INSTRUCTOR: Sidney Nicol

DATES: Saturday, July 26th

TIME: 5:00pm - 7:30pm

LOCATION: 3603 Portola Drive – Dance Studio

COST: $40 Early Rate / $45 Day of Event

DESCRIPTION:

Inspired by the stillness of the new moon and the radiance of summer, this workshop explores the power of subtle, intentional touch—through Thai Massage sequences that attune you to micro-movements and energy line activation with techniques that cultivate sensitivity. You will awaken the sensitivity you already have as you practice this unique hands on healing modality.

What sacred messages are drowned out by noise and urgency?

What wisdom is revealed when we slow down and become finely attuned?

The unique healing modality of Thai Massage includes body positions similar to yoga combined with massage which follow a system of energy lines throughout the body. Benefits of Thai Massage include increased flexibility and range of motion, deep release of muscular tension as well as a space to practice mindfulness, sacred connection and breath awareness.

In this workshop you will learn how to:

• Give massage effortlessly using your whole body

• Use proper body mechanics, body weight & rhythmic compression

• Move & be moved into delicious assisted stretches

• Gain communication skills of giving & receiving feedback

• Co-create a safe environment for connection & playfulness

Everyone Welcome!

Useful skills will be learned for ALL levels of experience.

ALL gender, sexuality, ethnic, LGBTQ+ identities are welcome.

Although no partner is needed, this is a fabulous experience to share with loved ones.

Because Thai Massage is practiced on a floor mat and received clothes on you can easily share these techniques throughout your life within any casual setting.

Please note:

There is a moderate level of effort and flexibility needed to give Thai massage. We will be moving another person's body with some light lifting, kneeling and balancing. Modifications will be given to help accommodate your ability.

Attire:

Please dress in comfortable clothing allowing for ease of movement and flexibility.

Instructor BIO: Sidney Nicol

Sidney is the founder of The Temple of Touch, a body of playfully curated education for non-professionals to explore the healing traditions and modern practices of Yoga asana, Thai Massage, Qigong and interactive group and partner connection exercises. Teaching massage techniques while weaving in tools for communication and mindfulness is Sidney’s mission in sharing the gift of conscious touch. She has brought Thai Massage workshops to Stanford University, various yoga studios throughout the Bay Area, private events and 1on1. Certified as a Massage Therapist in 1999, Sidney’s focus broadened to Thai Massage since her first training in 2006 at the Wat Pho Temple in Bangkok, Thailand. Further study and apprenticeship at Twin Lakes College of Healing Arts and Spirit Winds School of Thai Massage.

See more from Sidney:

https://www.facebook.com/thetempleoftouch

https://www.instagram.com/thetempleoftouch/

INSTRUCTOR: Crystal Silmi

DATE: Saturday, July 19th

TIME: 11:00am - 1:00pm

LOCATION: 3603 Portola Drive – Dance Studio

COST: $35

DESCRIPTION:

Learn to Belly Dance from Crystal Silmi, known for her dynamic style, blending classical Middle Eastern dance with modern influences. Drawing from her Arab American roots, she brings rhythm, athleticism, and cultural depth to the stage.

Crystal is a San Francisco–born belly dance and fusion artist known for her dynamic style, blending classical Middle Eastern dance with modern influences. Drawing from her Arab American roots, she brings rhythm, athleticism, and cultural depth to the stage. A longtime student of Suhaila and Jamila Salimpour, she performed with both the Suhaila Dance Company and Bal Anat before founding her own troupe, RaksArabi, in 2006. Crystal spent nearly a decade in Madrid, Spain, where she taught, performed, and directed the student group Dance Junkies. Now based in Washington, DC, she teaches weekly classes locally and online, and performs regularly. Crystal is also a certified yoga instructor and holds a BA in Cultural Anthropology from UC Santa Cruz.

INSTRUCTOR: Justin Mosley

DATE: Fridays Starting on July 18th

LOCATION: 3603 Portola Drive – Dance Studio

COST: regular dance class rates | $20 Drop In

DESCRIPTION:

Class Overview

Funkadelic Flow is a transformative 75-minute experience that blends meditation, conscious breathwork, mindful movement, Qi Gong, Kung Fu, funk music, and sound healing to unlock authentic self-expression and inner groove. Participants journey through rhythm, breath, and body to connect with their deepest creative essence.

Core Philosophy

• Breath as Foundation: Conscious breathing as the gateway to flow states and higher states of consciousness

• Qi Gong/Kung Fu movement as Expression: Body wisdom and authentic self-expression

• Rhythm as Medicine: Using funk's infectious grooves to heal and energize

• Sound as Transformation: Vibrational healing through music and sound bath

Class Structure / Format (75 minutes)

Opening Circle/ Grounding Breathwork (15 minutes)

Warm up Movement with Funk music (15 minutes)

Peak Flow Experience with Funk Music (20 minutes)

Integration & Sound Bath (20 minutes)

Closing Circle (5 minutes)

INSTRUCTOR BIO:

Blessing the world with the healing vibrations of music since a young age, Justin is a multi-instrumentalist and sound practitioner whose performances are both deeply energetic and soulfully restorative. Mastering instruments such as the harp, flutes, bass, piano, percussion, and more, he creates immersive experiences that resonate far beyond the stage.

With a life purpose rooted in healing and connection, he is devoted to supporting individuals navigating trauma, addiction, and recovery. Through the transformative power of breathwork, movement, and music as medicine, he offers spaces for release, renewal, and reconnection.

His live performances combine heart-centered intention with rich musical expression—blending sound healing with soulful artistry to awaken and uplift.

INSTRUCTORS: Eoin Finn of Blissology

DATE: Sunday, July 13th

TIME: 10:00am - 11:30am

LOCATION: 3707 Portola Drive – Yoga Studio

COST: Sliding Scale $25 - $70, please pay what is affordable to you, with suggested price of $40

DESCRIPTION:

Join us in Santa Cruz for a soulful and science-informed masterclass that will leave your spine smiling and your spirit soaring.

Twists aren’t just about detox—they’re a gateway to freedom. When combined with hip openers and refined through Blissology Asana Principles, these poses awaken what we call in Yoga Optimized the lateral side body: the obliques, hips, and glutes. This unlocks rotational power for your surfboard, bringing a feeling of joyous freedom to every movement, on and off your mat.

