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Day Retreats @ Newton & Bywell

January 14th 2024

Mover Joy a Day of Dance & Yoga

April 2024

Dance for Joy

Join me throughout the year for immersive days of movement and wellbeing in Northumberland. These retreats are partially catered and are designed to offer you a space to fully immerse yourself in movement and restore your body and soul. Just a stone's throw away from the A69, I will be hosting these day retreats in a beautiful village hall overlooking the stunning Northumbrian countryside, providing you with the perfect mini escape to the country. To book a space on one of these day retreats, please visit the booking system using the link below.

Let's kick off 2024 with a dance!

Book Here! Itinerary

Lanehead House, Lake District 13th- 16th of December 24

Nestled in a picturesque setting overlooking Lake Coniston and surrounded by majestic fells, this location is ideal for our fully catered retreats, no matter the time of year.

Every day starts with invigorating movement classes such as Barre, Pilates, and Yoga, followed by specialized dance and Progressing Ballet workshops in the afternoon and evenings. Scheduled time to explore the stunning surroundings is included, with dinner typically served at 8pm, followed by engaging seasonal activities in the evenings.

The Winter Lakeside Retreat is now open for booking. For more information, check out the links below.

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2024 dates coming soon!

The Sanctuary by Caimeli, Italy June 2025

Immerse yourself in the exquisite setting of an 18th century villa nestled in the picturesque Umbrian hills. This enchanting retreat offers a private pool, olive orchard, and a charmingly converted barn designed for Yoga and dance activities. An opportunity not to be missed.

Join Melissa for a week of movement exploration in late June 2024 Engage in her daily elemental Vinyasa classes, delve into ballet at the barre, and indulge in her exclusive Black's Barre classes with a breathtaking mountain backdrop. For the dance enthusiasts, Melissa will guide you through creative movement in her choreography sessions, igniting your passion for movement.

Experience a harmonious blend of Yoga, Barre, dance, and ballet conditioning, with ample time to savor local wines, cuisine, and nearby villages.

Stay tuned for the latest updates on this extraordinary trip. To express your interest or stay informed, click on the link below.

Caimeli 2025

New May 2024

Black's Garden Retreats

Welcome to the best kept secret in Shields...

Black's Garden is a secret garden located in the coastal town of North Shields. A stone throw away from Tynemouth and it's wonderful beaches and walking distance from the bustling Fish Quay known for its independent restaurants and bars. Black's Garden is a family run, bespoke retreat space, think Urban Glamping at the coast.An idea conceived by Melissa Black, the owner of Melissa Black Method and Black's Barre, with a vision to share her passion for movement, nutrition, the sea, getting outdoors, coastal life and local arts and culture with like-minded women in need of rest, adventure and an escape from their daily routine.

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book your place

join me now @

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Your Words

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I’m lucky to have Melissa Black from as my movement / ballet / yoga / Pilates / general legendary dance guru and I’m telling you I feel about 500x better to be getting back into dance after a 15-year hiatus!

Louise Ross

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Melissa has a great awareness of healthy lifestyle choices, especially the benefits of eating nutritious food, and her idea of sharing recipes via Instagram and Facebook is fabulous! I can vouch for her recipes, they’re delicious and cost-effective!

Julie Baxter

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Thank you. Seriously wouldn't be the positive yet assertive character I am today without the strong woman program or community. One of my best investments of last year.

- Adele

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Melissa is passionate about supporting the community and bringing accessible classes to the public by using locations such as the seafront at Tynemouth and Whitely Bay. To experience Sunrise Barre at Whitley Bay is a joy as is ballet at Northumberland Park.

J x

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I Feel

I feel so fit- I have to say thank you to you because you’ve pushed, encouraged and just kept me there with your fabulous classes.

- Ann Purcell

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An amazing end to the year . Feeling very lucky to be able to do sessions like this and also to have found the strong woman community Melissa!

- Jo

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