portugal | August 30 - September 6, 2025
The Creative Aerialist's Retreat of 2025 - and footage to capture it forever
The Creative Aerialist's Retreat of 2025 - and the footage that captures it forever
ESCAPE ARTIST
PRESENTS
Skills, drill, + sequences with Lyra and aerial hammock. Then experience the merging of both worlds with HAMMOOP. PLUS a pre-trip Q+A sesh and a killer community chock full of collaboration.
Join us for AN UNFORGETTABLE AERIAL RETREAT FEATURING A BLEND OF movement training, portfolio playtime, + nourishing downtime.
Join us for AN UNFORGETTABLE AERIAL RETREAT FEATURING A BALANCED BLEND OF movement training, nourishing downtime, + portfolio playtime.
Fly higher, train smarter, and capture your aerial artistry in Portugal's southern coast-the Algarve.
Fly , train , and capture your
in Portugal's southern coast
smarter
MOVEMENT ARTISTRY
higher
- the Algarve.
Escape the Ordinary
Pro photos, videos, + a custom mini film of your go-to aerial flow
Depth + downtime with other down AF movement mavens (or solo time!)
Master new skills on Lyra + Hammock, pro rigged in an unreal location
Hang + train with top coaches + creatives in a stunning natural setting
Not just training. It's transformation.
Hosted by Potter sisters Lexis and Lindsey, Escape Artist Aerial Retreat provides structured aerial training, creative exploration, and unlimited tips from our team who you'll have unique access to: a filmmaker, photographers, an aerialist retreat host (!!) and much more.
Train Play in Portugal. Move like neva eva before.
Walk away with a Mini Masterpiece-
your aerial CATWALK, encapsulated.
NOT a TRAINCATION where you leave in a whirlwind of overwhelm, burnout, AND without even a damn photo to show for it
If you've been putting off that *get my passport* task, it's time to prioritize it bc...
PORTUGAL IS CALLING.
"I am for realllll"🎤
Refine your drills, skills, and sequences with groundwork and aerials (Hammock and Lyra). Explore concepts that prime you for a remarkable speacialty apparatus, hammoop, where we'll combine everything to explore a unique channel of artistic expression.
From the technical tidbits to creative capacities, we will be covering it all - posing, styling and sequencing to complementary PT and prep work.
Education
Accomodation. Catering. Aerial training with Lexis Potter. Embodiment workshops with Argie Mitra. Portfolio play day to co-create a bespoke aerial mini-film min with Lindsey Franzke. Professional photos of the week (BTS group photos; additional session time, HMU, and additional locations may be purchased separately- limited availability.) Option to volunteer walk shelter dogs and explore the local communities! Giftbag with local goodies and more!
Inclusions
$3100 USD Aerial Ticket Starting Price
$2250 | Spouse or Plus One (does NOT include the training, education, or aerial videoshoot experience)
Price
Location
Aug 31 - Sept 6, 2025
Date
The Details
* photo belongs to house of honey
Brittani
"Experimenting with Aerial Arts has pushed me to do things past my mind's limitations. I've never felt more beautiful in my life when my art came together in video form. Work with Lindsey and Lexis if you're ready to step into the spotlight and have your confidence FLYING. Investing in the CATWALK Experience completely transformed how I show up with my clients! 10/10 recommend"
Professional Dancer/Trainer, + Entreprenuer
Here is what you are going to get
Included...
Luxurious linens, on-site assistance, unique nooks and crannies which double as chill spaces or STUNNING photo backdrops, ensuite bathrooms on all bedrooms except for one. Although it's hardly an issue - the bathroom right next to your room.
Dine al fresca on the large terrace as you take in the sprawling views in serene privacy.
The large kitchen and dining areas are perfect for spending time together. There's also large living spaces - with so much room, each person can also easily find their own little slice of paradise at the House of Honey!
5 bedroom villa located just above the aerial studio - you could almost roll out of bed and into class if you wanted.
WOW factors +
features of the property:
WOW factors + features of the property:
Immerse yourself in pure luxury at Quinta do Verao. Enjoy the tranquility of the mature garden with 500 year old olive trees and birdsong every morning. This villa comes with absolutely everything you need, including access to the salt jacuzzi and crystal clear pool overlooking the sea in the distance.
