A CURRENT OF PRAYER
MARCH 16th - 24th 2025
Serra Grande, Bahia
GUIDED BY
Candomblé High Priestess Mainha
Huni Kuin | Amy Secada
Nourish your soul. Heal your body. Free your mind.
Join us for a 7 day Afro Indigenous cultural immersion guided by the Orixás and the healing power of ancestral movement. Weaving elements of Capoeira, Afro-Brazilian Dance, Yogic Philosophy, Ritual, Holistic Movement Exploration, and Ceremony; this unique gathering is designed to cultivate presence and connection not just in the sacred cypher, but in our walk of life.
Explore movement as a current of prayer.
This once in a life time experience will take place where the river meets the sea, steps from the lush jungle beaches of Serra Grande, Bahia, Brazil. Featuring master dance classes, cultural panels, epic nature excursions, traditional aura cleansing baths, plant medicine ceremonies and healing rituals guided by our honored guests of the Huni Kuin tribe and High Priestess Mainha De Oxum.
Movement lovers of all levels and styles are invited to unveil their fullest potential not only as dancers, but as human beings. It’s time to get vulnerable, learn, unlearn, connect and ultimately, remember YOUR ESSENCE.
MASTER CLASS DESCRIPTIONS
iXã is a call to summon the God within us through ancestral tools & authentic expression.
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Traditional Brazilian Dances Celebrating The Elemental Deities
A study of connection, rhythm and the traditional movements and mythology of the Afro-Brazilian archetypes. A tribute to the movement of life. Nature is alive and has consciousness. Each of them comes from an invisible source, which resides in a spiritual kingdom called Orun. The sources of all life are called Orishas or Orixás. Through their dance, the Orishas move the Universe. We humans, descendants and particles of these Gods, come back to the consciousness of our origin and get aligned with our nature by dancing and celebrating them. Through movement, dance, ecstasy, we find the Gods within us and lose ourselves inside the Gods.
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A Holistic Exploration of Movement
A deep dive into intentional freestyle and personal liberation; bridging the gap between contemporary club dances and ritual. This master class is designed to guide you through fear, inhibitions and essential technical keys to awaken your creativity and connection through dance. Utilizing elements of breath work, Yogic Philosophy, guided play, movement meditation, cypher rites and ancient foundations of Capoeira and African dance this workshop will expand your potential to explore freestyle from a place of intention, joy and healing. Daily technical drills will build over the week as we examine fun transitions, floorwork, new vocabulary and explore how to weave our physical expression into a powerful current of prayer.
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In this unique class we will play with the thread that intertwines Dance and Capoeira. Exploring the yin and yang, the masculine and feminine forces that dance between the spaces and give life to all movement. You will learn traditional transitions, floor movement and how to effortlessly integrate Capoeira into your movement vocabulary. This workshop is an invitation to explore your limits and new possibilities, seeking your natural brilliance without having to perform or or be trapped by showmanship. The ancestral knowledge of Capoeira will be transmitted paying homage to ancestry and at the same time, provoke you to investigate your own creativity, continuity, authenticity and fluidity.
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Candomblé Theory, Culture and Divination
In this workshop we will explore essential Candomblé foundations such as rites, ritual, symbology, offerings, herbology, divination, mythology and practical daily application. We will prepare ourselves ultimately for divination and “encostamento” (channeling) to heal from deep ancestral trauma and/or energetic blockages.
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Indigenous Symbology, Theory, & Culture
An in depth study of indigenous traditions and culture from the Amazon. Topics will include sacred geometry, dietas, artisanal techniques, medicinal preparations, face painting and songs from the forest.
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Dive Deep into the healing sounds of Brazil. This music workshop will feature Candomblé Ritual Rhythms and Huni Kuin Medicine Songs.
LOCATION
Serra Grande, Bahia is a world that exists in itself – in a magical and unique dimension. The place where the sky touches the earth, a meeting point between the ocean and river waters. A pristine tropical hideaway edged by secluded beaches and lush rainforest, Serra Grande is home to some of the most beautiful beaches and waterfalls in Brazil. Just an hour drive from the city of Ilhéus, nestled on Bahia’s Cacao Coast.
