My hope with Dance Divine is that you may find something that you have been looking for, perhaps in terms of healing, (re)connection, community, movement, music and fun. I know that when I first started, I was pretty nervous, self-conscious, and didn't really know what to do with myself. I know that sometimes we can struggle a bit with feelings of self-consciousness, anxiety, stuck-ness, awkwardness, feelings of pressure and social expectation. We can also hit a 'plateau' after some time, where we might find ourselves falling into patterned and predictable ways of moving, being, (not) showing up. Or just getting a little bored. Over the years, we will likely also go through physical changes, due to age, illness, injury, hormones, etc. which may affect our dance, make it difficult to get what we once got from it. I can relate to all of these things, and I'd like to help! To this aim, I'm offering 5, 1-day workshops this year, designed to give you theory, tips, practice and techniques for getting more out of your practice.
Starting with:
1.) AN INTRODUCTION TO CONSCIOUS DANCE | FEBRUARY 16, 2026 | 11:00 am to 4:00 pm | BY DONATION*
I'll offer a little overview of the history/origins of conscious dance, changes in the field of psychology and the therapeutic benefits of conscious dance. We will also touch on some of the stigma and challenges around conscious dance, discuss the guidelines and ethics, and intentions at Dance Divine. I'll also share a bit about the structure and purpose of a the music sets. Mostly I hope to address some of the things that people may struggle with on the dance floor and offer some helpful tools and techniques. We will close the session with a facilitated dance.
* I want to make this available to whomever is interested, so I am offering this workshop by donation. To secure your spot, please pre-register by e-transfer to: jelenamarda@novuscom.net
2.) SELF & OTHER ON THE DANCE FLORR | APRIL 3, 2026 | 11:00 am to 4:00 pm | $95
This workshop will focus on the joys and challenges of the shared, inter-personal aspects of conscious dance. (more details to follow)
3.) BODY-BASED PSYCHOLOGY ON THE DANCE FLOOR | AUGUST 3, 2026 | 11:00 am to 4:00 pm | $95
This workshop will present some core concepts of Transpersonal and body-based psychology and give you tools and techniques that will take your practice to the next level. (more details to follow)
4.) HEALING THROUGH BREATHWORK AND MOVEMENT | SEPTEMBER 7, 2026 | 11:00 am to 4:00 pm | $95
This workshop will look at the limits of talk therapy and focus on the therapeutic benefits and healing powers of of conscious connected breathwork, authentic movement and integration. (more details to follow)
5.) BEYOND THE MIND ~ MOVING INTO STILLNESS | OCTOBER 12, 2026 | | 11:00 am to 4:00 pm | $95
This workshop is an experiential, ceremonial session with movement, breathwork, poetry and reflection as we transcend the ego mind and attend to the heart and soul. (more details to follow)
Coming Home is an experiential, personal growth workshop that integrates Transpersonal Psychology with various somatic practices.
The workshop consists of:
- theory/teaching segments
- facilitated movement
- group processes
- somatic techniques for release, integration, regulation, and embodiment
- written exercises
- a breathwork session
- group sharing
- group or partnered exercises
In this workshop you will be asked to look at the relationship between who you really are versus who you think you need to be, and how that shows up in your body, mind and your relationships.
You will learn about Transpersonal Psychology and Family Systems theory, use somatic techniques rooted in Gestalt, breathwork and conscious dance. Through this wholistic lens you will be asked to look at how your family system has impacted your development and how you might hold that conditioning in your body and mind.
This is an experiential, educational and therapeutic workshop. You will be invited to participate in exercises designed to increase your level of awareness and understanding and help you to reach new perspectives. Expect to ‘stretch’ mentally and emotionally.
This workshop will help you to:
- manage anxiety
- manage your boundaries
- deepen your connection to self and others
- communicate better and more authentically
- get out of your head and be more present
- reconnect with your body-based awareness
- access your inner resources, like your: truth, senses, feelings, intuition, priorities, values, and limits
- reclaim cut-off parts of self
- deepen your movement practice *
- expand emotionally, psychologically and physically into a fuller, truer, way of being
* If you are new to conscious dance, this workshop will give you many tools to work with on the dance floor!
We will be working in a small group format so space is limited. If you are interested in participating, please contact Jelena.
