Open Call: Embodied Knowledge Workshop 2026, Helsinki

The Embodied Knowledge Workshop is an intensive process designed as a space of open-ended exploration of bodily experience. Over 9 sessions (36 contact hours), participants engage in embodied explorations, expression, movement, and conversations. Alongside somatic and kinetic experimentation, we do visual mappings and creative writing.

The workshop investigates how different bodies experience sensorially and negotiate embodied interaction with others — based on diverse ability, social norms, relationship with the ecosystem, cultural backgrounds, habits, personal boundaries, and particular stages in life. Short readings are offered to reflect on how we are affected and affect other beings, and how our bodies are in process.

In 2026, the workshop is offered as part of doctoral research on adult education conducted at Tampere University. The EKW has been designed as a platform where adults can explore and open new perspectives on identity, ecology, and affect.

Who can join?

• The workshop is offered for adults 30 years old and above. We work in English.
• 12 participants will be selected based on motivation letters and ability to commit to the process.
• No experience in movement, art, yoga, meditation, or performance practices is required. The workshop does not aim to teach dance techniques or to push bodily boundaries in any way.
• People with very varied professional backgrounds are welcome.
• We operate with safer spaces guidelines and run the sessions only in person.
• The building of ESKUS and the dance studio are wheelchair accessible.

Commitment

The workshop is about entering a journey of discovery during 36 contact hours. Sessions build one upon the other, and we conduct an interview before and after the workshop to follow your unique process. There are no expected outcomes or final presentation — only a closing session with an informal group reflection. Small experiential or reflective tasks will be proposed to nurture the process.

All exercises and dynamics are flexible; you can participate based on your own bodily ability and comfort, and you may abstain from any exercise when necessary.

What you need

The practice happens in person at a dance studio in ESKUS, Helsinki. Come with comfortable clothes to move. All materials for activities are provided. Short supporting readings in English will be given, along with prompts for reflection. Personal notebooks are provided at the beginning to use throughout the sessions as active tools for several exercises.

Registration

Participation is free of cost. Registration is done via a simple form telling the instructor about your background and personal motivation to join. You will also be invited to a short interview before the workshop starts and a second interview at the end of the process to reflect on your personal journey.