Estela Merlos

Born in Barcelona, Estela is a dancer, teacher, choreographer and certified Feldenkrais Practitioner based in London. She trained at Escola de Dansa Madó and Central School of Ballet. She was a professional dancer with Rambert for six years (2008-2014).

Since 2014 she has worked in projects across dance, film, theatre and opera collaborating as a performer, rehearsal director and assistant choreographer with very diverse artists including Shobana Jeyasingh, Marcos Morau | La Veronal, Boris Charmatz, Didy Veldman, Russell Maliphant, New Movement Collective.

In April 2019 she was invited by the Merce Cunnigham Trust to perform in the worldwide presentation Night of 100 Solos: A Centennial Event in celebration of Merce Cunningham’s 100th birthday at the Barbican Theatre.

As a choreographer she has received commissions to present her own work across a variety of theatres, public spaces and online platforms across the UK and Spain. Her ongoing research is based on promoting movement awareness to cultivate wellbeing and sustainable practice. These principles continue to inform her teachings for dance professionals, students and community projects. Some of her teaching credits include Rambert, Matthew Bourne New Adventures, Scottish Dance Theatre, Prix de Lausanne, Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance, London Contemporary School, Swindon Dance, Beijing International Ballet and Choreography Competition Summer School, Moving Assembly Project, Sadler’s Wells Company of Elders.

Drawing from her extensive training in ballet and contemporary dance, and her studies in somatic education, Estela teaches a highly physical Release-Based class. Her interest lies in creating a space to enhance our kinaesthetic sensory awareness whilst focusing on increasing technique and artistry. By reducing the unnecessary effort we can discover new choices in which to playfully and efficiently move from a place of energetic flow and spontaneous expression.