I am deeply grateful for this awe-inspiring and transformative experience. Jelena is a highly skilled teacher and guide. Her approach to embodiment is rich with methods of gaining access to parts of myself that I normally ignore. The activities were engaging, fun, non-threatening, nurturing, supportive and helpful. Jelena helped me activate my curiosity and find my unique gifts and strengths. The theory and “tool kit” she offered was immediately serviceable to my intrapersonal and interpersonal relationships. I was at a point in my life where I felt ready to embark on a new journey to help me make changes in my life. I felt stuck in areas of relationship with others and in my ability to see through important personal projects. I was reticent to be a part of a group. I’m so delighted that I took the plunge and participated in Coming Home—A Return to Self workshop. Absolutely life changing. I have greater capacity for joy. I have space to breathe. I trust myself.”
Emily Stansberry
Vancouver, BC.“I highly recommend this workshop. I wish everyone could experience it. Jelena is an extremely gifted facilitator that created a very special container and community for deep connection with self and others, healing and growth. Her therapeutic use of self and capacity to hold space for others is beautiful and inspiring. Deepest gratitude.
It was the perfect blend of theory and experiential and the use of the experiential practices to integrate the theory made complex topics very accessible. I learned so much. This was probably the deepest learning experience I have had in a professional or personal workshop.”
Julie Putman
Vancouver, BC.“Dear Jelena, thank you for the TOOLS and the reminders. Now, I do notice that I have more choices and options instead of just reacting to a situation. I’ve learnt to slow things down by taking a breath, to pay attention to my inside and to honour my beliefs and values. Learning to mirror my inside to match my outside from a loving place. As result, I feel a calm in my heart and aware of a completeness and satisfaction. It has been helping me to relax, to cherish moments and to be curious from a loving place instead of fear.”
Mariam Akhtary
Vancouver, BC.“I recently attended Jelena’s personal growth workshop that exceeded my expectations. Her insightful sessions and engaging activities with somatics and inspirational music, provided valuable tools for self discovery. Jelena created a supportive environment, fostering meaningful connections among participants. I highly recommend this workshop for anyone seeking personal development and
transformative experiences.”
Kathleen McInnes
Vancouver, BC.“ This workshop , like any of Jelena’s work, felt safe, allowing me to enter into the depth of work when tending to the soul and psyche. Her care in curating the content and experiential exercises we went through, made the workshop sustainably transformational. This transformation was palpable as we navigated each day, guided through her gentleness in holding space, offering clear reflection, and checking the pulse of the group as we moved together.”
Estephania Solis
Vancouver, BC.“I truly appreciate and have deep gratitude for the care and dedication that went into the program. I took the workshop because I am inspired by the authenticity that Jelena exudes in what she offers as a facilitator and counsellor. She holds space in such a gentle but clearly strong way and felt that I was willing to be vulnerable in the container she created. What I found was a map, a multitude of avenues that led to the authentic self through the mind, the body and raw emotion. The more vulnerable I felt the more appreciation I felt for myself and from the group. I look forward to using the tools offered here to navigate what seems like the muddy waters of who we seem to be, to a clearer and deeper ocean of who we actually are and can be.”
Erin da Roza
Vancouver, BC.“Participating in Jelena’s workshop of embodies dancing including breath work allowed my body to communicate to me with out my ‘classic” critical self-defeating mindset. Though movement and intentional picked music I accessed tension and could release it for good. After the course I feel internally more at peace, more joyful ,and significant reduced negative self talk . SUCH a relief and now I am continuing this positive state my daily life. Jelena brings a wealth of expertise to you in a simple way that makes it accessible. If you ponder if you … Just go!”
Vanessa Wiebel
Vancouver, BC.“Most of my life, I suffered from social and performance anxiety which affected many aspects of my life. Jelena’s 5-day workshop shifted something for me. It helped me step out of hiding behind my fear of being seen and getting it wrong into a bigger version of myself, less afraid and willing to take risks. As my tendency to anxiously anticipate loosened its grip over me during the course of the workshop, I was able to stay in the present moment and share authentically with the group rather than plan in my head what to say. I allowed my disowned emotions like sadness and grief to flow and let myself be witnessed in the ‘messy’ act of crying which was a huge breakthrough for me. Jelena facilitated a beautiful healing experience for me during one of the practices. She worked her magic on me when I least expected it. I felt deeply held and nurtured by her gentle presence. Thank you, Jelena! My heart is full of gratitude for you, other workshop participants, and this deeply transformative shared experience.”
