Bodystories: somatic dance workshops on systems of power
Schedule
Sat, 16 May, 2026 at 04:00 pm to Sun, 14 Jun, 2026 at 04:00 pm
UTC+02:00Location
Point Éphémère | Paris, IL
About this Event
"The smallest incidents of our social life contain all the moral and political values of society, all its structures of domination and power, all its mechanisms of oppression." - Augusto Boal
Every body carries its own story—shaped by personal experiences and the environments we move through. In this space, we invite you, on the micro level, into an embodied exploration of how systems of oppression and privilege live within and affect our bodies.
Drawing from dance movement therapy, somatic movement, a range of body-based practices, insights from Embodied Activism by Rae Johnson (2023), and on intersectionality by Kimberlé Crenshaw, we guide you through individual and collective experiences that support awareness, reflection, and connection. Together, we will explore power dynamics, recognize patterns held in the body, engage with your own inner resources as tools for resilience and gently begin to rewrite your body story.
Both workshops complement each other, but can just as well be attended individually.
No experience in dance needed — just bring your body, and your curiosity.
Dates & times:
Saturday May 16, 4pm to 6 pm
Sunday June 14, 4 pm to 6 pm
Both workshops are at Point Ephémère, le grand studio. Note that the entrance is on the road, and not on the canal. 200 quai de valmy.
Pricing: 20€
If you have any financial restraints, simply write to us and you can donate the amount that works for you: [email protected]
Approach & Facilitators:
Our approach is rooted on the concept of cultural humility, based in the field of community psychology. Cultural humility invites us to approach diversity with curiosity and openness — continuously reflecting on our own biases, embracing 'not knowing', and committing to lifelong learning in order to build meaningful relationships, address power imbalances, and create lasting positive change within communities.
Laura
Laura is a Luxembourgish dancer and facilitator based in Paris. Her practice is deeply informed by her Master’s in Dance Movement Therapy, as well as her interests in mindfulness, embodied and somatic practices and embodied activism. She is strongly inspired by the exchange with other dancers/musicians/other artists and by nature. Her research focuses on the impact of dance on the interoception of women living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Originally trained as an occupational therapist (B.Sc.), she works with a systemic and behavioral approach. Alongside this, she has a foundation in hip-hop freestyle and is actively engaged in experimental freestyle practices.
IG: @elbeemary
Mytam
Mytam is a Vietnamese and U.S. dancer, collaborator, and facilitator based in Paris. Her work creates shared moments where presence, sensitivity, and creativity converge — holding space to reflect on culture, perception, and connection. She holds a BA in Environmental Studies from NYU, with a minor in Social and Cultural Analysis & French, and an MA in Learning Sciences from l’Université Paris-Cité, where she researched collective trauma and somatic healing. Trained in contemporary and modern jazz, her passion lies in improvisation — using movement to explore story, emotion, and embodied expression.
https://www.mytam-mayosmith.com/
IG: @tidal.rhythms
Contact & questions:
Please write to [email protected]
Where is it happening?
Point Éphémère, 200 Quai de Valmy, Paris, FranceEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
EUR 20.00
