soft//rupture

iona hannagan lewis

artist | facilitator | researcher

I am a body based artist working across live art and dance, alongside a facilitation practice rooted in queer somatics and community engagement. My work explores creative collective experience grounded in participatory methods.

I approach the body as a site of negotiation, and am interested in performance as a portal through which which we can practice alternative modes of being// together. My practice is informed by both artistic and social research, with a focus on access, inclusion, and the politics of participation.

education

  • 2024- 2026: MA Dance: Participation, Communities, Activism
    London Contemporary Dance School (The Place)
  • 2022-2023: studied on the Rubicon Dance full time Performing Arts: Dance Pathway
  • 2019-2021: Diploma in Teaching Yoga (500 hours) British Wheel of Yoga
  • 2017-2019: MRes (Master by Research)
    Access to education and employment for refugees resettled in the convergence areas of Wales
    University of South Wales, 2017- 2019
    Funded by European Social Fund (KESS 2)
  • 2012: CELTA Qualification in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
    Cambridge University
  • 2010-2014: BA (Hons) Middle Eastern Studies and French (First Class)
    University of Exeter

recent selected performances & productions

  • “F?GHT F?CK”
    Durational performance, Temporary Cruising Zone, Birmingham, May 2026
  • (gwag)le (ongoing)
    Site responsive practice research into queer body and space, developed as part of my MA at The Place
  • “The Fragility of Idylls”
    Durational performance activating ReSightings (Penny Hallas solo exhibition)
    The Elysium Gallery, March 2026
  • Swansea Performance Festival
    Durational performance alongside Linder Sterling retrospective Danger Came Smiling
    Glynn Vivian Art Gallery, November 2025
  • (my body / running wild / this animal) — Glorious / SERAFINE1369
    Chapter Arts Centre, October 2025
    Hugs — choreographed by Marion Plantey, Frankfurt, Germany, September 2025
  • MOSH, Tactile Bosch
    Ffotogallery & G39, Cardiff
    June – August 2025
  • “Underneath Is Us” (2025)
    Direction, production, and choreography in collaboration with Iona Hannagan Lewis and Anno Bolender
    Cardiff / London / Germany
  • The Trembling Forest – emilyn claid Ceremony, a festival of performance. Peckham, London, April 2025
  • Maes Chwarae — Experimentica
    Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff March 2024
  • Impact23 Rubicon Graduation Showcase, Riverfront Arts Newport.

employment

2019 – Present: Freelance movement/ dance/ yoga practitioner

I facilitate movement practices that draw from dance, yoga, and somatic approaches, working across community, arts, and health contexts. My facilitation centres access embodiment, and community, creating spaces that support playfulness and connection.

Collaborations and recent teaching contexts include

  • 90mil, Berlin
  • Ardour Academy, Cardiff
  • Ty Ni Social Club, Cardiff
  • Coed Ffest, Cowbridge
  • Global Gardens, Cardiff
  • Stretchy Suzies, Cardiff
  • Rosetta Life, London
  • ASKI, London

Professional Member of People Dancing and of the British Wheel of Yoga

2019 – present: Senior Social Researcher (Housing)

I lead on the management and delivery of social research and evaluation projects – delivering robust analysis, commissioning projects, and communicating evidenceto inform policy and evidence-based decision making in Housing for the Welsh Government.

2015-2017 Education and Employment Co-Ordinator
Welsh Refugee Council, 2015 – 2017

Led the development and delivery of an education and employability programme supporting refugees and sanctuary seekers in Wales, building cross-sector partnerships and driving community engagement to improve skills, employment outcomes, and economic inclusion.

Awards

2021: Welsh Government Award for Running Against the Wind: Research into employees’ experiences of intersectionality and race in the Welsh Government. co-authored with Dr April Louise Pennant https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/173628/

2019: University South Wales Research Impact Awards: Best Societal Impact

2016: Learning and Work Institute Inspire! Award Community Project of the Year

selected publications

Hannagan Lewis, I. and Pennant, A.L. 2022. Running against the wind: report on Black Lives Matter and staff experiences of race, gender and intersectionality at the Welsh Government. Available at: https://www.gov.wales/running-against-the-wind-2022

Chick, M. and Hannagan Lewis, I. 2019. Language Education and Forced Migrants: Governance and Approach. Languages 2019, 4(3), 74; https://doi.org/10.3390/languages4030074 Available at: https://www.mdpi.com/2226-471X/4/3/74

Chick, M. and Hannagan Lewis, I. 2017. Higher education and voluntary sector collaboration for ESOL provision. The British Academy. Available at: https://www.thebritishacademy.ac.uk/documents/292/British_Academy_IYCDOT_Essays.pdf

Updates and calls

A light-touch update list for peers and institutions sharing new projects and calls.