‘Dance is the hidden language of the soul.’ Martha Graham
How can dance enhance our poetry? And poetry enhance our experience of dance? Join poet Katrina Naomi and dance artist and choreographer Kyra Norman for this unique retreat.
Each day will begin with a dance workshop to warm up and connect into our sensing-feeling bodies and minds, followed by a writing workshop with Katrina, during which you’ll be writing in response to your own engagement with movement while looking at poems that reference dance, movement and the body. After lunch you will have plenty of time to make progress on your own work, as well as free time to walk or read. During your 1:1 tutorial with Katrina, you’ll look at your writing, and with Kyra, you’ll work in small group sessions (up to two other participants) on movement. All movement sessions will be accessible and inclusive, suitable for all bodies, mobilities and experiences – working with where you are physically, on the day. On Wednesday you’ll be joined by poet, critic and choreographer Oluwaseun Olayiwola.
Katrina says: ‘As poets and writers, we often spend a lot of time in our own heads. I’ve found that by re-engaging with dance, I feel a lot freer – and I’d suggest, so does my writing. Dance and movement is a way of looking after ourselves, but it’s also a way of re-engaging with our writing practice.’
Kyra says: ’Dance can feed us and restore in us our sense of self, our sense of other, our sense of connection (to the past, to the present, to the future), our sense of humour, our sense of wonder. When we dance together, we tune in, we negotiate, we attend to our environment, we take responsibility for our shared experience. Sometimes we blend seamlessly into one, sometimes we stick out like a sore thumb; we live at a time that requires all of these skills.’
Single room: £885
Concessions: £619.50
Physical Access at Totleigh Barton:
We do not currently recommend this house if you are a wheelchair user. Totleigh Barton is a sixteenth-Century manor house and has many steps and tight corners. In the future we hope to redevelop the property to provide level access. For additional detailed information on physical access in bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen, dining, shared spaces and the grounds please visit our dedicated access page.
General Access Information for Residential Writing Weeks:
Available on all courses for those who are Deaf, Partially Deaf or who have significant hearing loss
We provide BSL interpreters on some courses. If you require this please check whether the course you are interested in offers this facility. Or get in touch on our dedicated access email: access@arvon.org
- We have a portable hearing loop system.
- We have a vibrating pillow pad linked to our fire alarm system.
Available on all courses for those who are blind, partially sighted or who have significant sight loss
- We welcome guide dogs
- We can provide information in large print and other formats, such as word documents or PDFs.
- We can provide large print handouts for workshops
- We can provide additional desk lamps
- There is external lighting for navigating around the property, fixed to the external elevations of the main house, front and back, as well as external buildings. Lighting is switched on and off manually by staff each day.
Available on all courses for those who have Dyslexia
There’s no need to worry about spelling, grammar or handwriting on our courses, the focus is on creativity.
- We can provide information on coloured paper
- We may be able to make arrangements such as sourcing audio of suggested reading.
- You are welcome to use any supportive technology during the sessions, such as a dictaphone or laptop.
Available on all courses to those who identify as Neuro Divergent
Arvon is committed to providing a supportive and welcoming environment to all.
- We can provide information on coloured paper
- We may be able to make arrangements such as sourcing audio of suggested reading.
- You are welcome to use any supportive technology during the sessions, such as a dictaphone or laptop.
If you need to take some time out to rest, or be alone, you’re welcome to do so. Participation in any activity is entirely at your discretion.
Our grants scheme may be able to cover a portion of your course fees. Disability costs and additional living/support costs are taken into account when considering your grant application. You may also be entitled to concession pricing on selected courses.
For additional detailed information on how we can support people with learning difficulties, mental health issues, and those with special diets and allergies, please see our dedicated access page.
If you have any questions or concerns and want to chat to a member of staff prior to booking please contact us on access@arvon.org
Totleigh Barton, the first ever Arvon centre, is a 16th-century manor house in one of the most peaceful and idyllic parts of Devon.
Totleigh Barton is a thatched manor house with single occupancy rooms and shared bathrooms. The house offers many comfortable lounge and spaces to relax and write throughout the house and a renovated barn offers a comfortable space for evening readings. Mobile and Wi-Fi signal is limited. We invite you to think of a retreat to this beautiful old house as a full ‘digital detox’ – a chance to make real progress with your writing with no distractions.
All your meals are provided, locally and sustainably sourced wherever possible. Help yourself to breakfast, our team will prepare lunch, and dinner is prepared in groups each evening using the delicious recipes and ingredients provided.
Totleigh Barton lies two miles from the village of Sheepwash, with walks along the River Torridge nearby. There is a beautiful and productive garden and quiet spaces on-site for writing.
See here for more information on Totleigh Barton.
Katrina Naomi
Kyra Norman
