SADA Retreat
Join Sammy & Dalijah in New Orleans, Louisiana
April 15th- 19th, 2026
Ready for a vacay?
Craving a space to level up your art while immersing yourself within a lively change of scenery? Step away from the grind and into the studio for 5 days of movement and connection in festive New Orleans.
This Intermediate - Advanced retreat hosted by Sammy Picone and Dalijah Franklin, will provide both space and instruction to help refine and elevate your overall pole practice.
This isn't just a retreat; it's a full-on creative escape.
YOUR INSTRUCTORS
Sammy Picone & Dalijah Franklin
You know, you love them! Meet your incredible instructors, Sammy Picone and Dalijah Franklin, the duo behind the SADA Retreat. Sammy will share her vast expertise through immersive classes like Seamless and Align, where you'll refine your flow and precision. Meanwhile, Dalijah is set to turn up the energy with her choreography and captivating spin techniques. Together, they create a vibrant, creative experience that will elevate your practice and help you refine your lines in the stunning setting of South Beach.
Jill AKA Squeak Machine
Jillian is a former model and beauty blogger who started stripping in college to pay the bills. She was entirely self-taught in the clubs for several years before hitting a plateau with her skills. Frustrated, she reached out to a few studios in the area to help hone her technique and learn more about proper fitness before finding her home with Awakenings Studio in Philadelphia. Today, she owns NOLA Pole and Aerial, where our retreat will be hosted, and is going to share with us an amazing aerial class. View Squeak’s instagram here.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Moxy Hotel
The Moxy New Orleans is a vibe. It's got that blend of historic and playful vibes that make New Orleans special. You’ll want to spend as much time in this ultra-modern hotel overlooking the beauty of the French Quarter as you do immersing yourself in the heartbeat of the city.
It's footsteps away from the nonstop party of Bourbon street, but they have everything we need inside for a good time: a 24-hour bar, fitness center, and rooms that perfectly blend hip vibes and cozy energy.
Our Classes
Seamless transitions are just as vital as the tricks they connect. In this workshop we will explore opportunities to truly milk transitional moments in our spin flow so as to transform them into unique shapes in and of themselves. Pre-requisites: comfort in leg hangs and inverted positions.
This is a low flow static & prompt-based workshop. We will utilize a series of short lows as blueprints and prompts to create curiosity and encourage discovery within our movement.
A feedback session aiming to help you re-align with your creative and professional goals. All pole- and pole career- related questions and discussion welcome.
Choreo n Sh*t is a flow and dynamic movement pole class that will work on musicality, engagement and transitions both on the floor and pole. This class is both challenging and playful and allows you to explore your movement in a fluid and sensual way. (Knee Pads, Leg warmers, and layers recommended)
Learn some of my favorite signature spin pole flows! Class begins with spin pole conditioning moves like pencil spin, crunches, and leg hangs on spin and progresses into both low and high spin flows. You will grow more familiar with low spin combos around the base of the pole as well as how to gracefully transition from one move to the next spinning up the pole.
Longevity in Pole Dance - yes, that’s an entire thing and do you know what it begins with…??? Injury Prevention! Join Dalijah as she breaks down the techniques to keep you dancing for decades to come. Learn all about how to properly warm up before your session, cool down after it’s done and the best practices for cross training that will help you (and your students) safe.
Float, wrap, and surrender. Jill’s aerial sling class invites you to explore transitions, suspension, and softness in the air. No prior sling experience needed. Just a willingness to trust the fabric and your body.
Our Schedule
Day 1 - Wednesday, April 15th
Check in to Hotel
7:00 pm Welcome toast
Day 2 - Thursday, April 16th
11:15am - Meet in lobby
12:00 pm -1:30 pm Workshop 1
1:45 pm - 3:15 pm - Workshop 2
3:45 pm - 4:45 pm - Workshop 3
Free night
Day 3 - Friday, April 17th
11:15am - Meet in lobby
12:00 pm -1:30 pm - Workshop 1
1:45 pm - 3:15 pm - Workshop 2
3:45 pm - 4:45 pm - Workshop 3
Night out
Day 4 - Saturday, April 18th
10:30 meet in lobby
11:-00am- 12:00pm - Align feedback workshop w/ Sammy
NOLA cocktail tour
Burlesque/ Cabaret show
Night out
Day 5 - Sunday, April 19th
Check out of hotel
*Schedule subject to change
What’s Included?
9 Hours of AMAZING Intermediate with Sammy & Dalijah + 1 Sling class with Jill
4 nights of luxe accommodations at the Moxy Hotel within walking distance of Bourbon Street
New Orleans Cocktail Tour to get turnt at some of the city’s most Instagram-worthy spots
Transfers to and from workshops and excursions
Welcome Toast & Closing Circle to meet, connect and reflect
A Total Creative Escape
*Not included: Travel to and from New Orleans, meals, night out, any additional excursions not mentioned above
👉 WHERE WE'RE GOING 👉 OUR EXCURSIONS
👉 WHERE WE'RE GOING 👉 OUR EXCURSIONS
Burlesque + Cabaret Show
Nothing screams a night out on the town like a good burlesque show in New Orleans! We’ll be experiencing a show like no other, featuring a few local pole performers sprinkled into the mix.
Cocktail Tour
Get a taste of what New Orleans has to offer in this cocktail tour sampling some of the city’s finest drinks. As one of our final group outings, you’ll definitely want to relax and soak it all in.
Room Options
Double Room
$2500
Pay in full or option to pay in installments over 5 months
*Each person in the double room must
sign up separately.
Single Room
$3200
Pay in full or option to pay in installments over 5 months
FAQs
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The retreat will take place from April 14th- 19th, 2026.
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The retreat will be led by Sammy Picone and Dalijah Franklin, both experienced in providing creative and professional guidance.
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Accommodations are provided at the Moxy New Orleans, known for its modern design, hip atmosphere, and amenities including a 24-hour bar.
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Yes! You may select your roommate if both of you are attended. The price for the double room is $2500 per person (NOT per room).
Once you sign up, you’ll receive an email with a welcome form where we’ll ask a few question to get to know your preferences. Based off of this, we’ll pair you up with someone who matches your preferences. -
The retreat includes various workshops, excursions, and free time. Highlights include:
Welcome toast on the first evening
Workshops focused on different aspects of movement and creativity
Burlesque show and a Cocktail tour as part of the excursions
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The retreat is designed for Intermediate to Advanced participants with comfort in leg hangs and inverted positions.
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Workshops include spin pole conditioning, low flow static movements, and techniques for injury prevention in pole dance.
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Yes, participants should be comfortable with leg hangs and inverted positions for certain workshops.
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Participants can enjoy a Cabaret Show and Cocktail Tour, providing a mix of cultural and fun experiences.
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There is! Find our payment options above.
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Due to the unique nature of this retreat and trip, there are no refunds available.
If you cannot attend, you may transfer your retreat over to someone else.
Details on the cancellation policy are included in the terms and conditions. Please review them carefully before booking. -
Yes, the schedule includes free time for relaxation or exploration on certain days.
Terms and Conditions
To read our terms and conditions, please click here.