Moving in a Just World

We live in a world where human rights are deliberately dismantled for monetary gains, a world increasingly reliant on technology and targeted algorithms which distance us from our humanity, a world in which powerful people accumulate wealth and resources for their personal gain only. Those who cannot keep up are left behind.

Through movement, reflection and conversation, we’ll explore what it means to live well in a complex and unequal world. Led by Palestinian dancer and writer Nada Shawa and movement facilitator Catherine Wright, this movement retreat combines dance, storytelling and shared reflection to explore themes of justice, belonging and human connection.

No previous dance experience is required. Whether you’re interested in movement and wellbeing, justice, or simply looking for a thoughtful and creative week in community, you’ll find a warm welcome, space to reflect, and opportunities to connect with yourself, others and the world around you.

Costs: 6 Nights: £960 or £480 concession.

Where: The Iona Abbey

When: 3 April – 9 April 2027

Led by: Nada Shawa & Catherine Wright

About the programme

How do we stay connected to ourselves, one another and the world in times of uncertainty, injustice and division?

This programme invites you to explore that question through movement, reflection and community. Led by Nada Shawa and Catherine Wright, the week uses movement and dance as tools for exploring our shared humanity, helping us connect more deeply with ourselves, one another and the world around us.

Through guided movement practices, conversation and reflection, we’ll explore themes of belonging, justice, freedom and connection. Drawing on Nada’s lived experience as a Palestinian artist and Catherine’s work in movement, spirituality and conflict resolution, the programme offers space to engage with challenging questions while remaining grounded in community and hope.

This movement retreat is designed to be accessible to everyone. Whether you’re interested in movement and wellbeing, justice, or simply looking for a thoughtful and creative week in community, you’ll be warmly welcomed. No previous dance experience is required.

Set against the landscape of Iona, the week offers opportunities to move, reflect, learn and connect in ways that support both personal growth and collective understanding.

Meet the Programme Leaders

Nada Shawa is a Palestinian dancer and writer from Gaza. Born with Cerebral Palsy, she was schooled and treated for her condition when she came to Scotland, without her family at the age of eight. Nada was unable to return to Palestine due to the dangererous situation under the Israeli occupation. She graduated from the University of Edinburgh with an honours degree. She has been invited to perform at multiple solidarity fundraisers. Nada has performed widely dance and her own written material at multiple International arts festivals, including the Edinburgh International Festival, the Scottish International Storytelling Festival, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, and the Edinburgh International Book Festival. She explores themes of belonging, memory, and political consciousness, bringing a nuanced perspective to conversations around diaspora and cross-cultural experience.

Catherine Wright has a Ph.D in the philosophy of mind. She taught philosophy in both the USA and in Scotland. In the 1990’s she found Conscious Dance as a spiritual practice and path. Since then, she has qualified as a teacher and facilitator in Movement Medicine. She says, “The wisdom we can access through our bodies has woven itself into everything I do. In all of my work and study, my intention is to more fully understand myself and our shared humanity.” She enjoys working as a coach, mentor and supervisor of dancers, dance teachers, and OneSpirit ministers. She also works in conflict resolution. If you wish to learn more look at Catherine’s Dancer’s story here. (https://schoolofmovementmedicine.com/catherine-wrights-story)

What to expect

Each day will include a blend of movement, reflection, conversation and community life, creating space to explore both personal and collective questions about justice, connection and what it means to live well in today’s world.

Guided by Nada and Catherine, you’ll take part in accessible movement practices designed to help you connect more deeply with yourself, others and your surroundings. Alongside these sessions, there will be opportunities for discussion, storytelling and shared reflection, drawing on themes of belonging, freedom, identity and hope.

No previous dance experience is required. The focus is not on performance or technique, but on participation, curiosity and discovering what movement can teach us about ourselves and our relationships with others.

Each day follows the wider rhythm of life at the Abbey, with shared meals, worship and time to enjoy the island. There will also be space for personal reflection, quiet walks and informal conversations with fellow guests.

This UK movement retreat offers a balance of structured programme sessions and time to pause, creating a week that is thoughtful, creative and deeply rooted in community. Through exploring movement and justice and movement and wellbeing, you’ll be invited to engage both heart and mind while connecting with the unique landscape and spirit of Iona.

Key Information

Before booking, it’s helpful to know that this programme combines movement, reflection, discussion and community life throughout the week. You’ll share meals, worship and daily life with other guests while taking part in sessions designed to explore themes of justice, belonging and human connection through movement and conversation.