Expect a flowing vinyasa experience blended with precise anatomical cues and deep embodiment. Your spine will feel ten years younger, your hips more open, and your soul reconnected to divine universal joy.

All levels welcome.

Come twist, open, and awaken.

Instructor Bio: Eoin Finn, globally celebrated yogi, surfer, thought leader, and founder of Blissology, has been carving his unique path through the worlds of yoga, philosophy, physiology, and movement since 1989. Known for blending soulful science with yogic wisdom, Eoin’s teachings are deeply rooted in the yogic traditions but are refreshingly down-to-earth. He’s been named one to watch by Oprah, and his innovative, pioneering spirit “refreshes like cool water.” His new book, Yoga Optimized, is a testament to this legacy.

Guided by a firm belief in the power of nature to find true bliss, he often says to “seek quiet solitude in nature.” Eoin’s diverse studies span philosophy at Dalhousie University, anatomy and physiology at Harvard Medical School, and exercise physiology at the University of California, Berkeley.

A passionate ocean activist, he launched the Blissology EcoKarma project in 2014, mobilizing yoga and environmental activism to protect precious coral reefs. He lives on Canada’s west coast, always searching for the perfect wave.

Website - www.blissology.com

Instagram - @blissology

INSTRUCTOR: Gisella Ferreira

DATE: Monday, July 7th

TIME: 6:45pm - 7:45pm

LOCATION: 3603 Portola Drive – Dance Studio

COST: regular dance class rates | $20 Drop In

DESCRIPTION:

Join Gisella Ferreira for Vibe Brazil - a Brazilian Dance + Fitness class that covers Baile Funk, Samba, Axé and more Brazilian dance styles. It includes core strengthening and mat work to support Brazilian dance moves. Come join the fun and catch the vibe! 🔥😎💪🇧🇷

INSTRUCTOR BIO:

Gisella Ferreira, a Brazilian-American performance artist and instructor specializes in: Samba, Afro-Brazilian, Capoeira, Hip- Hop, Burlesque and Brazilian Baile Funk. Her titles include: The first Samba Queen USA/ Rainha do Samba, Musa do Brazilian Day , Hollywood Carnival Queen, and currently a passista do Salgueiro (one of the most prestigious dance positions and Samba Schools in Rio).

Gisella studied at UCLA's Dept. of World Arts and Cultures, focusing on dance choreography and performance, as well as on art activism. She began teaching dance at age twelve in Santa Cruz CA and has taught in Rio de Janeiro (Brasil), Salvador (Brasil) and started her own dance company and studio in Los Angeles CA.

She tours and performs worldwide and trains extensively in the U.S. as well as Brasil in many dance forms including Capoeira, Samba and Hip-Hop. She was named one of "LA's Hottest Trainers" and has been active in Health day LA as well as Let's Move LA for many years, dedicating time to help the LA community become more active and inspired through dance.She can also be found performing at The Floor Show and improv nights around LA. Gisella now lives in Santa Cruz, where she performs and teaches Samba.

Gisella Ferreira loves sharing her passion for life through artistic movement expression, and dances as a form of energy work & healing for herself and others. She is inspired to live each day in joy and gratitude and help to give back to the world through dance.

www.gisellasambista.com
IG @Gisellasamba

INSTRUCTOR: Moises ‘Cipo’ Reyes

DATES: Weekly Starting on June 24th

• Tuesdays 4:00 - 5:15pm

• Saturdays 1:00 - 2:15pm

LOCATION: 3603 Portola Drive – Dance Studio

COST: regular dance class rates | $20 Drop In

DESCRIPTION:

Come learn the art of Capoeira. An Afro Brazilian movement practice. Capoeira is an interactive playful sport of kicks and dodges. A discipline that incorporates elements of martial arts, acrobatics, play, instruments and song. In this beginner series you will learn the fundamentals of capoeira to be able to jump into any capoeira class. Come dance and play while learning this rich movement practice from Brazil. Be ready to stretch, train, sweat, jump, sing and play instruments with us.

INSTRUCTOR BIO:

Moises Reyes (Cipo) is the proud son of Mexican native parents from Michoacán and Jalisco Mexico. Moises moved from Los Angeles to Santa Cruz in 2006 to attend UCSC. There he met his Capoeira teacher and mentor, Mestre Papiba Godinho, of the international capoeira group, Raizes do Brasil centro cultural de capoeira. There Moises was given the name Cipo (vine) for his dreadlocks because they looked like vines that hang from trees in the amazon. Cipo has trained extensively under Mestre Papiba and Raizes do Brasil for more than 10 years. He slowly excelled in the belt ranks to the full blue cord he has today. The tittle is known as “Graduado”.  With the blessing of his teaching, this position grants him the permission to hold/teach and monitor a space for Capoeira. Cipo says that in his own words:

“Capoeira changed my life for the better. Committing to a Physical discipline that encompasses music, history, community and culture. Gave me tools to express myself in a unique and powerful way that I find to be very healing. They say capoeira is the martial art of Freedom. And I think its true to this day. It definitely helped liberate my mind, body, and soul. Therefore I’m forever grateful to this art form and feel very honored to be a part of this world wide practice.”

-Graduado Cipo

INSTRUCTOR: Gisella Ferreira

DATES:

• Saturday, June 28th

• Saturday, July 12th

TIME: 11:30am - 12:30pm

LOCATION: 3603 Portola Drive – Dance Studio

COST: regular dance class rates | $20 Drop In

DESCRIPTION:

Join Gisella Ferreira for Vibe Brazil - a Brazilian Dance + Fitness class that covers Baile Funk, Samba, Axé and more Brazilian dance styles. It includes core strengthening and mat work to support Brazilian dance moves. Come join the fun and catch the vibe! 🔥😎💪🇧🇷

INSTRUCTOR BIO:

Gisella Ferreira, a Brazilian-American performance artist and instructor specializes in: Samba, Afro-Brazilian, Capoeira, Hip- Hop, Burlesque and Brazilian Baile Funk. Her titles include: The first Samba Queen USA/ Rainha do Samba, Musa do Brazilian Day , Hollywood Carnival Queen, and currently a passista do Salgueiro (one of the most prestigious dance positions and Samba Schools in Rio).

