Dancing Freedom

What Dancing Freedom does

Dancing Freedom is a privately-held spiritual wellness practice that delivers somatic, ecstatic, and shamanic dance programs to individual seekers, movement professionals, and holistic practitioners globally. Founded by Samantha Sweetwater after 27 years of dance inquiry and now directed by Phoenix Onesong Marolda, the company offers a portfolio spanning weekly in-person classes, residential facilitator training (17-day immersion plus 3-month online mentorship), standalone retreats (7-day Embodied Alchemy, 17-day Soul Quest), a Peru pilgrimage incorporating Andean ceremony, the Entelechy 7-month women's mentorship, private one-on-one mentorship, and self-paced online courses (Embodied Alchemy Online and The Hollow Bone). The proprietary methodology is built around an 'Elemental Wave' journey through Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Ether, integrating four embodied intelligence modalities (Somatic, Ecstatic, Shamanic, Expressive) and supported by the 12 Keys philosophical framework, the Inner Dance witness/dancer duet, the Harvest somatic check-in, and the Hollow Bone surrender practice.

The business operates a community-led go-to-market motion: it trains certified facilitators (capped at 24 per cohort) who deliver classes worldwide, generating 180+ trained facilitators across the U.S., Australia, Central America, Japan, and Bali, and creating ongoing word-of-mouth acquisition. Revenue derives from one-time retreat and training fees (e.g., Peru pilgrimage priced at $3,000–$3,500 USD, Australia retreat pricing 'coming soon'), recurring group mentorship subscriptions (Entelechy at three tiers from $1,100 to $2,500), sliding-scale private sessions ($111–150), and a Patreon-hosted ongoing community (Temple Of The Embodied Spirit). Distribution is direct-to-consumer via dancingfreedom.com and partner venues—Arcoora Arts and Ecology Training Ground (Kyogle, NSW) and Melissa Wasi (Pisac, Peru)—with facilitator certification recognized by the I.I.C.T. for insurance and commercial teaching purposes.

Name

Dancing Freedom

Legal name

Dancing Freedom

Website

https://dancingfreedom.com

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Dancing Freedom is a privately-held spiritual wellness practice delivering somatic, ecstatic, and shamanic dance classes, facilitator training, residential retreats, and online mentorship to individual seekers and movement professionals globally through a 180+ facilitator community.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Conscious Movement and Somatic Dance Services

NAICS

Fine Arts Schools (61161), Fitness and Recreational Sports Centers (71394), Sports and Recreation Instruction (61162)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Membership Sports & Recreation Clubs (7997)

akta.pro primary industry

Dance Fitness Classes (e.g., Zumba) (HSADABAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Dance Education (Ballet, Contemporary, Hip-Hop, Cultural Dance) (EDAMAAAH), Fitness & Movement Retreats (Pilates, Barre, Dance, Bootcamps) (THAJAHAG), Yoga & Meditation Experiences (Studio Classes, Guided Meditation, Mindfulness) (THAJAHAA), Dance Competitions & Showcases (Non-Esports) (MPAGADAH)

Keywords

• Somatic dance practice
• Conscious movement training
• Embodied dance therapy
• Facilitator certification program
• Spiritual wellness retreats

