Holiday Facilitators: Alex Svoboda
skill, experience, warmth
Biography
The liberating power of dance seems to flow naturally out of Alex and spread to those who come to his classes.
Alex has lived in three countries (Russia, US and the UK), studied at five universities and colleges, received his Ph.D., worked as an analyst and manager at world's leading organisations, including the legendary management consultancy McKinsey & Company. He has trained as a 5Rhythms teacher directly with Gabrielle Roth, certified as Open Floor teacher and has been studying with Anna Halprin. He is a University instructor and an experienced corporate training facilitator.
Alex offers a method of dance meditation that is highly accessible, simple and at the same time deep and potentially transformational. He teaches regularly in London, Cambridge, Dubai, Moscow, St Petersburg, Kiev and other cities. He has founded freedomDANCE, a school of dance meditation and conscious movement with over 30 teachers and trainees working in over 30 different cities.
Alex explains 'Each of our classes is an opportunity to have a taste of freedom. What kind of freedom? Freedom to breathe and move. Freedom to notice and accept what is happening inside ourselves and around us. Freedom to open up to something bigger, something that transcends our everyday ideas and calculations. Freedom to be yourself and share yourself with others…'
What people say about Alex and his courses:
Wow! Alex is an amazing addition to the teaching staff. I LOVED his freedom dance course and would love to see him here in the future. Such an inspirational, kind and gentle person.
All six course (morning dance, bodywork, comedy, morning yoga, writing and singing) were excellently conceived and delivered.
Freedom dance eye-opening, uplifting and enriching experience for someone not flexible.
Alex's exploration of dance is highly recommended.
Alex's dance classes inspirational.
Alex is superb, humble, wonderful and skilled.
I could tell the instructors really cared because they would all often offer additional support or extra material with any individual interested - even if it meant them working additional hours.
Alex’s dance was lovely, very sensitively facilitated.
freedomDance with Alex was deeply moving, physically and emotionally. He held a gentle space for the group with his lovely energy - thank you!
Did the dancing course, was excellent.
Where does Alex Svoboda facilitate?
Sat 18 May - Fri 31 May 2024 (13 nights)
At a glance
Atsitsa Bay is a holistic holiday centre set in a stunning, natural location, right on the bay and surrounded by pine forest. With a wide range of courses and activities and an outstanding team of facilitators, it's the perfect place to be inspired and try something new. Julian Russell is directing this fortnight in Atsitsa. You can, if you choose, book one week of this fortnight. Call +(0)1983 865566 for advice on flights.
Find out more about the courses and activities during this week below in What's On.
About
Skyros attracts mostly solo travellers from all over the world. Although all ages are represented approximately 70% are between 35-65. A huge majority - over 80 percent - report that the Skyros holiday experience had a lasting positive effect on their lives. Nearly a third of guests come back again and again - even after they have said that Skyros was the 'holiday of a lifetime'.
Accommodation
Most people choose to live simply and comfortably in twin-shared rustic huts in the gardens. Or stay in Atsitsa's main house, subject to availability. See more about accommodation in Atsitsa here >>
Inspiring Courses
Courses and activities are introduced to you at the beginning of each week. Choose your favourites from a wide range including yoga, writing, art, kayaking, windsurfing, personal development, singing, comedy and more.
Food & Drink
All meals are included and served as a buffet. Special diets are always catered for. Teas and coffees are available throughout the day. Other drinks and snacks can be purchased at Atsitsa's bar.
Guide Itinerary
07.15: Morning drop-in classes
08.30: Breakfast
09.00: Demos (news of the day)
10.30: Oekos (home groups)
11.15: Mid-morning courses
13.30: Lunch
15.00: Siesta/beach time
17.00: Afternoon courses
19.00: Sunset classes
20.00: Dinner & evening activities
Average Temperature
May can be a lovely time of year to be in Greece, mild and warm with an average of 10 hours of sunshine per day, temperatures between 14 and 22 degrees Celcius, and the spring flowers still in bloom.
Location
Summary
What's included?
- More than three courses per day over four to five days each week
- An unrivalled and vibrant community atmosphere
- Fun evening activities and events
- Three delicious Mediterranean meals each day
- Twin shared rustic accommodation in Atsitsa's gardens
What's On
Travel
To travel to Skyros Island you must go to Athens. We have organised transfers from Athens (detailed below) to take the stress out of your journey.
Domestic Travel (Athens – Skyros, return)
Flights to Skyros island are limited so we recommend booking as soon as possible with Aegean Airlines. For this session we recommend –
- OUT: Departing Athens on the 18th May at 1.35pm, arriving to Skyros at 2.15pm
- RETURN: Departing Skyros on 31st May at 2.35pm, arriving to Athens at 3.20pm
If the flight to Skyros sells out for these dates we will organise an overland transfer.
International Travel (to/from Athens)
- OUT: Arrive to Athens Airport on or before 11am on the 18th of May in time to catch the connecting flight to Skyros. Many choose to arrive the day before (on the 17th May) for a more relaxed journey.
For those arriving in Athens on the 17th May we have an organised transfer including an overnight stay in Central Athens. If many arrive into Athens at a similar time we will arrange a courtesy coach (minimum numbers required) departing Athens Airport to the hotel where you can relax and meet others joining the session. The following day the bus will return to Athens Airport in time for the flight to Skyros. To join this transfer, select Single/Twin Share at the Dorian, Transfer to Athens Airport & Transfer to Atsitsa when booking.
For those arriving in Athens on the 18th May you will only require a transfer from Skyros Airport to Atsitsa. To secure this please select Transfer from Skyros Airport to Atsitsa only when booking.
- RETURN: We have an organised transfer from Atsitsa to Skyros Airport in time for the flight to Athens. To join this organised transfer, select Transfer to Skyros Airport when booking.
We recommend allowing at least two hours in Athens Airport by booking an international return flight after 5.20pm on 31st May.