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 , train , and capture your
in Portugal's southern coast
smarter
MOVEMENT ARTISTRY
higher
- the Algarve.
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"π€
Refine your drills, skills, and sequences for both Hammock and Lyra. Explore concepts that prime you for a remarkable speacialty apparatus, hammoop, where we will put both disciplines together 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
Aerial training. Accomodation. Catering. Bespoke 60sec. aerial film mini with Lexis on set for guidance, support, or both. Professional photo + video footage of the week (group shots during the retreat are included; individual shoot time may be purchased separately. Multiple locations available for lifestyle, branding, or boudoir sets.)
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
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.
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 β 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, Iβve loved nothing more than preparing delicious meals for big groups of people. In recent years, Iβve delved more into nutrition and how different foods affect us β on both physical and mental levels. Itβs 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.
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:
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. Thereβs so many *shapertunities* to explore here!
Lessons are taught to skill level, but will also touch on a few prerequisite skills. Think drops on hammock and spanset shapes on Lyra.
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.
a surprise guest - tba
Lexis Potter
Stanley Franzke
Lindsey Franzke
Train, play, and explore with your co-hosts --
the weird, wise, and wanderlust-y βΊ
Meet the Mentors
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 Lexis...
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-youβll-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 Artistβs 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.
It's NOT for you if:
This trip IS for you if:
CREATIVE PRACTICES
Plus much more!
PERFORMANCE
PREPARATION
SEQUENCING + Styling
LYRA/HAMMOCK
SKILLS + DRILLS
Depth + detail in a fun and digestible way.
What We're Covering
$3,900+
Single Rooms or the fairy garden cottage
Private
$3,100
two spots left
Shared Room
$3,400
Four spots gone
Shared w/ Ensuite
ONLY $500 DEPOSIT TO SECURE YOUR SPOT β (non-refundable)
OR, join the waitlist to choose a single room.
First come, first serve.
Exclusive Communityββββββββββββββ 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! (Valued at $1300)
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 β vibey villa with all the fixins so you can focus on the training, transformation, AND chill that you are looking for.
Total Value $3,750
That's literally an option
4K version of your performed retreat recap video. This video shoot includes up to 60 min of video shoot time as well as BTS. We'll work as a team to co-create 3 unique run-throughs of your chosen sequence until we all feel it with a full body YES. This gives us variation to play with different angles, camera positions, and weave in that sexy slow motion.
($2550 value)
Your 1-min film will also be split into smaller, shareable reel clips. Tease your trip and share the behind the scenes- vertically formatted for socials.
($300 value)
A professional photoshoot mini session (30 min) with Lexis on hand to support or assist as needed. Choose up to 20 edited + retouched images.
($900 value)
Upgrades your complementary media package with CATWALK's signature βRetreat Runway", perfect to enhance your aerial portfolio, get more eyes on your personal brand or studio, and position yourself for higher paying gigs.
(Total Value: $3,750)
RETREAT RUNWAY
vip upgrade
Speaking of the Retreat Runway, each aerialist will receive professionally edited, documentary style photography and video clips 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.
*we get handsy if needed*
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 donβt 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 donβt 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?
don't worry, we have the answers!
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
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.
You will receive 10x 10sec clips OR 20x 5sec clips, 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.
$950
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
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!
Are you DTF?! Down to FLY, ya silly.
ENROLL NOW WITH A $500 DEPOSIT β (non-refundable) and select any upgrade(s) upon checkout.
Other retreat guests pay: $2,550
$3,900+
Single Rooms or the fairy garden cottage
Private
$3,100
two spots left
Shared Room
$3,400
Four spots gone
Shared w/ Ensuite
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!
Showit Website Builder
Lindsey Franzke
Stanley Franzke
Ethan Crawford
House of Honey
Sand Studio Design β Brand Direction
Lindsey Franzke β Site Customization
Northfolk β Site Assets
I am honored to have worked with a talented team of creatives to build our online home.