Embedded by the research that Julia has been developing, which includes – ‘Dissolving’, a somatic dance technique developed during Julia’s MFA Creative Practice at Trinity Laban, ‘Passing Through’, David Zambrano’s improvisation instant composition group dynamic, together with her approach to ‘Instant Composition’. In Julia’s words: ‘participants should get ready to shake their soul with your imagination and full embodiment of joy into the space’.
During the class, your bodies will move freely from sensations that will lead to taking over the space and getting awareness from your body into the space. You will work alone, with duets and in groups. There will be touch, with consent and the session aims to inspire you to open space from your patterns in constant movement and connection, to your imagination – through the tools Julia has been researching from practices she encountered.
Brazilian Londoner Julia Testas (she/her, they/them) is a multidimensional artist, professional performer, sought-after photographer, and internationally respected movement and dance facilitator. Known for her lively and inspiring presence, she is deeply passionate about body movement and the freedom it offers.
Her artistic practice centres on relationships and the present moment, expressed through movement, photography, installations, and physical performance, a journey that began during her MFA in Creative Practice at Trinity Laban.
Julia is the creator of DISSOLVING, a somatic dance practice exploring storytelling, emotional expression, and embodied awareness. A dedicated educator, she regularly teaches Dance, Flying Low & Passing Through at The Place (LCDS); she is one of the founders of Passing Through London collective; and leads workshops & events that cultivate connection and curiosity through the body and joy.
She collaborates widely across music, visual arts, theatre, and film, taking on roles such as performer, choreographer, producer, and artistic director. Her diverse training spans Contemporary dance, Afro-Brazilian dance, Capoeira, Parkour, and physical theatre.
Independent Dance is resident at Siobhan Davies Studios. To find out more about accessibility and the amenities available within the building please see here.
If you have any questions about the accessibility of our programme and would like to discuss any specific access requirements, please feel free to reach out to us via email info@independentdance.co.uk or by phone on 0207 091 9650, to speak to a member of the Independent Dance team.
During class, all participants are welcome to take breaks, observe, exit and enter the space as they wish. Lounge areas are available on the first and ground floors of the building. Yoga mats, blocks, cushions and ear defenders are available for use. We also welcome you being in contact if you would like to discuss the option of bringing your access support worker. Please speak to a member of the ID team if you require any assistance.
Prices for classes are kept very low and are subsidised by ID in order to support artists to attend. To keep admin manageable for our small team, we don’t offer refunds if you cancel or can’t attend a class, and we can’t transfer your booking to a different class/event. We hope this is understandable. If a class is cancelled or changed by ID however, we do offer refunds/transfers to everyone who has booked.