The ‘Retreat’ is a four-day cultural immersion in Adelaide, uniting a carefully curated team of master facilitators with dancers and movement lovers ready to go deeper. Together, we’ll dive into the embodied heart of Samba and its Afro-Brazilian roots - within a supportive community setting.

Australia is fortunate to have a rich calendar of samba events, each serving dancers in different ways.

The Australian Samba Retreat exists to go deeper - centring cultural immersion and embodied learning, and led by a carefully curated team of international facilitators. Our line-up of artists is not only composed of exceptional performers, but respected cultural leaders and educators, chosen for their artistic depth, integrity, and mastery.

Across more than 25 hours of focused training, participants are immersed in an intentional learning environment that prioritises connection over competition and expression over spectacle - while still inspiring and delighting.

While Samba is the central thread, we explore a broad spectrum of Afro-Brazilian dances, rhythms, histories, and contexts, honouring these forms as interconnected cultural expressions rather than isolated techniques.

At its heart, the Retreat is artist-led and participant-focused. As a non-commercial venture, every dollar from ticket sales is invested into delivering an exceptional experience and ensuring that all featured artists are paid fairly, ethically, and with respect for their craft.

The Retreat is for dancers and movers who want to go beyond steps in the studio. 

We invite you to connect deeply with the meaning, lineage, and intention behind your movement - exploring the rhythms, stories, and roots of Samba and Afro-Brazilian dance. Along the way, you’ll refine your technique, expand your movement vocabulary, and experience the healing and spiritual energy of Samba - all within a supportive, inspiring community and guided by world-leading teachers.

Beginners are welcome, though the Retreat offers the deepest insight for dancers with experience and familiarity in Samba, particularly those who practice Samba no pé or enjoy Afro-Brazilian movement. 

Whether you’re a dedicated student, professional artist, teacher, or simply a passionate mover, this experience is for anyone eager to move with intention, broaden their artistry, and learn within a supportive, inspiring community.

The Retreat runs 2-5 October 2026 in Adelaide, with additional learning opportunities from 28 September to 1 October, offering up to 8 days of cultural and artistic immersion.

The 2026 Australian Samba Retreat will be held at:

Burnside Ballroom - 401 Greenhill Road, Tusmore, Adelaide, SA.

The venue is approximately 6 km (10-15 minutes by car) from the Adelaide CBD and a short drive from the Adelaide Hills. 

Parking: Off-street parking is available nearby, with additional street parking. Attendees should be mindful of local parking restrictions.

Public transport: The Ballroom is accessible via Adelaide Metro bus routes along Greenhill Road and Portrush Road, with regular services from the city and surrounding suburbs.

Facilities: Burnside Ballroom offers a spacious dance floor, abundant natural light, and space to relax and recharge when you aren’t dancing. It is ideally located across the road from Burnside Village, which features a variety of boutique and premium shops, a selection of restaurants, cafes and a food court, plus a Coles supermarket.

Additional activities: Locations for the Silvestre Technique Intensive and other events will be announced separately and may take place in different locations across Metropolitan Adelaide.

The event begins on Friday 2 October at 3:00pm, allowing interstate travellers time to arrive and settle in, and concludes on the Public Holiday, Monday 5 October at 5:00pm.

Full workshop and evening activity schedules will be released in August/ September 2026.

The Australian Samba Retreat is designed to be experienced as a four-day full immersion with the purpose of providing a space to step away from the noise of everyday life and come together in an environment that nurtures deep learning, connection, and respect for the culture. 

We understand that personal commitments may make attending the full 4 days difficult for some. Limited single day passes may become available in September, subject to available capacity.

The Retreat is presented by Soul Sambistas and co-directed by Kate Hillgrove and Mayombe Masai. Find out more about them HERE

The event features a carefully curated team of master facilitators - professional artists, teachers, and cultural leaders of the highest calibre - to lead participants throughout the event.

Our first artist announcements have been released, with more to follow over the coming months - you can see the line-up so far HERE

There’s plenty in store - workshops, artist talks, Festa do Samba, social activities, and additional intensives. Our first artist announcements have already been released, with more to be revealed over the coming months.

