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.
NEW Deeper Groove Workshop!
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March 28th
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NEW Deeper Groove Workshop! 〰️ March 28th 〰️
Catch a glimpse of Contemplative Groove class and Deeper Groove Sessions
Open Classes
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Weekly Classes in Berlin
Wednesday 10.00-11.15 | Mindful Groove | Open Level | Papillon Tanz Studio - Boxhagenerstr 18
Wednesday 18.15-19.45 | Contemporary | Beginner+ | Tanzfabrik Kreuzberg
Thursdays 20.00-21.15 Contemplative Groove | Open Level | Tanzfabrik Wedding
Trailer for Victoria’s contemporary class
Workshops & Specials:
The next Deeper Groove Session is booked! Register now and save your spot.
I’m excited to partner with Papillon Tanz Studio to offer the next Deeper Groove Session on March 28th from 10.00-13.00
When: Saturday 28.03 from 10.00-13.00 Level: Open
Where: Papillon Tanz Studio’s new space - Boxhagener Straße 18, 10245 Berlin
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. We will dig into themes of listening and care through movement as well as reflection practices. Our focus in March is rooting down to open up.
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!
Video Trailer from Contemporary Dance Intensive - Kunstdünger Sommerakademie July 2024
Teaching Philosophy
No matter what I am teaching, my eye is on relationship, on in-between spaces, connections and curiosity as modality for expanding dance vocabulary. 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.
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.
Contemplative Groove is a movement experience 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 Contemplative Groove, Victoria brings together her training and experience in contemporary dance, yoga, improvisation, and meditative practices to offer a joyful guided-flow.