“the music from the cello encouraged me to take risks and be playful”
Bela (B) makes music for people to move to, for self-expression, connection, and wellbeing, in solo workshops, for and with Contact Improvisation (CI), and for 5Rhythms (with Paul Smith).
B uses their finely-honed improvisational practice and a range of instruments to support in-the-moment relational dance: witnessing, enhancing, responding to the energy of people’s movement flowing between solo and with other/s.
Bela continues to develop this specific practice via a 12-month Arts Council England (ACE) funded R&D period in 2026/7 following an ACE DYCP grant in 2023/4 to explore creative sustainability. The DYCP enabled an expansive exploration and development of her relational cello and movement practice with Lee Bolton (embodiment and CI practitioner) & Asher Levin (CI teacher). It also supported research and development: solo and collaborative responsive acoustic and electric/fx cello in workshops throughout England. B’s also led CI jams and sessions at Emerging Hearts (2025, 2026), Touch & Play UK (2022, 2024), Buddhafield (Soma) (2023, 2024), CI @ Goldsmiths.
Bela will be offering several movement and cello sessions in 2026/7, both local to Brighton and at UK festivals.
“the playing led tremendous weight to the emotional expression”
“the instrument’s versatility in your hands is remarkable”
“very intuitive playing – Bela read the room beautifully”
“the depth of the sound of the cello helps me to deeply relax and feel grounded in my body”
“the cello is a deep, holding, soothing sound. I think it’s very healing. The fact it’s live also adds to the feeling of being held”
“The dancing felt very connected with the cello – the way you interacted with us and the music and vice versa”
“the music from the cello encouraged me to take risks and be playful”
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