Gisella studied at UCLA's Dept. of World Arts and Cultures, focusing on dance choreography and performance, as well as on art activism. She began teaching dance at age twelve in Santa Cruz CA and has taught in Rio de Janeiro (Brasil), Salvador (Brasil) and started her own dance company and studio in Los Angeles CA.

She tours and performs worldwide and trains extensively in the U.S. as well as Brasil in many dance forms including Capoeira, Samba and Hip-Hop. She was named one of "LA's Hottest Trainers" and has been active in Health day LA as well as Let's Move LA for many years, dedicating time to help the LA community become more active and inspired through dance.She can also be found performing at The Floor Show and improv nights around LA. Gisella now lives in Santa Cruz, where she performs and teaches Samba.

Gisella Ferreira loves sharing her passion for life through artistic movement expression, and dances as a form of energy work & healing for herself and others. She is inspired to live each day in joy and gratitude and help to give back to the world through dance.

www.gisellasambista.com
IG @Gisellasamba

INSTRUCTOR: Moises ‘Cipo’ Reyes

DATES: Weekly Starting on June 24th

• Tuesdays 4:00 - 5:15pm

• Saturdays 1:00 - 2:15pm

LOCATION: 3603 Portola Drive – Dance Studio

COST: regular dance class rates | $20 Drop In

DESCRIPTION:

Come learn the art of Capoeira. An Afro Brazilian movement practice. Capoeira is an interactive playful sport of kicks and dodges. A discipline that incorporates elements of martial arts, acrobatics, play, instruments and song. In this beginner series you will learn the fundamentals of capoeira to be able to jump into any capoeira class. Come dance and play while learning this rich movement practice from Brazil. Be ready to stretch, train, sweat, jump, sing and play instruments with us.

INSTRUCTOR BIO:

Moises Reyes (Cipo) is the proud son of Mexican native parents from Michoacán and Jalisco Mexico. Moises moved from Los Angeles to Santa Cruz in 2006 to attend UCSC. There he met his Capoeira teacher and mentor, Mestre Papiba Godinho, of the international capoeira group, Raizes do Brasil centro cultural de capoeira. There Moises was given the name Cipo (vine) for his dreadlocks because they looked like vines that hang from trees in the amazon. Cipo has trained extensively under Mestre Papiba and Raizes do Brasil for more than 10 years. He slowly excelled in the belt ranks to the full blue cord he has today. The tittle is known as “Graduado”.  With the blessing of his teaching, this position grants him the permission to hold/teach and monitor a space for Capoeira. Cipo says that in his own words:

“Capoeira changed my life for the better. Committing to a Physical discipline that encompasses music, history, community and culture. Gave me tools to express myself in a unique and powerful way that I find to be very healing. They say capoeira is the martial art of Freedom. And I think its true to this day. It definitely helped liberate my mind, body, and soul. Therefore I’m forever grateful to this art form and feel very honored to be a part of this world wide practice.”

-Graduado Cipo

INSTRUCTOR: Serafina Lúz

DATE: Saturday, June 21st

TIME: 6:00pm - 8:30pm

LOCATION: 3707 Portola Drive – Yoga Studio

COST: $45

DESCRIPTION:

Reconnect to the wisdom of your amazing body through this introductory workshop designed to provide education and integration on the emotional energetics of the human body. 

Learn how the body works symbolically (like a dream) to communicate and support us in our daily lives. 

Together we will explore the basics of the Autonomic Nervous System, understand a bit about the state of our own and then dive into an Embodied Dreamweaving experience to “build” a waking dream of our own unique bodies. We will explore this particular dream in conjunction with our peers and then move through a gentle somatic practice and Nidra-style meditation to integrate the entire experience. 

You will leave this immersion with more wisdom as to how to view your own physical and emotional body, assess symptoms and work with your dreams, movement and personal exploration into a potentially, potent space of self-healing. 

What to Bring:

• Water

• Journal

• Feel free to wear anything you can comfortably sit and move gently from the ground with

*Please note that Embodied Dream Therapy holds tools for self-exploration, personal growth, and insight, and should not be considered a substitute for professional therapy or medical advice. It is essential to consult with a qualified healthcare provider or certified therapist for any mental health concerns or issues requiring therapeutic intervention.

INSTRUCTORS: Lead Teacher Kayla Copeland, Guest Teacher Kenny Graham, and Pleasure Point Sanctuary Faculty

DATES & LOCATION: June 21 - July 5th*

Montezuma, Costa Rica

*Graduation Weekend in Santa Cruz at Pleasure Point Sanctuary July 25 - July 27th

DESCRIPTION:

The Embodied Breath: 200Hr Yoga & Breathwork Teacher Training

Teacher Training: We do have a couple spots left for the Costa Rica portion of our Teacher Training!

Are you ready to deepen your relationship to Yoga and your personal practice?

Training goes into the esoteric aspects of Yoga (history, philosophy, ethics), dives deep into the poses expanding your awareness of your practice, and establishes daily breathwork, meditation, and yogic practices that will help you align to your true north in this deep training of self study.

These practices are truly expansive and offer tools for transformation, health, happiness, and peace. It also readies you to share the gift of yoga with others if that is your true calling.

P.S. Kenny Graham will be a guest teacher on site in Costa Rica alongside your lead instructor, Kayla Copeland. We have steeped guest teachers guiding you into their area of Yoga expertise.

Retreat with us: Alternatively, looking for a last minute retreat in Costa Rica! We have spots available for either a 1 week or 2 week Retreat in a shared communal space (triple or 5 room dorm) where you can join our morning meditation + Vinyasa Flow Masterclass, then have the freedom to explore Montezuma, Costa Rica on your own! 3 delicious & nutritious, healthy / organic focused included!!

If you are interested, please email Megan + Kayla at info@pleasurepointyoga.com for details.

INSTRUCTOR: Hannah Lerch & Bryn Morgan

DATES: Saturday, June 14th

TIME: 7:00pm - 8:30pm

LOCATION: 3707 Portola Drive – Yoga Studio

COST: $22 Drop In / Class Passes Apply or by Donation at the Door. No one turned away for lack of funds

DESCRIPTION:

Original compositions + Kirtan favorites

We sing to and celebrate the capacity of our hearts to hold the exquisite beauty and pain of this world, our relationships and our lives. We sing call and response in Sanskrit, Awadhi and other sacred languages with great respect for the tradition of yoga.

