SOMATIC MOVEMENT
FOR EVERY BODY
fREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Here's everything you need to know about our Somatic Movement workshop – what to expect, how to prepare, and whether it's right for you. If you have any questions that aren't covered here, please email us at info.africolab.uk@gmail.com with 'Somatic Movement' in the subject line.
What will happen in the workshop?
The workshop will be guided and led by Imogen. We will be moving simultaneously as a group. Imogen will give instructions and prompts to be interpreted individually by each person. Everything is an invitation – there is no right or wrong way to move. There will be invitations to work solo and also with partners. There will be invitations to share and feedback from exercises verbally. There will be time to make notes if you would like to.
What will I get from attending this?
By the end of the workshop, it is likely you will feel more embodied, present and perhaps lighter or more grounded. You may feel you can connect to others more and feel open and compassionate towards them and yourself.
What is somatic movement / somatic practice / somatic therapy? And which will we be doing?
This workshop will be a somatic movement workshop. We will explore movement and what movement feels good in your body.
What does embodiment mean?
Embodiment is a felt sense of sensations in your body. For example, the ability to notice ease, warmth, tension, softness and strength.
Who is this workshop for when you say EVERY BODY?
We warmly welcome all bodies: fat bodies, queer, trans and gender-nonconforming bodies, Black and Brown bodies, white bodies, older bodies, younger bodies, Disabled bodies, and anyone looking for a supportive, body-diverse space. There is no expectation to be able to move in a certain way. The session is created to be person-centred, meaning there is total flexibility for all types of mobility. The whole workshop can be done seated if that's what you need.
What should I wear?
Wear comfortable clothing you can move in, with layers you can add or remove as needed.
What footwear should I wear?
You can do the workshop in soft trainers or bare feet, whichever you prefer.
What is the schedule?
Here is an outline of the day. Breaks and exercises will happen in response to the group. 1.30 pm – Doors open. You can arrive, get changed, have a cup of tea and settle in 2.00 pm – Opening of the space and group 2.15 pm onwards – Workshop starts. Somatic movement /exercises and reflections, with breaks in between 5.30 pm – Closing of the space and group, final reflection 6.00 pm – Space closes
Will there be breaks during the workshop?
Yes, there will be a break halfway through the session.
How accessible is the workshop? Do I need to be a dancer?
Absolutely not – just come exactly as you are. No experience necessary, just a dash of curiosity. There is no expectation to be able to move in a certain way. The session is created to be person-centred, meaning there is total flexibility for all types of mobility. The whole workshop can be done seated if that's what you need.
Do I need to prepare before the session? For example, a gentle warm-up at home, things to avoid before the session?
Don't eat a massive meal right before the session if that will make you uncomfortable moving. There is no specific preparation needed – come as you are.
What about emotional and psychological safety during and after the session?
Imogen creates spaces and workshops from an invitational basis. Everything is an invitation – there are no demands, just gentle inquiry. Somatic movement invites you to explore whatever might be stuck or feels the need to move in your body. You are responsible for the nature of your experience. This means it's important to come with curiosity to explore whilst also taking care of yourself. This is not a therapy session, but some of the work you may find therapeutic. If you'd like support or have any questions after the session, please get email us at info.africolab.uk@gmail.com – we're here to help.