Somatic Stories

Survivor Series

Narrative movement, dance, & writing classes designed specifically for survivors of breast cancer, applying MFA-level narrative theory and ballet technique to the somatic experience of survival. Our movement of our bodies in the studio, or our thoughts across the page, are violent attacks back on the shadows that once held the microphone of our pain. Through eleVe’s somatic seminars, survivors don’t forget what we’ve been through, but face and utilize it to author our stories anew.

The following are a list of debut book-as-we-go Story Somatics, which contains both exercise & writing classes for beginners (intermediates & advanced also welcome). This special Survivors Series was custom created for breast cancer survivors that offers a rare quality of instruction & guidance from someone who has lived, danced, & written her way through it.

  • Privates & Semi-Privates (2-3 survivors max depending on class)are available now for booking

    • Single sessions or package-rates are available

    • Somatic Story Classes are held at eleVe home studio in White River Junction

    • Complimentary loft lobby perks: coffee, tea, waters, & wifi

    • Class flow & time are customizable based on client’s story, needs, & goals

    • No dance experience required — newbies encouraged!

    • Free upcoming PALS class via PALS program at the UVAC…stay tuned!

current class offerings

  • Dance as Detox

    • Accessing the pain, tension, and paralysis in our bodies & channeling it somewhere new through the art of dance

    • Contemporary mild choreography, classical movements, & exercises targeted to drain our lymphatic system & lift our spirits

  • Lyrical Lymphatics

    • fantastic playlist to guide our movement targeted to drain our lymphatic system

    • heal together, build your cardio strength, & burn calories as we prevent recurrence while moving to the beat!

    • physical exercises: jumping, swaying, swinging, bouncing, stretching, & dancing to drain away the toxins

    • burn calories, extend our strength, & lengthen our spines

    • light lymphatic massage & self massage

  • Storied Strength & Stretch

    • Think yoga, but replace the Buddha chants with a killer-gentle playlist accompanied by a creative narrator personally guiding you through poetic reflections, movements, breathwork, metaphors, & targeted scar-stretching

    • Re-integrating our bodies, minds, and souls post cancer’s fragmentations

MFA Writing

survivor-stories series

creative nonfiction master classes

- SUMMER & FALL SEASONS BOOKED

  • Cancer that Creates

    • MFA-level intro to creative nonfiction writing: craft lessons, prompts, & literature to guide our creative process of reintegration. Designed & led by award-winning writer & cancer survivor Victoria Sottosanti. Rare offering with highly limited space

  • Story as Survival

    • An intimate writing workshop circle that learns master lessons on the need for narrative, crafting our stories, creative tools for shifting our POV, master examples, & “voice” exercises. Designed & led by award-winning writer & cancer survivor Victoria Sottosanti. Rare offering with highly limited space

next writing sessions inquiry