Join us! No experience required. You’re especially invited if you haven’t chanted, prayed or practiced in awhile and you’re feeling rusty. No matter the circumstance, your practice is always here for you :)

By donation (suggested $22) or use your Pleasure Point class pass. No one turned away for lack of funds—come sing!!

Saturday, June 14 / 7–8:30 pm

A bit about us:

Hannah and Bryn are practitioners of Bhakti Yoga (the path of devotion) and friends who like to sing together. Hannah is a yoga instructor here at Pleasure Point Sanctuary. She leads local Kirtans and enjoys incorporating chanting into her classes. Bryn is a scholar of religion and a former yoga teacher who loves nothing more than to sing to god by their many beautiful names. She was in raised in Santa Cruz in the tradition of Universal Sufism.

INSTRUCTOR: Sidney Nicol

DATES: Saturday, June 14th

TIME: 5:00pm - 7:30pm

LOCATION: 3603 Portola Drive – Dance Studio

COST: $40 Early Rate / $45 Day of Event

DESCRIPTION:

Do you ever long to just let everything go and feel truly supported—by the ground, by another, by life itself? 

In this grounding workshop, we will let gravity do the healing. You’ll learn how to offer Thai massage using your body weight—not your effort—to help others release deeply held tension and drop into parasympathetic rest.

Through rhythmic rocking, supported compression, and intentional stillness, we create the conditions for the nervous system to slow down, soften, and rewire. Here, we will embody trust with supportive safe touch. 

Benefits: Ease physical tension, cultivate emotional safety, quiet the overthinking mind.

Why come: Because in a world that pulls us up and out, this practice brings us down and in—to the earth, to presence, and to ourselves.

In this workshop you will:

• Move your partner passively into delicious assisted stretches 

• Use your body weight, proper body mechanics and rhythmic compression using your hands, elbows, knees and feet to apply pressure effortlessly

• Gain communication skills of giving & receiving feedback

• Receive massage in a safe environment of connection and trust

• Practice mindfulness with breath integration

• Find your intuition and joy of giving

What is Thai Massage?

Thai Massage is an ancient and unique healing modality with body positions similar to yoga combined with massage which follow a system of energy lines throughout the body. Sessions provide benefits of increased flexibility and range of motion, deep release of muscular tension as well as a space to practice mindfulness and breath awareness.

Everyone Welcome!

Arrive solo to partner up or bring someone. Useful skills will be learned for ALL levels of experience. ALL gender, sexuality, ethnic, LGBTQ+ identities are welcome. 

Please note:

There is a moderate level of effort and flexibility needed to give Thai massage. We will be moving another persons body by practicing some light lifting, kneeling and balancing. Modifications will be given to help accommodate your ability.

Attire:

Please dress in comfortable clothing allowing for ease of movement and flexibility.

Your Instructor: Sidney Nicol

Teaching massage techniques while weaving in somatic tools for self inquiry, communication and mindfulness is Sidney’s mission in sharing the gift of conscious touch. Her belief is that everyone will benefit by knowing how to massage their loved ones with mindfulness, joy and ease! She has taught Thai Massage workshops at Stanford University, at many yoga studios throughout the Bay Area and privately. She is also a long time instructor of Yoga, Qigong and Brazilian Dance. Certified as a Massage Therapist in 1999, Sidney’s focus broadened to Thai Massage since her first training in 2006 at the Wat Pho Temple in Bangkok, Thailand. Further study and apprenticeship at Twin Lakes College of healing Arts and Spirit Winds School of Thai Massage.

INSTRUCTOR: Gisella Ferreira

DATES: Saturday, June 14th

TIME: 12:00pm - 1:00pm

LOCATION: 3603 Portola Drive – Dance Studio

COST: regular dance class rates | $20 Drop In

DESCRIPTION:

Brazilian Samba Dance Class. Open to all levels.

This Samba Dance class will break down Samba, develop and strengthen your Samba skills through Samba Drills and build your strength and stamina.

Come learn, train and get in the spirit of Rio's Carnival!

Learn to dance Brazilian Samba with the First USA Samba Queen: Gisella Ferreira.

Gisella will break down the top key moves to Samba in a fun and playful learning environment. This is for anyone who has ever wanted to try Brazilian dance.

This class explores Samba No Pé (Rio style Samba) as well as Samba de Roda (Samba roots community circle). This class is about raising your vibration, building community, getting in touch with your inner Samba spirit and letting go through dance. Come shake it!

All levels welcome. Class is done barefoot or with comfortable shoes and dance clothes you can move in.

INSTRUCTOR BIO:

Gisella Ferreira, a Brazilian-American performance artist and instructor specializes in: Samba, Afro-Brazilian, Capoeira, Hip- Hop, Burlesque and Brazilian Baile Funk. Her titles include: The first Samba Queen USA/ Rainha do Samba, Musa do Brazilian Day , Hollywood Carnival Queen, and currently a passista do Salgueiro (one of the most prestigious dance positions and Samba Schools in Rio).

Gisella studied at UCLA's Dept. of World Arts and Cultures, focusing on dance choreography and performance, as well as on art activism. She began teaching dance at age twelve in Santa Cruz CA and has taught in Rio de Janeiro (Brasil), Salvador (Brasil) and started her own dance company and studio in Los Angeles CA.

She tours and performs worldwide and trains extensively in the U.S. as well as Brasil in many dance forms including Capoeira, Samba and Hip-Hop. She was named one of "LA's Hottest Trainers" and has been active in Health day LA as well as Let's Move LA for many years, dedicating time to help the LA community become more active and inspired through dance.She can also be found performing at The Floor Show and improv nights around LA. Gisella now lives in Santa Cruz, where she performs and teaches Samba.

Gisella Ferreira loves sharing her passion for life through artistic movement expression, and dances as a form of energy work & healing for herself and others. She is inspired to live each day in joy and gratitude and help to give back to the world through dance.

www.gisellasambista.com
IG @Gisellasamba

INSTRUCTOR: Gisella Ferreira

DATES:

• Saturday, June 14th

TIME: 11:00am - 11:45am

LOCATION: 3603 Portola Drive – Dance Studio

COST: regular dance class rates | $20 Drop In

DESCRIPTION:

Samba no pé basics, Roots + foundation. Beginner Level.

