Dominican Republic

MONTSERRAT

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MMRD Dominican Dance Adventure
Presented by MetaMovements, J&L Dance Studio, & the MMRD Dancers!

Begins Saturday, June 24, 2023

Join us for an incredible adventure in the birthplace of bachata: the Dominican Republic!

This is a trip for adventurers who are ready to go off-the-beaten path and enjoy every moment to the maximum! Immerse yourself in a new culture and make new friends while taking a deep dive into the history of Dominican dance.

Each day, you'll have opportunities to:

build your skills in dance workshops taught by renowned local artists and international guests
participate in cultural exchange activities and excursions
dance the night away with your instructors and hosts at parties around the town
take private lessons, relax on the beach, try a new activity, or explore Las Terrenas on your own.

We want this to be the ideal trip for YOU, so if you want to skip a group activity to have more personal time, feel free to let us know!

Register by April 20th for maximum flexibility of your schedule (and a FREE private lesson)—we’ll create the dance adventure of your dreams!

QUESTIONS?

Program Dates: Begins June 24, 2023

Final Payment Due: May 22

Bonus: Register by Thurs 4/20 for FREE Private Lesson

Prices Increase May 11th

Questions?

Program Details

PROGRAM DETAILS
(click on each tab to learn more)

Las Terrenas is a beautiful beach destination on the north coast of the Samaná Peninsula that has become a hub for dance-lovers from near and far. Its landscape is every bit as scenic as the Dominican Republic’s more famous beach towns–Punta Cana, Puerto Plata, etc–but there are no resorts or chain hotels in Las Terrenas, giving it a more authentic and inclusive vibe. As you walk around and spend time in restaurants and clubs, you will mingle with people from many regions of the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Europe and other parts of the world who’ve all chosen Las Terrenas as their home.

Las Terrenas was significantly impacted by the pandemic and then Hurricane Fiona last September. The dancers are thankful for the support they received from MetaMovements, J & L Dance Studio and other sources that enabled them to get through the hardest times and come back even stronger than before. On this trip, we’ll learn how they utilized the support to stabilize and transform during the pandemic and rebuild so quickly after the hurricane. You will also learn more about their goals for the future, including their vision for the “dance sanctuary” they have created in this tiny town.

Choreography Challenge

(Train Sat-Tues; perform Tues & Wed)

Enhance your experience by performing with the incredible MMRD (MetaMovements República Dominicana) dancers! Not only will you get a chance to learn and perform a unique choreography with Dominican dancers, but you’ll also elevate your skills in footwork, body movement and partnering during the special training sessions... an experience you'll never forget! The choreography has separate sections to enable dancers of different levels to participate. More information and level assessments are available upon request.

Technique Training

(Requested by MMRD dancers… Guests can join if you feel inspired!)

Las Terrenas dancers are known for their incredible unique flavor, but their super-power is their dedication to learning new things and seeking out opportunities whenever they have the chance. (Several have set their sights on winning competitions that will bring their unique style worldwide!) Anara and other international instructors will be providing our hosts with instruction they’ve requested in Cuban modern technique, barre exercises for lines and control, spinning drills, hand tricks and more. They've also requested training in Kizomba, Modern & Sensual Bachata, and Salsa Technique. If you love the idea of training technique along with them, this is the add-on for you.

Private Lesson Packages

(Book in advance to guarantee your instructor and style!)

Get the personalized coaching that makes everything come together. Working privately can be the perfect link that helps connect everything you are learning in workshops and while social dancing in a format that is all about YOU. Instructors will focus on your individual goals and growth, giving the advice you need to take your dancing to the next level! We recommend three-hour packages because they have made a huge difference for our travelers, but you can request more or less time if you wish.

Dance Workshops

One of the highlights of MetaMovements Dance Adventures is seeing our travelers’ skills transform in such a short time! Each day will include two or more hours of classes in bachata, merengue, dembow and salsa with renowned artists from Las Terrenas and international guest instructors. Workshops will explore history, body movement, styling, partnerwork and technique and will be divided into levels or styles when needed to ensure maximum enjoyment and learning for all participants!

Cultural Exchange Excursions

Participate in special excursions that go beyond the typical tourist experience, immersing you in the unique culture and beauty of the Dominican Republic. This year’s planned events include a visit to a hidden waterfall, a “day in the life” visit and typical meal at one of our host’s family’s homes, a walking tour of Las Terrenas and a sunset beachside dinner. Add-on excursions are available too!

Dance Parties

Each evening we will join our instructors, dance hosts and the Las Terrenas community at their favorite venues to extend the learning from your workshops and private lessons. This community loves variety, so you will enjoy bachata, merengue and salsa of many styles, as well as fun “animaciones” and more! Social dancing in LT is amazing and an essential ingredient of your Dance Adventure transformation!

