Join Bianca Scalisé (@Bianca.Scalise.Yoga), Steph Góngora (@casa_colibri), and Erin Kelly (@ErinKellyArt) for a 6 day, 50-HR Power of Props Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) in the beautiful mountains of Uvita, Costa Rica. Six days of coming together as a creative collective to examine a wide variety of prop usages in our movement practices at – Flō Retreat Center. Expect long, but information-packed days of participatory lectures, fun & funky morning/evening movement classes, and collaborative group activities to solidify the daily concepts. 

An intimate and community building experience (capped at 30 participants), this 50 HR YTT is the perfect setting for those wishing to continue and expand upon their yoga journey. In this module we dive into all aspects of creative prop usage, from the typical yoga blocks and straps to more unusual use of chairs and bands. We examine how we can use props both to make postures more accessible, as well as more challenging, and finally, how props can help us bring load and aspects of “pull” to an otherwise body-weight practice. Expect to experiment with a wide variety of items to find fresh inspiration in your class creation, whether for your own personal practice or your teachings. Delve into the WHY behind the way so that while we are crafting fluid intricate transitions, we are also fully aware of the anatomy and intention behind the creation.

Upon completion, graduates who have previously completed and registered for a 200HR Yoga Alliance approved teacher training program will be eligible to apply this 50 hour training toward their 500HR Yoga Teacher Registry as part of our 500HR Module-Based Training. (Yoga Alliance Registered). Please make sure you apply for our 500HR Module-Based Training BEFORE attending the module as credits cannot be retroactively added! Note: Hours are earned not bought and the 50HR certificate is contingent on attending all courses, as well as passing the online written + in-person practicum exam to ascertain that you’ve digested the provided information. These trainings are so much fun, but also a great deal of effort. Please do not arrive expecting a vacation. <3

New!: All-Inclusive Pricing! Now that we have moved this training to Costa Rica, the prices include lodging + 3 meals a day. Locals can email us at [email protected] for off-site rates. <3

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****Training Dates (Power of Props ONLY)****

Arrival: Feb 18th, 2021 (after 2pm please)

Training: Feb 19th – Feb 23rd, 2021

Free Day: Feb 24th

Departure: Feb 25th, 2021 (before 11am please)

It is highly recommended that if you are not local, you arrive in the area and check into Flo the afternoon/evening before (on Feb 18th) so that you are ready for an early morning start. Feb 18th is also the only day we will be assisting with shared shuttle arrivals during the suggested travel windows (for this module). Attendees hoping to receive the 50HR certificate need to complete all hours, all coursework, and all homework. Reworking Restorative (the 50HR module BEFORE this) runs Feb 11th – Feb 18th, 2021. Check out BOTH for a bundle discount. <3

*****TRAINING PRICING*****

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In an effort to provide valuable, but accessible continued education, Authentic Movements offers a payment plan as well as bundle discounts for those looking to do both 50HR trainings. Please review the options below, and email us at [email protected] if you have any questions. Total Training Price = $1600 USD for Power of Props. 

• PAYMENT PLAN 50HR Power of Props Module Only: $500.00 USD deposit to reserve spot with $900 balance due on or before Dec 1st, 2020.

Looking to attend BOTH the 50HR Power of Props module AND the 50HR Reworking Restorative module? ($1600 USD) We offer a bundle discount of $400 off, bringing the cost to $2800 USD for 100HRs of content. 

• PAYMENT PLAN 50HR Power of Props + 50HR Reworking Restorative: $800.00 USD deposit to reserve spots in both modules with $2000.00 USD due on or before Dec 1st, 2020

Please note that all $500 deposits ($800 for the combo package) are nonrefundable & nontransferable. If you’re utilizing the pay in full option, then $500 or $800 of your payment becomes that nontransferable/nonrefundable deposit. See below for full refund policy. COVID-19 Notice – If the training is cancelled due to international travel restrictions, we will obviously refund everyone minus any transfer/ credit card processing fees.

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*****TRAINING VENUE*****

FLŌ Retreat Center – Uvita, Costa Rica

PRICES FOR TRAINING Include:

• 6 Day Intensive 50-Hour Teacher Training Module
• Course Book w/ Syllabus
• Daily Coffee/Tea
• Daily Flow Classes in a Variety of Styles
• In depth Courses on Anatomy, Fascial Lines, Creative Webbing, Dynamic Movements, Unique Prop Usage, the Importance of Transitions, Utilizing Outside Movement Modalities, Logical Creativity and MORE. 
• Practice crafting and verbalizing a variety of classes/workshops/sequences
• Free Tank Top
• Assuming eligibility and satisfactory completion of all hours/tests, ability to add this 50HR continued education module toward our 500HR module program. (Yoga Alliance Registered)
• Lodging
• 3 meals per day (vegan/veggie/omnivore options + gluten free)

Additional Items (Not included):

• Round trip airfare (suggested airport – SJO – San Jose, Costa Rica) – 
• Transfer to/from airport and transport to/from lodging to venue – We can assist with $60/way shared shuttles during suggested windows
• Snacks
• Optional Excursions

WHO IS THIS TRAINING FOR?

