GREECE
HANDSTAND RETREAT
HANDSTAND
RETREAT
With
Nicolas Montes de Oca & Marie-Eve Dicaire
With
Nicolas Montes de Oca
& Marie-Eve Dicaire
Join us for a 7 days intensive
handstand retreat
in Paros Island, Greece
14-20 of June 2025
OPEN TO ALL LEVELS
INTENSIVE HANDSTAND TRAINING
The intensive training is open to all levels, from complete beginners to professional handbalancers. The handstand methodology taught at the handstand intensive will be a combination of two different techniques, chinese and ukrainian hand balancing techniques.
INTENSIVE HANDSTAND TRAINING
The intensive training is open to all levels, from complete beginners to professional handbalancers. The handstand methodology taught at the handstand intensive will be a combination of two different techniques, chinese and ukrainian hand balancing techniques.
WHAT WE WILL COVER
FOR BEGINNERS:
- Alignment Exercises
- Specific Physical Preparation for Handstands
- Alignment Jumping in a Free Handstand
- Different handstand positions
- Handstand movement exploration
- Press Up
- Different Ways to Go Up in Your Handstand
- Techniques to Develop Your Resistance
- Various Spotting Methods
FOR ADVANCED:
- Alignment Exercises
- Specific Physical Preparation for Handstands
- Several Exercises to Test Your 2 Arm Handstand
- Playing With Isolation
- Press Up
- Techniques for Developing Your Resistance
- Various Methods of Spotting
- One-Arm Handstand Transfer
- Resistance In One-Arm To Balance
- Different One-Arm Shape Such As Side Bends And Figas
WHAT WE WILL COVER
FOR BEGINNERS:
- Alignment Exercises
- Specific Physical Preparation for Handstands
- Alignment Jumping in a Free Handstand
- Different handstand positions
- Handstand movement exploration
- Press Up
- Different Ways to Go Up in Your Handstand
- Techniques to Develop Your Resistance
- Various Spotting Methods
FOR ADVANCED:
- Alignment Exercises
- Specific Physical Preparation for Handstands
- Several Exercises to Test Your 2 Arm Handstand
- Playing With Isolation
- Press Up
- Techniques for Developing Your Resistance
- Various Methods of Spotting
- One-Arm Handstand Transfer
- Resistance In One-Arm To Balance
- Different One-Arm Shape Such As Side Bends And Figas
RELAX / TRAIN / RENEW
RELAX
TRAIN
RENEW
TRAINING SCHEDULE
14 June
Check-In: after 2pm
Training: 4pm – 6pm
6:30 Welcome diner
18 June
8:00 Breakfast
Training: 9am – 1pm
*3 hrs training, exact times to be confirmed depending your level
13:00 Lunch
Free time to enjoy the surrounding
Training: 4pm – 6 pm
6:00pm Get together
15 June
8:00 Breakfast
Training: 9:00 am – 13:00
*3 hrs training, exact times to be confirmed depending your level
13:00 pm Lunch
Free time to enjoy the surrounding
Training: 4pm – 6 pm
6:30pm dinner
Get together
19 June
8:00 Breakfast
Training: 9am – 1pm
*3 hrs training, exact times to be confirmed depending your level
13:00 Lunch
Free time to enjoy the surrounding
Training: 4pm – 6 pm
6:00pm Get together
16 June
8:00 Breakfast
Training: 9:00 am – 13:00
*3 hrs training, exact times to be confirmed depending your level
13:00 Lunch
Free time to enjoy the surrounding
Training: 4pm – 6 pm
6:30pm dinner
Get together
20 June
8:00 Breakfast
Training 9:00 am-12:00 pm
12:30 check-out
TRAINING SCHEDULE
14 June
Check-In: after 2pm
Training: 4pm – 6pm
6:30 Welcome diner
15 June
8:00 Breakfast
Training: 9:00am – 13:00pm
*3 hrs training, exact times to be confirmed depending your level
13:00 Lunch
Free time to enjoy the surrounding
Training: 4pm – 6 pm
6:30pm dinner
Get together
16 June
8:00 Breakfast
Training: 9:00am – 13:00 pm
*3 hrs training, exact times to be confirmed depending your level
13:00 Lunch
Free time to enjoy the surrounding
