By Ericka Bailey
You don’t need to travel to some far-away galaxy to begin your training.
The Force Wielder’s Academy is right here in Pagosa Springs, at the Uptown Dance Academy — with an introductory workshop on Friday, October 16.
The journey of the Force Wielders began long ago, in a distant age when ancient teachings and extraordinary abilities were woven into the way people understood the world. Among them were the Vectari, an ancient group who developed a unique discipline built around physical skill, awareness and the connection between mind and body.
A Different Kind of Training
That journey comes to life with a one-night, 90-minute workshop for anyone curious about trying something completely different.
You don’t have to be a dancer, martial artist or athlete. You don’t need to know the story. You just need to be willing to try something new.
The academy draws inspiration from distant galaxies and fantastical worlds — places filled with ancient teachings, mysterious orders and extraordinary abilities that make us wonder what might truly be possible.
We will explore elements of the Force through the flowing movements of Tai Chi, the balance and awareness of yoga, the power and coordination of kickboxing, the creativity of dance and the instinctive responses of defensive movement, and begin to discover the power of the vector: direction, intensity and the forces that shape our movement.
Along the journey, you’ll have the opportunity to wield an adjustable-length starter training saber, exploring coordination, control, precision and defensive movement as you begin to discover your own way of wielding the Force. You don’t need to own one or bring one — we’ll have them ready for the journey.
But this isn’t about learning to fight. It’s about learning to respond with intention, react to what’s around you, and discover what your body can do when your mind and body work together.
Finding Your Own Path
And when you step into the academy, I’ll be there to guide you through it. I’m Master Ericka, founder of Force Wielder’s Academy.
The workshop is designed for everyone — from young explorers taking their first steps into the world of the Force, to teens seeking a new challenge, to adults ready to discover something they never knew they could do. Each person can find their own level of challenge.
Different bodies. Different paths. Same force.
That’s where the Three Difficulty Dials come in. Instead of separating people by age or ability, each activity can be adjusted through Complexity, Intensity and Precision. You can make a challenge simpler or more complex, gentler or more powerful, basic or highly precise — so everyone can find the level that works for them.
Some people may discover their strength. Others may find the joy of slowing down and developing precision. Some may surprise themselves with what they can do.
This is your opportunity to step outside the ordinary, try something new and discover your own way of wielding the Force.
The adventure begins here in Pagosa Springs, with Force Wielder’s Academy — One-Night Introductory Workshop
Friday, October 16, 6:15–7:4pm
Uptown Dance Collective
543 Navajo Trail Drive, #D2
$25 per student
Limited space available. Contact Ericka at erickabbailey@gmail.com