Dance & Movement
Dance and Health Specialist, Mass Movement Director, Researcher and Choreographer
'Rosaria has worked with us on several of our community arts projects, including Twelve Angry Women, Jukebox Stories at the Albany and Breaking the Silence, and our upcoming ’Two Pairs of Eyes’ as a teacher and choreographer, working with all ranges and abilities. She brings her signature ‘joie de vivre’ to all this work, and is an invaluable associate to work with'
Background and Approach
I started at the age of six learning Flamenco and traditional Spanish Classical dance in my native Cordoba, Spain.
My dance career in the UK started in 1996 as a performer, choreographer, and teacher. I continue my research into Brazilian, Cuban, Spanish, and Indian culture ecology.I have trained with professional dancers and performers in this area, such as Rosangela Silvestre, Ile Aiye, Mayombe Masai, Vania de Oliveira, Sonia Campelo (Brazil), Paula De Hollanda (Sweden/Brazil), Martica Galarraga (Cuba), Himany Dixit (Udaipur, India), and Maria la Chata (Cordoba, Spain).
I am passionate about the history, stylistic qualities, and current developments of dance and movement techniques and traditions in different countries and eras.
I try to communicate my sources of inspiration to my students so that they can have their own take on the representation and performance of the choreographies.
I sincerely believe in the potential of all of us to be well and happy – not in a fluffy superficial way, but a genuine one. I am to provide through my work the space to bring self-awareness to ourselves, enjoy what we have and pay attention to those areas which may need attention (physical, emotional, spiritual) so we can be the best version of ourselves.
The use of rhythm is essential for me, being breath, sounds of nature or music. I use it to touch upon different vibrations in the body and make us feel good – without pretension. We deal with whatever the day brings, in that moment in time, and the aim is that by the end of the work, we have a spring in our step and a renewed sense of resilience. I specifically devise my classes and projects to respond to the needs and abilities of the participants.
I am also a keen collaborator who blossoms sharing ideas with other creatives, creating projects and performances with integrity and passion. Whether you are an individual, a member of a community group, an organization that wishes to support its employees, or an arts event and venue, I will deliver a project that will specifically respond to your brief.
Dance & Health
In the field of dance and health I have devised and delivered programmes for Social Prescription (HERA Programme since 2013), delivered sessions for the Public, Private and Third sectors supporting people to nurture their health and physical and mental wellbeing (since 2012), and worked with other artists to support people with mild to moderate mental health conditions (‘Finding your Compass’ in collaboration with Fiona Geilinger).
I am always interested in developing my knowledge in anatomy and the moving body. My offer has consistently been to work with individuals to blossom both physically and mentally. This motivation translated into becoming a GYROTONIC® (LEVEL 1 AND 2) AND GYROKINESIS ® (Level 1), OTAGO Falls Prevention Programme Leader, and studying the TARA (Tools for Awakening Resources and Awareness) Approach and Rediscovery Journey (™) for the resolution of Trauma.
I was awarded the OneDance UK Health and Wellbeing in Dance Award in 2022.
For more information in this area of work please visit the ‘Facilitation and Training‘ page.
Clients and credentials
- Some clients include: Roche, Open University, Uniliver, Womad Foundation, Brighton Open Air Theatre (BOAT), Copperdollar, Same Sky, South East Dance, Maracatu Cruzeiro do Sul, Paraiso School of Samba, Spiritus Arts, Bloco Fogo, Emergency Exit Arts (Streets Academy), Brighton Carnival, Kemptown Carnival, Carnival Collective, Voodoo Vaudeville, World Dance Unite, Lilian Baylis Studio at Sadler’s Wells, inroads productions and Banyan Theatre Group to name but a few.
- Credentials include two Guinness World Records: Warm up act and lead practitioner at the Guinness World Record of the World’s Largest Percussion Class at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park (2016) with Inspire Works and Choreography of the Guinness World Record of the World’s Largest Samba Band at the Royal Albert Hall (2014) raising awareness for Street Child World Cup, OneDance UK Health and Wellbeing in Dance Award 2022
