This workshop will be highly movement-based.

We ask that you have the capacity to get down onto the floor without needing any aid from a wall, or a chair, or cane. You can be shaky and off balance, that's NOT a problem, we'll work on that! But we want to ensure you have enough functional and aerobic capacity to get onto the floor solo, and return back to standing solo.

We also ask that you have the capacity to lie down comfortably in all positions (on your back, side-lying, on your front) for a lengthy period of time (30 - 45 minutes).

Note: It is a requirement that you have completed the 21 Day Nervous System Tune-Up course prior to the workshop date or have participated in SmartBody SmartMind™ (SBSM).

Due to the nature of the advanced methods of Feldenkraisian learning and high level group work (this includes touch and partner work) and social engagement for three days in a row, we need to ensure all participants have the capacity to work through theory and practical neurosensory exercises within, at the minimum, the 21 Day Nervous System Tune-Up course.

This workshop IS for you if you meet the above requirement and are looking to improve your existing self-regulation capacity in the good company of other like-minded folks who are ready to dive in, play, and do some deep learning at all levels.

Due to the nature of the Up & Down work, our teaching and progressions are based on the individuals in attendance and the group dynamics, but this simple itinerary will give you an idea about how the day will flow.

Each day will go something like

• Plan to arrive for 9:45 am (settle, chit-chat, personal time)
• Morning segment runs from 10am-12:30pm
• Lunch break: 12:30pm-2:15pm
• Afternoon segment: 2:30pm-4:30pm

We strongly recommend that you be IN Vancouver the day before the workshop begins. 

In all our years holding workshops and events we've found that it's not beneficial for you to rush into a workshop and rush out without having any time to soak up the new surroundings and integrate the time (and money) you've invested in yourself. 

We also recommend planning NO TRAVEL the night after the workshop, so you keep the transformation your body and mind has experienced during the workshop.

We suggest that you avoid sitting in a car and driving (or flying) for 5 hours after spending three days moving, grooving and learning. When you give yourself the time for arriving before and added integration afterwards you'll deepen your learning experience in so many ways.

For those who live in Vancouver and surrounding areas, we recommend the same.

Schedule your night before the workshop to be open and free of stress and allow for plenty of travel time to the venue during the workshop. After the workshop ends, have your time open for YOU so you can also integrate and let the workshop sink in.

Irene and Elia will be the teachers for this three-day workshop and their teaching is always directed to the group. At times, they might offer some personalized support when needed that is movement-based to individual participants. Often they'll demonstrate on those who'd like to be a demo participant to help the group understand and visualize a tricky movement pattern.

If a participant experiences a trauma release during the workshop, they do not go into trauma processing with that participant. It is up to the participant to ensure they have enough regulation and capacity to be with what might arise during this workshop.

Irene and Elia will not be available for personal consultation or private sessions during this workshop or outside of workshop hours.

Yes, you are responsible for your own meals.

As the workshop will be held at The Nest in Granville Island, you will have access to a variety of restaurants and a Public Market. Click here for more information.

Click here for a map and listing of places to eat.

Light refreshments (organic dried fruit, nuts, chocolate, etc.) will be provided during class breaks.

You are responsible for your own  accommodations and travel arrangements.

Where should I sleep?

There are many hotels in the greater Vancouver area which are only a Google search away. A few are situated close to The Nest (Granville Island area) and are a short Aquabus ride away. Here is a link to a few hotels situated near Granville Island by Trip Advisor. We'd suggest securing accommodation sooner rather than later to avoid disappointment.

Note, there is a hotel in Granville Island, promptly named the Granville Island Hotel, and it is within walking distance to our workshop space.

Airbnb and VRBO are also good resources for finding affordable housing.

Note: Airbnb may no longer be an option in Vancouver in 2024. Please check their website to confirm when considering accommodations planning.

Getting around in Vancouver

PARKING AT THE WORKSHOP

There are parking spaces available located in and around Granville Island. Click here for a short description on parking costs.

Note, the Aquabus  does stop directly at Granville Island.

TRANSPORTATION IN VANCOUVER

From YVR.

SKYTRAIN

Our primary light rail transportation system in Vancouver is called Skytrain. It can get you to major areas of the city and suburbs. And it connects from Vancouver International Airport to central Vancouver and downtown.

Skytrain Schedule

BUSES and AQUABUS

Translink

Note: We now have Uber in Vancouver

What's there to do in Vancouver?