Headquarters

HQ city

Oakland

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Facilitator Training Programs: The primary revenue stream. Full facilitator certification costs include a 17-day residential immersion plus 3-month online mentorship. Partial scholarships and payment plans are offered. A final coaching session costs an additional $150. Three participation options exist: 7-day Embodied Alchemy Retreat, 17-day Soul Quest Retreat, and full 17-day retreat + online module. Pricing is not publicly listed on the website.
2. Retreats (Residential): Multi-day residential retreats held in locations including Kyogle, NSW Australia and Sacred Valley, Peru. Includes fully catered accommodation, ceremony, embodiment practices, and coaching. Peru retreat (Pachamama Sonqo) priced at $3,000 USD (Early Bird) or $3,500 USD (Full Price) for 14 days.
3. Online Courses (Self-Led): Self-paced online programs including Embodied Alchemy (6-week course) and The Hollow Bone (6-week ritual series). These are pre-recorded or self-paced courses delivered via the web platform. Pricing details are listed as 'Coming Soon'.
4. Private Mentorship: One-on-one mentorship sessions with Phoenix Onesong Marolda, priced on a sliding scale from $111–150 (in the client's own currency) for approximately 75-minute sessions. Payment plans available. Also available with Caitlin Wood.
5. Entelechy Mentorship Program: A 7-month group mentorship for women (starting June 22, 2026) with three pricing tiers: Tier 1 (High Touch Private Mentorship) at $2,500; Tier 2 (Light Touch Private Mentorship) at $1,800; Tier 3 (Group Mentorship) at $1,100. All in local currency with payment plans and partial scholarships available.
6. Community Membership (Patreon): The Temple Of The Embodied Spirit Community is hosted on Patreon, offering monthly moon rituals and community access for ongoing members. This represents a recurring community/subscription revenue stream.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels10 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Dancing Freedom delivers a somatic, ecstatic, and shamanic dance practice structured around a five-element 'Elemental Wave' journey (Earth, Water, Fire, Air, Ether). It sells weekly classes, a multi-week Facilitator Training certification program (17-day residential retreat plus 3-month online module), standalone residential retreats in Australia and Peru, self-paced online courses, and one-on-one private mentorship and group mentorship (Entelechy) to individuals seeking personal transformation or professional facilitation credentials.

Product overview

Dancing Freedom offers a portfolio of somatic, ecstatic, and shamanic dance practices centered around its core class offering. The main offerings include weekly Dancing Freedom Classes, Intensive Facilitator Training (combining 17-day residential retreat with 3-month online module), and standalone retreat options (7-day Embodied Alchemy Retreat, 17-day Soul Quest Retreat). Additional offerings include Private Mentorship with Phoenix or Caitlin, online self-paced courses (The Hollow Bone, Embodied Alchemy Online), Peru pilgrimage retreats, and the 7-month Entelechy mentorship program. The company also provides community membership via Patreon and curated playlists via Mixcloud. Facilitator Certification is available through a post-training process involving practicum, peer mentoring, and evaluation.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Dancing Freedom Classes
• Facilitator Training
• Embodied Alchemy Retreat (Australia)
• Soul Quest Retreat
• Private Mentorship with Phoenix
• Private Mentorship with Caitlin
• The Hollow Bone (Online Course)
• Embodied Alchemy Online Course
• Peru Retreat - Pachamama Sonqo
• Entelechy - A Journey of Soul Alchemy
• Facilitator Certification Process
• Temple Of The Embodied Spirit Community

