SomaGraphs
Notes on a Poetics of Presence
Dance, Research, Creation
Bologna
> September 1–5, 2026
10 a.m.–6 p.m.
> January 3–7, 2027
10 a.m.–6 p.m.
by Yiskah Jessica
SomaGrafie is a somatic and performative inquiry that explores the generation of gesture by observing the mutual influence between embodied presence and stage presence, in order to inhabit the threshold between two complementary dimensions: Presence as an intangible precondition that becomes tangible in “Grafia,” generating a compositional trace. At this stage, the residency is a collaborative research process oriented toward the creative process rather than toward production.
This research operates on a pre-political level, with the aim of exploring the sensory requirements of perceiving, distinguishing, choosing, and acting. Through processes of deconstruction, it examines the role that presence can play in the relationship between the body and power, using somatic, mindfulness, and performative practices.
Depending on the day, classes start at 10 a.m. or 11 a.m. and end between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Yiskah is a dancer, choreographer, and teacher. She is a researcher in the field of movement and somatic languages. For over twenty-five years, she has guided groups and individuals through artistic, performative, therapeutic, and personal growth journeys. She trained in contemporary and African dance in Europe and Africa, working in dance and theater companies, on social projects for people with disabilities, and as a street performer. She has been part of the Axis Syllabus community for sixteen years and teaches regularly in study groups. In this area of research, she explores the role that the AS can play in terms of the ethics of movement, both in everyday life and in the art of the body, and in dialogue with his artistic exploration.
She also works in the field of bio-natural disciplines as a biodynamic craniosacral therapist, a facilitator in biodynamic mindfulness, a yoga teacher, and a somatic practitioner specializing in integrated women’s health. At the heart of her research, in every area of inquiry, is the role that presence can play in life and art. BIO complete
To apply, send an email to info.salottosomatico@gmail.com that includes an artistic biography (max 15 lines) and a cover letter (max 15 lines).
BACH Art Center - 230/2 Via Zanardi, Bologna
This training is for dancers, actors, artists, and researchers who wish to nurture an investigation of the body in art and performance, enriching their somatic vocabulary and movement practice. For all people, even those with little experience, who wish to encounter the body in terms of knowledge and research, in a safe and non-competitive group field.
Salotto Somatico program orient to a multifaceted view of the body, celebrating a dialogue between art, health and life.
Yiskah is a dancer, teacher, performer, researcher in the field of movement and somatic languages. Somatic practitioner in bio-natural disciplines, craniosacral biodynamics and mindfulness. She has studied and worked in Italy, Europe, Africa and worked in dance and theater companies, social projects for people with disabilities and as a street artist. She is in the process toward axis syllabus certification.
BIO complete
