Radiant in Rio: Pole Retreat with @hangwithjulia

Let's raise a glass together to an exciting trip ahead during your welcome dinner! Tonight's gathering will take place at a local restaurant, just a brief 15-minute transfer from the hotel. The evening promises a delightful set menu, offering a taste of the most authentic Brazilian flavors. Please note that beverages are not included and can be purchased at the venue. Keep in mind that the menu is subject to change based on the confirmed restaurant.

Julia will provide some ice breakers for the welcome dinner that will invite you to discuss pole-related dilemmas and hot topics. "What’s your take on pole dance in the Olympics – dream or delusion?" "How do you handle the stigma of pole dancing in your personal or professional life?" "Spill the tea on the craziest thing you've experienced in a pole studio"

Overnight in Rio de Janeiro.

Breakfast is included at the hotel. The hotel provides a buffet-style breakfast with a diverse selection, including scrambled eggs, cold cuts, local pastries, yogurt, cereals, bread, jams, orange juice, and hot drinks. The specific offerings may vary depending on your confirmed hotel.

After enjoying breakfast, a quick 30-minute transfer will whisk you away to Corcovado Mountain, an iconic peak located in the heart of the Tijuca Forest National Park. This national park is one of the largest urban forests in the world, renowned for its lush rainforest, diverse wildlife, and stunning natural beauty. Upon arrival at the train station, you'll have access to restrooms before boarding the historic cog train for a scenic 25-minute journey to the summit. The train ride offers glimpses of the park's diverse flora and fauna, adding to the anticipation of reaching the summit. Upon disembarking from the train, a short staircase of about 50 steps will lead you to the base of the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue, standing at an impressive 98 feet tall with arms outstretched. From the viewing platform around the statue, you'll be mesmerized by panoramic views of Rio de Janeiro, including its famous beaches, mountains, and urban landscape. The views are especially breathtaking on clear days when the entire city stretches out below like a patchwork of buildings and greenery. You'll have ample time to explore the area around the statue, which includes a small chapel and gift shop. Be sure to capture plenty of photos to commemorate your visit. Afterward, you'll descend by train, and your vehicle will be waiting to transfer you to the vibrant Lapa neighborhood, known for its lively atmosphere and historic architecture.

After finishing your visit to Christ the Redeemer, a brief 35-minute transfer will take you to the vibrant Lapa neighborhood, known for its historic charm and lively atmosphere, considered a cultural hotspot of the city. Upon arrival, you'll have some free time to explore the neighborhood and enjoy lunch at your leisure, with your local guide recommending the best restaurants or street food. Please note that the lunch break is about 45 minutes to maintain the flow of the tour and continue visiting the rest of the highlights. After lunch, you will take a leisurely stroll around Lapa to reach the iconic Selarón Steps, a colorful mosaic staircase created by the artist Jorge Selarón. The steps are a true work of art, with brightly colored tiles from around the world creating a visually stunning effect. The Selarón Steps have become a popular tourist attraction and are a great spot to take photos and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of Lapa. Your visit to Lapa concludes with a stop at the Arcos da Lapa (Lapa Arches), a series of 18th-century aqueducts that now serve as a popular meeting spot and landmark in the neighborhood. Afterwards, a 40-minute transfer will take you back to your hotel, giving you the afternoon free to enjoy the beautiful beaches of Rio.

Overnight in Rio de Janeiro.

Breakfast is included at the hotel. The hotel provides a buffet-style breakfast with a diverse selection, including scrambled eggs, cold cuts, local pastries, yogurt, cereals, bread, jams, orange juice, and hot drinks. The specific offerings may vary depending on your confirmed hotel.

In this 2-hour workshop, participants will awaken their inner polerinas and learn specific techniques for how to infuse elegance into their movements on the pole. This workshop focuses on “relearning” some of the fundamentals and basics in pole dancing while focusing on how to create perfect lines, what do to with your hands, how to position your head and how momentum and speed can be used to add grace and flow to your dancing. You’ll be doing everything from climbs and pretty sits to figurehead variations and aerial inverts. 
 Extra Info: All workshops will be hosted at Pin Up Pole Studio. Participants will be sharing poles and will be dancing barefoot / with no shoes.