Anna Fesz
Vancouver, BC.“Participating in Jelena’s workshop of embodies dancing including breath work allowed my body to communicate to me with out my ‘classic” critical self-defeating mindset. Though movement and intentional picked music I accessed tension and could release it for good. After the course I feel internally more at peace, more joyful ,and significant reduced negative self talk . SUCH a relief and now I am continuing this positive state my daily life. Jelena brings a wealth of expertise to you in a simple way that makes it accessible. If you ponder if you … Just go!”
Vanessa Wiebel
Vancouver, BC.“I highly recommend this workshop. It is a gift to Self. I expanded my conscious movement practice, received a safe, gentle and nurturing container of support in which to unpack and heal old wounds and I uncovered a deep well of safety within my authentic being that is now enriching every area of my life. Jelena is a master of her craft. A wise, patient, intuitive, inclusive and caring counsellor and teacher, she models the essence of her teachings- strength in vulnerability and power in authenticity. A fun combination of practical theory and hands-on learning, you’ll dance, laugh, cry, connect with others and feel more empowered then when you arrived.”
Mandara Lebovitz
Vancouver, BC.“I have to confess that of all the counselling sessions, self-help methods and or reading I have done, your program/workshop was the one that touched me the most. “
Kuldip Chaggar
Vancouver, BC.In this workshop I got to experience how the value of body based awareness techniques put into action, can lead to a beautiful embodied state of inner calm and feeling at home with all parts of self.
Thank you Jelena for curating with care the blend of theory, breathwork, movement and partner practices. It helped me to move past blockages and old belief systems to discover connection with an exquisite place and power within.
Irene, Dulay
Vancouver, BC.“It was a great self-exploration experience in a safe, empowering and supportive environment that Jelena created with a good balance of theory, experiential exercises and conscious movement components. It was a deep dive in re-examining my core beliefs, values, socio-cultural conditioning, life experiences, needs, fears, attachments and assumptions in order to determine their validity and rip away masks of self-deceptions that prevented my spiritual growth. The breathwork was very powerful and transformative experience, it opened the door of my inner world, and I connected with the parts of myself that I barely knew, the place inside where magic is still alive and gave a voice to the life within that longed to be lived, to be expressed. I realized that I am not any more at the mercy of life’s events because I have a choice and the opportunity to wake up, grow and heal even amid tragedy, fears, disappointments or loss. Thank you Jelena, for the inspiring, powerful and insightful week! “
Ljubomir Matkovic
Vancouver, BC."From the first moment I entered the room, I felt safe and welcomed. Nothing was forced, it was all an invitation to move deeper and as far as I was willing to take it. There was consent in every step and I appreciate that very much. I’m grateful for this opportunity to expand, grow and also heal. The following days and weeks have so far brought an awareness that wasn’t present before. The guidance that Jelena provided in a safe and comfortable environment is truly priceless and precious as it has opened me up to so much more clarity, growth and consciousness. Thank you! This was and I continue to see it as a beautiful and pivotal experience in my life.”
Taraneh Nasooti
Vancouver, BC.“I cannot say enough about how grateful I am to Jelena for this beautiful workshop. It was the perfect blend of theory and practice, and I have come out of it feeling an amazing sense of hope and knowledge and empowerment in continuing my personal growth journey. It is only through this comprehensive and thoughtful workshop that we can gain a truer sense of self. Thank you so much Jelena, for coming into my life."
Shelley Browne
Vancouver, BC.“Jelena’s 5-day immersive "Coming Home" workshop offered me an opportunity to explore where I needed to reconnect with my intuition and inner child self. She gently encourages a deep group connection and safe container. Between theory and movement she asks us to uncover what is needed and to look at how we show up in life. Each day unfolding differently depending on the energy and vibe of the group. Yes, there is still more healing work to be done. I now have more tools to continue that exploration on my own. I am very thankful and highly recommend this workshop as an investment to yourself and look forward to her next offering.”
Cylia Wong
Vancouver, BC."I deeply appreciate Jelena’s clear and in-depth presentation of the theory and information in the workshop. Jelena’s calm, focused and direct approach helped immensely with comprehension and integration. I loved the rhythm and flow of the workshop, … theory, exercises, movement and breaks. This workshop felt well-honed, and yet flexible for things that would spontaneously arise. Very grateful for the deep dive and thus crucial and necessary self growth work. Thank you!”
Jen Charles
Vancouver, BC.“This course is an essential experience for learning how to move towards living and loving as your authentic self. The group experience brings a sense of mutual care, acceptance, understanding and support as we all tackle the universal difficulties of being human and the inevitable injuries that wound us and separate us from ourselves and from connecting with others. The course is a roadmap of steps we can take to bring us back to our true home within ourselves.”
