“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.
Monthly Brighton CI Big Jam evening, with live music from Bela Emerson.
Brighton Ki Centre, 12 Queen Square, Brighton, BN1 3FD, 7-10pm
https://bookwhen.com/movingstillness/e/ev-sbx8m-20261106190000
Contact Improv jam with live music from Bela Emerson
Cliffe Hall, Lewes, 2-5pm
https://www.facebook.com/
Bela plays a live set at Eyeless Records 20 year anniversary, Rose Hill arts centre, Brighton
“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”
