Soma Dance

What is Soma Dance?

Soma Dance, founded by Donna Redlick, is a unique amalgamation of Bartenieff Fundamantals, Developmental Movement, and movement concepts from Laban Movement Studies, in direct applications to dance with a somatic approach. Rather than focusing on mastering dance forms and techniques, like one might in a ‘formal’ dance technique class, students are guided to begin honing in on their sensing experiences. The interplay between inner bodily-space and kinesphere space is explored in order to support inner to outer bridging while dancers work with emergence of 'feeling forms', supported by inner rhythm. In these classes one’s subjective experience is foregrounded, as is the awareness of kinesthetic empathy, when dancing in relation with others.

It is important to note that these classes focus on developmental movement patterning as the 'ABCs' for body connectivity. The dancing experience is rooted in response to environment (self, others and space) while students explore how movement is a language that leads to personal meaning making. Self-reflection and dialogue is encouraged in each class.

Students were asked to describe Soma Dance - here is what some of them said:

"Soma Dance is centering."

"Some Dance is coming home to my body."

Soma Dance is following sensation."

Soma Dance is community."

"Soma Dance is a practice to gather and connect to myself."

"Soma Dance helps me deactivate my brain from the outside world."

"Soma Dance is guidance for repatterning my body. It's very freeing."

Soma Dance is held on Friday Mornings

10:00am-12:00pm

Location: The Dance Centre in downtown Vancouver (677 Davie Street)

Students registering should feel comfortable with:

floor-work
rolling
level change
hands-on work (guided and facilitated)
movement re-patterning
dance improvisation
group process (moving together)

Class is open to community-based dancers, pre-professional and professional dancers. Participants should have at least 2 years of dance experience, or a background in a dedicated movement practice such as yoga, martial arts, etc. The most important prerequisites are an open mind, the ability to stay curious, and an ability to work on the floor for the developmental warm-up.

Fall Session 1, 2026 - registration for this session opens August 12th

5 Week Session

Friday Sept. 11th to Oct 9th: 10am-12pm

Registration Fee: $150-$200

Students must register for the session.

Fall Session 2, 2026 - registration for this session opens August 12th

5 Week Session

Friday Oct.16th to Nov. 13th 10am-12pm

Registration Fee: Sliding Scale $150-$200

Students must register for the session.

Fall Session 3, 2026 - registration for this session opens October 16th

4 Week Session

Friday Nov. 20th to Dec. 11th: 10am-12pm

Registration Fee: Sliding Scale $120-$160

Students must register for the session.

Registration Information:

Soma Dance is not a drop-in class. Participants must register for the session.
Payment is made by E-transfer.
No refunds for missed classes.
As soon as you register Donna will be in touch with you by email.

Commonly Asked Questions:

Can I drop-in to one class?

Soma Dance is not a drop-in course. Students register by the session.

What if I know that I will have to miss one class during the session, can I still register?

Yes, if you have to miss one class you can still register. Just let Donna know upon registration what class you plan on missing during the session.

Can I get a refund if I miss a class?

No, there are no refunds for missed classes.

What if an emergency or unforeseen circumstance arises, can I get a refund?

This is dealt with on a case by case basis. Just contact Donna directly to discuss whether make-up classes can be arranged within another session. In an extreme personal situation a refund may be considered. (ie. moving out of town, bereavement, etc)

What if I register and pay and then discover Soma Dance is not the right fit for me?

If you are new to Soma Dance and you discover that it is not the right fit for you just let Donna know directly after the first class to receive a pro-rated refund minus the first class. Notice must be given within 24 hours of the first class in order to receive the refund.

How is the Class Structured and What should I expect within a Soma Dance Class:

Classes are based in Donna's methodology called Somatic Dance Practice Method - grounded in Developmental Movement and Laban/ Bartenieff Movement Studies, in relation to contemporary and creative dance practices.

The first part of class takes place on the floor exploring Developmental Movement Patterns and Bartenieff Fundamentals. In this part of class some hands on for re-patterning work (with partners) may also integrated. Participants explore the support of gravity and inner bodily pathways to develop kinetic chains for total body connectivity. The floor work progresses towards rolling, weight shifting and propulsion through space. Some level changing is also explored.

The second part of class transitions into dancing in kinesphere space, as well as general space, exploring concepts found within Laban/ Bartenieff Movement Studies (LBMS). In this part of the class students are guided to dance with a somatic approach through a specific methodology based on structured improvisation, presence, repetition, recall, and awareness of phrasing. Witnessing and ‘holding space’ for each other to dance towards newness, beyond habit, is key to this part of the class.

The third and final part of class hones in on working with personal dance phrases in relation with others, to create compositions in the moment. Kinesthetic empathy and attuning to one another is fore-grounded. Throughout the entire class we will move in relation to ourselves and in relation with others in order to support both a subjective and inter-subjective experience. There will be moments for self-reflection, sharing and dialogue.