Before starting long hours in water where we gradually study massage, immersion techniques, the rotating forces in water, the response in ‘real time’ within the interactivity etc…, we practice together gentle yoga postures and use mental concentration exercises (meditation, pranayama) to maintain a more refined presence throughout the learning day.

Stretching the body, breathing while being aware of the impact of the energetic stimulation, not only gives us new experiences on a bodily level, but also supports a nervous and neuronal balance which is essential for the assimilation of the aquatic workdays.

In the afternoon, we combine the technical teaching with somatic work (contact, free and directed movement proposal) which completes this legibility between the qualities of the water element and the properties of the Earth, with a playful approach that favours the integration of the training content. We return to water with more clarity about ourselves, the relationship between gravity and suspension.

EARTH ELEMENT:

• Free movement and directed
• Somatic practice dedicated to the exploration of improvisation and self-awareness – individually and group research.
• Somatic work on land before moving on to work in the water.

WATER ELEMENT:

• Synchronisation of breathing and movement to coordinate immersion.
• Study of surface expansion and compression movements, underwater work and inversions, movements with changes of direction, centripetal and centrifugal movements.
• Practice of massage, deep stretching, release points and mobilisation with a 360° spherical approach.
• Work on the forces at play to apply acceleration and deceleration.
• Creating a safe position for the receiver and a healthy posture for the giver.

The class will be taught in French & English with translation to Spanish.

Prerequisites: No prerequisites. This course is valid for beginners, students as well as profesionals.

Sophie Costes

Initially an Ayurvedic therapist, Sophie practised and led courses in Europe and Asia, continent where she lived until 2011. During this time, she trained and became a Watsu® and WaterDance® practitioner, following her passion for conscious and therapeutic touch on land and in warm water.

During the last five years, her studies in psycho-somatic therapies (TCI) and her former leadership of ‘ContactDance’ in water at international dance festivals, led her to a personal way of sharing her aquatic modality: Waterness Journey™.

Sophie’s goal is to convey within her courses, body awareness practices in conjunction with specific body mechanics and support, as well as the ability to flow freely in sync with breath work – leading to rich and interactive communication between water partners.

The practice of meditation contributes significantly to their therapeutic approach in the water. The core of her work questions and addresses through multiple dynamics how to support true presence, intuition, and improvisation, which, combined with technique, actively contribute to the liberation of the body in water.

At the end of the course a certificate of Participation will be awarded by Watsupath™ Training Institute, the only Training Institute in Spain accredited by Worldwide Aquatic Bodywork Association W.A.B.A. valid for the Watsu® Professional Training program.

• Commencing on Tuesday, the 6^th of August 2024 at 2pm
• Closing on Sunday, the 11^st of August 2024 at 1pm.

We recommend arriving at least thirty minutes before beginning of the retreat to complete your registration and familiarize yourself with the facility. The daily class schedule will be communicated to you on the first day of class (indicatively every day from 9:00 to 20:00, with a lunch break).
We will need every single hour of the class, so please do your best to arrive in time and organize your travel back home in such a way that you won’t need to leave before the end of class. Any hour missed during the class must be recuperated with individual supervisions.

Registration fee is 710 Euros or 695 Swiss Francs. See below for discounts and reductions.

The registration fee includes all tuition fees, learning materials and the assistance during class hours. It does not however include travel expenses, food and lodging costs, or the use of all class related facilities. (See the following paragraph Facility Cost).

Registrations will be accepted on a first come – first served basis. The registrations will be valid only upon completion of the Registration Form and bank deposit.

Early bird discount: Students sending their registration and payment receipt before the 11^st of June 2024 will get 15% discount. Not cumulative with other discounts.

Auditor discount: The students that have attended this class before will get a 30% discount of the course fee. Not cumulative with other discounts.

If, after registering to the class, the student needs to cancel their registration, these rules and conditions will be applied:

In case the minimum number of students is not achieved the organization has the faculty to postpone or cancel the course. In case of cancellation you will be refunded the full deposit with no further compensation. In case of postponement the deposit will be refunded to the students who request it.

TINIKA
Rue de Sonvillaz 11
1971 Grimisuat, Valais 
Switzerland

www.tinika.ch

FACILITY COSTS

Students are required to pay a facility fee of 37.- SWISS FRANCS/day (VAT NOT INCLUDED), a total of 185.-FS to access the pool and use the classroom for land classes. The balance must be paid the first day in cash directly to the facility management., before the course starts.

ACCOMMODATION

There are various options, from a comfortable and spacious dormitory (only for 4 people: 40Fs.-/night/person) to 2 rooms, one with a double bed and private bathroom (120Fs.-) & the other which can accommodate up to 3 beds (130Fs.-/night).

There is also a Bell tent set in the vast garden (camping), where up to 3 single beds can be installed 20Fs. – night/person.

In case you have a van right outside the centre, an extra participation fee of 10.-FS for the use of kitchen and showers will be charged.

MEALS

A wide kitchen and diner space, an outside kitchen and lunch space are free of use for participants living on site. You are welcome to cook for yourself, there are several shops in town. From Thursday 8^th, it will be possible to order your lunch and dinners.

Tea and coffees and snacks are available for participants.

If you have specific snacks preferences, we invite you to buy them, so you have them available during the course.

Participants living in the centre have free use of a large kitchen-dining room, an outdoor kitchen, and lunch area. If you wish, you can cook your meals, keep your food in fridge. For food supply, there are several shops in town.

From Thursday 8, it will be possible to order lunch and evening meals.

We are responsible for the logistics of the class, and always happy to help you. It is your responsibility to find your tickets, and transport.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/zQRamSTaFoiUfZ6i6

By Flight: Airport GENEVE- COINTRIN

By Car: E62 until Grimisuat village. Average time 1h45min

By Train: (from airport of Geneva main train station) stop SION.

By Bus: stop Sion gare until Home des crêtes or Ancienne Poste.