thus immersing ourselves in their energy and ancestral wisdom.
ACCOMMODATION & PRICES
1
Choose your accommodation
Select the type of accommodation you prefer for your retreat in India.
2
Make the deposit of
500 euros
Make a 500 Euro deposit to secure your spot. The remainder will be paid during the retreat.
3
Send the receipt and complete the form
Send your proof of payment to pneumadance@pneumainstitute.org and complete the registration form. A member of our team will contact you for further details and support.
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Airline flights
Lunch and Dinner (only includes breakfast)
Visa procedures
Travel Insurance
Transportation from the airport to the hotel.
Extra expenses not mentioned in the previous points
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE COURSE
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Full Retreat Program
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Accommodation at Hotel Lalit Khajuraho (single or shared room options).
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Breakfast included during your stay .
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Khajuraho Temples Tours
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Admission tickets to the temples
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE COURSE
Airline flights
Lunch and Dinner (only includes breakfast)
Visa procedures
Travel Insurance
Transportation from the airport to the hotel.
Extra expenses not mentioned in the previous points
"We can all be Divine Devadasis, we just need to remember our Sacred origin. Through a high astral art, she offers us the tools for our spiritual awakening and simultaneously offers us a transformation in all its highest senses.
Bharatanatyam, a dance that is more than 5,000 years old, preserves the wisdom for internal transformation. This is the heritage of the priestesses who protected and to this day, we have these teachings for our self-realization."
- Shamti Ruiz
Conference in Bangalore, India. 2018
PNEUMA
DANCE
Khajuraho, India
Pneuma Dance is an international dance school focused on the research, teaching and practice of Indian classical dances, especially Bharatanatyam, as well as Kathak and yoga and its philosophical foundations. This course will be held at the Lalit Hotel, opposite the Khajuraho temples, a sacred site that provides an ideal environment for learning and spiritual exploration.
Students from around the world are immersed here in classical Indian dance through classes, performances, and Shamti Ruiz's Pneuma Dance method, which integrates Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Sufism, and Oriental Dance. Teaching follows the tradition of Guru Gayathri Keshavan, with a rigorous curriculum that includes Indian aesthetic theory, Hatha Yoga, and cultural and philosophical studies from the transpersonal perspective of Pneuma. For full-time study, an admission process is required.
OFFICIAL CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICY
Pneuma Dance's cancellation and refund policy has been designed to ensure a fair allocation of spaces in the program to those students who have been accepted and are committed. Please note that the PD registration fee is not refundable or transferable to future workshops or to third parties, under any circumstances, including in cases of medical or family emergencies. We ask that you register with full knowledge and acceptance of the terms of the agreement.
Payment, which can be made via Paypal or Revolut, as well as completion of the “Mandatory Waiver Form”, must be completed within the time period specified upon receipt of acceptance, in order to guarantee enrolment in the intensive sessions.
By completing your payment, you have agreed to our refund terms and conditions.
Pneuma Dance in India
Dance returns to its place of origin, in the sacred temples