This 50 HR Advanced Yoga Teacher Training is for anyone wanting to further their exploration and implementation of creative prop usage  into their personal practice and/or teaching. We believe that being confident in your ability to thoughtfully craft and dictate intentional and unique classes with the assistance of props makes for a more helpful and impactful teacher. Plus you’ll be able to put your own creative spin on your classes while simultaneously helping your students progress in a safe and efficient manner. Going through this YTT will provide you with key techniques to take away and apply to your students as well as a deeper understanding of the body so you will feel empowered to apply your techniques to a range of students, beginner- advanced.

This training is open to everyone although we do recommend at least 1-2 years of regular, solid practice. You don’t have to be part of our 500 hour program or have an approved application to attend a module however keep in mind that we cannot retro-actively assign module credits if you later decide to enter the program. Which means that if you’re eligible for the 500HR program (meaning you already have a 200HR certificate from a registered school), we recommend you apply before submitting payment to a module. There is no cost for application, and no time limit to complete the training. If you’re not interested in the 500HR program, there is no need to apply! Simply put down your deposit to snag your space!  Not sure if you’re the right fit for this training? Email us here!

500HR Module BASICS

500HR Application

Sample Schedule

*7:00am – 9:30am – Meditation/Mantra/Journaling/Pranayama/Mini Lecture

*9:30am – 10:30am – Breakfast Break

*10:30am – 1:00pm – Morning Workshop/Movement/Lecture

*1:00pm – 2:00pm – Lunch Break <3

*2:00pm – 4:30pm – Lecture + Workshop + Teaching Methodologies

*4:30pm – 5:30pm – Quick Break

*5:30pm – 7:30pm – Evening Movement/Night Lecture

*7:30pm – Dinner

This schedule may vary on a daily basis (outside of starting/ending times), and there may be a bit more free time on some days as well as some short and helpful homework assignments.

We ask that students do not bring cell phones to class and please be on time to avoid delays. Some morning or evening studio time will be silent time to allow those with a meditation practice to create a calm and comfortable space. While those looking to register with Yoga Alliance for the 500HR program will need to attend all sessions to accumulate the required hours, we ask that you honor your body and simply observe whenever needed.

Note: This training is a sober event. We ask that all attendees refrain from drinking or drug usage (including marijuana) during the full course of the training dates. Authentic Movements attracts quite a few students who are sober and/or in recovery, and we aim to create a safe space for all attendees. Thank you for understanding. 

Food Note: There will be coffee/tea/fruit offered in the morning before practice.

The Authentic Movements 50HR Power of Props Module will offer a safe community space to explore and practice the basics behind expanding our collective creativity. The module will be broken up into a variety of daily parts that build on each other and allow time for both practice and implementation of skills taught.

• Morning Introspection + Movement Session: We will start the day with different introspection techniques to tap into our personal creativity. These may include but are not limited to journaling, mantra, interpretive dance, quick art projects, meditation, discussion, animal movements, and MORE. Following the brief introspection, each day will tackle different forms of creative props usage in a unique movement class. Expect unusual transitions and intentional cues sprinkled throughout the posture mimics as we work toward making sequencing more satisfying, more accessible, and more fun! Finish the morning session with sequence analysis to review techniques used and brainstorm additional changes in order to implement them for future use.

• Lecture 1 – Understanding the WHY + Implementing the HOW: The post-lunch lecture will be a mix of anatomy, sequencing lectures, exploring outside modalities, and getting deeper into our creativity surrounding prop usage. Attendees will review both basic and in-depth anatomy with a focus on fascial lines and hands on approaches to truly digest all presented material. By understanding the WHY behind our sequence creations, we will better be able to serve both ourselves and our students, so expect discussions and critical thinking instead of simple presentations of right and wrong. In addition to anatomy, this lecture will include sequencing lectures + short activities, discussions around intention, and introduction of outside movement modalities to expand the reach of our teaching. Any extra time will be spent on  creativity OFF the mat through art in a wide variety of forms. In addition, we will focus on implementation of skills learned. This will include practice teaching, sequencing creation and demonstration, and working as a collective consciousness to craft a diverse library of tools that all attendees will then be able to take home for extrapolation and usage. 

• Evening Movement + Self Reflection: Finish the day with the softer side of movement. Explore how to use props for relaxation and restorative work through Bianca’s beautifully sculpted classes. Delve deep into self with guided meditations thought provoking journaling prompts, and plenty of time for free-form movement to start building your own personal posture and prop-usage bank.

Flō Retreat Center This 40+ acre property is located in Uvita, Costa Rica (South Pacific Coast) and is home to Steph Góngora and her husband Dr. Ben House (plus a variety of furry creatures – wild and otherwise).

