Question 1

What makes the Mastery Retreat different from a regular workshop?

Accepted Answer

The Mastery Retreat is a completely different experience from a traditional workshop. Instead of a single afternoon of instruction, this is an immersive, high-touch weekend designed to support your growth on every level. You’ll train in a small, intimate group, allowing for personalized coaching, deeper technique work, and guided practice with real feedback.

Beyond the dance instruction, the retreat includes thoughtfully curated sessions like breathwork, recovery, strength training, and freestyle support — plus plenty of time to rest, connect, reflect, and enjoy the atmosphere of our dedicated studio space in Midway. With catered meals, curated surprises, and a warm, community-centered environment, this retreat is designed to help you feel cared for, confident, and fully immersed in your shuffle journey.

Question 2

How intimate is the retreat experience?

Accepted Answer

The Mastery Retreat is intentionally small and deeply personal. When you come to Shanon’s home and studio, you’re treated like part of the family. We limit each retreat to a very small group so there’s plenty of space, time, and attention for everyone.

You’ll spend the weekend learning, eating, relaxing, and hanging out together — there’s no “instructor disappears backstage” energy. Shanon is fully present, fully engaged, and fully committed to giving you a warm, welcoming, connected experience.

It’s less like a formal event and more like being invited into a close-knit community that feels safe, supportive, and uplifting.

Question 3

Is there any time to relax and unwind, or is it all dance-focused?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! While the retreat is focused on improving your shuffle skills, we’ve built in plenty of downtime. You can enjoy our cozy hot tub, relax with a cold towel, and take advantage of other little moments to recharge and connect with fellow dancers.

Question 4

Will meals be provided during the retreat?

Accepted Answer

Yes! The retreat is fully catered, so all meals, snacks, and refreshments are included. You can focus on dancing and relaxing while we take care of everything else.

Question 5

What kind of extra activities are included?

Accepted Answer

In addition to dance training, the retreat includes thoughtfully curated sessions to support your whole body and mind. You’ll experience guided breathwork, a foam-rolling and fascia-release session to help with recovery, a strength class designed specifically for shufflers, and opportunities for relaxed connection with other dancers. There’s also free time to unwind, enjoy the studio and outdoor spaces, or take a dip in the hot tub. These sessions and moments are designed to elevate your weekend beyond dance, giving you a well-rounded retreat experience.

Question 6

How long is the Mastery Retreat?

Accepted Answer

The retreat runs for 2½ days. We begin on Friday at 4:00 PM with our welcome session and first training block, and we wrap up on Sunday around 4:00 PM. This schedule gives you two full days plus a rich opening evening to learn, practice, connect, and enjoy the full retreat experience without feeling rushed.

Question 7

What does a typical day at the Mastery Retreat look like?

Accepted Answer

The retreat is designed to balance structured training with rest, nourishment, and time to connect. Here’s an overview of what you can expect throughout the weekend:

Friday
 • Arrival and check-in begins at 3:00 PM with registration and a light snack.
 • Our first training block runs from 4:00–7:00 PM, where we review and practice the Foundational Five, depth moves, and directional work, with new combos and increasing tempos
 • Dinner is served at 7:00 PM, with wine or other light libations available for those who’d like to unwind and get to know the group.

Saturday
 • Breakfast begins at 7:00 AM.
 • We spend the day in guided training blocks focused on Level 3 variations and new intermediate and advanced moves, integration into freestyle, drills, and recovery sessions.
 • Lunch includes a 1.5-hour break with healthy, hearty meals designed to keep you energized without feeling heavy—perfect fuel for a day of dancing.
 • Dinner is served at 7:00 PM after a full, rewarding day of movement and learning.
Sunday
 • Breakfast begins at 7:00 AM.
 • We continue with training, practice sessions, and wrap-up work, again taking a 1.5-hour break for a nutritious lunch that supports both energy and recovery.
 • We finish at 4:00 PM with a celebratory snack and light libations as we close the weekend together.

This rhythm gives you plentiful focused training time, balanced breaks, nourishing meals, and opportunities to relax, connect, and enjoy the full retreat experience.

Question 8

Where is the retreat located?

Accepted Answer

The Mastery Retreat is held at Shanon’s private Studio 425 in Midway, Utah — a beautiful, peaceful mountain town just 45 minutes from Salt Lake City. Midway is known for its charming Swiss-inspired architecture, clean air, wide-open skies, and peaceful, scenic surroundings. It sits right next to Park City and Deer Valley, with stunning mountain views everywhere you look.

