THE HEART AND CLOWN- Hastings- UK
Schedule
Sat, 24 Jan, 2026 at 08:30 am to Sun, 25 Jan, 2026 at 04:00 pm
UTC+00:00Location
Stade Hall & Classroom on the Coast | Hastings, EN
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An exploration of movement, dance, imagination and the red nose.
OPEN TO ALL
During this weekend workshop, Emma and Ali will lead you on a journey that weaves the poetic worlds of Dance and Clown Improvisation.
Our theme: The Heart.
No previous movement, dance or clowning experience required. This course is for beginners and more experienced alike.
About the Dance
The hearts dance of vulnerability.
Finding shape and metaphor of our heart as we move into the landscape of the unknown .
Daring , taking risks , stepping out beyond what we think we know about ourselves . Improvised movement and dance held in the map of the 5Rhythms .
What cautionary tales do we have to share? The body doesn’t lie, the dancer reveals us to ourselves, the heart leads the way.
About the Clowning.
What is it about the Clown that touches our hearts? The Clowns ability to live authentically, and to wear their heart on their sleeve endears us to this optimistic character. In failing joyfully, the Clown lets us know that it is ok to make mistakes, fall down and break rules – and that the important thing is that we remain connected to the present moment and to each other. In play, we remember that is possible to navigate the world with lightness of heart. Expect games, exercises and short improvisations to explore this heart oriented practice.
“It was brilliant – so much fun, it’s brought me joy, silliness and buoyancy into the days afterwards too. Thank you both!” R – previous participant
More info:
The 5 Rhythms is a embodied improvised freedom of movement practice. Living in each moment, surrendering to instinct and following the language of metaphor as it unravels us into our unique dance.
There are no steps to learn, the choreography is alive in each moment without planning, responding to the music, physically expressing with spontaneity.
The 5 Rhythms Flowing Staccato Chaos Lyrical and Stillness are the map we follow, energy in motion creating a wave like pattern that guide us.
Clowning is a state of playfulness that brings us to experience a child-like, naïve and vulnerable state of being. Paradoxically we grow, learn and are strengthened through reconnecting playfully with what makes us most vulnerable. This approach to clowning is not a technique (tricks, gags and routines) but a personal journey towards finding one’s own unique way of being a clown, by listening and being receptive, essential skills for any creative and imaginative expression. It is only when we let go our control over things that we begin to be surprised by the depth of what reveals itself to us.
Through Clowning we connect to our playful spirit. We develop and sustain in ourselves and each other the courage to be who we truly are, to trust life and ourselves. We befriend the fears that block us from being fully present in the here and now. The path of the Clown is simple, vulnerable and naive reminding us to dance lightly through life.
Facilitators:
Emma Leech -Dance
Emma Leech’s teaching embodies the spirit of Gabrielle Roth, the inspirational founder of 5 Rhythms.
After identifying her potential in London in 1991 , Gabrielle encouraged her, took her to the US to work with her, and funded her training.
For the past 25 years Emma has taught 5 Rhythms in Britain and around the world, always staying true to the original approach she learned direct from Gabrielle.
Recognising the extraordinary power of the practice to heal and to transform lives, she pioneered its use in prisons, refugee camps , addiction recovery clinics in Harley Street to the slums of Kolkata.
Emma is now one of the most skilled and experienced 5 Rhythms instructors in the world.
The 5 Rhythms came into Emma’s world of theatre, visual arts and social justice work over 30 years ago.
Teaching since 2001 her particular flavour is rich with the tapestry woven of “street wise’ and humour, weaving in the edges of the artistic meets’ real life.’
Alison (Ali) Stockford – Clowning
Facilitating Nose to Nose Clowning workshops since 2016, Ali has taught in many places in the UK and more recently in Europe. She holds this work in high esteem as the perfect grounding for all creative work exploring the power of fun, connection and our shared human experience as well as developing theatrical awareness. Always on the lookout for what is authentically funny, touching and true to each individual, Ali enjoys creating spaces for peeps to step into the present moment in a playful and connected way.
Ali is a qualified teacher (Université de Lille, France and University of Reading, UK), formerly Head of Performing Arts at St Marys Special School and College, Bexhill. Alison is a fluent English and French speaker.
Ali has delivered regular training in Nose to Nose Clowning workshops levels 1- 5 at Emerson College, UK and beyond. Also, training for the Giggle Doctors – Theodora Foundation (hospital clowning), Lis’n Tell Speech and Language Practitioners, Quantum Marketing, London, medical students at the University of Bristol and Social Clowning at The Imaginarium, a writers conference, ARU, Cambridge.
Course fee: £200
Early bird £ 180 (if booking before 10th January 2026 )
Date and times: 24th and 25th January 2026
COURSE OPEN TO ALL
Date and times
9.30am – 5.30pm each day
Venue:
STADE HALL
The Stade
Hastings
TN34 3FJ
Venue: The Stade Hall
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Where is it happening?
Stade Hall & Classroom on the Coast, The Stade,Hastings, East Sussex, United KingdomEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
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