Saddle up for a one-of-a-kind dance event!
We’re bringing together an all-star lineup of teachers and styles to help you expand your dance toolbox and have a rootin’-tootin’ good time.
- Shira Coleman Hagar will get you swingin’ with the playful spirit of Lindy Hop.
- Jim and Jess will turn up the heat with smooth, dynamic Bachata.
- Mark Carpenter will guide you through the rich connection of Blues & Tango.
- Hannah Francis with her horses, Mick & Bill will take you to the frontier of fusion dancing as they teach you to dance with the herd.
Schedule:
9:30 am: Coffee & Morning Stretch
Arrive, settle in, and get ready to begin your journey! If you need a place to unwind throughout the day, we’ll have spaces available for relaxation and recreation.
10 am - 11 am: Swingin' Out West with Shira Coleman Hagar
Combine the energy and playfulness of Lindy Hop with the creativity of fusion dance. We’ll explore the dynamics of lindy: direction, expansion, compression, frame, and invitation, along with follow voice and classic swing movement.
11:30 am - 12:30 pm: Hooves & Grooves Part 1 with Hannah Francis, Mick, & Bill
Begin by viewing a demonstration of dancing with horses, then explore how to interpret equine body language and respond with clarity. Discover how to foster trust and cultivate a genuine partnership. We’ll start with exercises practiced between human partners, then EquiFusion Intensive participants will apply their skills in hands-on work with the horses. If you’ve got your heart set on horsing around, be sure to check out the EquiFusion Intensive, details below.
12:30 pm - 1:30 pm: Lunch
Enjoy a pre-ordered lunch or bring your own! Unwind with games of shuffleboard and cornhole, or relax in the company of friends and fellow dancers.
1:30 pm - 2:30 pm: Hooves & Grooves Part 2 with Hannah Francis, Mick, & Bill
Learn to cultivate and communicate energy with your partner. Explore how to invite horses into movement and flow gracefully with the unexpected. We’ll begin with exercises between human partners, and Equifusion Intensive participants will also have the opportunity to practice directly with the horses.
OR
1:30 pm - 2:30 pm: Yoga for Dancers with Paul Nijjar
Horses aren’t your thing? No judgement! Need a break to re-center? We’ve got you covered! Enjoy a relaxing yoga session tailored for tired dancers.
3 pm - 4 pm: Bachata Roundup with Jim & Jess
Using the foundations of bachata, we’ll explore rhythm, movement, connection, and musicality. Then, we’ll wrastle up fresh textures and variations that’ll have your partner hollering “yee-haw!”
4 pm - 5 pm: A good ol’ fashioned cookout!
BBQ’d burgers and salad are included with the purchase of a Full Day Pass. Feel free to bring drinks and sides if desired.
5 pm - 6 pm: Hooves & Grooves Part 3 with Hannah Francis, Mick, & Bill
Get ready to social dance with horses! We’ll recap the day’s lessons, then EquiFusion Intensive participants will step onto the floor (or pasture) to cut a rug with the Free Spirit Herd.
6:30 pm - 7:30 pm: Shootout at Ocho Corral with Mark Carpenter
Wrangle the smooth connection of blues with the drama of tango. We’ll explore grounded movement, playful partner dynamics, and fusion-friendly styling that’ll have you sliding across the dance floor like it’s a saloon showdown.
7:30 pm - 10:30 pm: Last Call Dancehall
Mark Carpenter, Shira Coleman, and Jim & Jess Curate a variety of music for you to kick up your heels to, including blues, tango, swing, Latin tunes, and modern beats. Experiment with all you’ve learned over the course of the day and celebrate dancing with friends old and new!
Pass Options
Full Day: Sliding Scale $50 - $100
Includes all classes, dinner, and social dance
EquiFusion Intensive: Sliding Scale $50 - $100
All EquiFusion participants with a Full Day or relevant Single Class pass are invited to join Hooves & Grooves Parts 1 & 2. These sessions include both solo work and exercises with a human partner. All participants are also welcome to view the dancing with horses demonstrations during Hooves & Grooves Part 3. Only those with an EquiFusion Intensive pass, however, will receive hands-on practice with the horses along with one-on-one guidance during each Hooves & Grooves class. Intensive passes are limited to just 6 participants—reserve yours before they’re gone!
Single Class: Sliding Scale $10 - $20
Includes any one class during EquiFusion.
Last Call Dancehall: Sliding Scale $10 - $20
Includes social dancing until the cows come home!
Volunteering
A limited number of full-day passes are available for those interested in volunteering with setup, door shifts, or teardown. Contact Hannah for details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why horses?
Horses are born with natural instincts for movement: they step away from what approaches and are drawn toward what moves away—much like a dance. This is how they move so seamlessly together in a herd.
Horses naturally seek clear leadership within their herds. When it’s missing, they’ll instinctively step into the role themselves, offering us an honest mirror. If our intention, body language, or energy wavers, the horse reflects it back with stillness, reminding us that true leadership is felt, not forced.
That honest reflection makes them an incredible partner for practicing clarity, presence, and connection. In our classes, we dance with horses at liberty—without tack such as halters or lead ropes—so the horse is free to choose whether to follow the leader’s request or add their own playful variations. It’s a powerful way to practice flowing with the unexpected and deepening connection, even when your partner surprises you.
These lessons align beautifully with social dancing, and we’re excited to share them with our community. And of course, playing with horses is just plain fun!
Still curious? See a short video of dancing with horses here.
What should I bring?
We’ll be outdoors for most of the day, and as locals know, the weather can shift quickly! Bring warm layers for the morning and evening, and something lightweight and cool for the daytime. We also recommend a hat 🤠, sunscreen, a water bottle, closed-toed shoes for the stables, and of course—your dance shoes for the dancefloor!
Are there places to rest along the journey?
Yes! You’ll find shady spots perfect for quiet reflection, along with designated areas for snacks, games, yoga/stretching, and socializing whenever you’d like a break.
Have more questions?
Contact Hannah for additional details