Training: 4pm – 6 pm
6:30pm dinner
Get together
17 June
10:00 Brunch
13:00 Lunch
Free time to enjoy the surrounding
DAY OFF
6:30pm dinner
Get together
18 June
8:00 Breakfast
Training: 9am – 1pm
*3 hrs training, exact times to be confirmed depending your level
13:00 Lunch
Free time to enjoy the surrounding
Training: 4pm – 6 pm
6:30pm dinner
Get together
19 June
8:00 Breakfast
Training: 9am – 12 noon
12:30 Lunch
Free time to enjoy the surrounding
Training: 4pm – 6 pm
6:30pm dinner
Get together
20 June
8:00 Breakfast
Training: 9am – 1pm
*3 hrs training, exact times to be confirmed depending your level
13:00 Lunch
Free time to enjoy the surrounding
Training: 4pm – 6 pm
6:30pm dinner
Get together
ABOUT MARIE-EVE
She began her artistic formation as a dancer, but after three years of training Marie-Ève Dicaire felt something was missing. Little did she know it was a circus. She went on to audition at the National Circus School of Montréal, where she was accepted as a hand balancer, and quickly found hand balancing to be a unique mix of precision and fluidity. Since her graduation in 2006, she has performed her act throughout Switzerland with Starlight Circus and Circus Monti, in Germany with various cabaret such as Tigerpalast. More recently, she had the occasion to join the 7 fingers for the creation of the show Tryptique and Vice et Vertu and also Cirque Éloize for the show Nezha. Even to this day, Marie-Eve continues to develop herself as a dancer only now she does it while standing on her hands.
ABOUT NICOLÁS
Nicolas Montes de oca is a professional circus performer who has dedicated his life to hand-balancing and the circus arts. He has developed his own unique style in the discipline of hand-balancing, fusing it with dance and movement which has taken him all across the world performing.
He spent many years of self-development with HANDBALANCING and then took his skills to new levels receiving professional tuition at the Shanghai Circus School in China, ESAC (Ecole Superior du Arts du Cirque) in Belgium and Kiev Circus Academy in Ukraine. He has performed at many prestigious companies such as Franco Dragone, Les 7 doigts de la main and Cirque Du Soleil.
ABOUT MARIE-EVE
She began her artistic formation as a dancer, but after three years of training Marie-Ève Dicaire felt something was missing. Little did she know it was a circus. She went on to audition at the National Circus School of Montréal, where she was accepted as a hand balancer, and quickly found hand balancing to be a unique mix of precision and fluidity. Since her graduation in 2006, she has performed her act throughout Switzerland with Starlight Circus and Circus Monti, in Germany with various cabaret such as Tigerpalast. More recently, she had the occasion to join the 7 fingers for the creation of the show Tryptique and Vice et Vertu and also Cirque Éloize for the show Nezha. Even to this day, Marie-Eve continues to develop herself as a dancer only now she does it while standing on her hands.
ABOUT
NICOLÁS
Nicolas Montes de oca is a professional circus performer who has dedicated his life to hand-balancing and the circus arts. He has developed his own unique style in the discipline of hand-balancing, fusing it with dance and movement which has taken him all across the world performing.
He spent many years of self-development with HANDBALANCING and then took his skills to new levels receiving professional tuition at the Shanghai Circus School in China, ESAC (Ecole Superior du Arts du Cirque) in Belgium and Kiev Circus Academy in Ukraine. He has performed at many prestigious companies such as Franco Dragone, Les 7 doigts de la main and Cirque Du Soleil.
