Camp Dan + Mountain Pole Camp = A Dreamy Retreat I Didn’t Know I Needed
I just got back from Camp Dan 3.0, and honestly? It was everything I didn’t know I was craving. Pole dancing in the mountains, staying in a luxe spa hotel, eating beautifully prepared meals, and spending time with some of the kindest, most talented people in the community. Total reset for the body and soul.
What made it extra special is that Camp Dan is part of Mountain Pole Camp—a retreat series created by Jasmin that brings together movement, rest, and connection in one of the most gorgeous parts of Austria.
So what is Mountain Pole Camp?
Think: a boutique pole retreat where everything is intentional. The location, the pace, the people. Each camp is a little different depending on the featured guest instructor, and this time it was all about the fabulous Dan Rosen.
The vibe? Relaxed, empowering, and fun as hell. You can push yourself in workshops, but you also get plenty of time to rest, float in the spa, or just sip tea and take it all in. It’s not just about training—it’s about being.
Camp Dan 3.0 – All Sass, Strength & Support
Dan brought such a joyful, welcoming energy to the retreat. His workshops were packed with creative combos, floor rolls, heels sequences, and confidence-boosting tricks. He has a way of making everyone feel celebrated—no matter your level or style.
The schedule was so well-paced, too. No back-to-back burnouts. You could choose what felt good for your body and still have time to breathe (and eat… more on that below).
Hotel Valavier – Luxury in the Alps
We stayed at Hotel Valavier, and wow—this place is stunning. It’s a four-star wellness hotel in the heart of Brand, Austria, with panoramic mountain views, a dreamy spa, and everything you need under one roof.
You could literally walk from your room to the pole studio, the spa, the pool, or the dining room in minutes. There were saunas, steam rooms, a heated outdoor pool, sun terraces, and cozy corners to just rest and reset.
The Food: Gourmet, Inclusive, and Delicious
One of the things that really stood out was how thoughtful the food experience was. Every meal felt like it was made with care, and the staff went out of their way to accommodate all dietary needs—whether you were vegan, gluten-free, or had any other preference.
- Breakfast: Big and nourishing, with plenty of options to fuel your day.
- Lunch: Light but satisfying—just right between workshops.
- Dinner: The star of the show. Every evening felt like a gourmet experience with beautifully plated dishes and full-on restaurant vibes.
- Cake buffet: Okay yes, there was cake in the afternoons—and it was great.
- Dessert buffet night: One night, we were treated to a full dessert spread that felt straight out of a magazine. It was… dangerous (in the best way).
The Workshops: A Little Bit of Everything
Camp Dan offered such a beautiful mix of instructors and styles. Whether you were into exotic flow, dynamic tricks, grounded movement, or flexibility, there was something for you.
Some of my favorite moments:
- Getting playful and powerful in Dan’s “Heels Tricks & Sequences”
- Flowing like honey in Kheanna’s floorwork choreo
- Expanding my bendy range with Athena’s splits and backbends
- Flying (or trying to!) in Mischka’s flip-heavy sessions
- Learning juicy, grounded transitions from Danaerial
You could go hard, or just pick what called to you. No pressure, just possibilities.
Who Is This For?
If you:
- Want to train with world-class instructors in an intimate setting
- Crave a pole retreat that actually gives you time to rest
- Love a little luxury and a lot of movement
- Are looking to connect with kind, inspiring humans…this is for you.
It doesn’t matter if you’re new to pole or have years under your belt. Mountain Pole Camp is truly for every kind of dancer.
Final Thoughts
This retreat was a full-body exhale. I came home feeling stronger, softer, more inspired, and so grateful to have experienced this kind of magic.
Camp Dan introduced me to the beautiful world of Mountain Pole Camp, and now I totally get the hype. It’s not just a pole camp—it’s an experience that feeds your movement, your heart, and your spirit.
A quick heads up: Camp Dan at Mountain Pole is only open for registration to Dan’s Pole Destroyers—his online students. And yes, I happily pay $40 a month just to be part of it and get early access to his retreats. Totally worth it.
BUT! If you’re not in Dan’s group, don’t worry—you can still experience the magic. Mountain Pole Camp hosts other retreats throughout the year, each with different instructors and themes. You can sign up for their emailing list (or follow Mountain Pole Camp on IG) to be the first to know when a new retreat drops. I have a feeling you’re going to want to be on that list.
So if you’re thinking of going: this is your sign. Treat yourself—you deserve it.