CANTO LEELA ECO VILA is designed for nature lovers featuring rustic sophisticated accommodations. Located beach front in Serra Grande, Bahia. Guests can enjoy à la carte meals or farm to table vegetarian/vegan buffet. The vila is also family friendly and has easy access to popular hiking trails and waterfalls. Canto Leela receives visitors from all over the world, who seek to be inspired, discovering new ways of connecting with themselves and with nature.
“The sources of all life are called Orixas. Through their dance, the Orixas move the Universe. We humans, descendants and particles of these Gods, come back to the consciousness of our origin and get aligned with our nature by dancing and celebrating them. Through movement, dance, ecstasy, we find the Gods within us and lose ourselves inside the Gods.” - Jahlyn Karuna
MASTER TEACHERS
Mestre Cabelo
São Paulo, Brazil
Born in Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil, Mestre Cabello dedicates his life to the rhythms, instruments, songs and dances of the Afro-Brazilian culture. Mestre Cabello has been practicing Capoeira since 1980’s performing and teaching around the world since 1990. A professional Capoeira Angola teacher with more than 30 years experience, he is proud to be a student and senior practitioner under the world famous master Mestre João Grande. He also studies Afro-Brazilian rhythms and dance as a disciple of Professora Emilia Biancardi and master drummer Jorge Alabê. Currently Mestre Cabello directs both the OuroVerde cultural farm and the Barracão d’Angola cultural center in Serra Grande Bahia Brazil, where he promotes Brazilian culture creation, presentation, education, and preservation.
Amy Secada
New York City, USA
One of the leading holistic dance educators in the world presenting workshops and performances in over 20 countries. Secada is a daughter of the Monacan Indian Nation, known for her breathtaking fusion of Urban, Contemporary, African Dance and Capoeira. Dedicated to the evolution of dance through the revival and remembrance of intention, ritual and ancestral movement, her teaching methodology explores the physical, mental, spiritual and energetic elements of the intrinsic dance experience. Secada has performed with artists such as Madonna, Wyclef, Fergie and choreographed for America's Best Dance Crew. Secada currently lives in Brazil continuing to dedicate her life to keeping the sacred ritual of dance alive, transcendent and evolving.
Candomblé High Priestess Mainha
Salvador, Bahia
Maria de Lourdes Silvestre dos Santos, Yalorixa, was initiated into the Candomblé Religion by her family, inheriting the position of High Priestess and successor of the hierarchy of the African sacred tradition in Brazil. She has dedicated he life to to preserving the sacred Yoruban traditions through Orixá ritual dancing in the Candomblé religion, as well as in folkloric manifestations such as samba de roda. Her dedication to her community and ancestry has been recognized internationally. She received from the City of Los Angeles, the title of Cultural Ambassador as a preserver of tradition and wisdom of the Sacred. Her connection with the Indigenous and African sacred rites is joyfully expressed through her dancing, singing and telling of folkloric stories inherited from her ancestors. She currently passes everyday life in the sacred space of her Terreiro de Candomblé in Salvador, Bahia. She has participated in numerous conferences, lectures and classes at universities and studios in several cities in the United States and Brazil and is honored to be part of the IXA experience to guide and heal us with her infinite knowledge.
Biruani Siriani Huni Kuin
Aldeia Novo Futuro, Acre , Brazil
Biruani Siriani will guide us through various traditional Huni Kuin ceremonies, spiritual cleansing rituals and cultural lectures from a rare feminine perspective. A true power house of a woman with a passion, voice and energy that will shake your soul. The niece of Chief Ninawa Pai Da Mata, Biruani is a respected leader and medicine woman of her clan. She has traveled the world sharing her culture, rituals and traditions. It is a true honor to share this intimate and up close experience with her and her family.
Contra Mestre Mário de Odė
São Paulo, Brazil
Mario was born and raised in São Paulo, Brazil. He traveled to the USA as a professional dancer in the 80’s with famed contemporary choreographer Pina Bausch. He fell in love with NYC and decided to remain to share his Afro Brazilian culture. He has performed and choreographed for countless artists including Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross, Bebel Gilberto and more. Today he travels the world teaching Afro Brazilian Dance and Capoeira. In 2016 he was awarded the legendary title of Contra Mestre of Capoeira under the lineage of Mestre Joao Grande in NYC.
