Authentic Movement

Authentic Movement is a contemplative movement practice originated by Mary Starks Whitehouse in the 1950s as ‘movement in depth,’ influenced by
Modern dance and Jungian psychology.

In Authentic Movement, a mover moves with their eyes closed in the presence of a witness within a safe and contained space. The mover tracks their experience moment by moment, noticing their movements, sensations, feelings, emotions, and imaginations. In this process, the depth of the mover begins to surface, which is usually less evident in their everyday life. After the moving and witnessing circle, the experience is anchored and clarified through mark-making and/or writing. Next, in the speaking and listening circle, the mover speaks from their experience and then receives witnessing. This process helps them expand their awareness and discover deeper reflections and meanings. 

I have been studying Authentic Movement with Linda Hartley, whom I also assist regularly, and with Fran Lavendel in recent years. In my journey, I learned, and continue to learn how to embrace all visible and invisible in myself and others with clarity and compassion. It has been a nurturing and transformative journey for me, and I cherish the Authentic Movement community I belong to.

As a teacher, I intend to hold a safe supportive space for you to be with what emerges. I take pleasure in witnessing the unfolding of each mover and the phenomena in the group. You are welcome to join this practice with us if you are called.

I offer regular Authentic Movement workshops in East London and Norfolk. Additionally, one-to-one sessions are available in London, allowing you to work on personal materials with more personalised care and support.

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East London

Introductory Workshop
I offer introductory workshops only occasionally. If you are new to this contemplative movement practice, this is a great place to begin. Although no experience in Authentic Movement is necessary, some experience in somatic practices is recommended. It will be a small group of up to 8 participants.

Dates and Times:
Sunday 1 March 2026, 1-5pm

Venue:
Chisenhale Dance Space

Fees:
£60

To register, please email info@katsuraisobe.net

Your place is secured when the payment is received. I will not be able to refund the fee unless the workshop is cancelled.

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East London

Ongoing Group
Approximately once a month, I run an ongoing group for those with prior experience in Authentic Movement who wish to deepen their practice. This is a small, semi-closed group of up to 8 participants, which allows for close attention and connections within the collective. The sessions often include some exercises to tune into somatic and perceptual awareness before moving into the traditional practice of Authentic Movement.
If you wish to join the ongoing group, please write to me stating your motivation and experience with Authentic Movement, as well as any relevant movement or contemplative practices. 
info@katsuraisobe.net

Autumn 2025 series
Dates and Times:
Sundays 1-5pm
14 September
5 October
14 December

Venue:
Chisenhale Dance Space

Fees:
£60 for a session or
£160 for all three sessions, paid in full by 31 August

Your place is secured when the payment is received. I will not be able to refund the fee unless the workshop is cancelled.

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2026 Upcoming Ongoing Group dates

Sundays 1-5pm at Chisenhale Dance Space
18 January
15 February
15 March
12 April
10 May
14 June

Authentic Movement Retreat in Norfolk
10-12 July
at Swanton Novers Village Hall
This retreat will be co-taught with Melanie Willsher

The details will be announced soon.

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Norfolk

In these workshops, I teach alongside Melanie Willsher.

Melanie says
“Authentic Movement is a grounding, inspiring and transformative practice for me, and I continue to study with and assist my teacher, Linda Hartley. As we pay attention to our experience, moment by moment, we notice what arises as we move. The practice offers me a space of safety and support. I can rediscover vital resources.
Learning to track inner sensations, thoughts, feelings and needs, while remaining grounded in the body, is an ongoing challenge. Moving with eyes closed, in the presence of a witness, gives me time and space to return my focus of attention to the feeling and sensing body. It is this gift I feel, of seeing and being seen, in a compassionate and clear way, which I hope to share with you.”

Dates:
2026
Thursday 5 February 2-5pm
Thursday 30 July 2-5pm
Thursday 19 November 2-5pm

Venue: Skylight Studio
Unit 20, Aylsham Business Estate
Shepheards Close
NR11 6SZ

Cost: £40 for each workshop

Enquiry and booking: melaniewillsheryoga@gmail.com