Main Character Energy: Aerial Performance Retreat April 17-24, 2026

​Do you have an aerial act that you’ve been dreaming about, but have yet to take the leap on?

Are you looking to take your aerial performance skills to the next level?

Want to discover new tips and tricks for building a unique aerial act and unleash your full creative potential?

Become the MAIN CHARACTER in your aerial story!

Join professional aerial performers and coaches Emma Ross and Kelly Maryanski for a one-of-a-kind aerial retreat experience at House of Honey in Lagos, Portugal!

​Whether you are a novice aerialist looking to perform for the first time, or a seasoned performer looking to get reinspired, Emma and Kelly are here to help you bring your aerial dreams to life.

This week-long aerial retreat is geared towards aerialists looking to create, polish, and perform an original aerial act in a supportive and fun environment. Enjoy the beauty and magic of the Portugal coast while building new skills and techniques, discovering your full artistic potential, and luxuriating in gorgeous new surroundings.

For more details and registration, visit: http://www.thisiskellymaryanski.com/portugal-retreat-2026.html?fbclid=PAZnRzaAMS4ldleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABp7nny7_RT6CADMEKap1D0umVBEYYaWdMQFp1emqRLatfvoblUpz5GepcpXwv_aem_KqlXR5MbDBa9R-GUm5vTvA

WHAT'S INCLUDED?

• 6 days of diverse aerial workshops taught by Emma Ross and Kelly Maryanski, focusing on building technique and performance skills on aerial silks and trapeze
• 7 nights of deluxe accommodation in one of House of Honey’s luxurious villas (shared and single rooms available)
• 3 delicious catered local meals per day (food restrictions friendly)
• Unlimited access to House of Honey aerial studio with 13+ aerial points 
• Opportunity to perform work-in-progress or finished aerial act in retreat showcase!
• Professional photoshoot
• Exciting opportunity to train and learn with like-minded aerialists and be a part of an international aerial community

​NOT INCLUDED:

• Airfare and/or travel costs to and from Lagos
• Travel insurance (highly recommended)
• Transportation from airport to House of Honey
• Optional excursions and retreat add ons (options listed below)
  

AERIAL WORKSHOPS AND PERFORMANCE

At this retreat, Emma and Kelly will host a series of 2-3 workshops each day, focusing on skill building and different elements of performance.

This unique retreat experience is designed to boost your confidence as a performer, help you build a toolkit of creative exercises, and push you out of your comfort zone in a fun and supportive atmosphere. Emma and Kelly will guide you through their process of aerial creation and expression, and work with students individually and in groups to encourage exploration and provide helpful feedback. 

We want you to leave this retreat feeling inspired, empowered, and driven to create the act of your dreams and pursue aerial performance in whatever capacity you desire!

Various workshops will focus on topics such as…

• Learning new sequences, conditioning, and methodology for creating an original aerial act on silks and/or trapeze
• Developing personal style
• Choosing music and understanding musicality
• Building confidence and stage presence
• Fine tuning movement quality
• Exploring hard and soft apparatus

SAMPLE DAY SCHEDULE:

8:30am - 9am             

Breakfast (all meals provided!)

9am - 10:15 am

Workshop 1

10:30am - 12pm

Workshop 2

12pm - 1pm         

Lunch break (all meals provided!)

1pm - 2:30pm

Workshop 3

2:30pm - late

Practice / open training time

Relax in the villa

Explore Lagos!

Dinner at the villa (all meals provided!)

HOUSE OF HONEY STUDIO

​The retreat will take place at the House of Honey studio in Lagos, Portugal!

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With 10 aerial points, 8.5 and 7 meters high, the stunning hexagonal studio is the perfect place for relaxing, rejuvenating, and connecting with your inner artist. From the structural engineer to the certified rigging, standard crash mat sizes and the highest quality equipment from reputable companies, our philosophy is that an aerial studio should put safety first, second and third.

LEARN MORE ABOUT HOUSE OF HONEY RETREAT CENTER!

MEET YOUR INSTRUCTORS!

KELLY MARYANSKI  dance trapeze

 Kelly Maryanski is a Los Angeles based multi-hyphenate artist; a dancer, circus artist, athlete, aerialist, storyteller, actor, singer, musician, illustrator, and choreographer with formal training in jazz, ballet, contemporary dance, musical theater, world dance, precision jazz, piano, competitive sports, and circus acrobatics. Under the Hubbard Street DIAMOND program, Kelly has had the opportunity to dance in pieces by choreographers such as Melissa Thodos, Angela Mollison, Katie Callandra, Keith Elliot, Harrison McEldowney, Christine Baltes, and Eddy Ocampo. She has been a three-time performer in Dance Chicago (New Dances, Best of New Dances, Dances from the Heart) and has performed at the AAHPERD National Dance Convention and Walt Disney World.  ​She has over ten years of professional musical theatre, dance, and opera performance under her belt, including five seasons performing with The Lyric Opera of Chicago.​ BFA Denison University: cum laude Studio Art and Dance, The Actors Gymnasium :Professional Circus Training Program .  Proud AGMA member. Films: Divergent, The Perfect Christmas Present.

​Kelly imbues theatricality in her movement quality and performances and encourages her students to dig deep and find their own performance voice and unique movement quality. 

EMMA ROSSaerial silks

With a strong background in dance and theater, Emma fell in love with aerial arts at age 14 and has been performing on silks for the past decade. Emma’s fast-paced and graceful acts embody her personal explorations as an emerging artist and young adult, representing her distinctive experiences through characters and movement.

