Inspired by ballet exercises and functional fitness training, these Barre workouts integrate coordination, balance, and breath with precise low-impact movements to build strength, stability, and endurance, and to develop body awareness and control.  The routines target all areas, working arms, legs, core, and glutes to promote long, strong muscle while improving mobility, alignment, and posture.  The constant conscious movement, which challenges the body without overload, supports hormonal balance, regulating stress and reducing cortisol.  The sessions flow with intention and focus, creating a supportive environment that invites us to connect with our bodies, cultivate presence, and feel empowered in nurturing our wellbeing. Classes follow a clear structure–warm-up, main routine, and cool-down–with the strong beat of electronic music marking the rhythm and keeping our energy up.  All levels are welcome; Adriana will guide modifications and progressions so that each person can be safe and confident no matter their abilities or needs.  Classes may incorporate weights, resistance bands, exercise balls or sliders to support muscle activation and control while maintaining fluid movement.  Participants may be barefoot or wear socks; please bring a mat for certain floor exercises. ​

This art festival aims to transform public spaces with colorful and uplifting murals, showcase national talent, and integrate culture, youth, and environmental awareness in an inspiring experience of creative expression.  The event kicks off Thursday evening with an artist meet-and-greet at The Palms Hotel.  We are expecting more than forty artists, around 3/4 local to Costa Rica, and 1/4 coming from abroad.  They will be painting Friday - Sunday at eight different walls within the Coco community: off Coco's main street by Ferretería San Carlos; on the road to Ocotal by Super New China, Los Cartagos, and Taco Rosado; and off of carretera la Chorrera the Pelícanos beach entrance, Cabinas Chale, and Hotel Puerta del Sol.  The closing party will be at Zi Lounge Sunday evening with live DJs, MCs, and break-dancers.  All activities are open to the public free of charge, but if you’d like to make a contribution to support this initiative and help it become a regular event in Coco, you may do so via Sinpe or Paypal, or at the opening and closing events.  This festival is made possible with the sponsorship of Loop Colors and Artopia, and the generous support from local businesses and organizations receiving the artists including Anika Boutique Suites, Toro Blanco Hotel, The Palms Hotel, Hotel M&M Beach House, Hotel Colono Beach, Hotel La Puerta del Sol, Villa del Sol Boutique Hotel, Island Golf Cart Rentals, Ferretería San Carlos, ADICOCO, la Municipalidad de Carrillo, and La Asociación de Cultura.

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Biodanza is the dance of life, the poetics of the human encounter.  Dance connects our bodies and emotions; we experience the sensations of being alive and building community.  Rather than create choreographies, we place life, care, and affection at the center of our dance and propose gestures and movements from authentic expression.  We begin by opening space with introductions and sharing, and discussing the origins and philosophy of Biodanza.  After making some important agreements and turning off cell phones, we enter the space of the body and open communication.  We will engage in individual, partner, and group activities following a theme.  All dance is free and improvised, the guidance always an invitation allowing for choice and personal comfort.  Paula will lead in Spanish and English, and all ages are welcome as long as minors are accompanied by a responsible participating adult.  We will dance to a variety of music styles, each supporting a different experience.  Biodanza is a system of human integration promoting physical and emotional well-being through free movement, music, and connection with others.