The Essence is a highly physical dance workshop that merges martial arts and contemporary dance, led by Laura and Oliver, the Artistic Directors of Vanhulle Dance Theatre. It introduces the company’s signature movement language, developed through Laura and Oliver’s 25 years of ongoing practice, research, and performance.

Rooted in their continued training in the Korean martial art Tang Soo Do, Capoeira, and grappling, the workshop explores the interflow of kicks, floorwork, shifts in rhythm, off-balancing, and partner exchanges. It combines fluid contemporary dance, acrobatics, and martial arts principles to cultivate coordination, awareness, and flow.

Participants will engage in dynamic movement drills, sequences, partner work, and authentic martial arts practice that inspire the company’s work.

The Essence offers a well-informed and diverse physical approach to training and creativity—where discipline meets exploration, and raw physicality evolves into expressive movement.