Learn to dance Brazilian Samba with the First USA Samba Queen: Gisella Ferreira.

Gisella will break down the top key moves to Samba in a fun and playful learning environment. This is for anyone who has ever wanted to try Brazilian dance.

This class explores Samba No Pé (Rio style Samba) as well as Samba de Roda (Samba roots community circle). This class is about raising your vibration, building community, getting in touch with your inner Samba spirit and letting go through dance. Come shake it!

All levels welcome. Class is done barefoot or with comfortable shoes and dance clothes you can move in. 

INSTRUCTOR BIO:

Gisella Ferreira, a Brazilian-American performance artist and instructor specializes in: Samba, Afro-Brazilian, Capoeira, Hip- Hop, Burlesque and Brazilian Baile Funk. Her titles include: The first Samba Queen USA/ Rainha do Samba, Musa do Brazilian Day , Hollywood Carnival Queen, and currently a passista do Salgueiro (one of the most prestigious dance positions and Samba Schools in Rio).

Gisella studied at UCLA's Dept. of World Arts and Cultures, focusing on dance choreography and performance, as well as on art activism. She began teaching dance at age twelve in Santa Cruz CA and has taught in Rio de Janeiro (Brasil), Salvador (Brasil) and started her own dance company and studio in Los Angeles CA.

She tours and performs worldwide and trains extensively in the U.S. as well as Brasil in many dance forms including Capoeira, Samba and Hip-Hop. She was named one of "LA's Hottest Trainers" and has been active in Health day LA as well as Let's Move LA for many years, dedicating time to help the LA community become more active and inspired through dance.She can also be found performing at The Floor Show and improv nights around LA. Gisella now lives in Santa Cruz, where she performs and teaches Samba.

Gisella Ferreira loves sharing her passion for life through artistic movement expression, and dances as a form of energy work & healing for herself and others. She is inspired to live each day in joy and gratitude and help to give back to the world through dance.

www.gisellasambista.com
IG @Gisellasamba

INSTRUCTOR: Gisella Ferreira

DATE:

• Saturday, June 7th

• Saturday, June 14th

TIME: 12:00pm - 1:00pm

LOCATION: 3603 Portola Drive – Dance Studio

COST: regular dance class rates | $20 Drop In

DESCRIPTION:

Brazilian Samba Dance Class. Open to all levels.

This Samba Dance class will break down Samba, develop and strengthen your Samba skills through Samba Drills and build your strength and stamina.

Come learn, train and get in the spirit of Rio's Carnival!

Learn to dance Brazilian Samba with the First USA Samba Queen: Gisella Ferreira.

Gisella will break down the top key moves to Samba in a fun and playful learning environment. This is for anyone who has ever wanted to try Brazilian dance.

This class explores Samba No Pé (Rio style Samba) as well as Samba de Roda (Samba roots community circle). This class is about raising your vibration, building community, getting in touch with your inner Samba spirit and letting go through dance. Come shake it!

All levels welcome. Class is done barefoot or with comfortable shoes and dance clothes you can move in.

INSTRUCTOR BIO:

Gisella Ferreira, a Brazilian-American performance artist and instructor specializes in: Samba, Afro-Brazilian, Capoeira, Hip- Hop, Burlesque and Brazilian Baile Funk. Her titles include: The first Samba Queen USA/ Rainha do Samba, Musa do Brazilian Day , Hollywood Carnival Queen, and currently a passista do Salgueiro (one of the most prestigious dance positions and Samba Schools in Rio).

Gisella studied at UCLA's Dept. of World Arts and Cultures, focusing on dance choreography and performance, as well as on art activism. She began teaching dance at age twelve in Santa Cruz CA and has taught in Rio de Janeiro (Brasil), Salvador (Brasil) and started her own dance company and studio in Los Angeles CA.

She tours and performs worldwide and trains extensively in the U.S. as well as Brasil in many dance forms including Capoeira, Samba and Hip-Hop. She was named one of "LA's Hottest Trainers" and has been active in Health day LA as well as Let's Move LA for many years, dedicating time to help the LA community become more active and inspired through dance.She can also be found performing at The Floor Show and improv nights around LA. Gisella now lives in Santa Cruz, where she performs and teaches Samba.

Gisella Ferreira loves sharing her passion for life through artistic movement expression, and dances as a form of energy work & healing for herself and others. She is inspired to live each day in joy and gratitude and help to give back to the world through dance.

www.gisellasambista.com
IG @Gisellasamba

INSTRUCTOR: Gisella Ferreira

DATES:

• Saturday, June 7th

• Saturday, June 14th

TIME: 11:00am - 11:45am

LOCATION: 3603 Portola Drive – Dance Studio

COST: regular dance class rates | $20 Drop In

DESCRIPTION:

Samba no pé basics, Roots + foundation. Beginner Level.

Learn to dance Brazilian Samba with the First USA Samba Queen: Gisella Ferreira.

Gisella will break down the top key moves to Samba in a fun and playful learning environment. This is for anyone who has ever wanted to try Brazilian dance.

This class explores Samba No Pé (Rio style Samba) as well as Samba de Roda (Samba roots community circle). This class is about raising your vibration, building community, getting in touch with your inner Samba spirit and letting go through dance. Come shake it!

All levels welcome. Class is done barefoot or with comfortable shoes and dance clothes you can move in. 

INSTRUCTOR BIO:

Gisella Ferreira, a Brazilian-American performance artist and instructor specializes in: Samba, Afro-Brazilian, Capoeira, Hip- Hop, Burlesque and Brazilian Baile Funk. Her titles include: The first Samba Queen USA/ Rainha do Samba, Musa do Brazilian Day , Hollywood Carnival Queen, and currently a passista do Salgueiro (one of the most prestigious dance positions and Samba Schools in Rio).

Gisella studied at UCLA's Dept. of World Arts and Cultures, focusing on dance choreography and performance, as well as on art activism. She began teaching dance at age twelve in Santa Cruz CA and has taught in Rio de Janeiro (Brasil), Salvador (Brasil) and started her own dance company and studio in Los Angeles CA.