Situated only 2.5KM up the mountain from Central Uvita, Flō is secluded and peaceful, yet convenient and accessible (by 4×4 car please). The long winding private drive to the main building plantel translates to extreme privacy in both the practice and living space. Wake up to monkeys and toucans playing in the trees above you, and fall asleep to the soothing sounds of crickets and tree frogs.

The main two story building holds a common area for eating and working + large communal kitchen and shared bathrooms on the first floor. Eat breakfast overlooking the salt pool and watching the ocean tides out on the distance. Turn your head slightly in either direction for just-as-stunning jungle and foliage views. The perfect place to sip tea, catch up on some emails (“jungle wifi” available), or just swing in a hammock and relax.

The second floor of the main building holds a large portion of the lodging space with two dorm style rooms (3 bunks, 6 beds each), and two double rooms, which can be fitted with queens (for a couple/friends/partners) or one set of bunks in each. The dorm rooms share a large bath between them, and the double rooms have beautiful ocean view sliding doors, while also sharing a bath between them. All rooms have access to a wrap around deck and come equipped with screens, mini fridges, ceiling fans, and AC units for hotter jungle nights.

Stroll slightly toward the cacao grove next to the main building, and you will run into the beautiful yoga studio. Mostly open air (with screens for bug blocking), this space will provide ample area to explore the practice on your mat. Full use of blocks, blankets, straps, wheels, (and hopefully aerial hammocks) will be offered during this intensive, and it’s a quick walk to the main house for bathroom breaks or snacks. Just on the other side of the yoga shale (Casa Colibri), you’ll find Gym Dos, a fully functional and top of the line training facility for movement enthusiasts. Free weights, bumper plates, cable machines, pull up bars, kettle bells, rowing machine, and MORE!

Keep walking toward the jungle, and you will enter the sacred cacao forest. Here the laden cacao trees shade our Cacao Cabinas, small but efficient bungalows housing 4 attendees each (2 bunks). Shaded, quiet, and peaceful, these adorable shipping container-esque sleeping quarters will come equipped with screens, AC, mini fridges, and each have their own bathroom!

But what about when you’re not practicing?! The days will be full, but in your free time, we encourage you to cool off in the pool, or take the short 1/2 KM walk down to the river, where you can explore one of the property’s SEVEN waterfalls, splash in one of the multiple natural swimming holes, or just explore the jungle walking paths. Town is an affordable cab ride (again, 4×4 recommended) away, where you can access grocery stores, beaches, national parks, restaurants, farmer’s markets, and souvenir shopping.

Looking for more info? www.floretreatcenter.com

This training is offering rooms on a first come, first serve basis. Meaning if you sign up sooner, you will be placed in rooms with more privacy (doubles/cabinas). If you sign up later, and those rooms are full, you will be placed in the dorms. Flō Lodging is typically co-ed without issue. If you are uncomfortable for any reason with co-ed shared lodging, please alert us when you apply, and we will do our best to accommodate so that everyone can have the best experience possible! We are sorry, but unless the training does not fill, we cannot offer private rooms. <3

Space is reserved with either a $500 non-refundable, non-transferable deposit or $800 for both modules. Please see below for full refund policy.

Spots are available via a first come, first serve basis. Once we receive your deposit, we will confirm your spot and let you know about next steps including when to expect the minor and helpful pre-work required. <3 You will also be welcomed into an optional Facebook group that you can use to connect! <3

In order to be eligible for your 50HR certificate to put toward either miscellaneous continued education or our 500HR Module Based Program, you must complete all required hours, both in person, and privately (homework) for this teacher training. Bianca, Erin, and Steph have no responsibility or obligation to provide a certificate to those with missing hours or whom them feel have not put in the necessary effort and attention as well as passed all forms of the practicum.

You will receive a confirmation email after your deposit and/or application within 48 hours confirming your space in the training.

SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION

Bianca, Erin, and Steph are dedicated to providing affordable continued education. Because of this, we are interested in offering limited partial scholarships toward all modules. If you are interested in a scholarship and are unable to utilize the current payment methods, please email the questions below to [email protected] for our consideration. While we cannot accept all scholarship requests, we will do our best to be accommodating, and will always work toward additional offerings.

TO APPLY for a scholarship, please answer the following questions via email:

• Full Name
• Are you currently a registered & teaching yoga instructor? Tell us a bit about your movement practice/teachings.
• HOW MUCH of a discount do you need to make this accessible? 
• How do you plan to utilize this opportunity in your life?
• How will a reduced price help you make this work?

Scholarship Recipients will be notified within 7 business days whether or not we can accommodate their request. We may also be open to smaller deposits and a flexible payment schedule.

***Once the program begins, there are no refunds of fees, no exceptions.***

Videography and Photo Release: There will be Photographs and video taken during training and used for promotional purposes. By signing up for this retreat, you are agreeing to allow any photographs taken of you to be used by Steph Gongora, Erin Kelly, Bianca Scalisé, Casa Colibri, Flō Retreat Center, and/or Authentic Movements.