Where? / When? / How?
Who are we?
Misako Envela is a heart-centered dancer and digital creator. Her love for dance began over two decades ago on the playground of Hancock Park Elementary School, where she first noticed a group of her peers practicing for the school’s competitive dance team. She remembers the moment vividly—sitting on a low bench in front of the school’s jungle gym, watching them from afar. It was one of the most mesmerizing things she had ever witnessed, a moment that felt almost sacred.
Little did she know that she would soon become part of that group, dancing on a blue tarp laid over concrete—a foundation upon which her lifelong love for dance was built. Since then, she has spent over two decades searching for a dance community and a space to truly belong, moving in and out of studios, coming close but never quite finding her dance home.
Lorenzo Edwards is a multi-disciplinary artist with Caribbean roots. Raised in the movement and spiritual arts with a focus on dance, he has dedicated himself to guiding his students through his unique training system, which he calls "movement therapy"—a fusion of dance techniques, verbal guidance, and an environment of liberation. Through dance, Lorenzo aims to help others break free from limitations and step into their fullest potential.
Together, Misako and Lorenzo hope that The THRIVING Retreat will become the safe dance space and community that many have been searching for—a place to move, heal, and grow together. Dance has opened the door to a world of healing, love, and connection unlike anything else, and their vision is to create a space where others can step into that world and experience it for themselves.
Who are you?
This retreat is for those seeking a safe space where they can be guided through movement to release old patterns—creating room for new ones. A space where you can truly THRIVE.
We understand that when done in a safe, non-judgmental environment, dance has the power to unlock and heal parts of our souls that we might not otherwise be able to access. Dance is so much more than just movement—it’s a tool for tapping into the parts of ourselves that words can’t reach. This retreat is for anyone seeking support in exploring this part of their inner world and who is ready to discover what life looks like on the other side of that exploration.
Whether you’re new to dance, a seasoned professional, or somewhere in between, this retreat isn’t about technique or choreography—though that will be a part of the experience. It’s about freedom of movement, leaning into joy, and unleashing the inner artist that lives within all of us.