You are invited!
💫The Cecilia effect! - mini-retreat in Mapua 💫
Immerse yourself!
Cecilia Gonzalez needs no introduction to many of you. She is an internationally renowned teacher from Argentina and is coming down-under for her Australasian tour ... with one NZ opportunity to learn from her, in Mapua.
I will be hosting Cecilia for a mini-retreat weekend in the beautiful fishing village of Mapua. Come and stay in Mapua with its cafes, pubs and arty shops, a market, swimming, great walks… we have it all! Tango, eat together, connect with friends and have a wee break. The retreat is 24-26 April but Cecilia will be in Richmond before and after for private lessons. See information below.
WHAT IS THE CECILIA EFFECT?
The Cecilia Effect is what happens when you immerse yourself for a whole long weekend with one of the world's best teachers. You won't want to miss this great opportunity.
It is not often that we get a teacher of Cecilia’s calibre coming to New Zealand outside of festival time. So please support her and take this opportunity to enjoy and experience her fine instruction. Don't just take my word for it - ask any of the experienced teachers in your area about her!
If you haven't experienced Cecilia's teaching, it is sublime. She is exact, fun, and informative and will definitely have you dancing better and with more fluidity ... and she is lovely to boot! You can read her bio here and go to the menu to watch some beautiful videos of her dancing.
We encourage you to book for the full weekend experience as the workshops build on each other of course. We have also come up with some individual options for those who can't make the full weekend - we want you all to be able to experience the fun!
THE WEEKEND - a relaxed vibe perfect for your learning experience
Welcome Milonga + an exciting “Defining the Roles” class beforehand
4 more workshops building on each other and taught from simple to more complex concepts
A dinner together on the Sat night, own cost
Farewell drinks at a local pub to say goodbye on the Sunday, own cost
Opportunities for Private lessons before and after the weekend
Cecilia and I look forward to welcoming you to our very special weekend.
Anne-Maree and Cecilia
MAPUA
Located 30 mins from Nelson by car, Mapua is a small fishing village pop 1650 + visiting tangueros! It has a thriving wharf area with arty shops, cafes, restaurants and pubs. Close to walking tracks and the Great Taste Trail, Rabbit Island is just wee ferry ride across the water for walks and swimming if you are feeling brave in April! Vineyards are not too far away with the Moutere hosting NZ’s Oldest Pub for a lunch!
ACCOMMODATION
Arrange your own accommodation - there are many options including Air BnB.
I would suggest a really FUN option is to book in at the Mapua Holiday Park. There are so many options available for you here including motel units and studios with fantastic views, little cabins, A-Frame cuteness, opportunities for you to bring your caravan/motorhome ... check it out https://nelsonholiday.co.nz/
REGISTER NOW
Book in for the total effect experience
$245 per person includes 5 workshops and 1 Milonga.
OR
Individual Workshops (Sat & Sun) $55
Fri Milonga + workshop $50
Fri Milonga only $25
PRIVATE LESSONS
A limited number of Private lessons are available on the 23, 24 and 27 April.
Private lessons are NZ$150 + $10 for the studio. They are located in Richmond. Contact Anne-Maree to sort out a time to suit you.
REGISTRATION/ENQUIRY
Contact Anne-Maree or text +64 27 238 0568
All workshops and Milonga will be at the Māpua Community Hall
72 Aranui Road, Māpua
WORKSHOP 1, Friday 7pm followed by Milonga at 8pm Redefining the Roles
Exploring Communication Between Both Roles
Through guided exercises, we’ll dive into the communication between initiator and receiver.
Develop awareness, responsiveness, and a more equal, dynamic conversation within the dance.
WORKSHOP 2, Saturday 2 - 3.30 The Power of the Embrace
Presence, Listening, and Sensitivity
The embrace is more than a frame — it’s a space of trust and subtle dialogue.
This class focuses on listening through touch, pausing meaningfully, and creating a grounded, intimate connection.
WORKSHOP 3, Saturday 4 - 5.30 Sacadas for all
Working with the space we create and the space we step into
Sacadas involve more than displacement — they are about offering, entering, and respecting space.
We’ll explore how initiators and receivers use timing, body organization, and spatial awareness to co-create dynamic and safe sacadas.
WORKSHOP 4, Sunday 2 - 3.30 Linear Boleos
Pendulum Motion and Contraposition
This class focuses on linear boleos through pendulum dynamics, body opposition, and the expressive motion of the free leg. Learn how to generate and receive boleos with clarity, fluidity, and deep connection.
WORKSHOP 4, Sunday 4 - 5.30 Wrap up: Turning Information into Experience
Reflect on how the concepts explored during the seminar can be embodied, not just understood.
REGISTRATION/ENQUIRY
Contact Anne-Maree or text +64 27 238 0568