She tours and performs worldwide and trains extensively in the U.S. as well as Brasil in many dance forms including Capoeira, Samba and Hip-Hop. She was named one of "LA's Hottest Trainers" and has been active in Health day LA as well as Let's Move LA for many years, dedicating time to help the LA community become more active and inspired through dance.She can also be found performing at The Floor Show and improv nights around LA. Gisella now lives in Santa Cruz, where she performs and teaches Samba.

Gisella Ferreira loves sharing her passion for life through artistic movement expression, and dances as a form of energy work & healing for herself and others. She is inspired to live each day in joy and gratitude and help to give back to the world through dance.

www.gisellasambista.com
IG @Gisellasamba

INSTRUCTOR: Eoin Finn of Blissology

DATE: Tuesday, June 3rd

TIME: 5:30pm - 7:00pm

LOCATION: 3707 Portola Drive – Yoga Studio

COST: $22 Drop In / Passes & Memberships Apply

DESCRIPTION:

Join us for an uplifting Blissology experience that’s more than just a yoga class—it’s a journey to unlock your inner joy.

In this transformative masterclass, we’ll explore movement principles from Yoga, Optimized as we tap into the body’s innate wisdom to heal and thrive. Expect moments of challenge to build strength and flexibility, balanced with time to reset your nervous system through deep stretches and breathwork, offering a profoundly soulful experience.

With plenty of modifications for beginners and an inspiring sampling of advanced poses, this practice is open to all. Come ready to feel deeply loose, free, and happy

About Eoin Finn: Life changing, a thought leader, mystical, shamanistic, radical and hilariously funny, Eoin Finn is a globally renowned yogi, surfer and Blissologist who has been carving his original tracks through the metaphysical worlds of yoga, philosophy and movement since 1989.

Yogi, Surfer, Author + Blissologist

The Canadian native is a globally renowned yogi, surfer and Blissologist who has been carving his original tracks through the metaphysical worlds of yoga, philosophy and movement since 1989.

Lauded by Yoga Journal as the “Thoreau of Yoga” for his eco-activism and dedication to connecting yogis more deeply to the spirituality of nature; and by Oprah as “one to watch,” Finn’s Blissology Yoga style centers on the simple idea of sharing happiness.

Eoin has studied Anatomy + Physiology at Harvard Medical School and Exercise Physiology at the University of California, Berkeley. While rooted deeply in yoga’s therapeutic and transformative alignment and physiology, his down-to-earth, modern spiritual insights refresh like cool water. He firmly believes that to find bliss, you must “seek quiet solitude in nature.”

A passionate ocean-activist, he started the Blissology EcoKarma project in 2014 raising aid and awareness through yoga and activism for the world’s precious but imperilled coral reefs.

INSTRUCTOR: Shane Thunder

DATE: Sunday, June 1st

TIME: 6:00pm - 7:30pm

LOCATION: 3603 Portola Drive – Dance Studio

COST / SEATING OPTIONS:

• HAMMOCK / FLOATING: $45 Early Bird / $50 Regular

  FLOOR: $30 Early Bird / $35 Regular

  *EARLY BIRD VALID THROUGH 5/23/25

DESCRIPTION:

Come Float Your Stress Away! Join us for this special Floating Sound Meditation experience w/ Shane Thunder! Utilizing a plethora of gemstone crystal bowls, planetary & elemental gongs, chimes, and other instruments, you are in store for a blissful and uplifting journey! No experience necessary, all paths are welcome!

Benefits of Hammock / Floating Seating:

The sound healing is different when you are in hammock because of the way you experience it. Instead of being on the ground, experiencing the sound healing, you are floating, like you are in space, so its more zero-gravity experience, or like being in a cocoon.

INSTRUCTOR: Alison Chesley

DATES:

• Sunday, May 25th

• Sunday, June 1st

TIME: 11:15am - 12:45pm

LOCATION: 3603 Portola Drive – Dance Studio

COST: $25 Each

DESCRIPTION:

IN THIS PERFORMANCE WORKSHOP, Alison will be teaching us a simple and fabulously fun jazz dance routine to Love in Real Life by Lizzo that we will be performing at Dominican Oaks on June 14th. Although you do not have to perform, we highly encourage you to do so because it is so FUN and you are FABULOUS!

CARDIO FUNK is a high energy all level choreography dance class to upbeat music where we build a fun and accessible dance routine over the hour for some serious satisfaction by the end. Starting with a warm-up then breaking down moves with a continuous cardio flow that includes some gut and ab toning, Alison’s clear and experienced style makes dancing our way to wellness AWESOME and available to all levels with no dance experience necessary!

INSTRUCTORS: Dayākar Dās & Living Devotion

FEATURING: 

• Dayākar Dās – Harmonium & Vocals

• Steve Robertson – Tabla

• Anne Cleveland – Flute & Vocals

• Robert Hansen – Sarod, Guitar & Vocals

• Corinne LeBlanc – Harmonium & Vocals

DATES: Saturdays

• May 17th

• August 16th

• November 15th

TIME: 7:30pm - 9:30pm (Doors Open at 7:15pm)

LOCATION: 3707 Portola Drive – Yoga Studio

COST: $15-$30 sliding scale at the door*

*No one turned away for lack of funds

ABOUT THE MUSIC OF YOGA:

Kirtan is a spiritual service with five parts that is found in the path of Bhakti Yoga. One of the parts is the chanting of Sanskrit healing and empowerment mantras and the singing of devotional songs called bhajans. Kirtan is a musically guided meditation practice. Practicing this yog calms the mind, relaxes the body and energizes the Spirit. Reciting mantra with a devotional attitude, especially the singing of bhajans, has a calming effect on the brain, quieting the mind so that we can experience the opening of our hearts, allowing us to taste the blissful reality that is our true nature.

Come dive into the depths of your own heart in this safe, supportive environment. No previous yoga, meditation or singing experience is necessary to participate.

Practice is led by Dayākar Dās who is a Certified Ashtanga Yoga Teacher and practitioner of 32 years, who has been teaching meditation for over two decades.

https://sites.google.com/site/livingdevotionsite/

INSTRUCTOR: Shane Thunder

DATE: Sunday, May 4th

TIME: 6:00pm - 7:30pm

LOCATION: 3603 Portola Drive – Dance Studio

COST / SEATING OPTIONS:

• HAMMOCK / FLOATING: $45 Early Bird / $50 Regular

  FLOOR: $30 Early Bird / $35 Regular

  *EARLY BIRD VALID THROUGH 4/25/25

DESCRIPTION:

Come Float Your Stress Away! Join us for this special Floating Sound Meditation experience w/ Shane Thunder! Utilizing a plethora of gemstone crystal bowls, planetary & elemental gongs, chimes, and other instruments, you are in store for a blissful and uplifting journey! No experience necessary, all paths are welcome!

