Biodanza Summer Festival
Wednesday 5 August – Sunday 9 August 2026
Welcome to the 20th International Biodanza Festival
2006 – 2026
with Niraj and Friends!
Yes, it is 20 years since I first had the idea to run a multi-day event with different teachers here at Leela!
The first year 28 people came, followed by 60 then around a hundred, where it has more or less stayed ever since.
In that time many teachers from overseas and the UK have joined us to provide the content that you know and love…good quality vivencias in a spacious and fun programme that provides deep and lasting experiences on the dancefloor and a strong sense of community in the increasingly impressive grounds of The Leela Centre!
This year will be no exception. In fact, it will be exceptional!
We’ve added an extra day to mark the occasion (at a mere £30 more than last year!), there will be live music performances on two evenings of the festival and the teaching team is expanded to 6, including the outgoing President of the International governing body (IBFed) Adreina Acri (Italy/Chile) and our wonderful old friend Nataraj (Spain) whom many of you will remember!
As always you will be superbly well fed and nourished by the Leela kitchen team with many home grown ingredients from the polytunnels onsite and the legendary Coffee Shop brownies in the breaks. We shall also continue the pre pandemic tradition of maintaining the event as a phone free space so we can all benefit from an environment dedicated to connection rather than distraction.
So do join us for this special celebration this summer to renew old friendships and begin new ones; to dance, dance and dance again; to enjoy the peace, tranquility and beauty of the Dorset countryside; to delight in the friendliest vibe going and to honour the longevity of Rolando Toro’s sublime creation (Biodanza) in the UK…and MUCH MORE!!
This year is obviously going to be popular so do get your bookings in early for the lowest possible price and the best selection of private accommodation as once this is gone, it’s gone!
‘I am majorly looking forward to putting this together and making the 20th anniversary a magnificently memorable occasion for all concerned! See you on the dancefloor!’
-Niraj
What’s on offer
The 20th Anniversary teaching team is once more spearheaded by the initiator of the International Biodanza Festival himself, Niraj, former resident at Leela (2005-2012) and Director of the Dorset School of Biodanza (2008-2019) and faithful bio-dancer since July 1997. Niraj will top and tail the event, leading the opening and closing vivencias for everyone in the Marquee and will be your host for the Morning Gatherings where we go through the daily programme.
Headline guest teacher this year is outgoing President of the International governing body (IBFed) of Biodanza Andreina Acri (Italy/Chile). We are wonderfully privileged to receive such a prestigious and experienced doyen of Biodanza for her first visit to the festival!
Returning after a long absence is dear and cherished friend Nataraj Garcia from Spain, who was an early supporter of the festival and a stalwart of the team that brought Biodanza: Rites of Spring to Leela back in the day and we are delighted to welcome him back!
Another new face is Laura Urrutia, also from Spain’s Basque Country, a recent graduate from the Vitoria School of Biodanza and partner of Nataraj.
Larger than life and all round lovable lad Milarepa will once again be adding his inimitable magic to the mix, both in terms of vivencias and Improv Comedy sessions that have become a feature of recent festivals.
Anna Sadler made her debut at last year’s festival, doing her final supervised class to complete her formal training and now joins us as a fully qualified teacher in her own right! A graduate from the most recent cycle of the Dorset School, Anna was born to do this work and it is an absolute pleasure and gift to have her on team this year. Anna is also Social Media manager for Niraj’s Biodanza work.
Who is this festival for
Dancers who want to immerse themselves in the joy of movement.
Lovers of life seeking deeper connection and expression.
Those familiar with Biodanza (while knowledge of it helps, newcomers are welcome too!).
Benefits of attending
A deep sense of community and belonging.
Recharging your love and intimacy tanks.
Feeling absolutely fantastic!
Why Biodanza
In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to feel fragmented and disconnected.
Biodanza is designed to bring integration to the human being, harmonizing our physiology, emotions, and sense of belonging.
Through the Dance of Life, we regulate our inner world, connect deeply with others, and touch the oneness that lies beyond.
Since 2006, this festival has been a sanctuary for Biodanza lovers to gather, celebrate, and grow. Leela’s vibrant community and beautiful venue provide the perfect setting to experience the profound joy of dance and connection.
What you will experience
Dance, dance, dance!
Move, feel, and express yourself freely
Experience love in action
Enter into deep intimacy with yourself, others, and existence
Have fun and let your spirit soar
Make lasting connections with a supportive community
Dress up for an unforgettable Dance Party!
Detox from technology and reconnect with the moment (yes, really—phones away!)
This experience will leave you
Refreshed and renewed, ready to embrace life with vitality.
Empowered with fresh resolution for positive change.
More connected to yourself, your community, and the earth.
Nourished—mind, body, and soul—with delicious meals and enriching relationships.
Expanded, content, and utterly happy!
Your Host
Niraj has been into Biodanza since 1997, leads the teacher training program, and is also trained in the Osho Humaniversity training. He also has specialisation certificates to teach Biodanza and the Four Elements, Biodanza in Nature, Biodanza and Shamanism, AquaBiodanza, Biodanza for Children, Biodanza and Massage, Contact Education, The Heart of Transformation, the Minotaur Project and the Argonaut Mission. He has been involved in teaching Biodanza in 20+ countries.
Facilitators
So amazing to meet you all again and also the new comers. The energy field that we co-create in this festival is unique and highly recommended for anyone wanting to vibrate high.
Based in Cornwall, UK I offer a variety of sessions, including women’s Biodanza, family Biodanza, and a monthly Biodanza group that warmly welcomes everyone.
I am incredibly excited to be teaching at the 20th anniversary of the International Biodanza Festival
I feel grateful for the trust, the beauty of the surroundings, and the warmth of the community. I’m looking forward to dancing together, witnessing growth, and celebrating the simple yet extraordinary power of human connection.
Save the Date and Join Us!
Come celebrate life, love, and movement at the 17th International Biodanza Festival.
Let’s dance, connect, and create unforgettable memories together.
Spaces are limited, so book now and secure your spot at this one-of-a-kind event!
Details
Start: Wednesday August 5th @ 4:00 pm (festival starts at 6.30 pm)
End: Sunday August 9th @ 2 pm
Price Festival Tickets (includes food & camping with own tent):
- Early Bird till 15 July – £355
- Full Price – £385
Note: You can make a payment plan, the total price should be full paid before the festival is starting.
Accommodation is not included in the price and can be selected separately during checkout via the booking link.
Check out our accommodation & facilities here.