LIMITED SPACE AVAILABLE
EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT VALID UNTIL NOVEMBER 1ST 2024
Payment Plans Available Please Inquire
REVIEWS
RETREAT DETAILS
AIRPORT The nearest airport is Ilheus/Bahia-Jorge Amado Airport. AIRPORT SHUTTLE WILL BE PROVIDED FOR ALL PARTICIPANTES FLYING INTO IOS AIRPORT. If you chose to fly into Salvador (SSA) there will be an extra charge for shuttle services.
ACCOMMODATIONS For comfort and tranquility all rooms include linens, bath towels, mosquito net, hot water, WiFi balconies and hammocks. All rooms are beach front surrounded by lush tropical nature and designed with low environmental impact in mind. Unless private accommodations are requested, your bungalow will be shared with another participant of same gender. There will be an extra fee for private accommodations, please inquire.
FOOD 3 daily farm to table vegan friendly meals are included with your retreat package.
TRANSPORTATION iXã will provide group transportation to and from airport as well as all external group activities. Car rental is also available at all airports if you prefer.
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN MY RETREAT PACKAGE?
Access to all workshops and group activities
Shared Beach Front Bungalow Accommodations (private bungalow available by request only)
3 x Daily Farm to Table Meals
Nature immersions to private beaches and waterfalls
Transportation to all extracurricular activities outside of Retreat Center
Candomblé Energetic Cleansing Herbal Baths
Rapé Circle, Lectures and Ceremony w/ HUNI KUIN tribe
Group Shuttle Bus transportation from IOS Airport to Retreat Center (from SSA airport is extra fee, please inquire)
Introduction to local herbalism and Orixá sacred plants.
* AIRBNB OR OTHER OFF SITE ACCOMMODATIONS ARE ACCEPTABLE, BUT NOT ENCOURAGED.***
EXTRA EXPERIENCES & ACTIVITIES
In addition to all event activities you will be able to experience diverse additional activities/offerings by our Guides.
Integrative Counseling
Buzios/Shell Life Reading w/ Mainha De Oxum (donation based)
Local Artesian Markets
Afro Brazilian Samba/ House Dance Parties
Access to Indigenous Crafts sold directly by Indigenous peoples and/or from original Indigenous Artists
Holistic Therapies: Massages & Aromatherapy available upon request
Intimate 1x1 Healing Session with the Huni Kuin and/or High Priestess
Personalize Yoruban Offerings Guidance
PRICING & ACCOMODATIONS INFO
LIMITED SPACE AVAILABLE
All Inclusive Package Includes: Full 7 Day Event Pass + 3x Meals Daily + Airport & Local Transport + Beach Front Accommodations + Nature Excursions + Ceremonies
EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT (Before November 1st)
Shared Beach Front Bungalow $2.200 USD
Upgrade to Private Executive Suite $1000 USD extra fee
Couple or Buddy Discount Available for Executive Suite $6.000 USD total for 2 persons (1 queen or 2 single bed option)
ALL INCLUSIVE PACKAGE (After November 1st)
Shared Beach Front Accommodations $2.700 USD
Upgrade to Private Executive Suite $1000 USD extra fee
Couple or Buddy Discount Available for Executive Suite $7.000 USD total for 2 persons (1 queen or 2 single bed option)
Executive Private Suite
NO FEE PAYMENT PLAN AVAILABLE
Please inquire to arrange: Amysecada@gmail.com
Accepted Payment Options
Zelle | Paypal (5% transfer fee) | Wire Transfer | Wise | Cashapp
*All payments are Non-refundable. Transferable.
ACCOMMODATIONS DETAILS
With your retreat package includes shared accommodations with other retreat participants of same gender or a private bungalow for an extra fee (please inquire). Please state your preference when reserving your retreat package. All bungalows have a jungle deck with hammocks, strong wifi, mosquito net and are beach front.
SPONSOR A BEAUTIFUL SOUL
5 spaces are reserved for Brazilian BIPOC work/study and scholarship students. If you would like to be an official sponsor, your donations will go towards our grantees travel expenses, accommodations and meal plan.
