Tracing Stories: Body, Image, Words

About the Workshop

Join Esther Sabetpour Ramnath and Vanio Papadelli for a 3-hour creative workshop in East London, open to all. Through movement, free writing, and photography, we will gently explore themes of identity and memory, tracing and documenting personal narratives in different orders and combinations.

Esther and Vanio are passionate about sharing their process of mapping intuitive narratives, guided by the body and a felt sense of place.

What to Expect

• A welcoming, inclusive and creative space to express yourself freely and explore.
• Embodied storytelling – map sensations in the body and explore them through movement.
• Self-portraiture & visual triptychs – Use photography to document meaningful body parts, incorporating fabrics for texture and depth.
• Intuitive movement – Movement led by the body's impulses and feelings.
• Collaborative image-making – Capture your experiences and begin narratives using mobile photography and guided videography in a safe and playful way.
• Reflection & connection – Engage in discussions, work in pairs, journal, and participate in creative exchanges in a relaxed and welcoming space.

How We’ll Work

• Following our breath, tuning into our heart pulse, and using movement, free writing and photography to connect with personal narritives
• Self-portraits can be captured using mobile photography, with sensitivity and the support of a partner or a tripod.
• Words will act as a connective tissue between movement and photography, allowing deeper exploration of embodied narratives.
• This workshop offers a unique opportunity to experience connections, accessing different layers of stories through mindfulness and soulful expression.
• Expect an inclusive, welcoming, and gentle atmosphere, with generous breaks and group discussions to reflect, create, and connect with yourself and others.

What to Bring

• Wear comfortable clothing for movement.
• Bring a notebook or sketchbook (writing materials will be provided).
• Ensure your mobile phone is charged.
• Tripods/phone holders will be provided.
• Fabrics will be available for optional creative expression or experimentation.

Important Information

📸 This event will be photographed/recorded. Please let us know if you do not wish to be photographed.
🌀 No previous experience in dance, writing, or photography is needed—just curiosity and a willingness to explore!

Contribution:

• Full: £26

• Concession (students, low income): £18

• Hard times – please contact us.

Please book without hesitation if our workshop opportunity resonates with you. As we expect all spaces to be filled, we can begin a waiting list for a follow-up workshop to be confirmed at a later date.

Please email esramnath@gmail.com to register your interest if you don’t get a spot and for all other related inquiries.

We look forward to meeting you!

Link to Book Your Ticket:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tracing-stories-body-image-words-tickets-1311419193109?aff=oddtdtcreator

About Esther & Vanio

We are two artists working individually and collaboratively at the intersection of the arts and wellbeing, mapping intuitive narratives led by the body and a felt sense of place. Our workshops offer creative tools that support vulnerability, authenticity, and deep self-expression by combining photography, movement, and writing. With over 40 years of experience between us, we have facilitated work in a wide range of community and educational settings, as well as arts-based projects across the UK and internationally.

Vanio Papadelli is a Greek-born interdisciplinary performance artist, lecturer and facilitator based in London, teaching movement, composition and embodied writing at Trinity Laban and Rose Bruford College. Her practice spans dance, theatre, somatics, and video, with a focus on care, creativity and connection. She works across diverse communities, including intergenerational and migrant groups, and is currently studying for a Diploma in the Therapeutic & Educational Application of The Arts (IATE). Her artistic work has been shared in Greece, the UK, Germany, Egypt and Lebanon.
W: https://vaniopapadelli.com

Esther Sabetpour Ramnath is a London-born artist and photographer of Iranian-Scottish heritage and a trauma survivor. Her work centres on self-portraiture, often blending photography with movement and performance to explore identity and healing. She draws on embodied practices including Five Rhythms and co-counselling, offering deeply reflective and supportive spaces. Esther’s photographs have been exhibited in venues including the Copeland Gallery, OXO Tower Gallery, Glasgow Gallery of Photography and House of KoKo.

W: http://vaniopapadelli.com
W: https://esthersabetpour.wordpress.com