The studio is nestled in the heart of this landscape, making it the perfect setting for a grounding, inspiring retreat experience.

Question 9

What is the outdoor environment like?

Accepted Answer

Our retreat space extends far beyond the studio. Shanon’s backyard features a beautiful mountain-view pavilion, multiple fire tables and fireplaces, soothing water features, and beautifully landscaped spaces designed for relaxation and connection.

In the summer months, your meals will be served outdoors so you can enjoy the fresh mountain air. There are cozy spots to sit and chat, spaces to stretch and unwind, and even shallow water-feature pools where you can soak your feet while listening to the waterfalls. It’s peaceful, rejuvenating, and the perfect complement to a full day of dancing.

Question 10

What are the prerequisites for the Mastery Retreat?

Accepted Answer

Because the Mastery Retreat is an intermediate-level training experience, all participants must be proficient in the core shuffle fundamentals before attending. This ensures that everyone can progress together and enjoy the deeper work we do throughout the weekend.
To join the Mastery Retreat, you should be comfortable with the following:

Foundational Five Shuffle Moves (Level 1)
 • Running Man
 • Charleston
 • T-Step
 • Polly Pocket
 • Crisscross

Depth & Directional Moves (Level 2)
 • Back Step
 • Y-Steps
 • Side Charleston

Transitions & Musical Flow
 • Smooth transitions between moves
 • Ability to dance symmetrical and asymmetrical combos (up to 16 counts)
 • Comfort staying on beat and keeping a steady groove

You do not need to be perfect — but you should have enough foundation that Level 3+ coaching feels exciting rather than overwhelming.

Question 11

How can I meet the prerequisites for the Mastery Retreat?

Accepted Answer

There are several ways to build the skills you need, depending on your learning style and what support you prefer. You need to complete one of these pathways to feel fully prepared:

1. Attend the Midlife Shuffle 2-Day Level 0-1 Workshop + The Midlife Shuffle LIVE! Level 2 Depth & Directionals online course
2. Complete the Midlife Shuffle LIVE! Level 1 Foundations and Level 2 Depth & Directionals online courses
3. Work with Shanon through Private Lesson (one-on-one coaching through Level 2)
4. Request a Personal Evaluation. If you’re unsure whether you meet the prerequisites, you can schedule a 30-minute Intro Session. It’s a supportive check-in where we look at your current skills and I’ll give you clear guidance on whether you’re ready or what to practice to get there.

These pathways ensure you arrive feeling confident, capable, and ready for an amazing weekend of learning and growth.

Question 12

What airport do I fly into?

Accepted Answer

Fly into Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC). The retreat location is about 45–50 minutes from the airport depending on traffic.

Question 13

How do I get from the airport to Midway?

Accepted Answer

You have several options:

• Uber/Lyft — Approximately $80–$100 depending on time of day.
 • Rental Car — Great option if you want flexibility.
 • Local Shuttle Services — Available, but not always the fastest option (recommended only if needed).

Most participants use a rideshare or rent a car.

Question 14

Are accommodations included in the retreat price?

Accepted Answer

No — accommodations are not included, but there are several excellent places to stay nearby.

Question 15

Where should I stay?

Accepted Answer

Here are the best lodging options, from closest/highest-end to most budget-friendly:

Premium Resorts (5 minutes away):
 • Homestead Resort — Newly renovated, charming, and super close.
 • Zermatt Resort — Swiss-inspired resort with great amenities.

Mid-Range Hotels in Heber City (10 minutes away):
 • Best Western Plus Heber Valley
 • Holiday Inn Express Heber City

Budget-Friendly Options
 • Airbnbs throughout Midway and Heber Valley — Everything from condos to full homes. There are tons of great options.

Question 16

What should I bring with me to the retreat?

Accepted Answer

Just bring yourself, comfortable dance attire, and any personal items you need. We’ll handle the rest, including meals, sessions, and all those special touches to make you feel right at home.

Question 17

What if I have dietary needs or food restrictions?

Accepted Answer

We want every dancer to feel completely taken care of. Before the retreat, you’ll receive a short preference form where you can share any dietary needs, allergies, or restrictions. Our meals are planned to be fresh, healthy, and nourishing, and we’re happy to accommodate dietary preferences whenever possible.