Silks & Vertical Theatre: Week 2

Portugal Aerial Retreat 2027

Silks & Vertical Theatre Method

September 18-25, 2027 | Lagos, Portugal

Trade your everyday routine for a week of aerial training, creative exploration, ocean air, and unforgettable adventure on Portugal's stunning Algarve coast with the unique experience of extreme aerial outdoors.

Join Sarah Bebe Holmes of Paper Doll Militia for an intimate retreat experience designed for aerialists who want more than a vacation. This is a chance to immerse yourself in your practice, refine your technique, deepen your artistry, and spend a week surrounded by a community of fellow aerial enthusiasts who understand exactly why hanging upside down sounds like the perfect holiday.

Limited to 12 aerialists, this retreat offers personalized coaching, meaningful connections, and plenty of space to focus on your own growth. You'll train daily in Silks and Vertical Theatre Method while soaking up the relaxed coastal lifestyle that makes southern Portugal one of Europe's most beloved destinations.

What Sets this retreat apart the rest in BRIEF:

1. Individualized attention - this retreat is designed to only have 12 students, so you get a very close and personal experience
2. Vertical Theatre Method - This is your chance to find the flow, that aerial voice, that guided experience of not only doing skills, but owning them as your own creative expression
3. Algarve Cave photoshoot - Travel by van to one of the Algarve's hidden gems, a remote wild beach with stunning caves. Guided by a professional team, including a rigger, boat captia, photographer and retreat coordinator, you'll travel from the beach to the wild caves for the photoshoot by boat. This unique experience allows you to capture your best pose suspended above the crystalline waters of the Atlantic
4. First EVER Paper Doll Militia in Portugal - Paper Doll Militia are trusted in the industry to provide unique destination aerial retreats, and this is our FIRST one in Portugal!

Want to Learn More?  Keep Reading!

Welcome to Portugal

Nestled just outside the charming coastal town of Lagos, our retreat home is located at the House of Honey Retreat Center, a unique aerial training space surrounded by lush gardens and wild natural beauty. The studio is set amongst mature greenery and has an inspiring, nature-filled atmosphere that feels worlds away from everyday life.

Just minutes away you'll find:

• Dramatic golden cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean
• Some of Portugal's most beautiful beaches
• World-famous surf breaks
• Historic cobblestone streets and cafés in Lagos Old Town
• Coastal hiking trails with breathtaking ocean views

Whether you're enjoying a quiet coffee in the morning sun, wandering through town after class, or watching the sunset over the sea, Portugal has a way of slowing you down while simultaneously filling you with inspiration.

Aerial Training

Morning Classes: Silks Technique, Theory & Sequencing

Our mornings focus on developing strong, intelligent aerial technique through creative sequences, movement pathways, and theory with deep exploration of the "how" and the "why" behind the skills.

Expect:

• Innovative transitions
• Technical refinement
• Unique choreography
• Dynamic pathways
• Personalized feedback (not just the move, but the move in YOUR body)
  

Our goal isn't simply to teach you more tricks. It's to help you understand your movement more deeply so that everything you do in the air becomes stronger, cleaner, and more expressive.

Afternoon Classes: Vertical Theatre Method

Vertical Theatre Method (VTM) is Paper Doll Militia's signature approach to theatrical aerial arts.

These sessions help you develop:

• Creativity
• Choreographic tools
• Character and performance skills
• Ensemble awareness
• Authentic artistic expression
  

Whether you perform professionally or simply want to feel more connected to your movement, VTM opens new possibilities for what aerial arts can become.

Testimonials:

“I was hoping to learn new technical skills on an apparatus, but what I took away was so much more. I learned how to reconnect with myself and unlock my latent creativity in Vertical Theater Method workshops with Sarah Bebe Holmes.I brought home some souvenirs, yes, but the best thing I brought home was was a reconnection with myself and a deep desire to keep tapping into my own creativity. I began dreaming up a showcase piece when I was in retreat and I immediately started working on it when I returned home.”  - Margaret Migas

After going on this retreat, it has provided me with the clarity and confidence I needed for my own personal training. The wonderful instructors combined both technical skills and creative ways to explore movement that really advanced my practice. " ~Megan, Seattle, WA, USA

“Sarah gave us so many useful tips and creative exercises that really helped me think about my choreography and performance from a new angle. I can’t wait to put it to good use in my next performance!” - Kara Le, Santa Barbara, CA

“I loved Sarah’s approach to teaching creativity; she created a really safe environment to explore, play and build. I’m constantly questioning my ability and worth as an artist, but Sarah’s workshops made me feel so validated and really boosted my confidence to just get on the trapeze and be as weird as I wanted!” - Laura Daniell

"The vertical theater classes are so amazing! So beautifully crafted and taught to make even non drama/theater folks, like myself, really enjoy tapping into that side of things. Learning how to tell stories on stage, from the entrance to the exit. I had no idea that those workshops were going to be what I just keep telling everyone at home about, but they are!" Amanda Lee, Portland OR, USA

Two Epic Photoshoots

This retreat includes not one, but two professional aerial photoshoot experiences.

