Isaac Ouro-Gnao's Pro Class - Africana Somatic Movement
24 November, 2 December
These workshops focus on Africana Contemporary dance practices that unlock and connect the body-mind-spirit. Through somatic exercises focused on breathwork and movement exercises drawing from hip hop, contemporary, and Acogny techniques influenced from Isaac’s work with Alesandra Seutin, the workshop explores ways to notice and positively respond to your inner self, (co)regulate, and build embodied confidence as practitioners.
The workshop begins with sensory scans of the body and its environment. Once this awareness is felt through grounding, movement practices are introduced to explore responding to internal sensations. I draw from my ongoing training in somatic trauma therapy and mental health research to hold space and navigate these sensations.
Expect a gentle approach that grows into playful, rhythmic, and collective improvisation.
Isaac's bio:
Isaac Ouro-Gnao is a Togolese-British multidisciplinary artist, somatic trauma therapist, mental health scholar-activist, and freelance journalist. His practice blends magical realism, Africanfuturism, and West African spirituality, exploring childhood, grief, trauma, memory, and mental health. Trained in hip hop, contemporary, and Africana dance techniques since 2008, he has collaborated with leading choreographers and companies such as Alessandra Seutin and Punchdrunk.
His performance work spans dance, films, and interdisciplinary collaborations in the UK and internationally. He holds an MSc in Creative Arts and Mental Health (2022) and is an ACCPH accredited somatic trauma therapist. His ongoing research investigates how dance, art, and psychology support the healing of trauma.
https://www.isaacourognao.com/
