Your questions // answered
What is Somatic Movement?
Click here to find out more about Somatic Movement, & the different types of movement practice that we offer in our classes.
What will I learn from taking part in a class?
All of our movement classes offer the opportunity to learn more about yourself. This learning will often be specific, & include gaining knowledge about anatomy, biology, psychology, or the details of a certain movement or action. It is also likely to involve a wider sense of self-discovery: by exploring your movement, you discover new possibilities for how you can relate to yourself & the world around you. This expands your sense of self & your idea of what is, or might be, possible for you. This learning can help you discover ways to lessen chronic stress, anxiety, & pain. It can also help you to increase your ability to carry out everyday actions with ease & comfort; or use new insights to become better at specific physical skills & sports.
How will I feel after a movement session?
At the end of a lesson most people report feeling an increased sense of overall wellbeing, both physical & emotional. They feel they can breathe & move more freely; & comfortably stand, sit, & walk with improved posture & less tension.
What are the advantages of learning online?
Nothing can be better than gathering in real life to move & study in a space where we can sense each other & breathe together. However, there are many circumstances in which this is not possible, & we believe learning in an online space can be just as beneficial where meeting in real life just isn’t possible. All kinds of people find that learning online provides a solution that works for them. We work to meet the needs of:
people who do not find it easy to leave the house such as those with chronic illness, mobility challenges, or family commitments.
people with a specific challenge or problem who want to meet with a community of like-minded learners from across the world in courses specifically designed to meet their needs.
people who do not live in urban centres with easy access to classes.
people who want to learn from a specific international teacher without the need for costly & environmentally-damaging travel.
people who want the support of meeting with others in a regular movement practice but do not have time to travel to & from classes several times a week.
How long does it take to see positive change?
One class alone can be helpful, & give amazing insights. The more you practice the deeper & more integrated these discoveries become. Many people find a regular somatic movement practice is transformative & it becomes a central part of their life. Movement practice becomes a personal journey of self-discovery that unfolds over years, or even a lifetime.
How do I book a class?
Simply head to our bookings page & fill out the online booking & payment form. If you have more questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
How do I join my class?
We hold all our classes, workshops, & appointments online using Zoom video conferencing. It is free for you to use, & easy to understand even if you’ve never used it before. Use the following steps to join your class:
reserve your place using the online booking and payment form
receive your booking confirmation email with the Zoom link for your class.
5 or so minutes before the start of your class, click on the link to enter the Zoom video conference.
You will be in a ‘Waiting Room’. At the start of the class the teacher will bring everyone into the video call.
If you are new to using Zoom or have further questions, check out our brief guide to using Zoom here
I am having technical problems, what should I do?
Please contact us & we’ll be happy to help. If you are having problems getting online you may also want to check out our brief guide to using Zoom here. We know technology can be confusing, so don’t hesitate to get in touch if you need our help & we’ll work it out together.
How do I prepare for my class?
Wear comfortable clothes that don’t restrict your movement.
Make sure you stay warm – have a sweater or a blanket nearby in case you need it once you begin to relax during the lesson.
Organise your room so that you have enough space to lie down on the floor. You may wish to lay down a blanket or a mat to maximise your comfort.
Set up/angle your video camera so that the teacher can see you moving.
What should I plan to do after my movement class?
In general, after a movement class we would advise that you are kind to yourself – drink plenty of water, listen to your hunger & sleep signals, & allow yourself to enjoy the ongoing shift in sensation created by taking time to explore your movement. A somatic movement class can sometimes make people feel energised & alive, & sometimes comfortably relaxed & sleepy. Over time you will discover how different movement classes affect you, & can plan when in your day to take a class. Some people like to attend class first thing in the morning to set them up for the day, for others it’s the last thing they do in the evening so that they are relaxed before bed.
I’m interested in joining a class but I’m not sure that it’s right for me. What should I do?
Many people have fears that their fitness levels, personal physical challenges, body shape, age, or other factors may mean they will not be able to partake in a class, or would not be welcome there. We believe somatic movement is for everyone - & we mean, everyone - & aim to make our spaces as accessible & inclusive as possible. Our teachers are specialists in working with a wide range of people & adapting their teaching to your needs. If you have any questions, anxieties, or fears about participating please contact us, & we will happily talk through your personal circumstances & help identify the right class for you.
I’m an older person, pregnant, or have specific physical challenges. Do you have a class which is suitable for me?
Somatic movement is accessible to everyone & there will be a type of practice that is not only accessible to you but which will help you with the challenges & needs of your current situation. Having said that, some classes & types of somatic movement will be easier for you to take part in than others. We try to indicate clearly the suitability of each class for different kinds of people but do contact us if you have specific challenges & would like more detailed guidance. We are working to expand our timetable with classes & workshops that meet the needs of all sorts of different people. If there’s a class you would like to see programmed then do contact us as we’d love to hear your ideas & suggestions!
Who teaches at STUDIO SOMA?
We invite experienced movement teachers from across the world to come & teach classes, courses, & workshops as part of the STUDIO SOMA programme. By bringing teachers from different somatic movement strands together in one timetable, we give you the opportunity to learn from the the very best specialists in a range of different movement practices. To see which teachers are currently teaching classes check out our timetable or click here to discover more about who we are.
How much should I pay for my class?
We offer tiered pricing because we do not want anyone to be excluded from joining a class because of money. We trust you to select the payment option that applies to you. Please bear in mind that our teachers are professionals, who rely on your class payments to earn their living.
As a rough guide: if you live in the UK the average income is around £36k p/year. If you earn more than this average please pay high tier; if you earn around this average pay middle tier; if you earn below this average pay low tier.
If you are currently unable to work, unemployed, on very low income, reliant on benefits, or our prices seem high because you use a different currency please contact us to find out about lower or non-payment options.