David Kam

Beyond Asana

Some things just cannot be expressed through words, and that’s why we move. I am a Malaysian movement artist and researcher sharing queer practices of freedom and connection grounded in the philosophies of yoga, dance and architecture. My curiosity lies in how movement can be an expression between party and protest, a brave space #beyondasana to celebrate the joy of play and agency to combat oppression and cultivate collective care. Through movement invitations, I encourage embodied inquiry, exploring places that are not (yet) familiar to us within our respective thresholds of challenge before boredom and overwhelm.

 

I am currently an Activist in Residence at King’s College London researching the intersections of movement, migration and digital technologies while I continue to lecture across leading dance and wellness institutions, specialising in Choreological Studies based on the body of work developed by Rudolf Laban. Beyond the mat, I am the founder of kindredpacket, a grassroots non-profit organisation uplifting East and South East Asian (ESEA) communities through joyful activism, intergenerational storytelling and the decolonisation of wellness. As a core member of Britain’s East and South East Asian Network (besea.n), the organisation who initiated ESEA Heritage Month, I am working on a book alongside my peers, highlighting UK-centred ESEA advocacy and activism. Within this capacity, I also deliver Active Bystander Trainings across the UK in collaboration with Protection Approaches to combat identity-based violence.

 

Qualifications:

  • Movement Specialist in Choreological Studies 
  • MA in Dance Performance, Trinity Laban
  • Teaching member of Ferus Animi // Terra Nova 
  • 50 hour Rocket TT, It’s Yoga International (2014)
  • 200 hour Ashtanga TT, It’s Yoga International (2015)
  • 60 hour Dance-Specific Yoga TT, Abby Hoffmann (2016)
  • 100 hour Mandala Vinyasa TT, The Yoga People (2017)

Class Description

Beyond Asana

Beyond Asana explores mindful movement in playful situations. A bravespace offering wild permission for collective un/structured play to expand your capacities for pleasure and self-expression.

 

Using traditional yoga postures (asana) as points of departure, David will guide you through fluid, multidimensional sequences blending the worlds of architecture, dance and spirituality to condition towards complexity and mobilise towards longevity. Classes always begin with a somatic enquiry and feature opportunities to move, roll, crawl or invert beyond the confines of your mat. 

 

A heart-led session of technique and intuition empowering you to confidently navigate your own practice from a place of #selfdare and curiosity. Come by and test out moments where you’ve not found grace…yet.

 

For curious movers of any background looking to enrich their respective practices from the lens of intuition and expression, whether recreationally or professionally. Also for those taking baby steps towards free-form movement or dance.

Testimonials

Marina

“David Kam has a wonderfully clear and unique way of teaching. Something different; not only for a change but also to target muscles of your body you normally don’t use in your yoga practice, and some dormant parts of your mind too. The class is playful, yet challenging. Beyond Asana is a perfect gateway to break free from your strict yoga practice; a space to play, sense and feel. Highly recommended!”

Lula

“If you love to move, to connect to your inner being and to explore how yoga and movement fuse together, then you will love David’s class. He’s a highly skilled teacher, his beautiful energy comes through even the screen, guiding you effortlessly and skilfully to explore whatever level you’re at in your practise, perhaps even stepping beyond what you think you can already do.”

Adriana

“A chance to discover and rediscover play. An allowance to be where you are with yourself in a moment in time. An exploration and reflection of the self and how we inhabit ourselves and the world. An exciting challenge, a dare, a way to awaken your mind to be more in tune with your body. An awakening of the soul and a moment to experience being a kid again.”

Neil

“A genuine opportunity to move, to experiment, to fail, to improve, to laugh, to go both outwards and inwards and to discover what’s possible. Life changing.”

Angie

“A wonderfully unique practice that kept me fully engaged through experimentation and exploration.”