Red Tent Winter

The second annual Mid-Ohio Valley Red Tent Winter Retreat will be held at the Betsey Mills Club, 300 Fourth St. in Marietta, on Feb. 10 and 11.

Cat Bigley, producer of the winter retreat, describes the event as “the ultimate self-care guidance and experiences, all under one red tent. Relax, play, be free, come back to your tribe.”

The lineup of presenters includes: Susan Sheppard -Write like Rumi; Michele Wilson – Financial Wellness; Toni Keller- The Forgotten History of Women and drumming; Toni Keller – Drumming up LIFE !; Brenda Helms – Self Love Yoga; Angie Iafrate/Kalis Bigley – Hula Hoop PlayTime; Liz Thacker – Zumba; Cat Bigley – Partner Yoga workshop; Cat Bigley – Japanese healing arts/ Reiki talk; Anna Bordonada – chair massage; Heather McCarter – oils; Katrina VanHorn – Kundalini Yoga; Montana – Goddess paintings; Montana – Henna Tattoos; Joane Davis – Seasonal Depression; Joane Davis – Stress and Sleep; Sabrina Wittekind – Flashback Dance-off; Pam Pritchett – Healing Touch; Emily West – Dance Lab Discussion; Mamaology – Feminine products review; MOVn Dragons- Scholarship Information; Nikole Grace – Self Care Abdominal Massage; Chavi – Belly dance.

“When is the last time you had a chance to play? Before we became wives, mothers, business owners, caretakers, etc., we were just ourselves. We did things that we enjoyed: we got messy, finger-painted, explored, jumped around and danced until we couldn’t anymore,” said Bigley, wellness director at the Betsey Mills Club and mother of five children.

This is the second year for the winter retreat, but the fifth Red Tent event; a summer retreat was held in July. Hot Tomato Portrait, Studio 6 on Market and the Betsey Mills Club are sponsors of the winter retreat.

“Before the insecurity and self-doubt set in, we laughed out loud, we didn’t care if our hair was a mess, or if we had dirt under our fingernails,” Bigley said.

Historically, the red tent was a place where women would retreat to during their “moon time,” a place of relaxation, a way to reconnect with their female friends and family, she said.

“We want to offer you a special weekend where you (women) can take off the labels; discover who you were before the cares of the world descended upon your shoulders,” Bigley said.

The local Red Tent Retreat is open to females 12 and over.

“This is a day to let our inner light shine, to have a real belly laugh, to play and do whatever you want! No fear of chores, duties, or cares. Wear comfy clothes, lounge around, let your hair loose and your creativity run wild!” Bigley said.

Participants will design their own day, based on what they want to do. All program offerings are included in each pass admission price. Some offerings require a first-come, first-served signup on the day of the event, Bigley said.

The Saturday pass includes: Movement & Music: Yoga (all skill levels welcomed), Drumming, Hula Hoop, Zumba, AcroYoga and Belly Dancing; Art & Playtime: Crafts, Dragon Boat; Self-care: Massage, 건마 Finance, Intention Setting; Entertainment: Palm and Tarot Card Readings.

Comfortable spaces will be set up for lounging, self-reflection, journaling, or connecting with friends new and old, said Bigley, a traveling teacher for the YogaSlackers.

In connection with the event, on Saturday from 6 to 9 p.m. there will be an “all-access after party” at Hot Tomato Portrait Studio & Parlor, 200 Putnam St., Suite 300, Marietta. Champagne and hors d’oeuvres are included.

The Sunday pass includes: Vision, Self-Care, and Embodiment: Yoga, Meditative Drumming, Journaling, Declaring Visions and Embodying Goals.

Early Bird Passes available now until Feb. 1, Saturday Only: $42; Sunday Only: $22; Weekend Pass: Saturday and Sunday $62. Pass prices after Jan. 31 and at the door: Saturday Only: $52; Sunday Only: $32; Weekend Pass: Saturday and Sunday $72.