SIGHTS IN VANCOUVER

The best suggestion for sightseeing in Vancouver is to Google it, and see what pulls your attention and interest. We have a few art galleries, one of the main ones is at UBC, The Museum of Anthropology. Local Beaches: Kitsilano Beach, English Bay, Spanish Banks, Wreck Beach (Notice: Wreck beach is a clothing optional beach).

Click here for a helpful resource to assist you in exploring the different  neighborhoods within Vancouver.

Best Views of Vancouver CityScape

Grouse Mountain: You take a gondola to a local ski area. Bar and restaurant and walking trails are up on top. If you have a car, you can drive up to Cypress Mountain and sit at the look-out for a city view.

Foodie Districts

Vancouver's food scene is definitely on the up and up. Asian and Indian cuisine is stellar here, as is our classic West coast fare (seafood and fish), not to mention good old Irish/English comfort food in the many pubs.

Nature

Parks are everywhere, especially on the North Shore which is North Vancouver and West Vancouver. Lynn Headwaters is a great park to walk and hike in. Busy on the weekends, but worth it. For the avid hikers, Grouse Mountain is famous for its steep "Grouse Grind" hike. Only for those with fairly medium to expert fitness levels. The trails near UBC in Pacific Spirit Regional Park are vast and easy with gentle inclines. Deep Cove is a lovely spot to visit for kayak rentals and to experience a cozy little seaside village. Ambleside is a trendier area with a seawall that looks to the South and towards Vancouver. Dundarave is even quieter, more retirement energy :). Stanley park is Vancouver's version of Central Park. There's a walking path that circles the park, and trails within the park.

Mountain and Alpine Viewing

Head to Whistler for a day or overnight excursion and take the Whistler gondola up the ski hill into the high alpine. You can sightsee on top and have a beer and a burger, or both.

Ocean and Island Life

Vancouver Island is a 90-minute ferry ride away from the ferry terminal in Tsawwassen (about 45 minutes outside of Vancouver). From there you can sightsee in Victoria, the capital of British Columbia (it's very British over there), or drive up island to Long Beach and Tofino (where the surfers hang out). Saltspring Island (you must access it via Vancouver Island) is known for its artisanal goods, cheese especially, and its quintessential island/hippie feel. The Sunshine Coast is another popular destination, which is technically mainland BC., but it has the small town, island feel. You need to take a ferry to access this part of the mainland.

So many more!!

Granville Island is Vancouver's premier artistic and cultural hub, located in an urban, waterfront location and steeped in a rich industrial and maritime heritage.

The charm of Granville Island lies in its unexpected mix of uses.  The famous Public Market is home to more than 50 independent food purveyors and contributes to the Island's appeal as a renowned culinary destination. In the Net Loft Shops and in the Artisan District, many of Canada's best artists and designers can be found. Granville Island is home to many cultural venues and hosts numerous performing arts and cultural festivals year-round.

Click here for a map of Granville Island.

For Class:

• A water bottle.
• Pen and paper/notebook/journal for taking notes and documenting your experiences (remember: you'll be creating your own movement practice this weekend!)

Clothing:

Dressing in layers is recommended! Comfortable clothing that you can move in that isn't too baggy and isn't too tight. (Good old cotton is the best fabric for this work. Tight stretchy yoga clothing limits your pelvic, hip, and spinal movement, and it is NOT recommended for this kind of workshop).

MOST IMPORTANTLY DON'T FORGET: Your enthusiasm and desire to learn, your laughter and love of movement.

As spaces are limited, registration is available by application only with membership & completion of the 21 Day Nervous System Tune-Up being a prerequisite. Those that have participated in SmartBody SmartMind™️ meet this requirement.

After submitting your application, we will aim to get back to you within 7 working days of receiving your application. Note, our offices will be closed between December 23 - January 2, 2024 and you will not receive a personal response during that period.

Please note, the workshop has limited spots available. Successful applicants will be offered a spot on a first-come, first-served basis.

For those that are accepted, we ask that you finalize your registration within 4 days of being informed to secure your spot. Please be sure to watch your email Inbox.

No refunds will be offered for this workshop, unless in the sole discretion of the Company, a qualified exemption applies.

Please understand there is a high demand for our Up & Down Live classes, and we limit class size. Once you have enrolled, your spot in class is secure.

IMPORTANT NOTE: For out of town guests, we recommend that participants purchase travel/trip insurance in the unlikely event that we need to cancel the workshop due to unforeseen circumstances.