INTRODUCTION TO Authentic Movement

1:1 and small groups

MONTHLY SATURDAYS 10-1PM COST £35 EACH

MARCH 7th, APRIL 18TH, MAY 16TH, JUNE 6TH

JULY 10TH TO 12TH WEEKEND RETREAT co-leading with Katsura Isobe

Authentic Movement is a contemplative movement practice initially developed by Mary Starks Whitehouse (1911-1979) in the 1950s as ‘movement in depth,’ influenced by Modern dance and Jungian psychology. Janet Adler (1941-2023) further developed the practice as the Discipline of Authentic Movement, which supports the development of clear and compassionate consciousness. For many years, I studied with and assisted my teacher Linda Hartley, and this training continues .

This contemplative movement practice is based on the relationship between the mover and the witness. There are simple rituals which we follow, creating a space of safety and support: standing in a circle that contains the empty space, making eye contact, the mover with eyes closed listening inwardly to inner impulses to be still or to move, allowing, yielding, trusting all that their body knows, in the presence of a witness, who sits to one side, giving the mover time to be seen, in a clear and compassionate way. The witness also staying present with the feelings that come up as they see the mover. There are transition times, for drawing, writing or resting, and time for the mover and witness to speak together.

Everyone is welcome. No previous experience is necessary. For those new to the practice, each person will be given a basic understanding of the particular way we practice, and of how we speak.

“I can only describe Authentic Movement practice with you and Katsura as nothing short of revelatory. The circle you both facilitate has allowed me to access a level of vulnerability I rarely experience elsewhere, helping me connect with and integrate memories, experiences, and emotions I had long repressed. There have been moments of profound breakthrough, particularly that extraordinary session where I experienced a flood of simultaneous grief and joy, a rare state of ecstasy, that words can barely capture. Though people sometimes raise eyebrows when I enthusiastically describe the practice, it has become one of my most cherished forms of self-discovery. The improvements in my emotional awareness and self-regulation have been tangible and lasting.”

Hamish Cooper

Together with Katsura Isobe, we will offer Authentic Movement Workshops and a Summer Weekend Retreat in 2026.

THURSDAYS 30TH JULY & 19TH NOVEMBER 2026.

2pm-5pm, Cost £40 per session

“Our bodies are the containers of our emotions, memories, imaginations, and thoughts. In Authentic movement, we move and track each moment’s movement and sensation, while simultaneously allowing these unseen parts of us to surface. A mover moves with their eyes closed in the presence of a witness. What is emerging here?

In my Authentic Movement journey with Linda Hartley as a mentor, I learned, and am still learning how to embrace all that is visible and invisible in me and others, with clarity and compassion. This is a transformational practice that nurtures individuals and collectives.

My intention is to hold a safe supportive circle for you to be with what emerges. I hope you can join this journey with us.” (Katsura Isobe www.katsuraisobe.net)

Immerse yourself in the practice of AUTHENTIC MOVEMENT for three days, away from usual busyness. The large airy venue is located in a beautiful quiet village in North Norfolk near ancient woods.

This retreat will be taught by Melanie Willsher and Katsura Isobe.
We welcome all levels of experience. The group will be with 6-12 participants.

Dates: 10-12 July 2026
10.00-18.00 first two days and
10.00-17.00 on the last day
Lunch break approximately from 13.00-15.00.

Venue: Swanton Novers Village Hall
45 St Giles Rd, Swanton Novers, Melton Constable NR24 2RB

Fee: £295, including three vegetarian lunches freshly cooked at the venue. We will try to accommodate your diet requirments.

Accommodation: This retreat is non-residential. Please book a hotel or Airbnb nearby. It is possible to camp indoors or outdoors at the village hall with access to the kitchen and shower/toilet for £15 per night.

To register: email
info@katsuraisobe.net
melaniewillsheryoga@gmail.com