ACCOMODATION (IN A LUX VILLA, YALL)
This stunning seaside villa is owned and operated by Meredith, an aerial silks teacher, choreographer, and performer. Meredith is a joy to be around and a treasure trove of knowledge - it's an honor to be able to share space together.
Inspired by the incredible work of honey bees who use the hexagon for their comb, her husband Reuven designed a stunning 6-sided structure that could accommodate 13 aerial points.
Aerialist Owned Retreat Center
The main villa is equally as charming as the woman who owns + operates it, reminiscent of the typical houses on the souvenir postcards. The large stone patio and bougainvillea trees provide an outdoor dining space, inspired by the calm of the countryside. The silence that emanates from the place is interrupted only by the soft sound of the wind and the singing of local birds.
Get ready for your eyes to turn to big hearts when you see the rig set up. I'll just leave it at that. She's a marvel.
The Villa
The retreat price is based on twin share occupancy + rooms are first come first serve. In the checkout process, you'll be able to make any notes about preferred roommates, food allergies, etc.
If you're a light sleeper, please bring earplugs jic you room with a snorer. Alternatively, if you understand this could be a concern for you, you have the option to upgrade to single occupancy.
The Rooms
delicious meals that are prepared especially with athletes in mind – high protein, plenty of carbohydrates, and low sugar. You'll be treated to wonderfully tasting dishes and healthy snacks throughout the day. We also cater to all dietary needs, including vegan, keto, carnivore and everything between. No one ever goes hungry at the House of Honey :)
locally sourced food with colors and flavors that will give you little heart eyes on the daily. Because of its crucial importance in our lives, food is a central part of the retreat center too. We focus on preparing meals that are not only healthy and nutritious, but that will also help you train at a higher level. Our caterers plan meals that help build muscle and avoid inflammation.
Here you'll enjoy:
The following excerpt is straight from Meredith's House of Honey's Sample Menu: One of my great passions in life is food. Ever since I learned to cook in France in my early twenties, I’ve loved nothing more than preparing delicious meals for big groups of people. In recent years, I’ve delved more into nutrition and how different foods affect us – on both physical and mental levels. It’s clear that nutrition is a key element in proper training regimes. Every coach out there today will tell you that eating right will make a difference in your strength, focus, motivation and even inflammation.
Curated catering
pre-flight check in call for last minute q's
-optional + online (date tbd)
learning on vacay (+ leaving with new skills + stories) - quick overview below
fire flow show with q+a
portfolio Play day, our own retreat runway
pool party + jacuzzi hangs
free time to explore lagos, yoga on the beach, or take alllll the siestas you wish
complementary portraits when you volunteer dog walk at the local shelter (optional)
Professional group photography + video clips
daily aerial training + movement workshops
airport transfer (2 options for aug 30)
Yep. This is all included:
amenities + other gimmies
Flares 101
A 2-in-1 combo apparatus blending Hammock + Lyra skills together in a fresh, new way. The hammock provides more stability to the Lyra (no more unexpected sliding spanset) as well as a bit more comfort than a typical spanset has to offer. There’s so many *shapertunities* to explore here! Taught to skill level, but we'll also touch on a few prereq skills. Think drops on hammock and spanset shapes on Lyra.
hammoop- there it is!
aerial hammock essentials
Our retreat will begin each day with Lyra, where we will dive into fun and fluid sequences, incorprorating prerequisite skills and shapes to enhance your flow and confidence with HAMMOOP.
Whether you're refining technique or expanding your movement vocabulary, we will support (and challenge) you at every step.
With Hammock we will work on foundational drops, wraps, and rolls- developing technique and body awareness that will directly translate to HAMMOOP.
We'll also introduce foundational + playful sequences designed to highlight movement pathways you'll encounter again. A strong grasp of these skills will be essential for progressing smoothly into the next phase of training.
In this bonus workshop, we will explore the basics of flares and spinning as a foundation for ease and style in your movement.
This workshop will be done on both hammock and Lyra. The perfect prep for your video debut.
lyra, lifts, and layouts
What you'll learn
CREATIVE WORKSHOPS WITH ARGIE
Sway & Surrender: Guided self-exploration of sensual embodiment through gentle yoga and floor dance.
Make Them Watch: Confidence boosting exercises to work on authenticity, musicality, and ways to frame your skills for performances.