Benefits of Hammock / Floating Seating:

The sound healing is different when you are in hammock because of the way you experience it. Instead of being on the ground, experiencing the sound healing, you are floating, like you are in space, so its more zero-gravity experience, or like being in a cocoon.

INSTRUCTOR: Kayla Copeland

DATE: Sunday, May 4th

TIME: 12:00pm - 1:00pm

LOCATION: 3707 Portola Drive – Yoga Studio

COST: FREE!

DESCRIPTION:

Free Info Session on our upcoming The Embodied Breath: 200hr Yoga & Breathwork Teacher Training Costa Rica & Santa Cruz, CA Hybrid Training

Come meet your lead instructor, Kayla Copeland, learn about the training, guest teachers, what to expect, ask questions, and help us pull out any stops to get you there! SAVE $400 off Tuition!

Join Kayla for Strong Bhakti Flow Practice beforehand from 10am – 11:30am (regular pricing).

INSTRUCTOR: Susanna Barkataki

DATE: Wednesday, April 30th

TIME: 6:00pm - 9:00pm

LOCATION: 3603 Portola Drive – Dance Studio

COST: sliding scale registration price of $40 / $80 / $120

DESCRIPTION:

• A deep dive into yoga ethics (Ahimsa, Satya, and beyond) and their relevance in today's world

• Practical tools like meditation, breathwork, and mindful movement to embody peace and power

• Space for participants to reflect, connect, and leave inspired to bring yoga into their everyday lives and communities

• Book signing of Ignite Your Yoga

This workshop aligns beautifully with AAPI (Asian American and Pacific Islander) Heritage Month in May, honoring yoga's roots while empowering the community to connect deeply with yoga's values.

Susanna Barkataki’s Bio:

SPEAKER. AUTHOR. TEACHER TRAINER. YOGA CULTURE ADVOCATE. IGNITE YOUR YOGA.

A teacher, inclusivity promoter, and yoga culture advocate. I see a world where yoga unites us all and excludes no one . . .But that wasn't always my understanding.

I’ve been practicing yoga for as long as I can remember. Rooted in my Indian and British background, as an immigrant to the US I experienced a lot of violence because of my race and culture. The very things I was made fun of for later became the tools for my liberation. Yoga helped me decolonize and love myself.

The way we do yoga in the West often continues to create competition and separation with ourselves and others. Instead, original yoga exists as a way to connect us all - dissolving separation within and without. Through personal experience and an educator and activist, I know that yoga is here for us to cultivate power and transcend our limitations, personally and socially.

I know that my passion is to help others bridge the gap between yoga as an exercise and yoga as a lifestyle... Because true yoga is so much more than just the poses. It’s an age-old practice that serves us all!

Today, I work to showcase yoga in action, spread the message of diversity and inclusion, and help people connect through yoga to live a happy, fulfilling life for themselves and others. And I’d love for you to join me in this mission!

We can learn authentic yoga culture as a vessel for shaping change now. Together, I know we can live a more fulfilling life - socially, physically and spiritually!

INSTRUCTOR: Lisa Barretta

DATE: Tuesdays on April 22 thru July 8th

TIME: 5:30pm - 6:30pm

LOCATION: 3603 Portola Drive – Dance Studio

COST: $215 Full Series

$20 Drop In allowed on 4/22 and 4/29 with the option to convert to full series

Class Passes & Memberships Apply

DESCRIPTION:

• Develop your dance technique in this Beginner friendly class that focuses on your understanding of fundamental movements, building a strong foundation, and developing musicality through practice and exploration.

• Each class will include a Warm Up + Stretching.

• Barre + Center floor work where proper body placement and technique are emphasized.

• Across the Floor Progressions where basic skills, steps and turns are learned and eventually combined with various tempos and syncopation.

• Class concludes with a short cool down.

• Great for beginners or anyone looking to freshen or polish their technique and understanding of dance.

Instructor Bio:

Lisa Barretta, former professional dancer and instructor, found her way into leading Barre Fitness classes when she discovered a genre of exercise that beautifully combines her loves: Yoga, Pilates, Conditioning, and of course Ballet.

While teaching both dance and fitness for many years in Silicon Valley, Lisa and her husband recently relocated to Santa Cruz and is thrilled to have found a home in Pleasure Point Sanctuary. She is excited to continue to share her style of Barre with her new community.

INSTRUCTOR: Shawna Rodgers

NEXT DATE: Sunday, April 27th

DATES: Last Sundays Monthly

• April 27

• May 25

• June 29

• July 27 

• August 31 

• September 28

• October 26

• November 30

• December 28

TIME: 2:15pm - 3:45pm

LOCATION: 3603 Portola Drive – Dance Studio

COST: $22 Drop In | Class Passes & Memberships Apply

DESCRIPTION:

This once monthly class will be led by Shawna Rodgers, who has been practicing sobriety and the 8 limbed path of yoga in conjunction since 2012. On the last Sunday of every month at 2:15pm in Pleasure Point Sanctuary's Dance & Movement Studio (3603 Portola Drive, Santa Cruz), we will meet to practice asana, meditation, and lecture around yoga, sobriety, nutrition, neuroscience, and more. There will be an opportunity to take notes and journal.

You need not be practicing sobriety to attend, but you must be sober at the time of our class.

Disclaimer: Always consult a medical professional or licensed doctor before changing your lifestyle. Shawna Marie Yoga LLC is not providing medical advice or consulting through Pleasure Point Sanctuary.

INSTRUCTOR: Lisa Barretta

DATE: Tuesdays, April 22 - July 8

TIME: 5:30pm - 6:30pm

LOCATION: 3603 Portola Drive – Dance Studio

COST: $215 Full Series / $20 Drop In on First Class Only with option to convert to the Full Series

DESCRIPTION:

Develop your dance technique in this Beginner friendly class that focuses on your understanding of fundamental movements, building a strong foundation, and developing musicality through practice and exploration.

