Lila Familia ~ Winter Solstice Ecstatic Dance

Join us on the weekend of December 20th for the winter solstice ~ the longest night of the year, when the world settles into stillness and the return of the light begins quietly at the edges ~ we’ll step into the hush of the season, breathing the crisp night air as we move and soften whatever the year has gathered inside us ~ a simple winter gathering to warm the body, steady the mind, and mark this turning point together

On Saturday we’ll dive into an ecstatic dance ~ a two-hour arc to shake loose the cold and wake up the warmth beneath it ~ and after that, our guest DJs will take the reins and carry us through a powerful late-night journey ~ the kind of music that fills the room like weather, rising and settling and rising again until the early hoursWe’ll meet at our familiar refuge near Creemore, surrounded by tall pines and quiet winter fields ~ a place where the night sky feels just a little wider, where the firelight draws people close ~ where the solstice can be felt like a gentle shift in the air ~ a warm space to move, rest, laugh, and lean into the deepest night of the year together

Schedule

Saturday

Friday

5pm ~ Arrival, settling in
7pm ~ Dinner
10pm ~ Quiet time, rest

Saturday
2pm ~ Clothing swap
4pm ~ Winter solstice ceremony
7pm ~ Dinner ~ Potluck (bring a favourite dish to share)
8:30pm ~ Ecstatic Dance
10:30pm ~ Guest DJs
3am ~ Rest time

Sunday

10am ~ Yoga & sound bath
1pm ~ Song circle
4pm ~ Music & Improve dance
7pm ~ Dinner
Midnight ~ Rest time

Monday

10am ~ Clean up
Noon ~ Departure

The Flow

We welcome you from Friday evening to Monday noon ~ food will be community-created ~ each person will join a kitchen or clean-up shift to help keep the hearth warm and the space cared for ~Saturday and Sunday mornings will include breath-work, yoga, and simple grounding practices to honour the solstice ~ slowing down, warming up, reconnecting with the roots inside our bodies

Our winter clothing swap invites you to refresh your layers ~ to shed what’s worn out and welcome textures and colours that feel new and alive as we move into the lengthening light ~

At 4pm on Saturday we’ll take a quiet solstice walk on the land, moving through the fields and pines as the light begins to fade, and we’ll end with a small fire ritual ~ a simple moment around the flames to release what’s ready to be let go and welcome the return of the light.

Saturday night we dance into the depths of the solstice ~ moving through shadow, spark, release, and renewal ~ followed by tasty electronic sets from our guest DJs ~ we’ll take the music until about 3 or 3:30amTenting is possible, but it’s winter-adventurer territory ~ most people will likely sleep in the collective loft crash pad upstairs ~ it’s cozy and communal, but be aware the house will stay lively and loud until around 2 or 3am

Sunday brings gentle yoga, a sound bath with Masha and friends, shared meals, winter walks, music jams, storytelling, and early-night coziness ~

You’re welcome to stay Sunday night as well ~ we just ask for help on Monday morning for a smooth, warm-hearted clean-up ~

Accommodation

Many people will stay in the house’s collective crash-pad areas, where the warmth gathers and the energy of the group naturally settles. The expansive 900 sq ft loft can comfortably host around 20 people in a cozy, communal style, with 10 beds, soft plounge areas, and plenty of room to stretch out after long nights of dancing and laughter.

Camping is also available for the hardy winter spirits ~ if you bring a good tent, a warm sleeping bag, a pillow, and lots of layers, you can slip into the quiet of the night outside. The fire and sauna will be going, and there’s something special about stepping out of the warmth into the stillness of the solstice sky before drifting into sleep.

Contribution

$50 per person per day (including dance-only participants)
$100 for Saturday-Sunday overnight
$150 for the whole weekend Friday to Monday

Food is community-created: bring $20-$30 in groceries per day you attend or a dish for potluck meals. All participants will help with meal prep and clean-up shifts.

Pre-pay via:e-transfer: info@windwhistle.ca

Or eventbrite : https://www.eventbrite.ca/.../lila-familia-autumn-leaves...

Advance payment is encouraged to simplify check-in.

Cash will be accepted at the door.

If finances are a barrier, contact us about volunteer exchange opportunities!

Your energy and presence are valued.

MusicThe bulk of our journey will be free-form dance expression and moving meditation, guided by rich and soulful, tastefully bass-augmented music from around the world, moving gently from quiet beginnings through a raucous and ecstatic culmination, and back to stillness. Guaranteed to gather all the goodness. We've put the utmost care into selecting the best tracks to be played on the most robust sound system

www.mixcloud.com/Ooogieboogie/
soundcloud.com/mulmur/sets/ecstatic-dance