Please inquire for further details and tax deduction options through our USA based non-profit.
Work Trade | Scholarships
On site work trade is available for Portuguese speaking Brazilian citizens only. Please inquire.
Off site work trade is available for ALL nationalities in trades such as Digital Marketing, Graphic Design, Grant Researchers, Social Media Content Managers, Photographers/Videographers and more.
Afro Brazilian Drummers leading percussion class in Serra Grande, Bahia @Ixafestival
REGISTRATION FORM
IXA FESTIVAL 2024 GROUP PHOTO @ixafestival
For Questions Please Use This Form Or Contact AmySecada@gmail.com
INFORMAÇÕES
Festival Afro Indígena
16 a 24 De Março 2025 | Serra Grande, Bahia
Alimente sua alma. Cure seu corpo. Liberte sua mente.
Um retiro de dança holística guiado pelos Orixás e a força da floresta. Desfruta a cura dos movimentos ancestrais com workshops, rituais e cerimônias que alimente sua conexão com natureza e ajude você a se encontrar. Esse encontro e uma encruzilhada da cultura Afro Indígena. Apresentando master classes com artistas internacionais, o tribo Huni Kuin e Mainha De Oxum. Os amantes do movimento de todos os níveis e estilos são convidados a revelar todo o seu potencial não apenas como dançarinos, mas como humanos. É hora de ficar vulnerável, aprender, desaprender e, finalmente, lembrar da SUA ESSÊNCIA. Vamos celebrar nossos corpos, curamos e dançamos. Este encontro é mais do que um retiro de dança, é um chamado para invocar o Deus dentro de nós e servir o criador com nossa autêntica expressão inata.
Professoras
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Biruani Siriani vai guiar varias cerimônias e diversos rituais femininos da floresta. Uma verdadeira força da floresta com uma voz e energia que vão abalar sua alma. Sobrinha do famoso chefe Ninawa Pai Da Mata, Biruani viaja pelo mundo compartilhando a cultura e tradições do povo Huni Kuin.
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Um dos principais educadores de dança holística do mundo apresentando workshops e apresentações em mais de 20 países. Conhecida por sua infusão de Dança Urbana, Contemporânea, Africana e Capoeira. Formada pela School of American Ballet, Secada foi criada nos clubes House e Ragga Jungle de Nova York nos anos 90, enquanto estudava no famoso Djoniba African Dance Center. Secada viveu e estudou na África, Índia e Brasil por muitos anos, atraindo influências de várias tradições e formas de dança, como congolesa, sabar, djembe, afro-haitiana, afro-cubana, afro-brasileira e vários estilos de rua africanos. Secada também é um ávido Yogi, instrutor RYT 500 Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga, massagista tailandês, Certified Holistic Health Coach e graduada da Abadá Capoeira sob a instrução do aclamado Mestre Gordinho e Mestre João Grande. Secada se apresentou com artistas como Madonna, Wyclef, Fergie e coreografou para o America's Best Dance Crew.
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Maria de Lourdes Silvestre dos Santos, a Yalorixa, foi iniciada no Candomblé por sua família, herdando o cargo de Alta Sacerdotisa e sucessora na hierarquia da tradição sagrada africana no Brasil. Dedicou sua vida a preservar as sagradas tradições Iorubanas através da dança ritual dos orixás no candomblé, bem como em manifestações folclóricas como o samba de roda. Sua dedicação à sua comunidade e ancestralidade foi reconhecida internacionalmente. Ela recebeu da cidade de Los Angeles, o título de Embaixadora Cultural como preservadora da tradição e sabedoria do Sagrado. Sua ligação com os ritos sagrados indígenas e africanos é expressa com alegria por meio de sua dança, canto e contação de histórias folclóricas herdadas de seus ancestrais. Atualmente passa a vida cotidiana no espaço sagrado de seu Terreiro de Candomblé em Salvador, Bahia. Já participou de inúmeros congressos, palestras e aulas em universidades e estúdios em diversas cidades dos Estados Unidos e do Brasil e se sente honrada em fazer parte da experiência IXA para nos guiar e curar com seu infinito conhecimento.