Each class will include a Warm Up + Stretching.

Barre + Center floor work where proper body placement and technique are emphasized.

Across the Floor Progressions where basic skills, steps and turns are learned and eventually combined with various tempos and syncopation.

Class concludes with a short cool down.

Great for beginners or anyone looking to freshen or polish their technique and understanding of dance.

Instructor Bio:

Lisa Barretta, former professional dancer and instructor, found her way into leading Barre Fitness classes when she discovered a genre of exercise that beautifully combines her loves: Yoga, Pilates, Conditioning, and of course Ballet.

While teaching both dance and fitness for many years in Silicon Valley, Lisa and her husband recently relocated to Santa Cruz and is thrilled to have found a home in Pleasure Point Sanctuary. She is excited to continue to share her style of Barre with her new community.

INSTRUCTOR: Seva Ashram

DATE: Saturday, April 19th

TIME: 10:30am

LOCATION: 2900 N Rodeo Drive, Soquel, CA 95003

COST: $25

DESCRIPTION:

Traditional Temple Kirtan

You are invited to our friends at Seva Ashram in Soquel for a Traditional Temple Kirtan!

Start your weekend in meditation with Kirtan

• Kirtan - Bhajans (Traditional songs, prayers, and Mahamantra chanting).

• Q+A - Ask questions and learn the meaning of the songs and authentic Bhakti yoga philosophy.

• Prasad treat if you join in person

• Access to replay

INSTRUCTOR: Dance Studios Across the County (including OURS!!!)

DATE: Thursday, April 17

TIME: 5:30pm - 9:00pm

LOCATION: Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA

COST: FREE! All Ages event!

DESCRIPTION: Dancing in The Streets

For 16 years, Santa Cruz dancers have hit the streets of Downtown for Dancing in the Streets.

Join us as we celebrate the joy of dance and the strength of our community through an unforgettable afternoon of free performances in the heart of Downtown Santa Cruz from 5:00pm-9:00pm.

Pleasure Point Dance’s Performance:

Set Time : 6:10pm - 6:20pm

Location: Stage 1 - Pacific Ave x Church St (in front of Urban Outfitters)

Our studio will performing a 10 minute set, choreographed by 6 of our incredible Dance Teachers with a total of 40 students, showcasing that dance is for EVERY BODY! Our piece is SO FUN and eclectic! Get your pom poms out as we take you on a journey through our class dance styles ranging from a Cheerleader inspired crowd pleaser to a dramatic Lady Gaga repertoire then across the globe as we move to the infectious beats and gorgeous movement found in Africa, Brazil, the Caribbean, and across Latin America! Please come root us on as we demonstrate the true JOY of dancing!

INSTRUCTOR: Kelsey Lettko

DATE: Sunday, April 13th

TIME: 2:30pm - 3:45pm

LOCATION: 3707 Portola Drive – Yoga Studio

COST: $22 Drop In | Class Passes & Memberships Apply

DESCRIPTION:

The Hypno and Healing Circle

A monthly gathering to use the power of hypnosis to rewrite our inner narratives, rewire our brains, and remember our power.

The subconscious mind is the most powerful tool when it comes to making meaningful change in our lives. This is where our deepest beliefs, wisdom, intuition, creativity, and patterns live, and it makes up 95-98% of the mind! When we make change at the subconscious level, it ripples out into the rest of our lives and we get to witness our reality transform around us. 

Using imagery, metaphor, guided relaxation, and visualization, we can communicate directly to the subconscious mind to move beyond limiting beliefs, heal old narratives, and rewire your brain in service of helping you embody the person you truly are, and the life you want to live. Hypnosis offers a pathway to rapid yet gentle change, and helps us remember that we are in the driver’s seat of our lives.

What to expect:

Each month we’ll focus on a specific theme to weave into the subconscious mind in service of your growth, healing, and evolution. You can expect to leave each session feeling expanded, relaxed, and reminded of your power. 

Gatherings include:

• Journaling and self-reflection on the topic

• Group hypnosis journey co-created with the group

• Discussion and reflection 

• Turning it into action and leaning into the shift

Hypnosis FAQs

What is it?

Hypnosis is a natural, focused state of awareness when the critical mind is not in the driver’s seat, and we have easier access to the power of your unconscious mind. The unconscious makes up 95-98% of the mind. This is where your beliefs, wisdom, intuition, earliest programming, and creativity live. Through hypnosis, we can tap into the beautiful depths of your unconscious mind to move through blocks, rewrite narratives, and rewire your brain to help you live in alignment with your authenticity.

How does it work?

The brain doesn’t really know what’s real and what’s imagined. It’s why when you watch a scary movie, you’re scared even though you know it’s not real. Through hypnosis, we can show the subconscious mind a new movie, story, or scenario that’s in alignment with what you want. We can speak the language of the subconscious — emotions, imagery, and experience — and heal whatever is holding you back.  Along the way, we are also rewiring your brain by connecting new neural pathways that, through repetition, will get stronger until they become your new default.

Is it safe?

YES. A state of hypnosis is completely natural, and you can't get stuck. It's like the moment right before you wake up and fall asleep — awake but a little dreamy. You are in control the entire time and can never do anything that you don't want to. Think of it as guided relaxation and visualization.

Can anyone be hypnotized?

Anyone can be hypnotized as long as you want to. While some people have an easier time dropping in than others, everyone is able to experience the benefits. Your conscious mind might still produce thought, and that’s ok! Everyone’s experience is different, but I suggest giving yourself permission to relax and let your imagination take over.

What are Kelsey’s qualifications?

Kelsey is a certified Theta Hypnosis Healer

INSTRUCTOR: Renee Menard

DATES:

• Tuesday, April 8th

• Tuesday, April 15th

TIME: 5:30pm - 7:00pm

LOCATION: 3603 Portola Drive – Dance Studio

COST: $25

DESCRIPTION:

IN THIS PERFORMANCE WORKSHOP, Renee will be teaching us a Latin Dance inspired dance routine to No Lie by Sean Paul feat. Dua Lipa that we will perform at Dancing in the Streets on April 17th! Performing is not required but highly encouraged because it is so FUN and you are FABULOUS!

RENEE TEACHES LATIN SPICE:

Tuesdays: 9am - 10am

Wednesdays: 5:30pm - 6:30pm