A Papier-Mâché
and
Dance Workshop
Where education meets art
Presentation
Let Your Magical Being Be Born: A Papier-Mâché and Dance Workshop
This is a workshop where you will learn how to express your creativity through making a decorative wall mask using various techniques of papier-mâché, combined with the exploration of the spontaneous dance arising from a deep somatic experience of the body and mind in imaginative motion.
There’s something very beautiful about creating with your hands. To transform simple, recycled materials like newspapers and cardboard into stunning works of art is incredibly satisfying.
And there’s beauty and magic in connecting to the inner resources of our dancing soul, opening, listening and trusting our body and mind in their interweaving creative, free and spontaneous flow.
Combining these two art forms of motion and creation we will encourage our magical being to flow freely through us.
Join us for a workshop where you’ll:
- Create a Magical Wall Mask: Learn the art of papier-mâché and design a unique, decorative wall mask.
- Dance your inner creativity and imagination: Experience the freedom of your body-mind dancing your imagination, intuition and deep self.
- Nurture Your Creativity: We’ll provide a supportive environment to explore your imagination and let your artistic spirit soar.
Why Make a Mask?
Masks have been used for centuries to express emotions, tell stories, and connect with the spiritual world. In this workshop, you’ll create a wall mask that reflects your individuality and inner magic and you’ll dance your deepest inner intuitions and resources.
workshop
A Magical Portrait
seats
6 - 10
frequency
In presence
duration
1 week
start
June to October
Goal
About Papier-Mache
Papier-mâché is a fascinating and versatile art form that has captured the imaginations of people for centuries. Papier-mâché, which translates to “chewed paper” in French, is a simple yet powerful technique that uses paper and glue to create sculptures, masks, and decorative objects. The beauty of papier-mâché lies in its accessibility and versatility. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or a curious beginner, papier-mâché offers a welcoming space to explore your creativity.
About dance and somatic movement:
Somatic movement in the perspective of Body-Mind Centering, offers a rich soil to connect with the resources of our body in relation to our mind, our inner world and the world we live in. Rooting in deep presence, listening and opening of body functions and systems we can connect to thespontaneous and authentic dance of our inner self, engaging in a creative process of dance making inspired by the beauty of Papier-Mache art.
Tools and laboratories
The papier-mâché lab will take place in a villa, with each participant having their own workspace. Participants will create wall masks using recycled materials such as newspaper, cardboard, found objects, and textiles. The projects will be finished with acrylic paints, primers, texture paste, and varnishes.
All materials are provided.
The course is beginner-friendly and open to everyone no previous experience in papier-mâché, art, or dance is required.
Programme of study
In this immersive course combining papier-mâché and somatic dance, participants will explore two powerful creative languages—visual art and movement—through hands-on, sensory-rich experiences. The program invites students to dive into the fundamentals of sculptural mask-making using recycled materials, while also engaging in body-based practices rooted in presence, intuition, and expression.
Through a balance of technical learning and creative exploration, participants will discover the expressive potential of papier-mâché and dance as tools for personal storytelling. The course emphasizes process over perfection, guiding each student toward creating a unique wall mask and a dance self-portrait inspired by the connection between body and material.
By the end of the workshop, students will have a grounded understanding of both disciplines, ready to continue developing their own artistic voice through integrated, multidisciplinary approaches.
DAY 1: INTRODUCTION TO COURSE
Introduction to the history and uses of papier-mâché. Learn about workshop goals: wall mask creation + dance self-portrait.
Dance session: body awareness, breath exercises, and spontaneous movement.
DAY 2: MATERIALS AND ARMATURES
Discover papier-mâché tools, materials, and recycled bases.
Learn how to prepare natural glue and start shaping your mask.
Dance session: stretching, breathing, and creative movement.
DAY 3: MASK CONSTRUCTION
Begin building your wall mask using papier-mâché techniques.
Layering, shaping, and hands-on practice.
Dance session: explore flow and presence through guided improvisation.
DAY 4: FINISHING AND DANCE
Apply priming, painting, and texture paste to your mask.
Develop your dance self-portrait inspired by your mask.
Focus on intuition, imagination, and body-mind connection.
DAY 5: FINAL REFINEMENT
Finalize your mask with textures and details.
Rehearse dance self-portrait performance.
Integrate mask and movement into a cohesive artistic expression.
DAY 6: PRESENTATION AND REFLECTION
Present completed wall masks.
Perform individual dance self-portraits.
Group reflection on creative process, learnings, and experience.
Take home your mask as a personal creation.
6 DAYS OF NATURE AND CREATIVITY – SICILIAN ISLANDS
6 days connected with nature, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and crystal-clear seas, immersed in the unspoiled beauty of the Sicilian islands.
