FICHO Institute

For those of us working in embodiment, retreats, healing, movement, facilitation or transformational spaces…

I’ve been reflecting a lot lately on how much wisdom lives in the body before it ever becomes language.

For years, many of us have been trying to explain something that is not easy to explain:
That the body is not only something to calm, stretch, discipline or regulate.

It is imagination. Emotion. Instinct. Creativity. Relationship. Memory. Wildness. Intelligence.

In my recent movement sessions, we explored archetypal embodiment — dancing qualities connected to the elements, and states such as fear, stress, stagnation, transformation and integration.

What touched me deeply was how clearly people could express and “read” these states through movement.

Not professional dancers.
Not performers.
Just people willing to move, breathe, listen and enter direct experience.

Someone would move a quality, and the group could immediately sense something: fear, collapse, rage, softness, confusion, focus, rebirth, self-care.

It reminded me again that embodiment is also a training of intuition.

A way of sensing another human being beyond words — through presence, rhythm, tension, breath, focus, expansion, contraction, stillness.

This is why in my and Goran's work we often return to a simple principle:
DANCE FIRST. TALK LATER.

First live it.
Move it.
Try it.
Experience it.
Only afterwards reflect.

Because sometimes too much talking before experience closes the door to direct perception.

And this is also what I find so important in retreat and embodiment spaces today: not more performance, not more concepts, not more spiritual language — but safe, grounded containers where the nervous system can soften enough for something real to emerge.

A structure that gives enough safety for freedom to become honest.

A space where people can metabolize what they carry, not by analyzing it endlessly, but by giving it time, attention, movement and breath.

I wrote more about this in my latest Substack article, “For Those Who Lived First and Explained Later.”

You can read the full article here:
https://open.substack.com/pub/sandraanais/p/for-those-who-lived-first-and-explained?r=1cev55&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web

And if you feel called to experience a taste of this movement practice in a deeper setting, we will also bring this approach into:

Embodied Bali
11–18 September 2026
Ubud, Bali
Small group · personal atmosphere · application-based

A 7-day movement & cultural immersion where we weave embodiment, archetypal movement, Balinese cultural encounters, ritual, nature and deep sensory presence.

More info / application:
https://www.fichoinstitute.com/bali-immersions-journeys/embodied-bali-7-days

Not everyone who joins Dance Alchemy Facilitator Training wants to become a “dance teacher.” And honestly, that was never really the point.

Over the years, people came into this work from many different paths:

dancers, therapists, coaches, yoga teachers, healers, artists, facilitators, psychologists, bodyworkers, community leaders

and people simply searching for a more authentic way of working with humans through movement, dance and presence.

What connects them is usually not technique.

It’s the feeling that:

movement and dance can become something deeper.

A language.
A tool for awareness.
A way to create connection.
A way to work with transformation.
A way to help people reconnect with themselves and each other.

But eventually many people arrive at the same threshold:

How do I transform embodied experience into something I can actually guide for others?

Not randomly.
Not chaotically.
Not by copying somebody else.

But in a way that is clear, grounded, authentic, safe, creative, and sustainable.

That is one of the deeper intentions behind Dance Alchemy Facilitator Training.

🌴 Upcoming Trainings:
BALI 9–20 August 2026
BALI 23 January – 3 February 2027
SLOVENIA 26 June – 8 July 2027

🔥The first 3 participants for each training receive Early Bird pricing.

If something inside you resonates with this path, you’re warmly welcome.

https://www.fichoinstitute.com/Dance-Alchemy-Facilitator-Training

Lately, most posts were about Teacher & Facilitator Trainings — and I know many of you are not necessarily interested in that path. And this post is FOR YOU especially if you love:dancing, traveling, exploring, growing, connecting, creating… For DANCERS OF LIFE.

For more than a decade, Bali has been part of my life — not only as a destination, but as a place of artistic inspiration, movement, ritual, transformation, powerful nature and deep human connection.

Between 2013–2015, Sandra and I created immersive Ficho Dance Journeys across Slovenia, Croatia and Bali.

They were never simply retreats or workshops.

Those of you who were there know what I’m talking about.

We moved from location to location every few days, exploring each place from the inside out through movement, nature, presence and shared experience.

People danced, cooked, sang, laughed, cried, shed inhibitions, grew, built real connection and created unforgettable life memories together.

Something very alive and natural happened there.

Again and again, we witnessed how carefully chosen environments and authentic shared experiences could open unexpected spaces of inspiration, connection and transformation.

And now, after many years, something new is being born from that SAME ESSENCE.

✨ EMBODIED BALI ✨
A Curated 7-Day Movement & Cultural Immersion
September 11–18, 2026 | Ubud, Bali

This is not a typical retreat or tourist itinerary.

It is an invitation to experience Bali differently — through the body, the senses, movement, culture, nature, presence and authentic encounter.

