The Yogi's Toolbox

Dancing the Dragon is an embodied approach to yoga practice, anchored in the View Teachings of Tantrik Yoga (Non-Dual Tantrik Shaivism, or Trika Shaivism). Rather than being a single set practice, it offers a way of engaging yoga that weaves together prayer, invocation, asana, dance, shaking, meditation, chanting, and pranayama. The name Dancing the Dragon DOES NOT refer to an ecstatic dance practice. The “dance” refers to the way we interact with Kundalinī-Śakti as it moves through us—the inner dance of Awareness (Śiva) and Energy (Śakti), not necessarily external dancing of the body. It's VERY beginner-friendly! The beauty of Dancing the Dragon lies in how it meets each participant exactly where they are, allowing for whatever modifications or variations are needed. Rather than fixed movements or poses, it invites you to attune to the flow of energy within and allow yourself to be moved.

No, you don't need to be a Tantrik Yoga Practitioner. Kara-Leah focuses on applying the teachings of Tantra to our modern lives to reduce suffering. It's about learning the practice and making it work for you. Anyone can benefit from the teachings & practices, whether or not they follow Tantra. If you are a Tantrik Practitioner, you will receive many valuable teachings and practices that deepen your study and application of Tantra. Oh, no, it's not all about sex! That's Neo-Tantra. Traditional Tantra is focused on embodied liberation & awakening. We will learn some practices related to working with sexual energy that are internal and have nothing to do with sexual expression.

Yes, there are scholarships available. Email KL (email address below in her bio) to request an application form. Don't be shy if finances are a barrier, and you're feeling the pull to participate.

It depends on the scope of your injury and what's happening in your body - this practice can be medicine for supporting rehabilitation and ongoing healing, and all variations and modifications are welcome. Contact KL via email (below) to discuss if your injury is more recent. You can also detail what's happening for you when you register.

Yes! Many rooms can be shared, either with two separate beds or with one King bed. If you are sharing, each person pays the shared room price. On the registration form, let me know whether you want to share a room with two beds or share one Queen bed, and I will allocate you accordingly.

Yes! Gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan choices will be available at a small extra cost. I also encourage participants to bring snacks if they so desire.

Directions from Taupō town centre to Tauhara Retreat Centre Start in the Taupō CBD and head west toward Acacia Bay. Take Spa Road and follow signs for Acacia Bay. Spa Road becomes Acacia Bay Road. Keep going straight for several minutes. Turn right onto Mapara Road. You’ll see a sign for Tauhara Centre. Drive about 1 kilometre up Mapara Road. Look for the Tauhara Retreat Centre sign on your right. The driveway leads into an initial parking area at the bottom of a grassy slope. Park there, and head up to reception (the office) to receive your room allocation and directions on where to park. Approximate travel time: 10–12 minutes from central Taupō. Yes, when you register, you can indicate your interest in carpooling.

The Immersion is a closed container, which means the request is that everyone stays on-site for the duration between the Opening Ceremony (Friday 4 pm) and the Closing Ceremony (Monday 10 am. The property is spectacular and you're welcome to enjoy the general ambience in our downtime. If you'd like to see more of the surrounding area, I suggest booking an extra night's accommodation directly with Tauhara for before or after our Immersion.

You pay a $300 deposit up front, with the remaining balance due by March 15, 2026. Cancellation & Refund Policy Deposit A deposit of $300.00 is required to secure your reservation. This deposit is strictly non-refundable under any circumstances. Full Payment Any remainder due must be paid 30 days before the Event. Cancellations by Participant More than 30 days prior to the commencement date of the Event: The deposit is forfeit. 14-30 days prior to the commencement date of the Event: 50% of the Event cost is forfeit. At the sole discretion of the Organiser, if the vacated space is successfully filled by another Participant, a partial refund may be issued, less an administrative fee of $200.00. 14 days or fewer prior to the commencement date of the Event: No refund will be issued. At the sole discretion of the Organiser, if the vacated space is successfully filled by another Participant, a partial refund may be issued, less an administrative fee of $200.00. Cancellations by Organiser In the event that the Event is cancelled by the organisers (Kara-Leah Grant and Femke Burger), all amounts paid by the Participant, including the deposit, will be refunded in full. Force Majeure If the Event cannot proceed due to events beyond the control of the Organizer, including but not limited to acts of God, natural disasters, pandemics, governmental restrictions, or other unforeseeable circumstances, Participants may elect to receive either a full refund or a credit toward a future Event. Exceptions The Organiser reserves the right to make exceptions to the above policy in cases of extenuating circumstances, at their sole discretion.