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Price & Inclusions

PRICE & INCLUSIONS

Long Weekend: $675/person double-occupancy

(dawn on Sat to dawn on Tues)

XXL Weekend: $899/person double-occupancy

(dawn on Sat to dawn on Thurs)

What's Included:

Transportation from Las Americas Airport to Las Terrenas, with scenic (and dancing) stops along the way
Comfortable double-occupancy lodging in Las Terrenas (or upgrade to single)
Breakfasts in Las Terrenas
2 group lunches
2+ hours of dance workshops each day with renowned local and visiting artists
4+ hours of dance parties every night, with incredible dance hosts
Unique cultural exchange activities
Pre-tour briefing, travel preparation and consultation
Welcome tour and orientation to daily life on the island
Knowledgeable MetaMovements liaison and friendly Dominican hosts
24-hour assistance available for emergencies
Local concierge services to assist you with travel planning and to connect you to other activities of interest in the area, as well as rentals or other services as needed.

Program Extensions & Other Optional Programming

(Let us know if you're interested in hearing more)

Fitness, dance technique and wellness coaching
Scuba, snorkeling, kayaking, boating or other water activities
Nature excursions (half and full day)
Massage

Optional Program Extensions

For people who would like to extend their stay, let us know if you are interested in an excursion or other activities or services, and we will connect you to our MMRD Coordinator who can answer your questions and plan the rest of your trip.

Pre-Program

Arrive a day or two early to Santo Domingo if that better fits your dates off work or helps you get the flights you like the best. We can arrange a place to stay near the airport or in the beautiful Colonial Zone, and we can arrange private lessons, dance outings, or excursions with our team there if you wish.

Post-Program

Stay a few days longer to continue training with MMRD Collective Members, and/or to explore other aspects of the island with one of our personalized excursion packages.

Optional Add-Ons (purchased in advance)

Single Occupancy Upgrade
- Long Weekend + $150
- XXL Weekend + $250

Choreography Challenge: + $150
- (Performances on Tues &/Or Wed)
Technique Training: + $150
Three-hour Private Lesson Package: + $150

Not Included

Flights
- We can make recommendations at no cost or book for you for a $45 fee.
Food & drinks (Beyond those listed above.)
Tips & Gratuities
- For local servers, bartenders, artists, hosts, drivers, house-keepers.
Airport transfers for your return
- Since many travelers want the freedom to depart on different days and from different airports, we are not including the return transfer. We can assist you in selecting and booking your preferred transfer if you wish. It will be cheaper and more fun if you coordinate your flights with others, so let us know if you would like help with that as well.
Guaranteed roommate for each traveler
- If you sign up with a roommate and both request each other, we will put you together! If you are traveling solo, we can check if there is someone else who wants a roommate, or you can select the single upgrade!

Other Travel FAQs

TRAVEL FAQS

Payments on the Ground

We recommend bringing cash for additional expenses. You can exchange your dollars for Dominican pesos once you have embarked on our adventure! (It's better than trying to exchange in the US.)
Some places will accept your credit cards, and there are ATMs in town that have worked for American travelers. Check with your bank.
Many activities or purchases do not offer refunds… although some may offer transfers.

Getting There

IMPORTANT DEPARTURE INFO
- Group departs for Las Terrenas (from Santo Domingo airport)
- Sat, June 24, 6:00 AM

This program is especially designed to align with the best (most direct + affordable) flights from the Boston area, but we also welcome adventurers who are arriving earlier from other locations and those who choose to stay longer.
- Departing non-stop flight from Boston:
  - JetBlue overnight flight (time varies slightly but will arrive at Santo Domingo airport by 4 AM)
- Return non-stop flight to Boston (for long-weekend package):
  - JetBlue early morning flight (arriving in Boston by 9 AM)
- Return non-stop flight to Boston (for XXL-weekend package):
  - JetBlue early morning flight (arriving in Boston by 9 AM)

Those who take our beloved late-night flight on JetBlue from Boston together will sleep on the plane and arrive by 4 AM Saturday. After going through immigration and collecting luggage, there will be time to have breakfast and other refreshments at the airport before our drive to Las Terrenas. (Traditional Dominican food, well-stocked Starbucks and other locations are open 24 hours at the airport.) People who arrive early or are already in Santo Domingo can meet the group at the airport or request a ride.

HOW TO REGISTER

How to Register

Select Your Payment Plan

Pay in Full Now
Pay $350 non-refundable deposit

We will send you an invoice for the remainder of your balance (including any additional add-ons you request).

Important: Trip is non-refundable. If you are unable to attend, you may transfer your program to another person for this same travel program and dates ONLY.

Complete Your Application

Need a roommate? Fill out the roommate request form. We'll do our best to match you, but if there are none available, you will be charged for a single upgrade.
If interested, add-on the single upgrade and/or other optional items.
Be sure to let us know if you're interested in an extension!
Click the Register button to join!

MONTSERRAT