Sunshine Dances of Universal Peace Fall 2026 Retreat
November 13–15, 2026 (Friday evening–Sunday afternoon)
Unity of Daytona Beach, 908 Ridgewood Avenue, Holly Hill, FL 32117
In the spirit of Love, Harmony and Beauty, we will gather in community to awaken our hearts through song and dance, connecting with each other and radiating joy into the world!
Join the Sunshine Dances of Universal Peace community for a weekend of singing, dancing, fellowship and shared meals. Retreat facilitators include DiAnahita, Hakim, Haqqiqa and Jemila Shafia, together with other local friends, aspiring dance leaders and musicians.
Registration and payment
Download the Retreat Registration Form (Word document) →
Full weekend: $60 per person, register by November 1, 2026. Includes four dance sessions and two meals. Individual dance sessions may be attended for approximately $15–$20, as indicated by the organizers; contact Jemila to confirm the applicable session fee.
To register, email notestonurah@gmail.com by November 1 with your name, email address, mailing address, phone number, emergency contact (name and phone), and payment method and date.
Payment options: Zelle to sunshinedup@gmail.com (preferred), or mail a check or money order payable to Sunshine DUP to Jemila Felisko, 389 Euclid Ave, Daytona Beach, FL 32118.
For questions, email jemilaharmony@gmail.com.
Retreat schedule
Friday, November 13
- 4:30–5:00 pm — Arrival and registration
- 5:00–6:30 pm — Potluck at Unity
- 6:30–7:00 pm — Welcome
- 7:00–9:00 pm — Dance with Hakim’s team
- 9:00 pm — Dessert
Saturday, November 14
- 9:00–9:45 am — Qi Gong with Rev. Judi Elia
- 10:00 am–12:00 pm — Dance with Haqqiqa’s team
- 12:00–1:00 pm — Sharing
- 1:00–5:00 pm — Lunch on your own and free time (an opportunity to enjoy the beach)
- 5:00–6:30 pm — Dinner at Unity, organized by Haqqiqa and Marlou
- 6:30–8:30 pm — Dance with DiAnahita’s team
- 8:30 pm — Dessert
Sunday, November 15
- 11:00 am–12:00 pm — Church service
- 1:00–3:00 pm — Dance with Jemila’s team
- 3:00–4:30 pm — Food and fellowship at Unity (provided)
Lodging
Participants from out of town arrange their own lodging. Jemila has reserved a limited number of rooms at the Hilton Garden Inn at a friends-and-family rate of approximately $194 for two nights. Another nearby hotel was quoted at approximately $150 for two nights. Contact Jemila to ask about availability, possible shared rooms, and additional home-sharing options. Hotel arrangements and quoted prices are not guaranteed until confirmed directly.
Why we gather
Inspired by a similar retreat in Ithaca, New York, the Sunshine team invites everyone to experience the joy of gathering in loving community: dancing, singing, eating and enjoying one another’s company.
Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive and go do it. Because what the world needs are people who have come alive.
— Howard Thurman