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 180 trained facilitators operating globally across multiple countries and continents
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration5 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Arcoora Arts and Ecology Training GroundcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerArcoora is a not-for-profit community organisation dedicated to village-mindedness, bioregional resilience, and ecological regeneration. Located at the Wollumbin volcano in Kyogle, NSW, it has historically served as a wisdom school and sanctuary for cultural initiations. Dancing Freedom holds all its Australian residential facilitator trainings and retreats at this venue. The site is specifically identified as suitable for the 'Hollow Bone' practice of connecting to Earth and nature.
• Melissa Wasi (Pisac, Sacred Valley, Peru)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMelissa Wasi is a dedicated retreat centre in the La Rinconada neighbourhood of Pisac, Sacred Valley of the Incas. Rustic bungalows with traditional weaving and handcrafted textiles, communal dining areas, set among Andean mountains, eucalyptus trees, and native gardens. This is the company's exclusive retreat accommodation for the Pachamama Sonqo pilgrimage retreats.
• Ruben & Nancy Quispe Pumayalli (Paq'os – Andean Wisdom Keepers)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRuben Quispe Pumayalli is a respected Paq'o (Andean spiritual guide) who works in relationship with the Apus (sacred mountains), Pachamama, and living forces of nature. Together with his wife Nancy (also from a lineage of Paq'os), they hold traditional Andean rituals including Wachuma ceremonies, despacho offerings, and water blessings for Dancing Freedom's Peru pilgrimage retreats. They embody the principle of Ayni (right relationship) in all ceremonial work.
• Brooke Lumsden / Pachamama SonqocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounder of Pachamama Sonqo, Brooke Lumsden is a retreat facilitator devoted to guiding journeys of remembrance through the Peruvian Andes and Amazon. She collaborates with traditional lineages to offer immersive experiences honouring ancestral wisdom. She is the co-facilitator and founder of the Peru pilgrimage program, collaborating with Dancing Freedom's Phoenix Onesong Marolda on the retreat.
• DJ WhitecalfminorOthersDJ Whitecalf provides curated playlist journeys for the Dancing Freedom practice. Playlists are hosted on Mixcloud and made available to the community as free content. The playlists travel through the elemental wave (Earth, Water, Fire, Air, Ether) supporting the somatic, ecstatic, shamanic dance practice.
• Samantha Sweetwater (Founder)minorOthersFounder of Dancing Freedom, Samantha Sweetwater developed the practice over 27 years of dance inquiry. She has handed the leadership of Dancing Freedom to Phoenix Onesong Marolda and now works as a Coach & Soul Guide through One Life Circle. Dancing Freedom arose from her inquiry into healing, consciousness, nature, and connection through the body.
• Open Floor InternationalminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBoth lead teacher trainers (Phoenix and Caitlin) are fully certified Open Floor teachers in addition to their Dancing Freedom certifications. Open Floor is a conscious movement practice that complements Dancing Freedom's methodology. Caitlin has been offering Open Floor classes since 2012, integrating both practices.
• I.I.C.T. (International Institute for Complementary Therapists)minorOthersDancing Freedom facilitator certification is recognized by I.I.C.T., which allows graduates to obtain insurance as a facilitator of the practice. This provides graduates with professional legitimacy and the ability to teach commercially and obtain liability insurance.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Open Floor International: Open Floor is a somatic conscious dance practice with a global teacher certification pathway, sharing Dancing Freedom's exact blend of embodied movement practice, facilitator training, and international teacher community. Both Phoenix and Caitlin are certified Open Floor teachers, indicating direct methodology overlap.
• 5Rhythms (Gabrielle Roth): 5Rhythms is a foundational conscious dance movement practice with global teacher networks and a similar workshop-and-certification model. It is one of the closest direct competitors to Dancing Freedom in the ecstatic/somatic dance facilitation category.
• Movement Medicine: Movement Medicine is a conscious dance practice rooted in shamanic and embodied work, offering facilitator training and retreats globally. Its ceremonial and lineage-based approach closely parallels Dancing Freedom's shamanic and ecstatic methodology.
• Soul Motion: Soul Motion offers conscious movement practice and teacher training with a global facilitator network. Its format of freeform dance, ritual, and community classes is highly comparable to Dancing Freedom's weekly class structure.
• Ecstatic Dance: Ecstatic Dance operates a global network of community DJ-led conscious dance events and facilitator training. It competes in the same 'conscious club/dance practice' space and overlaps with Dancing Freedom's Mixcloud/DJ Whitecalf playlist model.

Emerging players

• Hoffman Institute: Hoffman Institute runs residential personal-transformation retreats and processes addressing emotional patterning. It overlaps with Dancing Freedom's residential retreat methodology and self-development positioning, though not dance-based.

Broad incumbents

• Esalen Institute: Esalen is a long-established residential center offering workshops, somatic practices, and embodied leadership training. It serves a similar audience of personal-growth seekers and overlaps on retreat-based delivery of transformation work.
• Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health: Kripalu is a major yoga and wellness retreat center offering teacher training, somatic programs, and residential immersion. It competes for the same conscious-movement practitioner customer and shares the certification-plus-retreat business model.
• Omega Institute: Omega Institute is an established holistic education retreat center with workshops in conscious movement, somatic practice, and spirituality. It is comparable as a venue-and-program operator targeting the same self-development participant pool.
• Miraval Resorts: Miraval is a premium wellness resort brand offering somatic, mindfulness, and movement programming. It represents the broader premium-resort competitive context for Dancing Freedom's high-priced residential retreats.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/DancingFreedom1
• Facebookfacebook.com/DancingFreedom
• Instagraminstagram.com/dancingfreedom.tribe

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Dancing Freedom