Midlground
Con Olga Sokolova
February 17 - 21, 2027
SHAMBALANTÉ PRESENTS
MIDLGROUND
A Movement Retreat with Olga Sokolova
February 17–21, 2027 · Shambalanté, Yucatán, Mexico · 5 days / 4 nights
Five days of movement practice with Olga Sokolova in Yucatán. An intimate group, 20 hours of movement, and everything else taken care of so you can focus entirely on your body.
Early Bird until November 15, 2026 (limited spots available, reserve yours)
What Is MIDLGROUND?
MIDLGROUND is a movement method created by Olga Sokolova: a meeting point between function and fluidity, discipline and intuition, strength and softness.
The method brings together influences from Shaolin martial arts, Tai Chi, and Qi Gong with biomechanics, functional mobility, somatic awareness, and contemporary movement research. Through practice, you explore the relationship between structure and spontaneity, perception and action, technique and freedom.
MIDLGROUND is not a yoga class, a dance class, or a fitness workout. It is a method with its own identity, born from Olga’s artistic journey, her exploration of the body, and the integration of ancient martial arts traditions with contemporary movement science. Its uniqueness lies in exploring movement without being limited to a fixed form.
The Principles of the Practice
- Function and fluidity
- Discipline and intuition
- Strength and softness
- Presence over performance
- Sensation over form
- Coherence over complexity
The Retreat
Five immersive days with Olga at Shambalanté to practice MIDLGROUND, dedicate time and attention to your body, share the experience with a small group, and explore new possibilities for movement.
The retreat includes 20 hours of practice: 2.5 hours in the morning and 2.5 in the afternoon. Between sessions, the traditional temazcal, swimming pools, jungle surroundings, and rest become part of caring for your body.
“True strength and healing arise when we return to movement that is instinctive, sustainable, and alive.” — Olga Sokolova
This Retreat Is for You If:
- You want to dedicate five days to your body, guided by an internationally experienced teacher in an intimate group setting.
- You are willing to engage in physical effort.
- You practice yoga, dance, martial arts, or functional training and want to explore new ways of moving.
- You work with the body (as an instructor, dancer, therapist, or trainer) and are looking for new tools and perspectives.
Level: Open to all levels. No previous experience is required.
This retreat may not be suitable for you if you have major injuries or a health condition that prevents you from engaging in physical activity. If you are unsure about your situation, please contact us before reserving your spot.
Program
Wednesday through Sunday, with morning and afternoon practice sessions.
| Day | Activities |
|---|---|
| Wednesday 17 | Arrival, welcome, and first practice session. Traditional temazcal ceremony for the entire group. |
| Thursday 18 | Morning and afternoon practice sessions. Free time to rest and recover. |
| Friday 19 | Morning and afternoon practice sessions. Evening bonfire and stargazing. |
| Saturday 20 | Morning and afternoon practice sessions. |
| Sunday 21 | Integration practice, closing sound healing session, and departure. |
The schedule may be adjusted to better support the practice and the group’s experience.
Your Retreat Includes:
- 20 hours of MIDLGROUND practice with Olga Sokolova at Shambalanté.
- 4 nights of accommodation in the room of your choice.
- Ovo-lacto vegetarian meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner, prepared with ingredients from our garden.
- Traditional temazcal experience for the entire group.
- Bonfire and stargazing evening.
- Closing sound healing session.
- Access to swimming pools, gardens, and shared spaces.
Not Included:
- Flights or transportation to the retreat. We will share a travel guide with options for getting here.
- Drinks or additional purchases outside the meal plan.
- Traditional Mayan massage (Sobada Maya), ice therapy, or other additional experiences.
- Ask us about our guide to additional experiences.
Optional Experiences (Additional Cost):
- Sobada Maya: MXN $1,800 per session. This traditional Mayan massage can be scheduled during the retreat to support recovery between practices.
- Ice Therapy: MXN $650 per person. Sessions can be scheduled during the retreat to support recovery between practices.
Before You Arrive
A few days before the retreat, you will receive the dress code, a packing list, and a short health questionnaire that Olga uses to get to know the group.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need previous experience?
No. The retreat is open to all levels, as long as you are willing to engage in physical activity.
Can I attend on my own?
Yes. You can choose a private room or share a double room with another retreat participant.
What language will the sessions be taught in?
Spanish and English.
What kind of food will be served?
Ovo-lacto vegetarian meals prepared with ingredients from our garden. If you have dietary restrictions, please let us know when reserving your spot.
What if I have an injury?
Please contact us before booking so we can discuss your situation. This retreat is not suitable for people with major injuries or conditions that prevent physical effort.
What if I have more questions?
Send us a message through the chat on this page, and we will be happy to help.
Learn More About Olga and Her Work:
- Her story on midlground.net
- Videos and photos of her practice
- DanceSpeak Podcast interview, Episode 207 (in English)
- Instagram: @midlground
Maestro
Olga Sokolova es bailarina contemporánea de formación clásica, coreógrafa y especialista en movimiento, radicada en Los Ángeles. Empezó desde niña con gimnasia rítmica, luego ballet clásico y danza contemporánea, y se formó en Europa y Estados Unidos. Pasó años en formas de movimiento estructuradas y rígidas, desconectadas del ritmo natural…
Learn more about Olga Sokolova