The Embodied Voice In-person Workshop: Witness

For some there is nothing more terrifying, and nothing more liberating, than being witnessed...

As social creatures, we humans have a deep-seated need to connect - we "become" - we "are" - in relation to others. This can make us feel very vulnerable, but when we are witnessed and welcomed in the fullness of our flawed and beautiful humanity - it can also be incredibly affirming.

In this workshop of The Embodied Voice, we will explore this concept from a somatic perspective, using playful movement and voice exercises to build towards seeing and being seen, hearing and being heard. When we feel safe in the body, we can discover an authentic voice full of colour, feeling, and depth.

Together, we will co-create a supportive space by offering our unconditional positive regard to one another. We will use play and improvisation as gateways from sounding into singing - all sounds are welcome, there is no right or wrong way to do this practice and no prior experience as a singer or mover is necessary. Throughout this process, we will tune into the signals of the body, noticing and staying with all the myriad feelings and thoughts that may arise.

In the act of being seen, you will meet yourself. Come try it out :)

February 22nd, 6:30-8:30pm (2hrs)

Centre 151
151 Whiston Rd, London E2 8GU, United Kingdom

General: £20
Reduced: £15

Testimonials

“You have a particular gift of being open and having fun and creating a marvellous atmosphere. It really is an unusual gift Kate.” Colette

“Kate’s lightness and joy combined with her obvious deep feelings for her work have made the sessions an amazing and happy environment. She is an alchemist and her work is transformational.” Dan

“I really enjoyed the teaching style - I liked the metaphors/language and the instructions were always clear. Also felt we were encouraged to explore openly. As someone without any vocal training I felt safe to explore my voice without feeling self-conscious. ” Ben

About Kate

Kate Smith is a singer, composer, and facilitator now based in Lisbon, Portugal. She earned her MMus in Leadership at Guildhall School of Music and Voice, and has been leading workshops on The Embodied Voice for over six years. Kate’s teaching draws on many influences including yoga, Alexander Technique, Feldenkrais, Body-Mind Centering®, mindfulness, contact improv, dance, and theatre. She has studied with Meredith Monk, Seke Chimutengwende, Margaret Pikes (Roy Hart Theatre), Grzegorz Braal (Song of the Goat), Guillermo Horta (VABAS) and more. She has trained in vocal pedagogy with Robert Sussuma (Feldenkrais and The Singing Self), and is a yoga-alliance certified teacher of Authentic Flow yoga. Kate has led workshops on voice, movement and improvisation for a range of clients, including as a guest lecturer at the Guildhall Drama department, Cyphers Theatre Company, Harvard and AAU University. She has led and supported creative music workshops for the BBC, Barbican, Royal Philharmonic, Create Arts, Aldeburgh Young Musicians and more. 

In addition to working as a singer and performer in a range of genres from folk to opera, Kate is an avid improviser. She performs regularly with Anthropos, a r | r a, and has released two albums of vocal improvisation, Remembering (2021) and Source (2022). She is currently composing a new series for voice and movement, Songs from the Body.