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Nascido em Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brasil, Mestre Cabelo dedica a vida aos ritmos, instrumentos, canções e danças da cultura Afro-Brasileira. Mestre Cabelo pratica Capoeira desde 1980, atuando e ensinando em todo o mundo desde 1990. Professor profissional de Capoeira Angola com mais de 30 anos de experiência, ele tem orgulho de ser aluno e praticante sênior do mundialmente famoso mestre Mestre João Grande. Também estuda ritmos e danças afro-brasileiras como discípulo da professora Emilia Biancardi e do mestre baterista Jorge Alabê. Atualmente Mestre Cabelo dirige a fazenda cultural OuroVerde e o centro cultural Barracão d’Angola em Serra Grande Bahia Brasil, onde promove a criação, apresentação, educação e preservação da cultura Brasileira.
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Mario nasceu e cresceu em São Paulo, Brasil. Viajou para os EUA como dançarino profissional na década de 80 com a famosa coreógrafa contemporânea Pina Bausch. Ele se apaixonou por Nova York e decidiu ficar para compartilhar sua cultura afro-brasileira. Ele já se apresentou e coreografou para inúmeros artistas, incluindo Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross, Bebel Gilberto e outros. Hoje viaja pelo mundo ensinando Dança Afro Brasileira e Capoeira. Em 2016 foi agraciado com o lendário título de Contra Mestre de Capoeira da linhagem de Mestre João Grande em Nova York.
Master Classes
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Danças Tradicionais Brasileiras Celebrando as Divindades Elementais. Um estudo de conexão, ritmo e movimentos tradicionais e mitologia dos arquétipos afro-brasileiros. Uma homenagem ao movimento da vida. A natureza está viva e tem consciência. Cada um deles vem de uma fonte invisível, que reside em um reino espiritual chamado Orun. As fontes de toda a vida são chamadas Orixás ou Orixás. Através de sua dança, os Orixás movimentam o Universo. Nós, humanos, descendentes e partículas desses Deuses, voltamos à consciência de nossa origem e nos alinhamos com nossa natureza dançando e celebrando-os. Através do movimento, da dança, do êxtase, encontramos os Deuses dentro de nós e nos perdemos dentro dos Deuses.
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Uma exploração holística do movimento. Um mergulho profundo na dança intencional e libertação pessoal; uma fusão das técnicas urbana, contemporânea e afro. Esse masterclass vai guiá-lo através do medo, inibições e chaves técnicas essenciais para despertar sua criatividade e conexão.
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A base de seus ensinamentos visa a mente livre e o corpo fluido, sem amarras e padrões estéticos. É um verdadeiro convite a explorar seus próprios corpos dentro de seus limites, multiplicando combinações, possibilidades de acordo com a propria personalidade, buscando a naturalidade, sem precisar realizar ou criar outra realidade para seu próprio corpo . Capoeira transmitida com um olhar que homenageia a ancestralidade, e, ao mesmo tempo tempo, provoca você a investigar a sua própria criatividade, continuidade, autenticidade e fluidez.
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Teoria, Cultura e Adivinhação do Candomblé. Nesta workshop vamos explorar os fundamentos essenciais do Candomblé como ritos, ritual, simbologia, oferendas, adivinhação, mitologia e aplicação prática diária.
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Simbologia, teoria e cultura indígena. Um estudo das tradições e cultura indígena das Amazônias. Os temas serão geometria sagrada, dietas, técnicas artesanais, preparações medicinais, pintura facial e cantos da floresta.
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Mergulhe profundamente nos sons curativos do Brasil. Esse workshop de música apresenta ritmos ancestral do Candomblé e Canções sagradas do tribo Huni Kuin.
Localização
Canto Leela Eco Vila
Feito para os amantes da natureza com acomodações rústicas e sofisticadas. Localizada em frente à praia em Serra Grande, Bahia. A vila também é ideal para famílias e tem fácil acesso a trilhas e cachoeiras populares. O Canto Leela recebe visitantes de todo o mundo, que buscam se inspirar, descobrindo novas formas de conectar com a natureza.
Inscrições
As inscrições serão feitas pelo site ou entre em contato por e-mail Amysecada@gmail.com