Danica Levajac
Vancouver, BC.“Well, I felt extremely broken and unfixable even with all the help that I have received over the past 30 years. I felt hopeless, a deep sadness and loss of connection. This workshop without a doubt has been the very best thing I have ever done for myself. I now have a renewed view of how I can change my life for the better and I am extremely grateful and excited for not only my own future but for everyone in my life!"
Leah Pagonis
Vancouver, BC.“So deeply grateful of this space, the techniques and the skillfully-held group dynamics that supported the deeply-felt breakthroughs in my own personal growth. Wow, this was such a helpful, beautiful and heart-opening life-changing way to spend a week. I hope you can experience Coming Home with Jelena Marda. I’ve done a lot of similar work/programs, but nothing compares to this. Nothing else really brought together the body, personality, and divinity of the authentic self. Provided a coherent easy to understand, yet demanding to live and grow into model for authenticity. Revealed the specific places I personally have more capacity to grow. Then gave specific techniques to lean into this growth. This program is amazing. For sure there were some tears and difficult realizations, but we were supported and had techniques so that no one was overwhelmed. It is a joy to connect with the other participants. Already this is changing how I show up in relationships and professionally. Jelena is exceptional—if you feel drawn to dance, learn, or work with her, I’d whole heartedly recommend it.”
Anna Bernhardt
Vancouver, BC.“I feel so grateful for you sharing your life’s work and also to myself for signing up. I was called to join. Connecting with self is my final frontier that also terrifies me. I am emerging with knowledge, hopefully wisdom, a renewed sense of love for myself and y journey, and a profound respect for this work. Thank you again, I hope to continue on this path!”
Suzanne Rushton
Vancouver, BC.“The results were everything I hoped for and more. My expectations were powerfully exceeded. The breathwork and inner child work was very, very powerful. Also very useful tools and concepts to move forward with. Jelena has put together a remarkably effective workshop for personal growth. Presented wit love, kindness and safety. I highly recommend it and will do it again.”
Vic Mills
Vancouver, BC.“This workshop felt like a true gift, arriving just as I was, seeking a new way of being. It offered me tools, for listening to my body, my breath and the quiet voice within. Tools for living another life. I learned to create space to truly hear myself and meet myself and my feelings with care.
It reminded me that healing is not a destination but a journey that can be shaped by grace and joy and ease. I now have ways to be within, to be with myself and soften into my emotions and find comfort within. Though I don’t see the full map ahead, I know I can trust my body and my heart to lead me. “
Esma Guenin
Vancouver, BC.“It was lovely to come to this personal growth workshop in the context of a group. Jelena held a safe space and led with an intuitiveness and strength. The somatic techniques allowed me to access my subconscious on a very visceral level. This work helped me to connect the dots for myself in ways that talk therapy wasn’t able to access for me. I look forward to living into my authentic self.”
Rachelle Siemens
Vancouver, BC.“The format was perfect for me. The material was paced beautifully, interspaced with seemingly simple but mind-flowingly powerful exercises. Jelena created a beautiful safe environment and the group experiences added dimensions of support and inspiration and trust that I could not have predicted.”
Helen Salter
Vancouver, BC.“I found the theory enlightening and it was great to expand the ways I somatically express. I experienced some key breakthroughs. It took a very important place in my psychological work. The experiential portion was exciting and the experiential exercises offered particularly great meaning, that could not be otherwise replicated. In scripting it, you incorporated a very valuable permission to be ourselves. I feel like I have been given permission to stay in my body.
And you gave us of yourself - thank you so much Jelena.”
Jo H.
Vancouver, BC.“It was very powerful the 2nd time around. Everything was much more clear and deeper. I found it ‘bang on’ for doing personal growth. I appreciate the direct approach. This was very directly related to what I need to open up and grow. It was also presented with love and kindness as this can be scary stuff. Tremendous value for money.”
Vic Mills
Vancouver, BC.“I now have the potential to change my life for the better. This is something I have been looking for. I highly recommend this workshop for anyone who wants a more fulfilled and happier and successful life.”
John Mills
Vancouver, BC.“I learned and experienced and shifted deeply. Deep. Reassured. Supported. Dynamic. Practical. Surprising. Comfortable. Challenging. Valuable. Impactful. Respectful. Informative.”