The Sensing Self

Thoughtful and structured movement education for skill, awareness, and a deeper understanding of how we move, respond, and relate.

Join a class

About

The Sensing Self is a movement practice based in Rotterdam, blending body awareness, personal reflection, and joy in movement.

Through weekly classes, events, and intensives, we explore how moving with intention can unlock growth, connection, and inner freedom. Whether you're looking to build specific skills like handstands or improve your mobility, or seeking a comprehensive approach to overall well-being, this practice is for the body and the mind.

🌿 Outdoor Season (April–October): One class each week moves outdoors, guiding us through the parks, streets, and hidden gems of Rotterdam. Rediscover your body and the city. Join WhatsApp community for updates about this.

What is a movement practice?

Key pillars of the practice

This practice supports not just physical skill, but overall well-being — inviting more clarity, vitality, and ease into everyday life.

Well-rounded physicality

We train strength, mobility, coordination, balance, ground movement, and even a touch of acrobatics. Instead of isolated techniques only, we focus on core principles and adaptable patterns — building a body that’s capable, curious, and deeply aware.
Partner work

Connection is at the heart of what we do. Through playful tasks and shared challenges, we build trust, awareness, and the ability to respond to another person in real time. Partner work is where we learn to support, challenge, and be challenged — exploring boundaries and the joy of moving together.
Mind-body connection

Movement is a tool to explore your internal states. We engage with fear, discomfort, and uncertainty in structured ways—building resilience, trust, and self-awareness through embodied experience.

Explore Intro Passes & Free Classes

Your teacher

Valeryia Liseichykava

Founder & facilitator

Valeryia is a movement educator who helps people of all ages and backgrounds find joy in movement and get better at it in a structured way.

For the past three years, Valeryia has taught movement in community and art spaces, sports schools, and even to the local municipality, all while continuing to learn from the best in the field.

As a former intellectual worker, Valeryia is passionate about sharing how embodied experiences are one of the most meaningful ways to connect to yourself, others and your environment.

Moments of connection

Impressions from the Sensing Self classes.

View Class Schedule

Quick glimpse of feedback

Kirti Soekaloe

Developer of (educational) art projects

Valeryia’s somatic movement classes are transformative, blending depth, creativity, and empowerment to help students unlock new creative pathways and connect with their bodies in profound ways.
Miguel Cubiascaceres

Running and cycling enthusiast

Valeryia’s patient, encouraging approach and ability to simplify complex movements have greatly improved my flexibility and overall well-being. Her positive energy motivates you to push your limits in a supportive way. Highly recommended!
Rosalina Paais

Breakdancer and movement student

Valeryia’s movement session was incredibly rewarding, with great guidance and attention, creating a safe space for exercises and a positive, energetic atmosphere.

Frequently asked questions

Extended reviews and reflections

I had the great privilege of meeting Valeryia as participants during a movement course in February, and her enthusiasm and unique approach to somatic teaching have inspired me ever since. Her ability to combine depth, creativity, and openness in her practice is nothing short of transformative.

In September, Valeryia led a somatic movement class for art students from the Willem de Kooning Academy during their 6-week residency at Showroom MAMA in Rotterdam. Though it was her first time teaching exclusively to art students, she crafted a truly exceptional course that reoriented their understanding of the body as an instrument or apparatus for (collectively) creating art.

Valeryia has a natural gift for getting people out of their comfort zones in a way that feels trusted, challenging and empowering. The students were not only engaged but deeply inspired, with at least four of them reporting back to me that her teachings directly influenced the work they showcased in their final exhibition.

Her ability to connect with her audience, no matter their background, and to create a safe yet dynamic environment for exploration, is remarkable. Valeryia’s passion for her craft shines through in every session, leaving a lasting impact on those she teaches.

If you are looking for someone who can unlock new creative pathways through the body and movement, Valeryia is the person to turn to. Her classes are more than just sessions; they are transformative experiences that stay with you long after they’re over.

Kirti Soekaloe

Developer of (educational) art projects

Attending Valeryia's movement classes has been a game-changer for me. Her patient and encouraging approach has made it possible for me to explore new ways of moving and made me more flexible. Her ability to break down complex movements into simple steps makes things easier to understand.

She has a unique way of motivating you to push your limits without making you feel pressured or overwhelmed. Her positive energy and belief in your abilities create an environment where you can truly express yourself.

I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunity to learn from Valeryia. Her classes have not only improved my physical performance but also my overall well-being. I highly recommend her classes to anyone looking to enhance their movement practice and unlock their full potential.

Miguel Cubiascaceres

Running and cycling enthusiast

The Sensing Self

What is a movement practice?

Key pillars of the practice

Well-rounded physicality

Partner work

Mind-body connection

Your teacher

Frequently asked questions