SOUL GARDEN – RAKSummer Camp
RAKSummer Camp with Mercedes
August 29 – September 1
2024
Zánka, Lake Balaton, Hungary
PHILOSOPHY
The RAKSummer community is a growing, friendly group of dedicated dancers who meet every year in Mercedes’ camps since the first one almost 15 years ago. The bonds that were created here connect us throughout the year. Join us, get inspired and slow down with us. Dive deeper in dance and be more present in the connections you create – with each other, with nature, and most of all – with yourself.
I would like to focus on the personal connections and development of each participant as well as offering an interesting schedule, safe space and time to grow, ask questions, experiment – and very importantly: to get inspired and recharge.
CLASSES
Throughout the camp you can dive deeper in:
– raqs sharki technique, drills, musicality and expressivity classes by Mercedes
– full choreography by Mercedes
– morning workouts, body toning
– – invited guest teachers – yoga, veil lab, video project
– Q & A session
– swimming in the pool or in the lake, kayaking, sunbathing, sauna, exploring the nearby village
Details and more surprises to be announced!
The classes will be held in a brand new conference room with beautiful lake view and wooden floor (newly built by the resort), as well as on the open air in the garden (flat surface with grass).
We can choose between a regular dance room setup and a more laid back and liberated, summer experience – depending the weather and our mood.
Detailed timetable coming soon.
THE TEAM
I’ll be joined by some lovely fellow instructors at Soul Garden Retreat. The team is created out of friendships and years-long professional and personal relationships. Together we will create a safe space for you and guide you to immerse in your own creativity.
AMIRA – Yoga, Veil Lab
AFILM – MELINDA MELIS & BALÁZS LAJTI – Video Project
Detailed timetable coming soon.
ACCOMMODATION
Zen Garden Resort in Zánka
The location was a love for first sight: this is a lovely and brand new resort right by the Lake Balaton with a private beach, zen garden, outdoor bio pool, sauna, surrounded with raw nature, huge old trees, lots of space to explore and lots of fresh air to sooth our minds. You can rent a bicycle at the resort to get around the area, or rent a sup to immerse in the peacefulness of the lake.
Types of accommodation
Accommodation in non-smoking and air-conditioned bungalows for 4 persons (two bedrooms) or 6 persons (three bedrooms) equipped with private bathroom, kitchen, private terrace, free wi-fi.
This year we offer budget accommodation too in normal rooms (not bungalow) for 2 persons, equipped with private bathroom, shared outdoor kitchen and terrace, free wi-fi.
How to get there
You can easily get to the Camp from Budapest by train (apx. 2 hours) or car (apx. 1,5 hours).
We can also arrange one general transfer from and to Budapest city by minibus (by special request for an extra fee – more about the schedule later), and if you arrive in a different time we will pick you up at the train station.
IMPORTANT
If the required room/bungalow type is not available anymore, we will offer you the next available options. Please note that all accommodation types are available in limited numbers, we will follow the “first come first serve” basis when assigning it, so please don’t leave the registration for last minute. We will do our utmost to fulfill your request until available.
FOOD
The amazing chef of the resort has created a menu that’s healthy, fresh from local ingredients – it will keep us moving.
Any special requests and diets are doable too.
Breakfast and dinner are included in all the packages. There is no option for accommodation only.
AND MORE…
Garden cinema
Welcome gift bag with Soul Garden surprises
Bazaar (with dance costumes and accessories, music and video materials)
Closing night hafla where you can perform or just watch and enjoy the warm summer evening 🙂
New friends, sunshine, water, fresh air, inspiring chats!
PRICES
ORCHID Resort Package (Full Pass)
– meals (breakfast and dinner)
– all the classes and activities
– transfer from and to train station
– welcome gift bag
Price: 580 €
“LEVANDER” Room Package (limited numbers!):
– meals (breakfast and dinner)
– all the classes and activities
– transfer from and to train station
– welcome gift bag
Price (standard): 530 €
COMPANION Pass (for accompanying family members):
Accommodation and meals without classes, transfer from and to station:
Price: 440 €
(Free for children up to 2 years old)
Single rooms are available for an additional fee – please contact us.
PAYMENT PLAN
You can pay the camp fee in one or two parts – please choose the most convenient for you.
Deadline of the application and the first payment: 20th June 2024
Amount of the first payment (deposit): 200 €
(or the whole fee, if you wish to pay in one part)
Second payment deadline: 10th August 2024
Amount: remaining
The first part of your payment serves as a deposit and it’s non refundable. In case if any unforeseen situation occurs and the camp needs to be cancelled all paid fees will be reimbursed (minus automated bank transaction fees) or offered to be used in 2025.
The organization doesn’t take responsibility for fee losses in case the camp will be held but foreign participant can not participate – but voucher for 2025 will be offered in such cases too.
Please kindly let us know if you follow a special diet or if you have any special requests.
More information and application: info@nietomercedes.com
I’m waiting for you with love,
Mercedes & Soul Garden Team