Later in the afternoon, gather with your local guide and fellow travelers in the hotel lobby. Today's plan is to embark on a biking tour along the iconic seaside bike path, starting right from the hotel doorstep. You'll be provided with a comfortable bike and helmet for this leisurely 3-mile ride. The biking activity takes place on flat terrain, and last approximately 1.5 hours, with plenty of time to stop and admire the impressive beaches along the way. Your first stop will be at Arpoador Beach, where you can take advantage of the opportunity to visit Arpoador Rock, a popular viewing spot offering breathtaking ocean views. Continue your ride to the famous Ipanema Beach, known for its youthful and trendy crowd, with both locals and tourists enjoying the sun, surf, and sand. Finally, you'll pedal on to reach Leblon Beach, renowned for its laid-back and less crowded atmosphere. This will mark the end of your biking adventure, and a 20-minute vehicle transfer will take you back to Copacabana. Throughout the tour, you'll have the chance to immerse yourself in the beauty of Rio de Janeiro's beaches, experiencing the city's vibrant beach culture and stunning coastal scenery.

Overnight in Rio de Janeiro.

Breakfast is included at the hotel. The hotel provides a buffet-style breakfast with a diverse selection, including scrambled eggs, cold cuts, local pastries, yogurt, cereals, bread, jams, orange juice, and hot drinks. The specific offerings may vary depending on your confirmed hotel.

In this 2-hour workshop, participants will explore the next step of delicate dancing as they learn some of Julia's favourite transitions and signature combos – all with an emphasis on moving with grace and ease.

Overnight in Rio de Janeiro.

Breakfast is included at the hotel. The hotel provides a buffet-style breakfast with a diverse selection, including scrambled eggs, cold cuts, local pastries, yogurt, cereals, bread, jams, orange juice, and hot drinks. The specific offerings may vary depending on your confirmed hotel.

This 2-hour workshop will start with an intensive warmup and stretch session, where you’ll learn how to improve your flexibility for pole through active, dynamic and passive stretching. Then, you’ll learn a selection of flowy combos that incorporate flexy and splitty shapes. Please note that while this workshop focuses on improving flexibility and flow, it’s not a requirement to be flexible to participate - please come just as you are.

Join Julia for a guided journalling session that will help you reflect on your pole journey and deepen your connection to dance and yourself.

Overnight in Rio de Janeiro.

Breakfast is included at the hotel. The hotel provides a buffet-style breakfast with a diverse selection, including scrambled eggs, cold cuts, local pastries, yogurt, cereals, bread, jams, orange juice, and hot drinks. The specific offerings may vary depending on your confirmed hotel.

In this last 2-hour workshop, participants will learn some of Julia’s ultimate favourite entrances to ballerina as well as some beautiful variations of the shape. This workshop will tie together all the techniques for delicate dancing that you’ve learned throughout the week. The last 30-40 minutes will be reserved for “free play”, where you can dance and film as you wish.

In the early afternoon, you'll be picked up at your hotel for an unforgettable adventure. After a 30-minute transfer, you'll arrive at the base of Morro da Urca mountain, where a scenic 5-minute cable car ride awaits to take you to the top. Prepare to be amazed by the impressive views that await you. Once at the top, you'll have some free time to explore the area and take in the breathtaking scenery from various viewpoints. There are shops, restaurants, and a small museum where you can learn about the history of the cable car and the surrounding area. Next, you'll board a second cable car for a 5-minute ride to the summit of Sugar Loaf Mountain. The views from here are even more spectacular, offering panoramic vistas of the city, the ocean, and the surrounding mountains. Take your time to walk around the viewing platforms, which offer 360-degree views of Rio de Janeiro. You'll also find a restaurant where you can enjoy a meal or a refreshing drink while soaking in the scenery. Please note that bathrooms are available at the restaurants for an additional fee. You'll have approximately 1 hour at the top to relax and enjoy the views before starting the descent by the two cable cars back to the base. Finally, you'll take the 30-minute transfer back to your hotel, ending your day with unforgettable memories of Rio de Janeiro's stunning landscapes.

Later in the afternoon, a 25-minute transfer will take you to a local restaurant known for hosting Brazilian musician shows. Here, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy a delightful meal featuring traditional Brazilian cuisine. Your meal will include one main course, which you can choose from options such as meat, fish, or vegetarian dishes. Additionally, each person will be served a bottle of water and a Caipirinha cocktail, a classic Brazilian drink. Please note that any extra drinks beyond the included ones can be purchased at your own expense. Additionally, the menu options may vary based on the restaurant's availability and preferences.

Overnight in Rio de Janeiro.

Breakfast is included at the hotel. The hotel provides a buffet-style breakfast with a diverse selection, including scrambled eggs, cold cuts, local pastries, yogurt, cereals, bread, jams, orange juice, and hot drinks. The specific offerings may vary depending on your confirmed hotel.