Professional workshop
Shérane Figaro – ESANS: Bodies in resonance
25 ⇾ Mar. 26 2026 (Wednesday – Thursday)
10:00 to 16:00
Weekly rate:$95
Drop-in:$28
Every day
Teaching Language: French
Questions can be asked in:
French, English
Schedule of the day:
10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
1-hour break
1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.
10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
1-hour break
1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Categories
#Creative process #Somatic #Technique
#Creative process #Somatic #Technique
© Valérie Gassien
Objective
Explore new bodily patterns by using undulatory movements that alternate between tension and resistance. Develop an organic approach to transitions while cultivating mindful presence and connection with the group. Enrich bodily vocabulary through the foundational principles of traditional Haitian dances
Content
The workshop is based on a reflective and creative approach. The proposed references are inspired by the knowledge embedded in traditional Haitian dances. This framework enables participants to engage in fluid movement and to nourish their imagination, allowing space for their own unique expression. During the workshop, we will experiment with the principles of undulation, letting go, and grounding through various creative research exercises and guided explorations. Participants will be invited to put their attention on their sensations while remaining present in the physical space and in relation to the group.
Workshop Rhythm
~ Adaptable to the group’s needs
~ Variable
Accessibility Features
~ Cardio exercices
~ Exercices are adaptable
~ High music or sound level
~ Short verbal explications
~ Standing up for a long time
~ Sub-groups exercices
Biography
Shérane Figaro has been active in the performing arts as a choreographer and performer for over twenty years. She teaches dance in the Greater Montreal area. The two pillars of her practice are creation and training. In 2021, Shérane was nominated for the CALQ’s Prix de l’année (Laval region).
In her approach, she uses the principles and symbols of ancestral Haitian dances in a contemporary choreographic language. In 2016, she created the ESANS method—a framework for reflection and a working philosophy that can be used in creative processes. Through her works presented in Montreal, including YANI, Van tradisyon, SEZAM, and Kripté, Shérane explores themes such as rites of passage, transmission, and the memory of places and bodies. For her, each creation is a way of talking about subjects that bring us back to our humanity.
In her approach, she uses the principles and symbols of ancestral Haitian dances in a contemporary choreographic language. In 2016, she created the ESANS method—a framework for reflection and a working philosophy that can be used in creative processes. Through her works presented in Montreal, including YANI, Van tradisyon, SEZAM, and Kripté, Shérane explores themes such as rites of passage, transmission, and the memory of places and bodies. For her, each creation is a way of talking about subjects that bring us back to our humanity.
“It allowed me to get a new perspective on the creative process. The method ESANS gave me tools to go deeper into my own practice of traditional Haitian dance and the ways I can bring it to contemporary practice. ” Abigail
Partners
This workshop is supported by the Conseil de la formation continue arts et culture de Montréal (CFC) in collaboration with Studio 303. The CFC’s continuing education activities are supported by the Intervention-Compétences program, thanks to the financial participation of the Quebec government.