Studio Photoshoot

Capture beautiful images in the lush garden environment of House of Honey, surrounded by the unique natural beauty of the Algarve.

Cave Boat Photoshoot

One of the most spectacular experiences we've ever offered.

We'll travel to a remote wild beach. From the beach you'll get into a boat and be taken to the photoshoot location. There, you'll have the chance to be photographed on an apparatus suspended above the ocean. The Algarve coastline is famous for its dramatic sea caves and golden cliffs, creating an extraordinary backdrop for aerial photography.

You'll leave Portugal with incredible memories and photographs that truly capture the magic of the week.

REAL Interviews from those who’d done it

VIDEO LINK

Aerial Level

This retreat is designed for intermediate and advanced aerialists.

With only 12 participants and a highly personalized teaching environment, Sarah can tailor material to accommodate a range of abilities while ensuring everyone is appropriately challenged.

Prerequisites

• Minimum 2 years of consistent Silks training
• Strong understanding of foundational skills
• Comfortable aerial invert
• Desire to explore sequencing and artistry in greater depth
• Sufficient endurance for a week of daily aerial training

If you're unsure whether you're a good fit, simply send us a video and we'll happily provide guidance.

Food & Accommodation

All meals are thoughtfully prepared using fresh, local ingredients. The House of Honey philosophy centers around simple, nourishing food that supports both physical performance and overall wellbeing. Meals emphasize whole foods, fresh produce, grains, nuts, beans, and quality protein sources while accommodating dietary restrictions whenever possible.

Breakfast is self-serve and includes fresh breads, yogurt, eggs, fruit, oatmeal, granola, and more. Catered lunches and dinners are served around the training schedule, along with daily snacks and most evenings a delicious dessert.

Safety

We know that incredible retreats are built on a foundation of trust and safety.

Our commitment includes:

• Professional aerial equipment and rigging
• Crash mats for aerial classes
• First Aid and CPR trained staff
• A welcoming, supportive community culture
• Carefully vetted retreat facilities and excursion providers
  

Portugal is also consistently ranked among the safest countries in the world, making it an ideal destination for solo travelers.

Getting There

The retreat takes place near Lagos on Portugal's Algarve coast.

Closest Airport

Faro Airport (FAO) — approximately 50 minutes away. Transportation assistance can be arranged.

Alternative Airport

Lisbon Airport (LIS) — approximately 3.5–4 hours by direct bus to Lagos.

For most travelers, Faro is the easiest option, though Lisbon often offers more international flight choices.

**Please note that airport transfers are only included from Faro.

Your Instructor

Sarah Bebe Holmes

Sarah has spent more than two decades teaching, performing, directing, and developing innovative aerial education programs around the world. Her passion lies in helping students move beyond simply collecting tricks and instead develop a deeper understanding of technique, artistry, creativity, and performance.

Whether you're refining advanced skills, exploring choreography, or discovering new creative possibilities, Sarah's teaching style combines technical precision with curiosity, playfulness, and genuine care for every student's journey.

What You'll Take Home

• New silks sequences and skills
• Personalized technical feedback
• Creative tools from Vertical Theatre Method
• Stronger movement efficiency and aerial confidence
• Two unforgettable photoshoot experiences
• Lifelong friendships with fellow aerial adventurers
• A week of memories from one of Europe's most beautiful coastlines

Sometimes the most meaningful progress happens when we step away from our everyday lives and give ourselves permission to focus completely on what we love.

Come on this unforgettable trip with us to Portugal. 🌊✨

How to Reserve Your Spot!

Full payment or a deposit is required to confirm your place.

We accept payment forms from all over the world.

Payment Options

1. Credit Card
2. EU bank transfer
3. ACH transfer

We also offer 3 and 5 month payment plans.

We will keep in close communication with you once you have registered to answer any more questions, provide you with a full packing list and let you know of any essentials you should know or bring.

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Photo Credit: Joao Cabrita Silva

Pictured: Paula Carvalho (taken at the Aerial Academy retreat in Spring 2026 with @flyandrelease and @jana_valk