The final workshop and event schedule will be available in August/September 2026.

The Australian Samba Retreat is designed as a full four-day experience to ensure participants get the most from the program. While priority will be given to those attending the full event, limited day passes may become available in September 2026, subject to capacity.

Yes! The Retreat’s integrated programming and additional intensives will offer opportunities to learn performance pieces under the guidance of our professional facilitators, with the intention of sharing what you learn at our community celebration, Festa do Samba on Saturday 3 October.

If you have an existing performance piece you’d like to showcase, there may be opportunities to include it in the showcase.

Please contact hello@australiansambaretreat.com.au to enquire.

Yes! In addition to the Retreat program, there will be a number of additional specialised training opportunities available.

The first announced offering is the Silvestre Technique Intensive - a focused four-day training program that offers a deep, embodied study of movement as expression, symbolism, and connection - supporting dancers to move beyond form and into presence, clarity, and authenticity. You can learn more and register HERE.

There will also be the opportunity for those who act quickly, to undertake private tuition with select visiting artists. Booking links for privates and additional intensives (still to be announced) will be shared with participants closer to the event.

All intensives and private tuition is optional and booked separately from standard Retreat passes, with limited spaces available.

The Full Retreat Pass is $650.

For those who purchase early, limited early bird pricing* is available:

• First Early Bird $550

• Second Early Bird $600

• Full Price $650

With over 25 hours of immersive training led by world-class Brazilian artists across four-days, the Retreat is priced to offer the strongest value samba training experience in Australia - while ensuring artists are paid fairly and respectfully.

*Early bird tickets are strictly limited and available until sold out or the advertised deadline.

Additional intensives and private sessions are optional and booked separately.

We welcome and encourage teachers and community leaders to attend our event. In fact, around half of past Retreat participants are dance teachers, attending for the rare opportunity to train with our master facilitators in a focused environment. 

The event is heavily subsidised and priced to offer one of the best value training opportunities in Australia. For this reason, we are not able to offer blanket teacher discounts.

Please note that for professional dance teachers and performers, Retreat tickets - and in many cases associated travel costs - may be tax deductible. We recommend seeking advice from your accountant to confirm your individual circumstances.

In some limited cases, supported places may be offered to attend Retreat, subject to funding and capacity.

If you are experiencing financial hardship and would not otherwise be able to attend, you are encouraged to apply for consideration through our Open Access Program. Applications are reviewed confidentially and with care. Please note that supported places are limited and not guaranteed. Contact hello@australiansambaretreat.com.au to find out more.

Meals and accommodation are not included in the Australian Samba Retreat ticket price.

The Retreat originally began as a camp, which created a beautiful, immersive atmosphere however we found that this format didn’t suit everyone in our community.

Our current structure allows participants greater flexibility to choose accommodation and food options that suit their budget, comfort, and personal needs, while still maintaining the depth and connection of the Retreat experience.

Scheduled meal breaks are built into each day, and the venue is located near a range of cafés and dining options. There will be some refreshments available for purchase in the building also. Accommodation recommendations are shared below to support your planning.

The Retreat takes place in Burnside (eastern suburbs of Adelaide), approximately 15 minute drive from the CBD.

Home stays with local sambistas
To help make the Retreat as accessible as possible, we warmly encourage home stays within our community. If you are an Adelaide sambista with a spare bedroom, we invite you to consider hosting a visiting guest. Likewise, visiting participants may express interest in being matched with a host in our whatsapp community channel after you have purchased your ticket.

Short-stay homes (such as Airbnb / Stayz) are a great option for those wanting the combination of proximity, comfort, and kitchen facilities. Look up stays in Burnside, Kensington, Norwood, Hazelwood Park, Toorak Gardens, Marryatville, or Leabrook for accommodation within a couple km walking distance. Adelaide is quite easy to get around by car, so if a short uber ride isn’t an issue for you, you can look in any of the inner south/east suburbs for your stay.

Motel/ hotel options within driving proximity:
Arkaba Hotel - Midrange pub hotel with close proximity (a short drive) from the Retreat venue.