ABOUT OKREBLUE YOGA RETREAT
Connect with nature, and be immersed in an authentic and truly sustainable experience. In perfect balance with nature, Okreblue Eco Yoga Retreat stands apart as a wellness destination designed in total harmony with the surrounding environment. Okreblue sits on the relatively untouched seaside of Santa Maria on the tranquil peninsular of Paros Island, Greece. The surrounding Elements, especially the Earth and Water, are the soul of Okreblue.
Stay and sleep in comfort at Okreblue in our accommodation, inspired by the elements and the muses of Greek Mythology. The rooms are open, naturally lit and purposefully minimal to simplify your experience on retreat. Most of the rooms face the seaside and are a stone’s throw away from Filizi beach, with unencumbered access to the velvet waters of the Aegean Sea. Perfect for a sunrise dip!
ABOUT
OKREBLUE YOGA RETREAT
Connect with nature, and be immersed in an authentic and truly sustainable experience. In perfect balance with nature, Okreblue Eco Yoga Retreat stands apart as a wellness destination designed in total harmony with the surrounding environment. Okreblue sits on the relatively untouched seaside of Santa Maria on the tranquil peninsular of Paros Island, Greece. The surrounding Elements, especially the Earth and Water, are the soul of Okreblue.
Stay and sleep in comfort at Okreblue in our accommodation, inspired by the elements and the muses of Greek Mythology. The rooms are open, naturally lit and purposefully minimal to simplify your experience on retreat. Most of the rooms face the seaside and are a stone’s throw away from Filizi beach, with unencumbered access to the velvet waters of the Aegean Sea. Perfect for a sunrise dip!
ABOUT THE FOOD
Enjoy delicious cuisine based on ancient Ayurvedic principles, emphasizing wellbeing, balance and bliss in the body.
You create your own plate from a selection of plant-based dishes, fusing exotic Indian flavours with the tastes and character of traditional Greek cuisine.
Angelo, whose love of Greek cuisine and nutrition have led him to work with food for over 30 years, met Suresh, our resident Ayurvedic chef from North East India in Goa in 2015. Suresh learned the magic of Greek cuisine and together with Elvira, who is the goddess of pastries and sugar free desserts they take care of the delicious meals at Caretta Lounge Restaurant.
The kitchen takes great pride in creating meals with complete taste profiles that tantalize the taste buds and leave the body and soul satiated, nourished and energized. There will be an animal protein meal option every other day.
We will eat together three times daily on Caretta’s open deck with the amazing view of the Aegean Sea or the Moon rising!
For something extra, the kitchen is available to serve you in between meals, with juices and smoothies, and a selection of healthy snacks and salads available for order throughout the day.
ABOUT THE FOOD
Enjoy delicious cuisine based on ancient Ayurvedic principles, emphasizing wellbeing, balance and bliss in the body.
You create your own plate from a selection of plant-based dishes, fusing exotic Indian flavours with the tastes and character of traditional Greek cuisine.
Angelo, whose love of Greek cuisine and nutrition have led him to work with food for over 30 years, met Suresh, our resident Ayurvedic chef from North East India in Goa in 2015. Suresh learned the magic of Greek cuisine and together with Elvira, who is the goddess of pastries and sugar free desserts they take care of the delicious meals at Caretta Lounge Restaurant.
The kitchen takes great pride in creating meals with complete taste profiles that tantalize the taste buds and leave the body and soul satiated, nourished and energized. There will be an animal protein meal option every other day.
We will eat together three times daily on Caretta’s open deck with the amazing view of the Aegean Sea or the Moon rising!
For something extra, the kitchen is available to serve you in between meals, with juices and smoothies, and a selection of healthy snacks and salads available for order throughout the day.