Lexis Potter
Stanley Franzke
Argie Mitra
Train, play, and explore with your co-hosts --
the weird, wise, and wanderlust-y ☺
Meet the Mentors
Lindsey Franzke
Then her sister, Lindsey will help you settle into the spotlight.
Lexis Potter is the Lead Coach and Client Relationship Manager of CATWALK. She's a beloved aerial coach at Ancient City Aerial Arts in St. Augustine, Florida. She also assists with choreography and even dabbles in performance make-up. She has been working with aerialists for over 8 years and has personally mentored more than 50 aerial artists age 6-80+.
"My calling is to ignite curiosity and exploration in aerial arts. With the right support, we are all capable of the extraordinary- I'm here to guide, challenge, and uplift you on that journey."
- straight from the Lazy B'Acre herself.
IYKYK
The aerial coach who's a lil' crunchy, technical while still being relatable AF, and damn good at coaxing your inner artist out to play.
A little about your Hostesses...
Lexis will get ya feeling SOLID (or Sexy!) in your sequencing
"My vision as an Escape Artist myself is to gift creatives with the blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moments from their week on retreat, immortalized through nostalgic, cinematic motion + stills from their filmmaker who ended up a travel friend."
TIP: the imagery you see throughout is lindsey's work unless otherwise noted (with an asterisk*)
As Escape Artist’s visual storyteller, Lindsey Franzke ensures that each aerialist leaves with their favorite sequence or skill captured and beautifully preserved. Your moment in the spotlight can be used as marketing material if you're a performing or teaching artist OR a personal storytelling moment that turns your retreat into a personal heirloom- either way, you'll receive a bespoke visual masterpiece.
Yoga Teacher + Aerial Coach
ANDREA
"Lexis is a standout instructor because she possesses the ability to understand all of the subtleties and nuances of complicated aerial techniques as well as the ability to break them down to digestible bites for students of all levels, abilities, and ages."
You're seeking a budget accomodation and don't need the premium shoot experience. Or you're just plain not ready to take this step. And that's OK.
You place more emphasis on WINNING or you're bitter if you 'fail'. This trip is focused + intentional yet laid back + playful.
You need the hustle and bustle of a full on traincation to keep you stimulated and engaged. There's loads of those out there- but that's not us.
You're not interested in aerial arts...OR prefer a retreat with MORE or perhaps withOUT structured movement sessions (we will be training 5 days that week!).
It's NOT for you if:
You're jazzed to add high production value into your portfolio, including candid photography and bespoke mini films of your aerial artistry.
You value community over competition, play well with others, and don't take yourself too seriously all the time.
You're craving personalized instruction from mentors who GET IT, focusing on skill building in a supportive yet relaxed environment.
You're an aerial hoop or hammock enthusiast eager to refine your skills and explore innovative apparatus combinations like HAMMOOP in new landscapes.
This trip IS for you if:
LOCAL IMMERSION
Plus much more!
PERFORMANCE
PREPARATION
SEQUENCING + Styling
LYRA/HAMMOCK
SKILLS + DRILLS
Depth + detail in a fun and digestible way.
What We're Covering
you belong here
$3,900+
SOLD OUT
Private
$3,100
SOLD OUT
Shared Room
$3,400
sold out
Double Room w/ Bathroom
ONLY $750 DEPOSIT TO SECURE YOUR SPOT — (non-refundable)
OR, join the waitlist to choose a private room.
The last day to book is July 1, 2025.
Exclusive Community The best part of this entire trip are the community vibes that comes with it. Learn and collaborate with like minded people that face the same struggles and obstacles that you do. Plus ask anything you can think of relating to the trip or your practice. We are here for you. (Priceless!)
Discounts on upgraded media packages for coaches, studio owners, and performers ready to position yourself for higher paying gigs or more dynamic marketing.
Custom Mini Film to recap, reinforce, and celebrate what you've learned during our time in paradise together. Portfolio Play Date- we can't even wait! (Value: $950+)
Professional Documentary Style Photography + Video to share on socials, use in your aerial brand/biz, and most importantly, reflect back on our time together for years to come (Priceless!)