LANGUAGE
English and Italian
CREATIVE WORKSHOP EXPERIENCE
20 hours of artistic and educational workshops, structured as:
• 4 hours per day for 5 consecutive days
• Activities divided between papier-mâché creation and dance & somatic movement sessions
A unique experience that combines hands-on learning, creativity, and moments of sensory immersion in extraordinary natural settings.
WORKSHOP OBJECTIVES
• Educate through real and inspiring experiences
• Surprise and engage the mind and senses
• Evoke emotions and stimulate imagination
• Provide a practical introduction to TouchDesigner
• Guide participants in creating a personal project
The course will be tailored according to the participants’ skill levels.
THE PACKAGE INCLUDES
• Accommodation in B&B style (with kitchen access) for 6 nights (Arrival Monday – Departure Sunday morning)
• Breakfast
• 5 days of workshops – 4/5 hours per day – 20/25 hours total
• 3 boat excursions
• Transfers to/from airport and port
Option 1: Aeolian Islands – Stay in Lipari; excursions to the islands
Option 2: Egadi Islands – Stay in Favignana; excursions to the islands
EXTRA (not included)
• Additional excursions or transfers upon request
• Lunch and dinner
FINAL NOTES
An opportunity to combine travel, learning, and inspiration in a captivating setting where creativity meets nature
WORKSHOP DETAILS
Departure: June to October
Duration: 1 Week
From Monday to Saturday – Departure on Sunday
EDUCATIONAL INFORMATION
• Total training hours: 20 hours
• Number of lessons: 5
• Duration of each lesson: 4 hours
• Lesson schedule: to be determined
Favignana
Favignana is an Italian island that is part of the Egadi archipelago, in Sicily.
Located within the Protected Marine Reserve, it offers a perfect blend of comfort and nature.
Surrounded by pines, olive trees, and Mediterranean plants, the accommodations are built with the island’s traditional tuff stone and designed to reflect its natural beauty.
Each lodging features inviting outdoor spaces that create a relaxing and authentic atmosphere — the ideal place to enjoy the charm of Favignana.
Lipari
Lipari is an Italian island that is part of the Aeolian archipelago, in Sicily.
The selected properties offer air-conditioned accommodations equipped with every comfort, featuring private gardens or balconies overlooking the sea, or surrounded by the stunning nature that characterizes the island.
All the lodgings are located in privileged positions on the enchanting island of Lipari, the ideal starting point to explore the wonderful Aeolian Islands.
BIO OF: OSA ROSTI
Is a Swedish-born artist who lives and works in Sicily. Her artistic journey began with formal training in silversmithing and jewelry design at London Guildhall University where she graduated in 2003. However, it was the versatility and malleability of papier-mâché that truly captivated her.
Osa’s artistic practice is centered around the adaptable medium of papier-mâché. A material she has been working with for more than 15 years. During this time she has been exploring the boundless possibilities of this ancient craft, employing both traditional and innovative techniques to create a diverse range of artworks, including large-scale sculptures, wall hangings, and home decor pieces. Her work is characterized by its whimsical designs, vibrant colors, and overall joyful aesthetics and she often incorporates mixed media, such as wood or fabric, to add depth and texture to her papier-mâché creations.
Osa’s artwork has been exhibited and sold in galleries and home décor shops worldwide.
BIO OF: ELEONORA PARRELLO
Movement artist, teacher, and somatic movement educator certified by The School for Body-Mind Centering. She integrates the somatic, sensitive, and meditative experience of movement with over twenty years of artistic and performative practice in dance, theater, and education.
Artistically trained between Italy, London, and New York, she has collaborated with Davide Iodice, Enzo Procopio, Cinzia De Lorenzi/Sosta Palmizi, Roberto Corona, Khosro Adibi, and worked with Philippe Giradeau, Robert Carsen, and Liliana Cavani at Teatro alla Scala, as well as with Giovanni Di Cicco, André Serban, and Egisto Marcucci at Teatro Carlo Felice. She has also collaborated with the video studios Stalkervideo and N!03 in Milan, and for 25 years with Teatro Mangiafuoco, a Milan-based puppet theater company for children.
She currently teaches dance in schools, centers, and private studios, and Body-Mind Centering in training programs across Italy and Europe, leading projects that integrate somatic art and education.
An experienced freediver, she is the creator of a project combining somatic movement practice with the aquatic experience, breath-hold diving, and the exploration of marine life. For the past ten years, she has led experiential movement workshops between land and sea throughout the Mediterranean.
Experience
Concact us
We can’t wait to meet you and welcome you into our world of creativity, learning, and nature with our creative holidays in Sicily, on the Aeolian or Egadi Islands.
DISCOVER THE OTHER WORKSHOPS
INTRODUCTION TO TOUCHDESIGNER
ART EXPLORATIONS OF VIDEOMAPPING
BLUE MIND, Between land & sea