ABOUT PAROS ISLAND
Tucked away in the Cyclades, Paros Island is your ticket to a world where nature’s wonders meet Greek heritage. OkreBlue is cocooned within lush gardens, and marries sustainability with traditional Greek allure. Embark on a cultural odyssey through time, exploring ancient relics, charming villages, and pristine beaches. Paros’ rich history and breathtaking landscapes invite you to rediscover Greece’s essence. From kayaking to secret coves to hiking scenic trails and sailing on turquoise waters, Paros offers boundless adventures for the intrepid traveler. Escape the mundane and embrace the extraordinary on Paros Island. Your Greek adventure awaits.
ABOUT PAROS ISLAND
Tucked away in the Cyclades, Paros Island is your ticket to a world where nature’s wonders meet Greek heritage. OkreBlue is cocooned within lush gardens, and marries sustainability with traditional Greek allure. Embark on a cultural odyssey through time, exploring ancient relics, charming villages, and pristine beaches. Paros’ rich history and breathtaking landscapes invite you to rediscover Greece’s essence. From kayaking to secret coves to hiking scenic trails and sailing on turquoise waters, Paros offers boundless adventures for the intrepid traveler. Escape the mundane and embrace the extraordinary on Paros Island. Your Greek adventure awaits.
HOW TO GET THERE
From Athens International Airport “Eleftherios Venizelos”
Aegean Air and SkyExpress are the two companies that fly from Athens to Paros. Make sure you book your tickets well in advance because it’s difficult to find availability during the summer months.
For tickets and information visit:
http://en.aegeanair.com/ or https://www.skyexpress.gr/
From Mykonos International Airport
A 45-minute boat ride from Mykonos to Paros.
For tickets and information visit: https://www.ferriesingreece.com
From the port of Piraeus (Athens Port)
The 2 companies that sail to Paros is Blue Star Ferries and Hellenic Seaways.
BlueStar ferries takes about 4:30 hours and runs twice a day with tickets starting at 37€. Hellenic Seaways takes about 2:45 hours with tickets starting at 50€.
For tickets and information visit: https://www.ferriesingreece.com/ or https://hellenicseaways.gr/en/ or https://www.bluestarferries.com/en/
From the port of Rafina (Athens 2nd Port)
Rafina port is closer to Athens airport and you can get there either by taxi or bus.A ferry ride will take you about 4 hours with tickets starting at 50€.For tickets and information visit: https://www.ferriesingreece.com/
Arriving In Paros
When in Paros, you can take a taxi from Paros port or Paros airport.Another option is to catch the bus from Parikia (port of Paros) to Naoussa and then a taxi to Okreblue
HOW TO GET THERE
From Athens International Airport “Eleftherios Venizelos”
Aegean Air and SkyExpress are the two companies that fly from Athens to Paros. Make sure you book your tickets well in advance because it’s difficult to find availability during the summer months.
For tickets and information visit:
http://en.aegeanair.com/ or https://www.skyexpress.gr/
From Mykonos International Airport
A 45-minute boat ride from Mykonos to Paros.
For tickets and information visit: https://www.ferriesingreece.com
From the port of Piraeus (Athens Port)
The 2 companies that sail to Paros is Blue Star Ferries and Hellenic Seaways.
BlueStar ferries takes about 4:30 hours and runs twice a day with tickets starting at 37€. Hellenic Seaways takes about 2:45 hours with tickets starting at 50€.
For tickets and information visit: https://www.ferriesingreece.com/ or https://hellenicseaways.gr/en/ or https://www.bluestarferries.com/en/
From the port of Rafina (Athens 2nd Port)
Rafina port is closer to Athens airport and you can get there either by taxi or bus.A ferry ride will take you about 4 hours with tickets starting at 50€.For tickets and information visit: https://www.ferriesingreece.com/
Arriving In Paros
When in Paros, you can take a taxi from Paros port or Paros airport.Another option is to catch the bus from Parikia (port of Paros) to Naoussa and then a taxi to Okreblue
INTENSIVE HANDSTAND TRAINING GALLERY
INTENSIVE
HANDSTAND TRAINING
GALLERY
