Retreats with In the Wings

Flourish: A Retreat for Aerial Creation and Expansion

Umbria, Italy

What to Expect
Set in the heart of Umbria, Italy, Flourish is our very first aerial retreat—created for artists who want to expand their practice and immerse themselves in the art of creation. Surrounded by olive groves, vineyards, and rolling hills, this week-long experience offers the space to slow down, reconnect, and let your artistry grow.

Over the course of the week, you’ll balance technical training with creative exploration, guided by experienced instructors in a supportive and playful environment.

• With Leah: Explore the spaces between tricks—studying transitions, pathways, tension, and balance. Leah will help you discover why certain movements feel effortless, experiment with unconventional routes, and refine your artistry through wraps, grips, and flow.

• With Fallon: Step into choreography, creation, and improvisation. Through structured exercises, games, and playful exploration, Fallon will guide you in finding inspiration, building creative problem-solving skills, and bringing personal expression to your aerial work.

Like the branches of a tree, Flourish offers many pathways for growth. Whether you want to:

• Deepen your technical foundation

• Expand your creative expression

• Or begin developing a personal piece

…you’ll leave with fresh ideas, new tools, and a stronger connection to your artistry—and to a community of aerialists who are on the journey with you.

Fallon Voorheis-Mathews

Fallon is the founder and artistic director of In the Wings. Born and raised in Colorado, she has been moving since childhood—first through gymnastics and dance, and later through the discovery of aerial dance. After injuries shifted her path away from gymnastics, she studied dance under Tony Coppola at Mesa State College and was introduced to aerial in 2010. She instantly fell in love with the art form as it combined her love of acrobatics and dance.

She began her training at Frequent Flyers as a member of the apprentice company and went on to spend six years with Iluminar Aerial, where she wore many hats including Assistant Director. In 2018, Fallon launched In the Wings with a mission to build community through aerial dance. The debut production, Divine: A Celebration of Women, premiered on International Women’s Day and was followed by multiple productions, including virtual shows during the pandemic that highlighted connection and shared creativity.

Fallon has studied with artists and companies across the U.S. and abroad, including Tanya Burka, Annabelle D’Artois, Daniel Sullivan, Ukoiya Mastin, Elsie Smith, TSNY-LA, Fly Mile High, Hanne Coeckelberghs, Justine Arden, and most recently Rachel Strickland.

Teaching aerial since 2012, Fallon’s favorite part of coaching is helping students find their own voice in the air. “How can we make you look like you and not anyone else? That’s where it gets interesting.” Her workshops center on creativity, exploration, and self-expression as much as technique.

Outside the studio, Fallon works as a GI nurse, sneaks away to Paris whenever possible, and enjoys French Bulldog and Cane Corso cuddles (and drool), plus murder mystery nights with friends.

Leah Grandstaff (aka LeahTard Wedgie)

Leah began pushing her boundaries and exploring strength and grace through aerial acrobatics in 2013. Discovering herself through this modality inspired her to share this movement art with others. Leah completed her first teacher training through Aircats in Boulder, CO in 2016 & continues to develop professionally with trainings, mentorships, & intensives. Her teaching philosophy is founded upon the conceptual understanding of aerial movement as well as encouraging her students to identify strengths, challenge limitations & have fun in their journeys. She teaches aerial classes at Aerial Cirque over Denver, Gravity Aerial Arts, Aircat Aerial Arts, & offers private lessons at LeahTard’s Creative Sanctuary in RiNo. She has been a cast member of the Phantom Circus since 2016 & In the Wings aerial dance company since 2020! Leah specializes in fabric & duo-trapeze, but also enjoys exploring sling, lyra, & dance trapeze. Leah spends her free time catching sunsets, spending time with her son & daughter, & enjoying palate-pleasing food!

About Oasi Sorgente

Our retreat home, Oasi Sorgente, is a peaceful oasis in the rolling hills of Umbria, Italy. The name itself means “source” or “spring”, and the space lives up to that promise—a place where creativity, inspiration, and connection flow with ease.

Tucked among olive groves and vineyards, Oasi Sorgente offers a breathtaking natural setting that feels both grounding and expansive. Each day begins and ends surrounded by sweeping views of the Umbrian countryside, with golden sunsets and quiet starlit nights. The property is designed to nurture both body and spirit, with cozy accommodations, a private aerial studio, and communal spaces that invite rest, laughter, and meaningful connection.

Meals are prepared from fresh, locally sourced ingredients, often featuring flavors unique to the region. Whether gathered around the table for a shared dinner, journaling in the garden, or taking a reflective walk through the grounds, you’ll find that Oasi Sorgente creates the perfect balance of retreat and home.

This beautiful space is more than just a backdrop—it’s part of the experience. Oasi Sorgente holds space for you to slow down, recharge, and immerse yourself fully in the process of creation and expansion.

Super Early Bird – €1,550 / $1,850 USD
Available until January 15, 2026

Early Bird – €1,650 / $1,950 USD
January 16 – March 15, 2026

Standard – €1,800 / $2,150 USD
March 16 – April 30, 2026

Final Call – €2,000 / $2,350 USD
May 1, 2026 onward

Payment Options

• Pay in full: Receive €50 / $50 off

• 2 payments: €500 / $500 deposit + remaining balance due by April 15, 2026

• 3 payments:

  • €500 / $500 deposit

  • 50% of remaining balance due by March 15, 2026

  • Final balance due by April 30, 2026