Hair Suspension Retreat
with Nicole Malbeuf (Trellis Arts)
January 3 – 10, 2026
Casa Chango Mexico, Puerto Escondido
50% Scholarship Available for BIPOC! Apply Here by Dec 1.
This retreat is designed for the regular mover who is an absolute beginner to hair suspension. It is also for those who are looking to refresh their foundational knowledge of hair suspension or for those seeking clarification on the discipline. This experience provides students with all the tools to start and continue their independent practice in hair hanging from a holistic lens. Over multiple days in a beautiful and relaxed environment, we will nourish both mind and body in preparation for hair suspension and for a more sustainable movement practice.
There will be two sessions per day:
- Instruction in physical preparation for hair hang, hair knot technique and various hair suspension movement sessions.
- Lecture-based theory in anatomy, postural health, core/pelvic floor health, sensory management, rigging considerations for hair hang and tips and tricks for hair hang success.
With several days and time for relaxation and play, teachings will be more digestible, will aid in the cultivation of deeper body awareness, will offer various progressive opportunities to work in hair suspension, plus plenty of recovery time – something that is essential for this unique discipline. You will also have the opportunity to take part in building a strong community network that can continue to support you outside of the retreat. In addition to the hair suspension experience, you will have ample opportunities to enjoy the amenities, scenery, delicious food and exciting offerings of Casa Chango.
This retreat includes all hair knot equipment, a step-by-step illustrated hair knot guide, video tutorial and handbook.
ACCESS NOTES:
- This workshop is presented in English. No sign language interpretation available.
- Lecture content includes a combination of professional visuals and video, detailed written descriptions and verbal explanations. All workshop material is represented in student handbook.
- Workshop spaces are NOT wheelchair accessible. Multiple seating options will be available. If you are unable to invert your hair by hinging at the hips and/or braid your own hair, you are welcome to bring a trusted support person to assist with hair knot preparation who will be a regular part of your practice. Reach out to Sweet Retreats about additional accommodations and guests.
- Students are welcome to take breaks as needed. We will create a relaxed environment where students can be comfortable being themselves. You are encouraged to bring anything that will assist you with your comfort. Let us know if you have any particular access needs – we will do our best to accommodate.
Morning sessions will be 1.5 hours of theory. This includes instruction in anatomy, core and pelvic floor health, hair health and science, postural health, rigging considerations for hair hang, sensory management and tips for continuing independent practice.
Afternoon sessions will be 3-4 hours of practical instruction. This includes hair knot preparation, physical preparation and warm up, hair hanging variations (ex. floor-based practice and self-operated pulley systems), cool down and group sharing circle.
Daily Schedule Sample:
- 7:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. – Tea, coffee and breakfast
- 10:00 a.m. – 12:00pm – Theory sessions in anatomy, hair care, health and wellness, physical preparation, postural health or rigging considerations
- 1:00 p.m. – Lunch
- 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. – Free time (pool, hot tub, hammocks)
- 3:30 p.m. – Afternoon snack and beverage
- 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. – Hair suspension practice including hair knot practice, warm up, conditioning and cool down
- 7:00 p.m. – Dinner
- 8:00 p.m. – Free time and evening activities
We will take you to our favorite beaches for swimming, surfing, snorkeling, and releasing baby turtles into the sea. Optional evening adventures include a bioluminescent lagoon & local night market.
Read more about our excursions here.
Ask about our significant other / BFF rates!
Aerial nerds can indulge in all of your aerial desires while friends and family can enjoy the retreat environment, delicious, healthy food, surfing, swimming, relaxing, and get into their bodies.
Who is this for:
Students must have a regular movement practice(s) that involves the whole body (circus, dance, yoga, martial arts, gymnastics etc) and is practiced a minimum of 3 times a week.
Student must have healthy hair of medium-to-thick density (number of hairs). Hair length must be armpit length or greater when pulled straight. Hair must be free of chemical treatments (dyes, perms, relaxers) and free of permanent/semi-permanent physical applications (extensions, braids, locks etc). Hair should NOT be treated regularly with high heat tools. Hair that is prone to shedding or breakage is not encouraged. All hair textures (shape and thickness of strands) welcome. Please reach out to us with photos of your hair if you have an undercut, a fringe, shaved sides and/or dramatic layers for an assessment.
Student must be able to invert their hair (by doing a forward-fold at hips for 1-2 minutes). Must be proficient at making tight OVERHAND braids OR have a support person present who can assist you during the hair preparation process.
Must have good spinal health, free of injury and vulnerability. It is suggested that students undergo an assessment and treatment with a physical therapist to address any postural (muscular and/or skeletal) imbalances before the retreat.
Must enter into this retreat expecting “slow gratification”. Students must respect the working pace of their own individual body and comfort level. Students should expect session content and activities to be detailed, nuanced and subtle.
This retreat is not recommended for students who have been in a vehicular accident(s), have had a concussion(s), have localized hyper-mobility in the neck, experience regular nerve pain, experience regular dizziness, are sensitive to touch and temperature and/or are experiencing more than average daily hair loss (more than 150 strands/day).
If you have questions about these requirements and/or if you do NOT meet these requirements but are willing to work towards them, please reach out to Nicole at trellisentertainment@gmail.com to discuss.