Adelaide Granada Motor Inn - Motel within walking distance from the venue, with easy access to local cafes and buses.

The Osmond Motel & Apartments, Fullarton - Comfortable apartments with kitchenettes - great for longer stays.

Econo Lodge East Adelaide - Budget-friendly inner east motel option on the city’s edge.

Brownhill Creek Caravan Park - Quiet caravan park in a leafy area near Mitcham.

Aspen Holidays Adelaide Caravan Park | Inner City East - Caravan and cabin accommodation close to the CBD in the inner east.

Fullarton Motor Lodge - Another budget-friendly option nearby.

Frewville Motor Inn - Well-reviewed, affordable option on Glen Osmond Rd - close to shops and transport.

Adelaide Royal Coach - Classic motel-style stay in nearby Kent Town with good access to buses.

Adelaide CBD hotels & serviced apartments
Staying in the city is also a great option, with easy bus routes connecting the CBD to Burnside. The CBD has a wide range of options to suit your budget and comfort level and allows you to enjoy Adelaide’s restaurants and nightlife before or after Retreat.

Please note: Intensives and privates may be located in other parts of Adelaide and venues will be announced soon.

Adelaide is a compact, culture-rich city surrounded by world-class food, wine regions, coastline, and nature. Participants may choose to arrive early or stay on after the Retreat to explore, rest, and integrate their experience.

Below are some curated suggestions depending on how much time you have.

Around Town (Adelaide CBD)

Adelaide Central Market

If you’re staying in a CBD apartment and would like to prepare your own meals (or a simply a foodie wanting a great Market experience) we recommend visiting the Adelaide Central Market. You’ll find fresh fruit and vegetables, meat and poultry, seafood, gourmet cheeses, bakery products, sweets, nuts, and health foods - alongside excellent coffee and casual dining.

Located between Grote Street and Gouger Street in the CBD.

Opening Hours:
• Tuesday: 7:00am – 5:30pm
• Wednesday: 9:00am – 5:30pm (select traders)
• Thursday: 9:00am – 5:30pm
• Friday: 7:00am – 9:00pm
• Saturday: 7:00am – 3:00pm
• Closed Mondays and Sundays

Art Gallery of South Australia & South Australian Museum

Both located on North Terrace with free entry. The Art Gallery houses over 38,000 works spanning Australian, Aboriginal, European and Asian art, while the Museum offers deep insight into Australia’s natural and cultural heritage.

Adelaide Botanic Garden

A peaceful green sanctuary in the city — ideal for a gentle walk or restorative downtime.

JamFactory

A contemporary craft and design hub showcasing South Australian ceramics, glass, furniture and jewellery.

Beyond the CBD

Adelaide Hills

Explore scenic lookouts, walking trails, cellar doors and historic Hahndorf. Just 30 minutes from the city, the Hills offer beautiful countryside and fresh air.

Mount Lofty Summit

Just 20 minutes from the city, Mount Lofty Summit offers sweeping panoramic views over Adelaide and the coastline - particularly beautiful at sunrise or sunset.

Waterfall Gully Hike

For those wanting something active, the Waterfall Gully to Mount Lofty Summit hike is one of Adelaide’s most popular walking trails, starting a short drive from the Retreat venue. The track winds through native bushland up to the Summit and is a rewarding way to experience the Hills (moderate fitness recommended).

Beaches

Adelaide’s coastline is easily accessible, including Glenelg, Henley Beach, and Brighton - perfect for sunset walks and seaside dining.

Wine Regions

Within an hour of the city are some of Australia’s most celebrated wine regions:

• Barossa Valley

• McLaren Vale

• Adelaide Hills

If You Have More Time (2–4+ days)

Kangaroo Island

Wild coastline, abundant wildlife, seal colonies and pristine beaches - ideal for a restorative nature escape.

Flinders Ranges

Ancient landscapes and expansive outback scenery - perfect for hiking and photography.

Victor Harbor & the Fleurieu Peninsula

A relaxed coastal region south of Adelaide offering dramatic cliffs, coastal walks, seasonal whale watching, and beautiful beaches.