This workshop is co-presented by New Works and The Dance Centre

Share Dance In Practice 2024/25

THRIVE: Tools & Practices for Mental Wellness
with Alina Sotskova & Rachel Helten

Sunday, April 6 | 12pm - 3pm
Scotiabank Dance Centre

About the Workshop:

Practice harnessing the power of positive psychology and mindful awareness together and discuss how these tools apply specifically to the routines and demands of dance artists!

Join Alina Sotskova & Rachel Helten for a spring mental wellness booster! In this experiential workshop, they will discuss and put into practice strategies that support psychological  well-being. This workshop  will draw on Positive Psychology research, Zen Psychology and Mindfulness principles, and embodied movement practices. They will  discuss and share specific tools and principles, guide the participants through facilitated exercises to try out proposed strategies and ideas, and pair these psychological principles with accessible, embodied movement exercises and tools.

*This workshop is designed with dance professionals in mind, but open to anyone interested in exploring these practices.

About the Facilitators:

Alina Sotskova is a professional choreographer and contemporary dance artist. She began studying dance at a young age in Crimea, Ukraine. After immigrating to Canada as an adolescent, her connection with dance was interrupted. She returned to dance years later to focus specifically on studying contemporary dance and ballet. She has choreographed and performed in many contemporary dance works across Canada. She has presented original choreography in collaboration with Dance Victoria, Flux London Dance Festival, Shadbolt Centre for the Arts, Scotiabank Dance Centre, re:Naissance Opera, and many other festivals and organizations. Alina also holds a PhD in Clinical Psychology. In 2017, she founded Voirelia Hub as a platform for dance creation. As the Artistic Co-Director of Voirelia Hub, Alina continues to create and perform works of contemporary dance, develop dance pedagogy, and curate interdisciplinary dance and art events.

Rachel Helten is an interdisciplinary artist, dancer, choreographer, teacher, and healing facilitator based on the unceded lands of the Coast Salish peoples, including the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), Stó:lō (Stolo), and Səl̓ílwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. Holding a BFA in Dance from SFU, she embraces interdisciplinary methods, deep listening, and collaboration, valuing vulnerability as a catalyst for transformation and liberation. Her work, which bridges the material and ethereal realms, has been presented locally and internationally. As the artistic director of soma anima arts (evolving from Kinesis Dance Somatheatro), Rachel honours the healing power of art to cultivate deeper awareness and well-being. Alongside her creative work, Rachel is also a certified Jungian Life Coach, Sound Healing Practitioner, Breathwork Facilitator, and Meditation Teacher. Rooted in care, her approach fosters curiosity, presence, and compassion. Rachel is dedicated to continually learning how to decolonize consciousness and practices, advocating for a more just, loving, and equitable world that honours the interconnectedness of all. 

Registration and Cost

• Suggested Workshop Registration $23
• Sliding Scale Option $10-23

*Workshop registrants will never be turned away for lack of funds. If a registration fee is financially inaccessible to you, we invite you to self-identify to request a scholarship, no questions asked. Please reach out to marco@newworks.ca to request a scholarship to attend the next workshop. 

Access notes: 

Scotiabank Dance Centre is a wheelchair accessible and scent reduced venue. Gender Neutral washrooms are located on 6th and 7th floor.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding accessibility please send an email to marco@newworks.ca

Learn more at: https://www.newworks.ca/in-practice-tools-practices-for-mental-wellness/