Emma has performed in a range of settings including fundraisers, club nights, company showcases, music videos, and other special events. Notable performances include the 2024 Grammy Awards with SZA, events at the LA Natural History Museum, and monthly appearances in Circo Sereno.

Emma has also excelled as an aerial coach with a specialty in silks since 2016. She has successfully taught students of all ages, skill levels, and backgrounds, along with choreographing and directing several student performances.

As a multifaceted performing artist, Emma takes a contemporary and emotional approach to aerial as a vehicle of creative expression, with the hope of invigorating excitement about circus arts and live performance in an increasingly digital world.

​ACCOMMODATIONS

Accommodation in one of House of Honey’s luxurious villas is included for the full week as part of the retreat price! You may choose to either stay in a single private room or opt to share a room with another participant (prices differ). Single rooms are best for students who desire more privacy and space during their stay. Shared rooms are great for friends coming to the retreat together and/or those looking to make new friends! 

Single Room Example

Shared room view

Shared room example

All accommodation choices are fully equipped with everything you need, including fine linens, towels, kitchen appliances and hair dryers. Bathrooms are never shared with more than 2 people and most of the private rooms have ensuite bathrooms. All of the villas also have swimming pools and jacuzzi access!

There are a limited number of private apartments that are also available for those seeking a separate living space outside of the villa. Please reach out if you would like to explore this option.

​​All accommodation is within a 5 min walk to the studio!

​All housing options are secured on a first come, first serve basis. The number of single versus shared rooms available will depend on expressed interest by early sign ups and which villa(s) are rented out.

​Certain types of rooms may become fully booked as the retreat fills up. We recommend securing your spot as soon as possible to be sure you lock down the accomodation you prefer!

Meals are also included as part of the retreat price, which includes 3 meals per day along with snacks and drinks! Our caterers emphasize what you need to build muscle and avoid inflammation while you’re here. Get ready to enjoy delicious meals that are prepared especially with athletes in mind – high protein, plenty of carbohydrates, and low sugar. Thanks to this region’s rich farming culture, we source our food locally as much as possible. Fresh food is healthier. At House of Honey, we do our best to provide farm to table of around 20 km for the vast majority of your meals. Any dietary restrictions can be accommodated with advanced notice. ​​

Getting to the retreat center!

The studio is located 1km from Lagos. You can fly internationally into Lisbon and Faro. Depending on your departure city, they are more or less expensive. Generally, within Europe, flights to Faro are cheaper and from the United States Lisbon is cheaper. However, in 2024, there will be a direct flight from NYC to Faro so this will be a great option if you’re coming from that side of the pond.

From Faro: you can either take a shuttle, a bus or a private taxi/uber to the studio. Generally the price is about 85 euros for private taxi and shuttles are around 12 euros. It’s a 45 minute drive. We can help you arrange group transport if you’re arriving at or around the same time. 

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From Lisbon: Bus is the best option. It’s about 15 euros and takes 3.5-4 hours to get to the Lagos bus station. From there it’s a 5 minute/5 euro uber to the studio. There are also trains but they take longer and you need to change trains at a station not far from Lagos. We can arrange group pick-ups and help you with transport if you’re arriving around the same time. There are private taxi options for up to 8 people at a time for around 300 euros.

ADD ONS & EXCURSIONS

​INCLUDED AMENITIES (included as part of retreat price):

• Luxurious Lodging next to the retreat space in beautiful Lagos
• Jacuzzi & saltwater pool 24/7, entire use of the villa and surrounding gardens
• Studio (4+ hours day plus open gym) & all equipment (apparatus, mats, ropes, pulleys etc)
• Superb Catering (Catered breakfast, snack, lunch & dinner served family style)
• One shopping trip into Lagos for afternoon market
• One photoshoot session with individual photos for each person and group shot
• Luxury gift bag (HOH t-shirt, locally produced goodies)

OPTIONAL ADD ONS (not included, prices listed)

• ​PERSONAL TREATMENTS60 min massage  (75 €)90 min massage  (108 €)90 min Movement Treatment (108 €)

• EXCURSIONS WITH LUNCH & TRANSPORTSailing trip 4 hours (145 €)Horseback riding 140 min. beg (115 €)Pathfinder 2 hour ride (120 €)Safari half day ride (150 €)Adventure full day ride (250 €)Half day surfing lesson (100 €)Kayak trip Lagos caves, 3.5 hours ( 95 €)

• OTHER RETREAT ADD ONSMeditation class (15 €)Yoga class (15 €)Aquatic class olympic coach (20 €)​Daily meditation class/week (60 €)

RETREAT PRICING

REGULAR PRICING

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   SHARED ROOM                       SHARED ROOM                             SINGLE ROOM

W/ ENSUITE BATHROOM 

$2390                                           $2790                                              $3470​

EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT PRICING

(if you sign up before 09/15/2025!)

 SHARED ROOM                      SHARED ROOM                             SINGLE ROOM

W/ ENSUITE BATHROOM

$2090                                         $2490                                                $3170

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Deadline for EARLY BIRD sign up: September 15, 2025

Deadline for REGULAR sign up: January 1, 2026

A $750 deposit is required upon sign up to secure your spot.

After that, full payment is due by January 1, 2026.

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All payments will be processed directly through House of Honey. Once you complete the retreat registration form, you will be sent a separate email with full information on how to pay. Retreat payments can be completed in 1-3 installments.

Want to bring a non-aerial partner or friend?

​Retreat participants are welcome to bring +1s! Additional guests not participating in the aerial workshops are welcome to stay in retreat accommodations for $1990. Reach out to Emma and Kelly if you are interested in bringing a guest with you!