Your coach: Nicole Malbeuf
NICOLE MALBEUF is a Canadian aerial-theatre artist specializing in hair suspension. She has performed solo works across Canada and the US with companies like Cirque Dreams, Wonderbolt Circus and FireFly Theatre & Circus. She has been involved in a variety of collaborative circus-theatre projects with Hercinia Arts Collective, Balancing on the Edge and Public Energy Performing Arts. She is recognized for her hair suspension chicken character in A Hen Called Freedom, her full-length farm-circus show. Nicole directs Trellis Arts, an aerial-dance theatre company, producing special-event performances and hair suspension workshops. The Intro to Hair Suspension: A Holistic Course was created in collaboration with specialists in physical therapy and core/pelvic floor health and with advice from various experts in rigging and hair science. Nicole has 8 years of hair hang experience, a vast hair hanger network and compiled anecdotal research. She has teacher training in Artistic Gymnastics (NCCP), Acrobatic Arts, Aerial Arts and Flying Footless, as well as rigging training from GeoArc and Gaslamp FX. She strives to create learning environments that are empathetic, welcoming of all identities, and supportive of individual needs and abilities. Trellis Arts’ teaching philosophies are rooted in safety and sustainability. When Nicole is not doing circus, she is tending her market garden and caring for many animals. She regularly assists her partner in his sustainable construction business. She enjoys bird watching, coffee and laughing.
Testimonials
“The Intro to Hair Suspension course completely altered my perception of aerial arts as a whole. It gives freedom and life to movement, with so many possibilities for advancement. Nicole is very knowledgeable and takes training to a safe and holistic level. This discipline may seem intimidating but with this program you’ll feel comfortable and ready to dive into your own practice.” – Taylor Bartlett
“Nicole is an extremely knowledgeable and supportive coach whose conscientious and positive approach creates a safe and welcoming environment. The course is well developed, detailed and covers everything you need to know learning hair suspension.” – Astyn Farrell
“I was drawn to this project because of the attention to detail. I have seen so many people jump into circus with a desire to succeed but not the patience to learn the process for getting there. Nicole’s vision of creating a program which includes learning about the body systems utilized in the art of hair hanging and the maintenance practices to avoid injury, caught my attention. If hair hanging is the art for you this program will share with you the tools you need to find success.” - Laura Griffin (co-creator of Intro to Hair Suspension: A Holistic Course)
Retreat pricing:
Per person pricing in USD
Prices listed are the Early Bird Prices which are $300 discounted. Full price is $300 more than the prices listed. Early bird discount ends Oct 1.
| Your choice of accommodations: | Early Bird Price by Oct 1 | Full Price by Dec 15 |
| Shared Dorm (mixed gender) | $2200 | $2500 |
| Shared Private Room (2 friends sharing a room) 1 king size bed or 2 individual beds | $2400 | $2700 |
| Shared Private Room (2 friends sharing a room) 1 king size bed or 2 individual beds | $2500 | $2800 |
| Private Room w Shared Bathroom | $2700 | $3000 |
| Private Room w Private Bathroom | $3000 | $3300 |
| Private Room w Private Bathroom & Air Conditioner | $3300 | $3700 |
$500 Deposit is required to secure your spot.
Early bird price ends October 1.
Full tuition is due by one month before the first day of the retreat.
Rates refer to cost of one person’s tuition.
Couples must sign up together.
Significant others and friends who are not taking classes are welcome at a special price.
Dorms are mixed gender.
Click here for room descriptions.
Need a payment plan? Email us at SweetRetreatsMexico@gmail.com and we will set that up for you.
What’s included:
- Ground transportation to/from the Puerto Escondido Airport (PXM) to our accommodations*
- Arrive on January 3. Depart on January 10.
- Accommodations for the duration of the retreat
- Daily meals – breakfast, lunch, dinner, & desserts and treats!
- 2 daily classes, one in the morning and one in the afternoon
- Aerial photoshoot
- Evening activities
- Trips to a local beaches and night market
- 24 hour use of swimming pool and community space
- Evening Jacuzzi soaks
- Starlink Wifi Internet
- All hair knot equipment
- A step-by-step illustrated hair knot guide
- Video tutorial and handbook
50% BIPOC Scholarship Available. Apply Here by Nov 1!
Links for more information:
- Casa Chango accommodations – room descriptions
- Meals and Food*
- How to get here**. Info and advice on booking your travel
- Weather in Puerto Escondido
- Testimonials
- Excursions
Discounts:
- Book and pay early and save $300!
- Refer a friend to any of our retreats and save $100 with our referral discount.*
- Sweet Retreats Alumni discount $200.
Questions? Email us at SweetRetreatsMexico@gmail.com
*Food service begins with a snack and dinner on arrival day, and ends with breakfast on departure day. All meals are provided. The food is amazing! ** Your taxi to/from the PXM airport is included if you arrive/depart on designated days. Click here for info about getting to Puerto Escondido.
Cancellation Policy:
- No Refunds.
- Deposits are non-refundable and non-transferrable.
- Cancel more than 60 days before 1st day of retreat: 50% of your tuition paid can transfer toward a future Sweet Retreat within 18 months of cancellation.
- Cancel 30-60 days before the 1st day of retreat: 25% of your tuition paid can transfer toward a future Sweet Retreat within 18 months of cancellation.
- Cancellations up to 30 days before the 1st day of the retreat will not be credited or refunded for any reason.
- At the time of payment for your retreat, we strongly advise purchasing a travel insurance policy. Make sure your policy covers the full cost of the retreat fee, as well as unexpected cancellation, trip delay, losses and other risks. Also, consider protection for canceled or delayed flights, lost luggage, medical needs while traveling. Please bring the policy with you in case of emergency. Click here for IM Global Insurance. Click here for WanderWell Insurance.
- See complete list of terms and conditions here.