Jean Abreu’s classes explore movement as a powerful means of expression, connecting emotions, memories and lived experiences through the body. His approach considers the body as a vessel for communication, using movement as a universal language to translate inner sensations, process information, and explore connections with others.
The class combines movement technique with deep exploration of decision-making in motion. Participants are encouraged to search for movement impulses that feel urgent and necessary, developing a physicality that is both present and responsive. Through guided improvisations and structured tasks, dancers engage in problem-solving with the body, refining their ability to generate movement from emotional and sensory cues.
Jean’s methodology supports dancers in cultivating their unique movement voice while deepening their physical and emotional engagement with dance. This class is also an opportunity for participants to experience Jean’s current movement research methodologies, as his company is currently in a period of researching a new creation based on Derek Jarman’s life and final work, Blue.
Access
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 9665, to speak directly to a member of the Independent Dance team. Alternatively, you may phone the main reception at Siobhan Davies Studios on 0207 091 9650.
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.
Cancellations and refunds
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.
Jean Abreu (he/him) is a Brazilian British choreographer, performer and teacher whose work is rooted in the intersection of movement, identity and emotion. Trained at Trinity Laban, he has developed a distinctive dance practice that integrates contemporary technique with improvisation and interdisciplinary approaches.
Jean’s choreography has been presented internationally, with commissions from The Place, Southbank Centre and Sadler’s Wells. His teaching methodology emphasises movement as a form of emotional and cognitive processing, guiding dancers to develop their expressive potential through structured improvisation and embodied decision-making.
With over 20 years of experience, Jean works with professional dancers, emerging artists and multidisciplinary collaborators, creating environments where movement becomes a dialogue between the inner self and the external world. His classes empower participants to find authenticity in movement, bridging technique with their own ways of moving.