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Upya Essence: Renewal Through Embodiment

At Upya Essence, we believe that true transformation begins in the body. Drawing from the Swahili word for "renewal," Upya embodies our commitment to guiding women back to their innate wisdom and sovereign power through conscious embodiment practices.

Founded on the belief that holistic embodied practices are a path to women's self-empowerment, freedom, and fulfillment, we offer a unique blend of approaches—the Somapresence method and Longo Dance of Anchoring—designed to reconnect you with your body's intelligence and your authentic presence.

Our mission is three-fold:

To educate women through immersive workshops, online courses, and professional training in the Somapresence approach—creating accessible pathways to embodied knowledge.

To support and guide women toward embodiment through personalized sessions that integrate somatic exploration, spiral movements, conscious touch, and breathwork—helping you reclaim your body as home.

To empower women through community by creating safe, nurturing spaces where collective wisdom flourishes and individual sovereignty is honored.

Whether you join us for a one-to-one session, participate in our workshops, or become part of our community gatherings, you'll experience an approach that honors all dimensions of your being—physical, emotional, energetic, and spiritual.

At Upya Essence, we don't just teach embodiment; we create the conditions for your natural sovereignty to emerge and flourish.

MEET DUNYA NTINIZI

Founder of the Somapresence Approach & Embodied Practitioner

My path to creating the Somapresence approach emerged from my own transformative journey through life's pivotal moments—the loss of my mother and the profound initiation of motherhood. These experiences revealed to me that our bodies hold not only our challenges but also our most powerful resources for healing and renewal.

Drawing from my training in somatic movement, therapeutic touch, and the rhythmic wisdom of Longo Dance of Anchoring—a meditative healing ritual dance from Congo—I've developed an integrated approach that honors the whole person.

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I believe each woman carries within her the seed of her own sovereignty. My role is not to give you this authority, but to create conditions where it naturally emerges through conscious embodiment.

I bring a personal touch to everything at Upya Essence, from one-to-one sessions to workshops and community gatherings, all guided by my commitment to women's empowerment through embodied presence.

I invite you to join me in this journey of renewal—coming home to yourself through the portal of your living, breathing body.

WHAT WOMEN ARE SAYING AFTER MOVEMENT THERAPY SESSION
"I feel so alive and so happy" 
"I feel so present be in my body, I feel invincble" 
"This is exactly what I needed"

WHAT WOMEN ARE SAYING AFTER THEIR MASSAGE TREATMENT

 

"It's like I am a whole new person" 

"I spotted tension that I didn't know I had"

"Best massage I've ever had"

OUR SERVICES

Each woman's journey is unique. While common challenges exist, individual needs vary over time. Listen to your intuition to choose the right supportive service There is no one-size-fits-all solution - your path is your own. 

1

HOME-BASED MOVEMENT AND MASSAGE HEALING
 

Experience balance and renewal in the comfort of your home with our mobile massage therapy, Somatic Movement Therapy, and Longo Healing Dance sessions. Tailored specifically for women, our services provide compassionate support through hormonal shifts, personal growth, and life transitions—available in Islington, Haringey, and Highgate.

2

IN-PERSON
WORKSHOPS

Join our monthly 2-hour Sompresence Movement workshops, carefully crafted to meet your unique needs. Each session explores a new topic, offering a supportive space to move, find balance, and navigate life’s transitions with mindfulness and intention.

3

ONLINE COURSES

 

Our online courses are your perfect companion when time is scarce, helping you dedicate just 20 minutes of 'me time' to recharge and reconnect with yourself.

NEXT EVENT

Somatic movement coaching for your studio

SOMATIC MOVEMENT WORKSHOP FACILITATOR

 

I partner with yoga studios, therapists, organizations, and charities to bring a unique, body-centered approach to well-being. Through mindful movement and deep body awareness, I help clients cultivate physical ease, emotional resilience, and personal growth.

Why Work With Me?

 

- Tailored Integration – Enhance your offerings with custom-designed Somapresence classes and workshops.

 

- Holistic Approach – Support your clients with tools for stress relief, body awareness, and self-renewal.

 

- Innovative Collaboration – Elevate your services with a cutting-edge somatic movement method rooted in mindfulness and compassion.

Let’s work together to inspire and empower your community through transformative movement experiences!

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