Bodytalk by Simo Vassinen

At ODDfest, Finnish-German dance artist and vitality escort Simo Vassinen leads Bodytalk – an energizing, grounding workshop that blends dynamic meditation, somatics, rave and ambient soundscapes, and psychoanalytical tools into a shared “question incubation.” Participants are guided through physical activations, moving through states of ecstasy and introspection with the support of a live DJ. Expect a ritualistic shift in perspective – through the body, not around it. Bring a pen and notebook. You’ll want to write something down.

Simo doesn’t teach – he hosts. Cyclical over linear. Night into daylight. Queer roots and healing dances. Dream logic. Bridging worlds. Arousing aliveness.

With a background in futures research, business studies, journalism, and translation, Simo moved through careers in cultural export, events, and think tanks – until a burnout cracked open a deeper path. Since then, he’s been crafting choreographic and community-based experiences across Berlin, Helsinki, Vilnius, and beyond, at venues like Sophiensaele, Kiasma, Ateneum, Zodiak, Goethe-Institut, Aalto University, and Untitled Futures Festival.

Now, he channels that hybrid energy into body-based methodologies to help groups and individuals shift their minds through movement – as both survival and everyday transcendence.

What does the question look like at the end of a two-hour portal?

Let’s find out.