Local Culture + Initiatives like this fan favorite: Volunteer Dog Walking! This hike along with locals, expats, and other tourists is optional, and FYI, it comes with free lifestyle portraits during the event (to be shared on the shelter's IG/web)! Feel good while doing good for the local community.
Delicious, locally sourced meals designed specifically for aerialists and muscle recovery. DTF- down to figure out whatever restrictions or allergies you're working with.
15+ hours of Aerial Training by Lexis Potter in a unique outdoor aerial studio you'll be dreaming of until the next time. OMG outdoor aerial hammock, lyra, and hammoop.
1 week in Portugal's stunning coastal region — vibey villa with all the fixins so you can focus on the training, transformation, AND chill that you are looking for.
Speaking of the Retreat Runway, each aerialist will receive professionally edited, documentary style photography from our group lessons + activities.
This unique offering is meant to help build content for your personal, creative, or professional promotion and marketing.
We all need it, yet we've been on that *strugglebus* with finding the right time and place to create it. This is your shot to get high quality, candid imagery- "day in the life" style, with your new aerial family.
Peep the CATWALK photography portfolio or YouTube channel.
You pack the grip, we'll handle the glam ☺
You'll be busy training, yapping, and relaxing- so let us help you in making memories you won't be able to forget if you tried! ;)
Complementary with your ticket, you'll have the option to reserve a 15 min. time slot for your very own mini film session. This places your art + expression front and center- just choose your fave sequence (or you can always free flow in the moment) and show up warm!
Step into the spotlight and be supported by our lean production team to produce a mini masterpiece of YOU.
Receive one professionally filmed, edited, and color-graded film mini of your 'retreat recap' or go-to sequence (up to 60s).
To customize your video to individual taste and use case, we'll be sending a form beforehand which must be completed by Aug. 1.
This is 1-frame / 1-sequence / no audio piece that you can use to spice up your aerial portfolio, share on socials with any audio you like, or highlight it on your website. This custom piece will be formatted and edited based on your styling and preferences.
If you are in the professional aerial/studio owner space,
GREAT NEWS!
Your attendance at the Escape Artist Retreat ensures you have a commercial license on all media you receive and can share them in a professional/marketing capacity (on web + socials).
Welcome to
the aerial CATWALK!
*we get handsy if needed*
It doesn't have to mean you need to master performance make-up.
It doesn't have to mean you need a locked + loaded choreo plan.
And it certainly doesn't have to mean you're going to "feel ready."
Imagine showcasing YOUR ART in a way that feels meaningful to YOU.
Celebrate a WOW week away with a personal heirloom video, use it to enhance your professional aerial portfolio -or start one with that something special.
UPGRADES AVAILABLE: For posed photos, video revisions, and other individual photo/video packages at special retreat prices, please get in touch or see the additional packages below.
We can also coordinate local hair and make-up artists if desired (must be mentioned by retreat booking deadline of July 1 to ensure coverage- it can get VERY booked and busy in the Algarve.
This is a standout feature but
What's our styling and color story? Please see the latest CATWALK production below.
The deposit is non-refundable.
Cancellation before April 1: 50% refund.
Cancellation after April 1: no refund.
No. We recommend flying into Faro Airport + taking the provided airport transfer. Another option: fly into Lisbon and take a train or bus down to the Algarve. If you need any help with this, we are here. We also offer a Pre-Flight check in call for lingering departure Qs.
Are flights included?
What is the cancellation policy?
Yes! You can join as a beginner aerialist. Although int/adv aerialists will get the most benefit from this particular structure, we are experienced with beginners. Come on witchya.
Can I join as a beginner?
Yes, you are able to join the retreat later, but we recommend to join us at the first day for the best experience. We don’t give discounts for joining us later.
Could I join the retreat later?
Yes! We aim to provide each guest with a full + happy belly. Please let us know what that is in the intake when you checkout.
Do you cater to special dietary requirements?
Check in starts at 5pm on August 30, 2025.
Check out is by 10am on September 6, 2025
What time is check-in and check-out?
No, although we'd love to teach you to fly we also have options for guests who don’t want to participate in aerial lessons (this is only available as a plus one ticket and must be booked with an aerialist with the private room option. You can add this when you check-out). Our schedule gives you the opportunity to choose what you wish to do in the given moment. Listening to what your body + minds needs. This could be strolling the beach or quaint streets of Lagos, reading in the garden, booking a surf lesson, having a swim or receiving a massage. All activities are optional, this can be your get-away too.
