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

Fluid Spines and Flying Spirals – Contact Improvisation workshop with Richard Parker
24 January 2026
10:00
The Studio, Whippingham Road
Brighton

Fluid Spines and Flying Spirals – Contact Improvisation workshop with Richard Parker. Bela plays live cello for and within the afternoon jam. ‘A workshop focusing on the intelligence and expressive power of the spine, and how spirals create pathways for fluid, dynamic dancing.’

The Studio, Whippingham Road, 10am-5pm
More info: www.contactimprovcamp.co.uk/immersive-workshops/brighton24jan2026
Saturday Snuggles
31 January 2026
14:00
Ochre House, BN3 3ED
Brighton

Bela plays live cello within this platonic consensual touch session. Ochre House, BN3 3ED.
2-5:30pm

More info 

Live Wave
13 February 2026
18:30
Hove Methodist Church, Portland Road
Hove

Join Bela and Paul for a liberating 5 Rhythms session with live music.

Hove Methodist Church, Portland Road. 6:30-8:30pm

More info: www.5rhythmswithpaul.com

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

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/

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”