I am a dancer
I am a performer
I facilitate dance movement for the elderly
Older woman and middle-aged man practicing Tai Chi in a bright room, with other people in the background.
and work with people who have Parkinson’s
A group of people dancing and holding hands in a room at a party or celebration, some are smiling and enjoying the moment.
I have been a teacher for many years, and teaching has always been at the heart of what I do. I love helping people discover what they are capable of, find confidence in themselves and explore new ways of moving and expressing themselves.
Alongside teaching, I am a dancer and performer. I was born in Mexico and trained in Butoh and Somatic dance techniques, which have given me a deeper understanding of how movement can connect us with our feelings, experiences and stories. My dance practice continues to influence the way I teach, bringing creativity, curiosity and a real awareness of the individual into my classes.
I live and work in Southampton, where I run movement classes for older people and those living with Parkinson’s disease. My teaching is always about working with the person in front of me. I believe our bodies know what they are capable of, and I encourage people to listen to and trust their bodies, whatever their age or ability.
I am also a trained Otago Exercise Leader, a worldwide, evidence-based approach to falls prevention recommended by healthcare professionals. This allows me to combine my teaching and movement experience with practical, accessible exercises that help improve strength, balance and confidence.
My personal work as a dance performer allows me to tell stories that I feel need to be told, bringing awareness to the unsaid, breaking silences and exploring the power of conversation.
I particularly enjoy working collaboratively and have created work with other artists, including Bitter Pineapples, made with artist and filmmaker Anna Cady. The work brought together dance, improvisation, movement and film to explore the role dance can play in coming to terms with trauma.
I also facilitate workshops, often working alongside other artists. You can find out more about upcoming events on my Workshops page.
Helping you stay strong, steady and active
My Steady and Strong movement classes are designed for older people to help improve strength, balance, mobility and confidence. We work at a pace that feels right for you, helping you stay active, independent and able to enjoy the things you love.
I run weekly Steady and Strong classes designed to help older people maintain and develop strength, balance and mobility in a friendly and supportive environment. The sessions combine a range of seated and standing exercises, with everyone encouraged to work at their own pace and do as much or as little as feels right for them.
For those who would like to develop their abilities a little further, I also offer a 12-week Steady and Strong programme, building on the foundations of the weekly classes with carefully structured exercises to further develop strength, balance and mobility. The programme is supportive and progressive, helping participants feel stronger, more confident and able to keep doing the things they enjoy.
Bringing dance to elders and people with Parkinson’s
My classes are expressive and creative and promote feelings of freedom from the physical and social constraints of living with Parkinson’s and the restrictions of age. They offer participants the opportunity to explore the joy of moving, in a friendly, supportive and safe environment.
My chair-based sessions are specifically designed for the elderly or other frail participants with a combination of chair-based and some standing sequences. They aid the development of posture, coordination, balance and strength. They are a fantastic way to improve fitness in a protected environment.
I also run a social and uplifting movement class designed specifically for the symptoms of Parkinson’s, helping to increase general mobility, confidence and social and emotional well-being.
Family and carers are invited to come free of charge to share in the creativity and joy of moving in a friendly, supportive and safe environment.
During my sessions, I always encourage participants to do as little or as much as feels right for them. I believe our bodies know what they are capable of and I want to encourage people to listen to, and trust, their bodies.
My Movement Classes
MONDAY
Nth Baddesley 10.30 - 11.30 am
Steady and Strong Dance - for strength and balance
WEDNESDAY
Southampton 9.30 - 10.30am
Active Living
WEDNESDAY
St Denys 12 - 1 pm
Afro-Caribbean Lunch Club Dance
THURSDAY
Chandlers Ford 9.30 - 10.30 am
Steady and Strong Dance - for balance and strength
THURSDAY
Chandlers Ford 10.40 - 11.40 am
Steady and Strong - for balance and strength
THURSDAY
Eastleigh 1.30 - 3 pm
Dance for Parkinson’s - term time only
FRIDAY
Southampton 10.00 - 11.00 am