Do I HAVE to be an aerialist to join the retreat?
We're here to help! Please get in touch if you need additional guidance.
You Might have Some questions
Bring your mom, lover, or bestie! If you're down to bunk with them for the week, then consider them part of our little catwalk crew. If you're interested in bringing a plus one, please choose a Private Room and add your plus-one to the cart during check-out.
PLEASE NOTE: plus one tix include everything mentioned above EXCEPT FOR AERIAL LESSONS + PROFESSIONAL VIDEO SHOOT.
$2,250
Plus one Ticket
*payment possible in advance or on location for certain upgrades
Add Ons + upgrades
Strut your stuff with us for CATWALK's Vacation Edit Sessions. These experiences are only available at this special price on retreat.
You will receive 3-5 professionally edited and retouched images (with print release + commercial license). Each additional image after 5 is $15 (normally $35). Peep the CATWALK photo portfolio.
$250
portfoLio spriNt
Get your content squared away with the ultimate backdrop. Only available at this special price on retreat.
A month of gorg clips showcasing your art, story, and vibe- shot on a cinema camera, professionally color-graded + formatted for reels. Thoughtfully created with an intentional shot list, these clips are perfect to use on socials + web (commercial license included in each purchase!). Additional clips may be purchased if desired.
$1550
sociAl spriNt | reels
Franklin will have you transporting to another dimension entirely. His energy is calming and grounding while his hands will melt you like butter. He is my (Lindsey) personal in house masseuse and I can hardly wait for you to experience this level of relaxation at your own home away from home.
$69
60 min massage - oN sitE
Total Value $3,750+
That's literally an option
4K upgrade of your complementary film mini. This upgrade means we get up to an hour to play with, filming multiple run-throughs for variation in focal lengths, etc. The edit will be color-graded with the option to include titles and credits, plus you can choose to showcase B-ROLL from the retreat within your edit. (For the full video experience with pre-production, advanced edits, audio licensing, and more, packages start at $5k.)
A REELS mini session (60 min) with Lexis on hand to support or cheer you on. Choose up to 15x video clips (like a photoshoot but in video format) to showcase poses or venture into lifestyle and BTS clips to connect deeper with your community. $1550 value by itself!
Preproduction Planning + Strategy to customize the footage to your style or current intentions (form)
Upgrade your complementary media package with CATWALK's signature Day in The Life style video mini session, perfect to enhance your aerial portfolio, get more eyes on your personal brand or studio, and/or position yourself for higher paying gigs. Don't care about this biz stuff? Here's your chance to capture an unforgettable heirloom - a lil doc of your unique experience at The House of Honey! Try asking ChatGPT for something like that ;) (Total Value: $3,750)
have you been meaning to update your aerial portfolio or skillreel? What if you could do that in paradise...wait
RETREAT RUNWAY
vip upgrade
HANG WITH US AT THE HOUSE OF HONEY - THE ONLY AERIAL STUDIO OF ITS KIND IN THE WORLD(!!!)
One last thing.
You fly with us? Transparently, you're about to embark on the first iteration of Escape Artist, Algarve.
This aerial retreat is something we have dreamt of for a long time. It's finally coming to life with all the love and care we imagine preparing for a newborn is like -this is like, a huge deal for us. So we thought we'd take some time to sit down and really let you know what it's all about. A trip is a big decision afterall, and we don't take that lightly.
Check it out, Escape Artist is a specialized aerial retreat designed for performers who want to elevate their skills and capture professional video content in a stunning location. Whether you're a professional aerialist looking for connection + content, celebrating your first aerial birthday milestone, or refining your craft to take it from wallflower to WOAH BABY, we know you'll appreciate the expert coaching, top-tier rigging, aerial community that feels like family, food with colors that POP, breathtaking coastal backdrops and SO MUCH MORE!
Oh, we are beyond stoked to have you (potentially) join us!
We will be dropping into your inbox as soon as we can. chat soon!
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Lindsey Franzke
Stanley Franzke
Ethan Crawford
House of Honey
PHOTOGRAPHY
COPYWRITING
DESIGN
I am honored to have worked with a talented team of creatives to build our online home.