SHAPE*

Relationship, Communication, Interaction

* NOW AVAILABLE AS A STAND-ALONE MODULE
Part 1: 5-14 January 2026 56-hours (8 days – Mon-Fri & Mon-Wed), Hebden Bridge, UK
Part 2: February-June 2026 Five (5) weekends, 45-Hours, Online

Venue: Wainsgate Chapel first floor studio (please see here for access and travel information for Wainsgate Chapel)

*We recognise that the financial and time commitment required for a 2 year 500-hour program is significant and in these times, quite a challenge for many. ISMETA offers a portfolio qualification of both 250- and 500-hours with which you can independently apply for an ISMETA-approved qualification.

As such we are offering individual, stand-alone modules which can support or combine with other ISMETA-approved hours/ trainings to reach the ISMETA 250- or 500-hour qualification level. For example, completion of the LSSI BODY and SHAPE modules together could support meeting criteria for registration with ISMETA as an Associate Somatic Movement Professional/ Registered Somatic Dance Educator (250-hours), or Somatic Movement Therapist and/or Educator (500-hours).

For more information, please see the ISMETA website (https://ismeta.org/join-individual)

Module 2: SHAPE – Relationship, Communication, Interaction (Hybrid in-person & online)

This module includes deepening and elaborating the use of Shape in BESS: in communication, movement expression and interaction in the Performing Arts and therapeutic work, and overall ‘body-forming’ in relationship to oneself and one’s environment. It includes the development of self-awareness in one’s expression of identity, intention, and qualitative involvement with others. This module cultivates a rich ground for refining personal movement patterns into larger social, performing, and other environmental contexts, as we discover Shape as an overall container for our relational expression and experience of movement with others. Through the Module’s unfolding, we become sensitive to our deeply ingrained patterns of Phrasing in Shape, as well as Qualities of Shape we respond to, inhibit or utilize.  Shape reveals our experience of ‘place’, and significant elements of our cognitive process, within the vast realm of nonverbal communication.  Included in this Module is Shape as understood in Laban Movement Analysis, the Kestenberg Movement Profile, and in Warren Lamb’s Movement Pattern Analysis (MPA).

Programme deadline: 1st December 2025

PROGRAM APPLICATION
WHAT STUDENTS RECEIVE
  • A deep immersion into the Shape category of BESS, building on a cumulative, developmental model of learning.
  • 101 total hours in professional training in Movement Analysis and Somatic Practice.
  • One-to-one meetings with an Advisor/ faculty member, as well as small group practice sessions.
  • An Advisor’s feedback on interim homework projects, assignments, and assessments.
  • Individual peer and group feedback in class sessions; as well as personal time for exploration, discovery, reflecting, and writing during class hours.
  • Learning in a dynamic group hybrid environment with a high teacher-to-student ratio, in both online and in-person sessions
  • Hands-on re-patterning practice and training in Bartenieff Fundamentals practice; as well as other extended developmental and body systems approaches to movement experience and re-patterning.
  • Training in comprehensive movement and language skills used in dance, theatre, performance, movement research, teaching, clinical work, bodywork, yoga, Pilates, and dance movement therapy.
MODULE COURSE FEE
$3,500 USD

$500 USD due 60 days prior to each Module start date. $3,000 USD due 30 days before start date.


To apply for the program, please click below
Programme deadline: 1st December 2025

PROGRAM APPLICATION

PREREQUISITES

  • Module 1: BODY; or Introduction to Bartenieff Fundamentals
  • Introduction to Laban Movement Analysis

Note: If you have not had the above BODY training or the introductory level training, (minimum 15 hours), please write to info@labaninternational.org to inquire about any alternative ways to access the course prerequisites.

For more information contact: Janet Kaylo, Founder and Director of Laban/Bartenieff and Somatic Studies International™.

ACCOMMODATION

For some local self-organised accommodation options in and near Hebden Bridge, please see here

ACCOMMODATION