Critical Somatics

- Critical Somatics

EN | Workshop 1x month

The Arbeitskreis Kritische Somatik (AKS) invites us to explore our privileges and starting conditions, encouraging not just critical reflections but also coming into action.

Many practices are considered as somatic, but what does somatics stand for? 

Somatics is a research approach where body and cognition is engaging in dialogue to foster self-awareness. By acknowledging our needs and feelings, we can better understand our bodies in the world and recognize our conditioning and privileges. The somatic field has been predominantly white and middle class (in Europe), and this series aims to address these issues. With a vision for a good life for all, Critical Somatics embraces the responsibility to consider historical, cultural, and social contexts while actively confronting discrimination. This event series serves as an introduction to these vital topics.
 
The Arbeitskreis Kritische Somatik sees a responsibility to connect colonial, European, and somatic histories and appropriations within somatic practices. We recognize the potential of somatic work to influence and bridge  various research areas and aim to build alliances. Somatic bodywork is inherently political and effective only when it seeks to create change, from personal to structural levels.

Who should participate in the Critical Somatics workshops?

These workshops are open to anyone interested, especially those who are white, and engaged in somatic, dance, or yoga practices. If you are interested in body politics and seek access to body-oriented approaches, we encourage your participation.
Please note that the event is currently not barrier-free due to limited resources. This series will be held in English in this second iteration.  Hybrid participation is available, but in-person interaction will be prioritized.
 
Please note that the event takes place on the 4th floor without elevator. Hybrid participation is available, but in-person interaction will be prioritized. We are sorry that further barriers could not be removed due to limited resources. 
This series will be held in English in this second iteration.
 

Topics of the Critical Somatics workshops

Nov 03, 2024 | Why Critical Somatics?

  • Intersectionality, body-mind split-historical contextualization, introduction to critical somatics

Dec 01, 2024 | Critical Whiteness as part of Critical Somatics

  • What is Critical Whiteness Research? Why does Critical Somatics need Critical Whiteness Research? White fragilities and somatic empathy.

Jan 05, 2025 | Feminism as part of Critical Somatics

  • Why is feminism for everyone? Why should Critical Somatics be feminist?

Feb 02, 2025 | Class as part of Critical Somatics

  • Material injustice, entanglement of race, class and gender

Mar 02, 2025 | Collective trauma

  • Epigenetics, collective reappraisal versus collective trauma, how personal and collective trauma can be connected or mixed? Why an intersectional approach helps here.

Apr 06, 2025 | Critical somatics for sustainable activism

  • Somatics for what?
  • From theory to practice
  • As an end in itself, we develop possibilities for action, can we engage in activism without getting burnt out?

Ausführliche Seminarinformationen

The workshops are organized by the Arbeitskreis Kritische Somatik (AKS).

3h Workshop Critical Somatics | Sunday | 18:00 - 21:00 | 1x month

The Arbeitskreis Kritische Somatik sees a responsibility to connect colonial, European, and somatic histories and appropriations within somatic practices. We recognize the potential of somatic work to influence and bridge  various research areas and aim to build alliances. Somatic bodywork is inherently political and effective only when it seeks to create change, from personal to structural levels.
 
Who should participate in the Critical Somatics workshops?
 
These workshops are open to anyone interested, especially those who are white, and engaged in somatic, dance, or yoga practices. If you are interested in body politics and seek access to body-oriented approaches, we encourage your participation.
Please note that the event is currently not barrier-free due to limited resources. This series will be held in English in this second iteration.  Hybrid participation is available, but in-person interaction will be prioritized.

Please note that the event takes place on the 4th floor without elevator. Hybrid participation is available, but in-person interaction will be prioritized. We are sorry that further barriers could not be removed due to limited resources. 

This series will be held in English in this second iteration.

Seminarleiter*innen

sab team_Heike Kuhlmann.jpg

Heike Kuhlmann


www.heikekuhlmann.net

MSME, BMC®-Practitioner, dancer, -educator, choreographer, MA Performance Studies/Choreography 

Heike is interested in the unfolding process of human beings. It is more than the individual unfolding, but in how people can meet each other at eye level through personal development and inclusion of structural conditions in her somatic facilitations. Being a condition to become Critical Somatics. She accompanies somatic processes in individual sessions, courses, workshops and trainings. Activism and somatics are interwoven in her artistic work. More information on: www.somatik-tanz-choreographie.dewww.heikekuhlmann.net

 

sab team_Barbara Gamper_500x416.jpg

Barbara Gamper


www.barbaragamper.com

Artist, performer (MFA Fine Art Goldsmiths, University of London)
Somatic Movement Educator (Somatische Akademie Berlin)

My practice involves performance, participation, somatic techniques and textile objects. I like sites of cross-pollination, overlap, blend, blur, transition, and transformation - niches for other knowledge-making and processes of experience.

In my daily research and practice I endeavour to sense my body as a porous and fluid form — not ending at the skin — and to expand this experience in interconnection with other (human and non-human) organisms and ecologies. Herein unfolds a process of recognising and unlearning the hierarchical system and behavioural patterns, which humans internalise from culture and socialisation, in order to thrive towards a culture of equality, kinship and accountability.
I relate to movement (embodiment/somatics) as a form of care and potential tool for (inter)personal and structural change. In this process empathy, pleasure and play are crucial ingredients.

sab team_Franziska Benkel500x416.jpg

Franziska Benkel


orlanda.de/book/wir-haben-nichts-mehr-zu-verlieren-nur-die-angst

freelance historian, author and somatic movement teacher

Franziska (she/her) is a historian and somatic movement teacher, exploring the connection between cultural and social work. As a founding member of the Arbeitskreis Kritische Somatik and the feminist group Resistance_Violence_History, she engages deeply with historical narratives while embodying a critical, reflective practice. Since becoming a parent in 2023, she continues to integrate her experiences into her work, fostering awareness of both personal and collective histories through somatic practices.

Anmeldeinformationen

Zeiten
06:00-09:00pm
Veranstaltungsort
Berlin
Somatische Akademie Berlin
Paul-Lincke-Ufer 30
10999 Berlin | side building
1st backyard
4th floor
Zahlung Keine Einzelbuchung
Hinweise

What does participation cost?

30-60€ | FLINTA and BIWoC
40-60€ | Cis-men

sliding scale, depending on income and self-assessment, please pay directly to the course instructors
If you have a stable income on which you can live well, the full price is appropriate. The reduced price is intended for people with a very low income. Please contact the facilitators directly if this fee is not possible for you at the moment.

Now, this format is also offered hybrid. To register and if you have any questions, please contact the Arbeitskreis Kritische Somatik directly by e-mail at KritischeSomatik@proton.me

Lehrer

Heike Kuhlmann
Barbara Gamper
Franziska Benkel

Daten & Kosten

KursspracheEN
ZahlungKeine Einzelbuchung
VeranstaltungsortBerlin
Somatische Akademie Berlin
Paul-Lincke-Ufer 30
10999 Berlin | side building
1st backyard
4th floor