Throughout the immersion we will explore:
✨ Balinese dance traditions like Legong & Kecak
✨ Dance Alchemy & Archetypes in Motion embodiment sessions
✨ Ecstatic dance & movement explorations
✨ Volcano sunrise journeys & ocean experiences
✨ Rituals, ceremonies & sound healing
✨ Yoga, breath, meditation
✨ Creativity, reflection & integration
✨ Carefully curated cultural, artistic and culinary experiences

Some moments will be playful and joyful.
Others quiet, reflective and deeply human.

No dance experience is required.
Only openness, curiosity and a genuine desire to experience Bali beyond tourism.

The group is intentionally small.

🔥 Early Bird places are now open for the first 3 participants.

If this speaks to something inside you, you can explore the full journey and apply here:

https://www.fichoinstitute.com/bali-immersions-journeys/embodied-bali-7-days

With gratitude,
Goran

DANCE ALCHEMY FACILITATOR TRAINING 12-Day Immersion into Embodiment, Facilitation & Authentic Leadership — Ubud, Bali
https://www.fichoinstitute.com/Dance-Alchemy-Facilitator-Training/Dance-Alchemy-Facilitator-Training-BALI
A practice-based training for dancers, movement practitioners, facilitators, therapists, coaches, healers, creatives, conscious space holders— and also for people who simply feel called toward this path and want to begin exploring transformational work through embodied movement practice.

Rooted in:Breathwork · Qi Work · Yoga · Dance Improvisation · Contact Improvisation · Dance Therapy · Body–Mind–Spirit Practices

This training is about:
• embodying Dance Alchemy tools deeply
• turning embodied experience into facilitation
• learning how to hold space safely
• structuring transformational experiences
• developing your own unique workshops and offerings
• practicing facilitation inside a real group
• building confidence, structure, and depth
• learning practical business foundations for your work
• leaving with practical tools, tested experience, clearer direction, deeper connections, and greater confidence in your own authentic way of facilitating

This is not about performance.
Not choreography.
Not copying somebody else’s method.

It’s about refining your own path, voice, approach, and authentic way of working with people through movement and embodiment.

🌴 BALI — 9–20 August 2026 / 9th edition
✨ 9th Edition
🌿 Small group immersion
🔥 Early Bird spaces now open for first 3 participants

When you reserve your place with a deposit, the Online Facilitator Course is immediately unlocked for you — so the journey can begin long before we meet in person.

The Online Facilitator Course is also available separately for those wanting to begin online first.

More info & applications:

https://www.fichoinstitute.com/Dance-Alchemy-Facilitator-Training/Dance-Alchemy-Facilitator-Training-BALI

After years of teaching, creating, researching movement, dance improvisation, performance, facilitation, and transformational work with 3000+ people across 23 countries…I’m opening a new weekly Dance Alchemy practice in Bali.

THE ART OF DANCE ALCHEMY
Weekly Practice in Ubud

Beyond Technique
Beyond Vibe

This is not just a dance class.
And not just random free expression.

Dance Alchemy is a structured movement practice that combines embodiment, awareness, creativity, free expression, and precise tools for exploration and transformation.

A practice where: structure supports freedom and freedom becomes something you can actually develop.

I don’t throw you into chaos and call it freedom.

Each session works with one clear principle — using practical tools to explore it, embody it, and integrate it through movement.

Rooted in:dance improvisation · somatic practice · contact improvisation · martial arts · dance therapy · embodied leadership · spirituality

Designed for:dancers · movers · facilitators · therapists · coaches · creatives · and all curious humans

No dance experience needed.

⟡ Weekly Practice in Ubud
📍 Moksa Dojo
🗓 Tuesdays · 11:30–13:00
🌴 Limited group size · Drop-in possible

If this resonates, you’re welcome.

We start on 19 May!

https://www.fichoinstitute.com/workshops/The-Art-of-Dance-Alchemy-UBUD

FIČO TRENING – odpiramo še 5 mest (začetek 1. april)
To ni odprto vabilo za vse. To je za tiste, ki zares čutite klic.

Trenutno imamo skupino, ki je res posebna – ljudje, ki ne pridejo samo “plesat”, ampak delat na sebi, raziskovat, rasti.
In zdaj se je odprlo še 5 mest.

Če razmišljaš že nekaj časa…
če si že bil/a na robu odločitve…
če čutiš, da potrebuješ prostor zase, za telo, za resnično izkušnjo…

👉 to je tisti trenutek.

Začetek: 1. april 2026
📍 Srede 18:00–20:30, Ljubljana

Trimesečje bo imelo poseben tok:– začnem jaz, Goran Bogdanovski– nadaljuje Sandra Anais z globokim delom skozi arhetipe in ples

To ni “še en trening”.
To je proces, ki te premakne. Na noter in od tam navzven.

