Course Description:
The Suzuki Method positions the body as the foundation of expressive storytelling—using physicality as a bridge between internal intention and external action.
Rooted in the philosophy that "Culture is the Body," this method employs disciplined physical exercises to unlock deeper emotional, mental, and expressive capacities. Drawing on elements such as sound, rhythm, movement, and gesture—universal across cultures— Mehdi Saki introduces innovative choreographies and practices that strengthen the mind-body connection in performance.
Participants will engage in rigorous training that includes stomping drills, slow tenkan movements, and voice-breath exercises, all requiring intense focus, emotional control, and physical precision. These practices support a deeper alignment between inner intention and external expression.
Participants will be invited to audition for a professional ensemble-based performance led by Mehdi Saki, scheduled for Fall 2025—an exciting opportunity to further apply the training in a full-length production context and deepen their engagement with this unique performance methodology. The program culminates in a collaborative performance, offering all participants the opportunity to embody and share their enhanced psychophysical awareness in a collective setting.
Offered in both Farsi and English, this four-week training welcomes artists, professionals, and anyone interested in personal growth. Whether you're seeking to deepen your artistic practice or embrace a more embodied way of being, this course fosters presence, resilience, and self-awareness.
Details:
Mentor: Mahdi Saki
Duration: 4 Weeks (14 Sessions) Aug.7 – Sep.7, 2025
Date and Time: Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. Please refer to the Schedule Table below.
Location: VIVA Alliance, 401-353 Railway Street, Vancouver, BC
Requirements: Comfortable/breathable clothing, Knee pads, Training shoes
Provided Materials: Tennis ball, Dowel
Fees:
| Culture is the Body: A Psychophysical training Course Summer 2025 |
|
|---|---|
| VIVA Alliance Members | $378.00 |
| Non-Members | $420.00 |
Spaces are limited to ensure a comfortable and productive environment, so register early to secure your spot!
Schedule:
| Session | Day | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Thursday | August 7 | 6-9PM |
| 2 | Sunday | August 10 | 11AM-2PM |
| 3 | Tuesday | August 12 | 6-9PM |
| 4 | Thursday | August 14 | 6-9PM |
| 5 | Sunday | August 17 | 11AM-2PM |
| 6 | Tuesday | August 19 | 6-9PM |
| 7 | Thursday | August 21 | 6-9PM |
| 8 | Sunday | August 24 | 11AM-2PM |
| 9 | Tuesday | August 26 | 6-9PM |
| 10 | Thursday | August 28 | 6-9PM |
| 11 | Sunday | August 31 | 11AM-2PM |
| 12 | Tuesday | September 2 | 6-9PM |
| 13 | Thursday | September 4 | 6-9PM |
| 14 | Sunday | September 7 | 11AM-2PM |
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this four-week training, participants will:
Deepen Psychophysical Integration
Develop a refined awareness of the body-mind relationship by aligning physical action with mental focus, enhancing expressive power and emotional authenticity.
Strengthen Stage Presence
Cultivate emotional truth and focused energy through rigorous physical training—building the ability to command attention and embody presence on stage.
Foster Ensemble Awareness
Strengthen group synergy by building mutual awareness, trust, and coordination through shared physical and mental discipline.Master Breath-Voice Dynamics
Learn to harness breath as the bridge between physicality and vocal expression, expanding vocal control, resonance, and emotional range.
Integrate a Mindful Practice
Embrace Suzuki’s philosophy as a framework for mindful living and performing—fostering a sustainable practice that unites the emotional, mental, and physical self.
Engage in Embodied Performance
Participate in a culminating collaborative presentation, offering a space to embody and demonstrate the skills developed in a shared performance environment.
Audition Opportunity
Participants will also be invited to audition for a professional ensemble-based performance led by Mehdi Saki, scheduled for Fall 2025. This is an exciting opportunity to further apply the training in a full-length production context.
We’re thrilled to have you join us for this transformative Journey! If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out. We look forward to seeing you in class!