Anni Rissanen’s Senior Course 1 is divided into two groups, each with identical content. Group A meets on Monday mornings from 10AM to 11:30AM.
During these senior classes guided by Anni Rissanen, we connect with our bodies through movement and sensory exercises. The classes follow a somatic method, enabling us to explore various bodily layers through personal experiences.
Throughout the sessions, the emphasis is on fostering inner movement by redirecting our focus from the external form of movement to experiencing it firsthand. Through diverse exercises stimulating the body’s senses, we strengthen our connection to our bodies, which helps us to recognise their messages, define boundaries, and understand their needs. Utilising release techniques, these exercises aim to alleviate excess tension, encouraging flow, lightness, and pleasure.
Working in small groups allows us to share experiences with both the group instructor and fellow participants, providing adequate time and space for each participant to integrate the exercises into their personal experiences. These classes are open to anyone interested in dance, movement, and the body – prior experience is not necessary.
Anni Rissanen is a dancer (MA) and dance teacher (BA) specialising in body awareness and somatics. With 15 years of experience working as a dancer, choreographer, and teacher in Finland and abroad, Rissanen seamlessly combines dance and visual art. Noteworthy choreographies include Face-to-face (Jyväskylä Dance Festival 2018, Mänttä Art Festival 2021), Turning Point (Forum Box 2016), and Landscapes (Forum Box 2014). In 2008, Rissanen graduated with a Master of Arts in dance from the Theatre Academy of Uniarts Helsinki. As a dancer, she has collaborated with artists such as Sari Palmgren, Soile Lahdenperä, Maija Mustonen, Jouni Järvenpää, Kati Raatikainen, and Satu Herrala. Rissanen is the founder of the Virgiinia – Centre for Embodiment in Alppila, Helsinki. She has taught at various institutions including Helsinki City Theatre, Somatic Studio, Tanssille ry, the Department of Dramaturgy at the Theatre Academy, and Zodiak – Centre for New Dance. From 2009 to 2016, she led the Central Ostrobothnia Folk High School’s dance programme.