Ni pomembno, koliko znaš plesati.
Pomembno je, koliko si pripravljen/a biti prisoten/na in iti globlje.

⚠️ Ko se mesta zapolnijo, zapremo prijave.

👉 Prijava:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScilRiZeZCXrTdy5Fiof9VLC4dWkNPW0C3e7z0BurKe-vhY1A/viewform

👉 Več info:
https://www.fichoinstitute.com/workshops/ficho-trening

Applications are now open for the next Dance Alchemy Facilitator Training:
📍 Ubud, Bali 🗓 April 25 – May 6

https://www.fichoinstitute.com/Dance-Alchemy-Facilitator-Training/Dance-Alchemy-Facilitator-Training-BALI

Just a few weeks ago, we closed our most recent training here in Ubud.
It was deep. Focused. Alive. Fun.
And once again, something very clear emerged:

This work is for people who feel something inside them is ready to take form.

Not someday.
Not “when I’m more ready.”
But now.

This training is not about copying a method or becoming someone else’s version of a facilitator.
It’s about learning how to guide embodied experiences that are true to you — and leaving with something real you can offer.

You don’t just learn.
You practice, test, and embody — and leave with clarity, confidence, and structure, without losing play or depth.

✨ Early Bird pricing until March 1
This groups are intentionally small, and Bali trainings tend to fill steadily rather than last-minute. If this is on your path, I recommend not waiting too long to APPLY.

Recently, we completed 12 days of Dance Alchemy Facilitator Training in Bali — with an extraordinary group of humans who arrived on short notice from Canada, USA, UK, Singapore, France, and Slovenia.
Different paths, one circle. One field. One dance.

I feel deeply grateful to be in service —to hold a space for creativity, movement, dance, healing, personal and professional growth, self-exploration, and soul expansion. A space where we return to ourselves, reconnect with our potential, remember our purpose, and sense our path more clearly.

Through Dance Alchemy, we ignited core energy, creative flow, embodied power, and emotional intelligence —moving together across cultures and bodies, without showing steps, yet finding shared language through presence, play, and awareness. A holistic, inclusive way of facilitating transformation — felt, lived, embodied.

It was a true pleasure to witness your unique voices emerging — to see your new offerings take shape, to feel the confidence, clarity, and integrity in your facilitation, and to watch you step into leadership with your own rhythm, sensitivity, and power.

You are ready to hold space, to guide movement, to facilitate transformation, and to bring Dance Alchemy into the world through your own voice, your own body, your own truth — responsibly, creatively, and alive.

Thank you to everyone who co-created this magic. For your trust, open hearts, curiosity, vulnerability, courage, joy, laughter, and tears. For your willingness to meet the moment, to listen deeply, and to communicate beyond words.

Thank you for sharing your lives, your wisdom, and your humanity — with me and with each other. It was intense, profound, and unforgettable.

✨ I’m already preparing the next Dance Alchemy Facilitator Training in Bali. Dates coming soon — stay tuned.
https://www.fichoinstitute.com/dance-alchemy-teacher-training/live-retreat

FIČO TRENING - prideš? V 2. trimesečju bomo nadaljevali naše raziskovanje skozi KONTAKTNO IMPROVIZACIJO na varen, holističen in igriv način:) Začnemo 7. januarja 2026!

Fičo trening zopet odpira svoja vrata. Imamo čudovito skupino zelo zanimivih, različnih in ozaveščenih ljudi, ki vsak z svojo energijo, znanjem in ozadjem prispeva k skupinski dinamiki in razvoju treningov skozi PLES.
Prostor imamo še za 5 ljudi, ki bi se radi pridružili redni tedenski praksi ob SREDAH 18h-20:30h v Ljubljani.

Drugo trimesečje b***a vodili Nayeli Špela Peterlin z gosti in Katarzyna Gorczyca.

Nayeli je psihologinja, plesalka in učiteljica kontaktne improvizacije (CI), ki se osredotoča na psihološke in subtilne vidike gibanja. Hodila je na Fičo trening pred desetletjem, ki jo je med drugimi vplivi zapeljal v študij te prakse, ki jo zdaj predaja pri nas in v tujini.

Kasha (Katarzyna Gorczyca) je poljska profesionalna plesalka, koreografinja in plesna učiteljica, ki je zaključila tudi Dance Alchemy Teacher Training. V svojem delu združuje sodobni ples, gledališče in transformativne pristope gibanja.

Več informacij: https://www.fichoinstitute.com/ficho-in-slovenia/ficho-trening-slo

Prijava: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScilRiZeZCXrTdy5Fiof9VLC4dWkNPW0C3e7z0BurKe-vhY1A/viewform

V Fičo trening ste ste dobrodošli vsi ozaveščeni odrasli in voditelj sprememb, ne glede na plesne izkušnje in ozadje.

Holističen pristop, igriv proces in vključujoče okolje. Vsako telo najde svoje pot!