Vanessa Abreu’s class is for experienced / professional dancers (as with all Morning Classes) while accommodating for a wide range of abilities. There is an internal focus throughout the session, starting with the utility of the breath, which serves as a central through line during the class.
The session will allow for a sense of arrival and check-in with one’s body / mind. It draws from somatic and yogic approaches, and then will move into freer, more open, and energetic explorations within space. Maps will be drawn with anchor points allowing space for improvisation.
The class will culminate in more structured scores, followed by phrase work.
Vanessa Abreu is a Portuguese/Mozambican dance artist, teacher, yoga instructor and nutritional therapist based in London.
She has trained in ballet, contemporary dance, and choreography. In addition, she is qualified in Yoga (TTC in Ashtanga & Vinyasa) and nutritional therapy. Abreu is interested in developing safe and healthy working environments within dance. Care, physical and mental well-being appear as life ethics which ought to be cultivated in the field.
Professional engagements with other artists include: Seke Chimutengende, Sara Wookey, Annie Hanauer, Alexis Blake, Candoco Dance Company, State of Emergency, Shobana Jeyasingh, Fleur Darkin Ensemble, Rachel Lopez & Ben Ash, Janine Harrington, Gerrard Martin Dance, Tânia Bruguera, Pablo Bronstein, Union Dance.
Abreu is currently dancing for Candoco Dance Company, teaching both contemporary and ballet at Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts and yoga and barre across London.
She is an Equity Dance Committee board member, and an associate of The Healthy Young Dancer Project (THYDP).