Kaatsbaan Retreat Residencies are a Container for Creativity

The Kaatsbaan Cultural Park, a world-renowned dance institution situated on a historic former Tivoli horse farm, is making new moves, providing refuge for all kinds of artists seeking time, space, and inspiration. The Weekend Retreat Residency Program, launched last fall is designed to support artists across disciplines, and has quickly become an incubator for creativity and collaboration. New sessions scheduled for February 7 through 9, and (Breaking news) March 21 to 23.

“The weekend retreats are really an attempt to bring in different kinds of artists,” explains Adam Weinert, Kaatsbaan’s residency and events manager. “We’re trying to support smaller groups and individual artists who don’t need all 20 guest rooms or three studios at once.” The initiative evolved from the bubble residencies Kaatsbaan hosted during the pandemic, which allowed large dance companies to safely rehearse in isolation.

The retreat experience is both focused and flexible. Artists are guaranteed a minimum of six hours of daily studio time, and accommodations range from motel-style rooms to private apartments with kitchens. The property’s three main studios and additional workspaces cater to dancers, writers, composers, and visual artists alike. The program also provides healthy, locally sourced, communal meals, which Weinert says fosters a sense of community among participants. Rates for the entire all inclusive weekend start at $500, with group rates and premium lodging options also available.

“As a local artist, it felt extremely special to be a part of a space that housed such a wide network of creativity,” says writer Alix Sugarman. “It felt particularly inspiring to be surrounded by artists working within different mediums. I loved how the weekend created such a helpful container to stay focused and committed to creative practice while also allowing an opportunity to connect with other artists.”

Each retreat weekend has its own rhythm, shaped by the diverse needs of its participants. “Some people are at the very beginning of a project, just exploring ideas,” Weinert says. “Others arrive with specific goals, like finishing a book chapter or preparing for a performance. And sometimes, the weekend takes an unexpected turn. One writer, for example, started out working on a memoir but ended up reimagining it as a spy thriller.”

The sense of community extends beyond the workspaces. Meals, served in the park’s historic farmhouse, are shared events that often lead to meaningful connections. “We’ve seen collaborations spring to life over dinner conversations,” Weinert notes. “One group last spring brought together a sculptor and a dance company, and they’re returning this year to continue their work.”

Kaatsbaan’s sprawling grounds further enrich the retreat experience. Artists can walk the trails, paint the landscape, or even rehearse on the outdoor stage. Weinert recalled a painter who joined a dance company’s residency and ended up creating portraits of the performers. “It was a sweet and unexpected collaboration,” he says.

The program’s pilot year included seven weekend retreats, and the team is already expanding offerings based on feedback. “We’re still in a data-gathering phase,” Weinert says, “but it’s exciting to see how artists are using the space.”

With its blend of structure and freedom, the program is becoming a valuable resource for artists. For dancer and choreographer Ava Desiderio, who came with her small troupe, the retreat opened new possibilities. 

“We ate well, we slept well, we danced our hearts out,” she says. “We connected with nature, we developed our artistic practices, we learned to connect more with one another. I really can’t put into words how beneficial this weekend was for us. My dancers tried new movements, my photographer improved their digital capturing, I finally got to try ideas and physicality I’ve had (in mind) for years but never had the chance to do. This truly kickstarted the creation process for me, and I wish I could have this forever! I will treasure this experience for a long time, and I can’t wait to be back.”