Julia Samel
@moving_connections

Dance & Movement Facilitator | Teacher | Community Builder

Julia is incredibly passionate about movement and dance. Through over 20 years teaching Brazilian Forró, plus decades of exploration in Contact Improvisation, 5 Rhythms and various free-flow practices, she has developed "Moving Connections" inviting people to explore connections through simple exercises that support us to meet ourselves and others with authenticity and care, welcoming all that we are in every moment. Julia holds space heart-fully and sensitively combining all she loves in everything she does, bringing lightness and humour, with a unique care and sensitivity for all those who attend.

Raised in a family where dance, expression and authenticity were valued and encouraged, Julia was deeply influenced by her mother’s work in embodied movement, psychotherapy, Biodanza, Biodynamics, and Tantra. This early foundation inspired her lifelong belief that movement is a language through which people can heal, grow, relate, and discover themselves.​

Julia’s extensive training and over 30 years of regular practice spans not only Forró but also 5 Rhythms, Capoeira, Gymnastics and Contact Improvisation. She has completed a year of self-inquiry through Moving Soul and Ecstatic Awakening teacher training. In addition, she is a certified Dance Medicine Facilitator, has completed Trauma-Informed Awareness training, and holds a Foundation in Counselling. This breadth of experience informs her holistic approach, weaving together somatic awareness, relational dance, and therapeutic insight.

Beyond the dance floor, Julia is an organiser and leader of regular events, summer camps, and festivals—including her own initiative, Rumble!—that invites participants to explore movement, intimacy, embodiment, and community in a vibrant and welcoming setting. She currently facilitates 2 weekly events in London and shares her practice at various gatherings throughout the year - This last year, she shared Moving Connections at Osho Leela, Moving with Intimacy, Buddhafields, Ectstaic Dance Festival, Rumble, LoveJam, The Village, Dance in Avalon & Green Earth Awakening!

Julia strongly believes anyone and everyone can dance. She believes that the body holds its own wisdom, and through compassionate guidance and creative practice, dance can help people move through barriers, expand self-expression, and experience joy, connection, healing, and growth.