facilitated by Ayeḇainemi Abiẹyuwa Ése
bodybased is a somatic rest and movement space created and artistically directed by Ayeḇainemi Abiẹyuwa Ése. It responds to the lack of accessible, body-based spaces for Black people, who remain systemically underrepresented within contemporary dance and somatic practices.
bodybased holds space for the ways anti-Black conditions shape our embodiment, our capacity for deep rest and how we experience our lives. The space is curated specifically for Black people, centering stillness, grief, reconnection to bodily sensation and creative expression outside of the white gaze.
Through rest, contemporary dance, somatic practice and improvisation, bodybased invites Black people to develop greater autonomy in their relationships with their bodies, movement and creative expression in connection to Black sonic frequencies.
These upcoming sessions are supported by collaborators Chevon Edwards, Perpetua Png and Rudzani Moleya, who will share their own insights into embodied practice and movement. Thenjiwe will support the sessions through sound and conjured mixes, creating an environment for deep listening, rest and movement. More info about the collaborators and their offerings will be shared soon.
Ayeḇainemi will be present at all three sessions, available to support participants with questions, access needs and anything they may need throughout their time in the space.
Black participants include people of African, Caribbean and mixed-heritage descent.
These sessions are independently run and self-funded, and are not programmed or paid for by Siobhan Davies Studios. If you feel called to support the sustainability of this space, you can leave a donation here or through the booking form. <3
autumn Timetable
Monthly Saturdays
26 Sep, 24 Oct, 28 Nov
5.45 – 8.15pm
drop in Prices
low-income baddies: £10
stable-income babes: £15
boujee cuties: £20
pay-it-forward: £25
pay-it-forward: £30
Donations to support the space: from £10
no previous experience in dance or somatics is needed. you are encouraged to take up space in whatever way feels right for you.
What to Expect
You are invited to move at your own pace, with no expectation to perform or produce. The focus is on rest, co-regulation, deep listening and quiet witnessing. You are encouraged to follow your body’s intuition and take breaks whenever you need to.
Sessions create space for autonomous rest, somatic exploration and improvisational movement. You might move, remain in stillness, rest, observe or move between these states. Mats and cushions will be available, and you are welcome to find whatever position or place within the studio that feels supportive.
Sessions may include an opening sharing circle, periods of rest and deep listening, movement exploration and improvisation, followed by an optional moment of integration through writing, drawing or reflection. We close with a final sharing circle, offering space to return to ourselves and to one another.
There is no requirement to participate in every part of the session. You are welcome to adapt your participation according to your body’s needs.
PREVIOUS FEEDBACK
‘I really appreciated the space to rest and tune in to my body in the first half of the session. Inemi led a beautiful meditation inviting us back into our bodies. this followed by free movement with eyes closed opened space for me to drop back into my body in a way that I really needed. I loved the writing and reflection circle to close. I had a great time!’
‘I enjoyed the healing nature and the somatic movement it allowed me to release tension and feel free. Inemi is a deeply gifted practitioner but brings their skills down to a level that everyone can understand and benefit. I feel amazing leaving the class. I feel so grateful for the space and will be attending every single one.’
‘Grounding, the space to simply be and grieve.’
‘I loved the slowness and starting out with just resting. I feel like that really set the tone for the rest of the session. I also love how we moved from movement to writing and conversation.’
‘I loved how gentle and warming the facilitator was, how considered the session structure was, how restful the environment / studio space felt, the session felt like it really cultivated and celebrated community.’
Creator / Teacher
Ayeḇainemi Abiẹyuwa Ése
Ayeḇainemi Abiẹyuwa Ése (they/them) is a transdisciplinary artist and community dreamer of Nigerian (Nembe and Esan) descent, born and raised in Newham. Their practice spans contemporary dance, writing, voice and sound, performance, politicised somatics and other curiosities.
Alongside developing their creative practice as a contemporary dance artist and facilitator, they are deeply committed to creating spaces for QTIBPOC+ communities to experience rest, care, pleasure and the release of collective grief.
In response to the lack of accessible and culturally resonant spaces for multiply marginalised communities, their ongoing series bodybased began in October 2025 at Siobhan Davies Studios. Rooted in community care and collective experience, these sessions offer somatic movement and rest practices that centre stillness, co-regulation and embodied expression. The space also functions as an evolving artistic and research practice, informing and deepening their contemporary dance and somatic work. They facilitate regular affinity sessions for Black participants, alongside sessions that include People of Colour / the Global Majority.
Access and Amenities at SDS
Siobhan Davies Studios is mostly accessible to wheelchair users, with lifts to all floors. There are two accessible parking spaces available on site which can be booked in advance. Blue Badge parking is also available nearby on West Square and Garden Row (for a full map visit the Southwark Council website). Our main door is not power assisted.
Amenities include:
- Changing facilities*
- Communal showers*
- Lockers
- Toilets / wheelchair accessible toilets
- Kitchen: tea and coffee making, fridge, and microwave (not fully accessible)
* Our changing facilities and showers are not fully accessible. Our closest publicly available and fully accessible changing facility is at The Castle Centre, a leisure centre 0.3 miles away from the studios. You can find full details of their features here.