Pedagogical Philosophy
No matter what I am teaching, my eye is on relationship, on in-between spaces, connections and curiosity as modality for expanding our dance vocabulary as well as emotional intelligence. Whether professional training or beginning students, I cultivate awareness of self and others, body and space. My classes are thoughtfully structured to lead participants through warmup, elements of technique, improvisation, and, when appropriate, learning phrase work. Always connecting mind and body in order to expand dance vocabulary, my aim is for participants to investigate physical textures and individual movements as equally as experiencing healthy alignment and moving efficiency, so we can enjoy the full range of dynamics in any dance technique.
Teaching
Connecting to self, other and community
With over 15 years of teaching experience, I bring pedagogical training as well as artistic practice to each class.
Catch a glimpse of Contemplative Groove class and Deeper Groove Sessions
Open Classes
follow me on instagram for weekly updates
Weekly Drop-in Classes in Berlin
Wednesdays
10.00-11.15 | Mindful Groove | Open Level | Papillon Tanz Studio - Boxhagenerstr 18
18.15 | Contemporary | Beginner+ | Tanzfabrik Berlin - Möckernstr. 68
20.15 | Contemplative Groove | Open Level | Tanzfabrik Berlin - Möckernstr. 68
Trailer for Victoria’s contemporary class
Workshops & Specials
The Deeper Groove Session is back and more workshops coming later this fall! Join my newsletter and follow on instagram for the latest updates
Deeper Groove Session
Saturday, 10.10.26
10.00-13.00 | Open Level | Papillon Tanz Studios
In the October workshop we will focus on dancing through change: new seasons, shifting emotions, or uncertainty. By tuning into thought patterns, breath, and bodily sensations while dancing, we will cultivate strength and flexibility. Using different physical and mindfulness tools listening becomes as a grounding practice and movement connects us to ourselves and others.
More Information & Registration here!
Video Trailer from Contemporary Dance Intensive - Kunstdünger Sommerakademie July 2024
Deeper Groove Session - Workshop
Deeper Groove Session creates space for activating the mind and body through different modalities of contemplating, mindfulness and groove. The workshop weaves together elements of contemporary dance practice, yoga, movement research, dancing in clubs, and somatic awareness tools. Over 2-3 hours, we dig into themes of listening and care through movement as well as reflection practices.
By tuning in to thought patterns and to bodily sensations while breathing and dancing, the workshop develops the idea of listening as a physical, mindful and social practice. We will attune to our own body first and then broaden our awareness outwards into the space and towards others. Elements of dance technique emerge as a vehicle for exploring ideas and submerge again in improvisation. Reflecting and exchanging are part of the process through pauses between movement sessions as well as writing prompts, one-on-one dialogues or group chats. Join now to re/connect with your body, to engage your sense of creative flow and cultivate awareness of self and others.
Kunstdünger Sommerakademie, July 2024. Photo — Victoria McConnell
Course Descriptions
Victoria's Contemporary class begins with guided improvisation to activate somatic awareness and connecting mind and body. The class continues to move through both task-based and sensory improvisation as well as structured exercises for functionality and coordination, emphasizing alignment and engaging large muscle groups while flowing in and out of the floor. Weaving improvisation with technique, Victoria’s class progresses through space with spirals, floorwork and turns. Exploration meets short sequences to integrate improvisation with more complex movements. Bringing all these elements together Victoria's class often culminates in integrating individual movement qualities into a structured phrase.
Victoria’s Groove classes (Mindful Groove, Contemplative Groove) are movement experiences where all are welcome. No matter what your background — whether you dance in clubs, do ballet, or don’t dance — you can join. This class is designed to be a welcoming space for all who are curious about mindfulness, like to move, or want to dance up a sweat. In Groove classes, Victoria brings together her training and experience in contemporary dance, yoga, improvisation, and meditative practices to offer a joyful 75 minute guided-flow.