relational cello with movement and dance

“the music from the cello encouraged me to take risks and be playful”

Bela makes music for people to move to, for self-expression, connection, and wellbeing, in solo workshops, for and with Contact Improvisation, and for 5 Rhythms (with Paul Smith). 

This 5-minute video is about Shape and Surrender: Bela’s Making Space residency and public event at Fabrica, Brighton, 17th-21st June ’24. The residency was the culmination of Bela’s 12-month funded period to explore creative sustainability via an Arts Council England (ACE) DYCP grant, July ’23-June ’24.

Through the DYCP, she explored movement, embodiment, listening, and sound, with Contact Improvisation (CI) and other movement practitioners throughout England – as well as her own artistic processes.

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) 
  • Julia Samel (Moving Connections – relational movement) 

It also supported research and development: solo and collaborative responsive acoustic and electric/fx cello in workshops for and with:

  • Asher Levin (Totnes & Bristol)
  • Paul Smith (5Rhythms, Brighton)
  • CI at Goldsmiths
  • Julia Samel (Moving Connections, London)
  • SOMA at Buddhafield ’23 & ’24
  • Lee Bolton, Jamus Wood

upcoming events

Saturday Snuggles
21 March 2026
14:00
Ochre House, BN3 3ED
Brighton

Saturday Snuggles: structured therapist-facilitated group container for platonic touch, for connection with self and others, consent/boundaries/communication practice, nervous system co-regulation – with live cello, Hove, 2-5:30pm.

Booking essential: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/brighton-cuddle-space-saturday-snuggles-tickets-1981524592397

Cuddle and Play
25 April 2026
16:45
Kemp Town (The exact address will be emailed to guests two days before the event)
Brighton

Cuddle and Play: Join Bela and Roy for a very special collaboration offering exploration of connective embodiment, relational physical contact, and active ongoing consent practice.

Kemptown, Brighton. 5pm-10:30pm

Booking essential: www.openrelating.love/product/cuddle-play-brighton-25-apr/

Contact Improvisation session at Cliffe Hall
26 April 2026
15:30
Cliffe Hall
Lewes

CI in Lewes – Bela plays responsive, interactive cello for and with Sharon & Marc’s Contact Improvisation session at Cliffe Hall

Double Slit: Canvas and Cello
16 May 2026
20:00
Aurora House, 18 Lower Rock Gardens, Kemptown,
Brighton

Double Slit: Canvas and Cello – live responsive visual and sonic art performance with Bela & Aurora, as part of Brighton Open Houses

£donation

Aurora House, 18 Lower Rock Gardens, Kemptown, Brighton, BN2 1PG www.aoh.org.uk/

Emerging Hearts – 22-29 June
22 June 2026
10:00
Somerset

Bela will be playing cello for Contact Improvisation at this wonderful movement and connection camp. Somerset.
More info: www.contactimprovcamp.co.uk/

Spirit of Gravity
2 July 2026
20:00
Rossi Bar
Brighton

Belarina: new cello songs and cellotronica pieces

Rossi Bar, Brighton

£5 (cash) entry

www.spiritofgravity.com/

Queer Spirit festival
13 August 2026
16:00
Devon

Queer Spirit festival, Devon: platonic touch session and cello with movement workshop at Queer Spirit, as part of the Women’s Tent team. Queer Spirit festival is a gathering place for spiritually minded LGBTQI+ people and our allies from all races, all genders, all sexualities, all ages.

www.queerspirit.net/festival

feedback

“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”