🌿 ORIENT RETREAT TUNISIA 2026 🌿

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Join us in beautiful Sidi Bou Said – a Mediterranean gem known for its iconic blue-and-white architecture, artistic atmosphere, and magical light. 

From September 30th - October 4th, 2026, we invite you to an exclusive dance retreat focused on authenticity, connection, and inspiration.

Throughout the retreat, live music will be our heartbeat – weaving through every experience. From classes where we improvise and explore our own taqsim with live violin, to learning Tunisian dance traditions, to a show elevated by musicians performing in harmony with the dancers. We’ll immerse ourselves in Tunisia’s rich musical heritage, attend concerts in the city, and share intimate moments as the sound of the oud accompanies our breakfast. It’s all about living in the moment – improvisation, presence, and the magic that arises when dance and music meet here and now.

DANCE CLASSES
You will study with:
Amina Ali – Studio Orient instructor and Tunisia’s dancer for the stars. One of the country’s most sought-after performers, known for her elegant and nostalgic style.
Helene Skaugen – Owner of Studio Orient, one of Norway’s leading bellydancers and instructors, with experience from over 20 countries.
Khira – Legendary Tunisian dancer, a mother figure and authority in the local dance community.

EXPERIENCES BEYOND THE ORDINARY
The program offers unique moments of inspiration and joy:
Excursion to the Medina of Tunis – wander historic streets, taste traditional food, shop colorful markets, and feel the vibrant heartbeat of the city.
Show night with live music – step onto the stage and shine alongside professional musicians.
Professional photoshoot – full styling with makeup, hair, and photographer, just like the pros.
Dinners and nightlife – savor local cuisine and be swept away by music, atmosphere, and Tunisian nightlife.
Teatime and sunset talks – Amina and Helene share reflections from their lives as professional dancers, with Q&A under the evening sky.
Breakfast in the hotel garden – begin your day with fresh air and the sound of live oud music.
A guided morning stretch with Amina – a calm and energizing start for early risers.
Workshops with live music (improvisation workshop with Helene and Amina, and Tunisian dance workshop with Khira).
Four dance classes, with a total of 6 hours – develop new skills in inspiring surroundings. Two of the classes are with live music.

Activities you can explore on your own:
- Explore Sidi Bou Said
- Take a time ut on the beach La Marsa plage
- Visit Carthage and the roman amphitheater
- Hamam

WHERE WE STAY
We will stay at a beautiful and authentic four-star hotel in the heart of Sidi Bou Said, surrounded by palm trees, sea views, and artistic spirit. Here you’ll find space to breathe, relax, dance, laugh, and let your senses rest and awaken – both as a dancer and as a human being.

IMPORTANT TRAVEL INFORMATION
Travelers from Oslo depart from Gardermoen.
Recommended flights will be posted, and we assist with booking so the group travels together.
If traveling from another city, book flights to/from Oslo Gardermoen with enough time for baggage and check-in.
If booking separate flights to Carthage, please coordinate arrival/departure times with our airport transfer.
If your travel times differ significantly from the group, you may be responsible for your own transfer.

Visa:
No visa required for Norwegian citizens, but passports must be valid for at least 3 months after entry. Emergency passports are not accepted. Travelers should register at reiseregistrering.no or in the UD “Reiseklar” app. Valid travel insurance is required. If you travel with a non-Norwegian passport, you are responsible for checking visa requirements.

Minimum 5 participants required. If fewer, retreat will be canceled and fees refunded.

Do not purchase flights until confirmation that the retreat will go ahead.
Organizer refunds only fees paid to Studio Orient, not flights or other expenses.