The Shift to IRL

On retreats, events, and finding connection in person

I love the movie Dirty Dancing. I’m not big on re-watching films, but I’d venture to guess I’ve seen this one at least twenty times. I think it’s because, while I’ve been dealt some gifts from the universe, great rhythm and effortless moves are not among them. Like—I’m not terrible. I can dance at weddings and go out with friends without completely embarrassing myself, but one of my longest-running fantasies has always been to be the kind of dancer who could nail that iconic, final lift in Dirty Dancing. 

But, if I’m honest, what really draws me to the movie isn’t just the impeccable soundtrack and the choreography—it’s the nostalgia of the Catskills summer camps. A place where families gathered for weeks, trying new things, making friends, and coming home a little transformed. 

It’s no surprise that today, as we continue to thaw post-COVID and untangle ourselves from our screens, that sense of connection and shared experience is making a major comeback. 

At its core, Dirty Dancing is a story about transformation: Frances “Baby” Houseman (played by Jennifer Grey) goes from a self-conscious woman who can’t dance to save her life to completely owning the dance floor—and her voice—thanks to the alchemy of summer camp camaraderie (and, of course, to Baby’s dance instructor played by Patrick Swayze). This resonates with anyone who’s ever felt the pull of stepping into something new and coming out a little different on the other side.

Growing up, I spent many summers at a camp in the Poconos, where I learned how to water-ski, play softball, and pitch a tent. Alongside my bunkmates, I figured out how to shave my legs, use a straightening iron, and what Soffe shorts were—plus the exact number of waistband rolls needed to look cool. Very important! While I always felt like a bit of an outsider—most of the kids were from the tri-state area, and I was one of the few from California—the general sense of belonging stuck with me.

At the end of Dirty Dancing, the resort owner laments:
"It all seems to be ending. The kids don’t want to come to camp with their parents anymore—trips to Europe, that’s what the kids want!" (For more reading about the history of summer camps in the U.S., I enjoyed this article).

He correctly predicted the next few decades, but I’m finding that today, camp-style retreats and in-person experiences in general have made a comeback. 

I’ve been thinking about retreats and events a lot. Partly because I’ve been collaborating with Allaway, an incredible events organization based out of the summer camp I attended, and partly because it’s a trend I’ve noticed gaining momentum in recent years. As people crave more community and in-person experiences, and as the number of freelancers and independent contractors rises, retreats have become a powerful way to bring people together around shared interests, identities, and goals.

Retreats often feel like stepping into a movie—where the everyday routine falls away, and you find yourself in a world of heightened emotion, new experiences, beauty, and connection. There’s something about being in an extraordinary setting, surrounded by people who are there to share in the same energy, that creates a sense of wonder.

Actress, writer, choreographer, and social media creator Angela Trimbur, for example, took the nostalgia of Dirty Dancing and reimagined it for adults. This fall, she hosted 90 people for a weekend of canoeing, crafts, dancing, and a talent show. Her Dirty Dance Camp taps into something many are seeking—a chance to connect, have fun, and feel part of a community outside traditional work or family structures.

Corporate retreats, in particular, have become increasingly important as organizations adapt to remote and hybrid work models. But work retreats can be controversial if executed poorly. After years of mass layoffs in tech—a sector notorious for blurring the lines between work and “family”—many people have grown disillusioned with identifying too closely with their workplace culture. Corporate retreats aren’t going anywhere, but these shifts have fueled the rise of live events and non-work-related retreats.

Start-ups and platforms have even begun tapping into this trend, creating innovative ways to organize these gatherings and help people connect more meaningfully. The influx of venture capital and media company investment in live events stems from the recognition of the power of in-person connections to drive creativity, innovation, and, in many cases, revenue. 

This desire for in-person connection is showing up everywhere. Look at the celebrity closet sales hosted by Chloë Sevigny and Jemima Kirke. The footage I saw from these events proved that people aren’t just waiting in long lines for secondhand designer deals—they’re showing up to meet other people and be a part of something special with fashion-lovers. There’s also been a recent trend of look-alike competitions. People meet up to see who most resembles celebrities like Timothée Chalamet, Jeremy Allen White, and many more here. Kind of absurd and completely wonderful.

My own retreat experience two years ago was a little less dance-centric but just as transformative. I signed up for a yoga-intensive in Costa Rica at an intentional community called PachaMama, described as a center for “healing, self-acceptance, and expansion of consciousness.” I didn’t realize until I arrived—and saw a massive portrait of Osho—the controversial leader whose followers were at the center of the Wild Wild Country docuseries—that the eco-village was tied to his teachings. Flashing back to creepy scenes from the series, I panicked big time.

I called my then-boyfriend (now husband) in tears, panicking about accidentally landing in a cult. He told me to find the nearest Marriott and get the hell out of there. Nevertheless, I chose growth over comfort and decided to stay. Over the next few weeks, I sat through more silent meditations than I thought possible. By the end, something shifted. I let go of my judgments and found myself enjoying the quirky little eco-village. It felt like adult summer camp—but instead of tennis and arts and crafts, there was ecstatic dance in the jungle, breathwork, and yoga.

Reflecting back, there were moments when I felt like the protagonist in a coming-of-age story. Think Schitt’s Creek meets a more wholesome Nine Perfect Strangers. When I came back to L.A., I felt lighter and clearer, with a better sense of who I was outside work, material possessions, achievements, and personal relationships (what the gurus call ego disillusionment). I also left with plenty of material for stories to come and zero plans to join a cult. 

As the pendulum swings back to creating community and experiences outside of religious institutions and traditional work structures, it’s clear that people still crave spaces to belong, connect, and evolve.

Let’s build something together. 

I’ve been helping companies, creators, and digital communities plan retreats and events that foster meaningful connections and leave lasting impacts. Whether you’re a business looking to build stronger team dynamics, a creator aiming to deepen engagement with your audience, or a digital community seeking a unique getaway, I’d love to help bring your vision to life. Shoot me a note, and let’s make it happen.

Sending warm wishes for a wonderful holiday weekend!