Our Mother Tongue – dance and movement classes by Maria Ana Diogo in Lisbon

Classes

TUESDAYS | 12H15 - 13H15

A somatic practice focused on the breath as a conductor of energy through the body and a means for gentle and effective stretching.

Open-level

  • The body is a keeper of emotions, sensations, trauma, and so it is through the body that the opportunity for release happens. By a conscious process, we aim to progressively open the joints and free up the internal tissues while refining the sense of axis and range, which will allow you to enjoy your movement in a more generous way.

    Bringing elements of Yoga, Tai Chi, somatic exploration of the energy centers and also introducing this practice’s own principles, you will be guided throughout this session that is, above all, a moment for self-awareness and connection.

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TUESDAYS | 11h00 - 12h15

An open-level class based on the principles of GRAHAM TECHNIQUE, combined with a freer approach to movement.

Open-level

  • In this class, we work on the fundamental elements of this specific modern dance technique in order to develop spine mobility-expansion as a source of energy to create movement, while also diving into release motion exercises and fluid combinations to feel the weight, the natural balance of the body, and the connection with the elements.

    Since this is a class open to everyone, the technical exercises are tailored to the different levels, and the main focus is always on giving you the opportunity for self-discovery through the body.

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THURSDAYS | 12H00 - 13H15

The sessions of the Choreo Lab are safe spaces for exploration and creation, welcoming error and embracing the “not yet“ processes.

Open-level Adult Group

  • Through exercises with clear purposes - individually but also taking advantage of group dynamics - you are invited to open up your channels of creativity through the (moving) body and discover new possibilities of sensing and expressing.

    At the end of each creative cycle, the group can be directed towards compositional possibilities with the material produced.

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our mother tongue
the universal language

Our mother tongue evokes the language we all share as humans.

The one we resonate with because it holds the expression of Life as it manifests in all of us through love, despair, hope, victory, chaos, desire, fear, redemption, joy…

This universal language happens through the body as the primal and multilayered medium of expressing – and it is with it, from it, and within it that we begin to discover our lingua mater.

Join us in this journey!

Teacher

maria ana diogo

Maria is a contemporary dancer, choreographer, and teacher

"Over the years, based on the in-depth knowledge of various movement techniques and the experience I’ve gained from working with diverse groups, I’ve developed a teaching practice rooted in sensibility, awareness, and acceptance that encourages self-discovery through the body."

Portrait of Maria Ana Diogo, portuguese dancer.

©Cecília Fernandez

Bio

Class Venue

UDance School

Picture of the dance studio where classes of Our Mother Tongue take place

A dance studio is a space of endless possibilities


a place for dwelling - letting things come to us and feel what comes out of us
a time for stepping out by stepping in

It is also an opportunity to practice Love by engaging in new connections with one another, with the world, and with ourselves; to revel in moving reflections; to unveil new paths for living, thinking, imagining, resisting, and moving forward.

When we enter this empty room, we fill it with whatever we bring inside & what we hold deep can become visible if we remain open.

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Maps

Please consider that schedules may change due to professional commitments,

if you are a newcomer, contact us before attending

symbol of Our Mother Tongue - dance classes and movement practices in Lisbon by Maria Ana Diogo
Symbol of Yutori Practice, a class from Our Mother Tongue
Symbol of Modern Dance, a class from Our Mother Tongue
Symbol of Choreo LAB, a class from Our Mother Tongue
Our Mother Tongue – dance and movement classes by Maria Ana Diogo in Lisboa

our mother tongue
dance classes & movement practices

Our Mother Tongue, facilitated by Maria Ana Diogo, was created to share the universal language of dance, movement, and creation through classes and practices open to all levels and experiences. Each session blends solid technical foundations with a sensitive, integrated, release-based approach, inviting participants into a space of living presence, active discovery, and embodied reconnection.

Regular sessions take place in Lisbon and welcome movers of all backgrounds.

Come as you are. Leave a little more whole.

  • In a world crowded with regimented workouts and interchangeable studios, Maria's modern dance class feels like a breath of fresh air. It is a rigorous, full-bodied practice, rooted in form and technique (in the style of Martha Graham), and that too, one led by a world-class dancer. Both during and after classes, I experience something I didn't expect: a deep, personal joy that went beyond exercise. This is a safe space to be vulnerable, and truely improve your skills as a dancer.

    Srila Rao

  • Maria’s classes have been life changing for me. My connection to my body felt lost, slow, heavy. She has awakened in me a joy of movement, a playfulness and power. I am beyond grateful - through these classes I feel stronger, clearer and so much more energised. You dont need any dance experience to work with Maria, but you leave her classes knowing the dancer within you. Heaven!

    Shelley Chapman

  • "Dancing with Maria is pure joy. Each class she leads is a thoughtfully designed exploration of movement. Maria's exceptional talent and warmth are matched by her encouragement and inspiration. I always leave her class feeling refreshed, renewed, and grateful."

    Lisa F.

  • "Maria is an excellent dance professional. Her technique classes enable anyone to express themselves through dance. It is a unique opportunity and a privilege to have a dance professional teaching Graham technique in open-level classes, in a beautiful project that brings together people from different backgrounds. Maria develops a practice that engages us physically, mentally, and emotionally, moving from the invisible to the visible, from the inside out, allowing space for discovery as we connect with the group."

    Andreia B.

  • Choreo lab is a sophisticated, multi-layered somatic experience - unmissable. It is a rare gift to be guided by both an extraordinary dancer and teacher, who helps their students find honesty and integrity in their movement.

    Srila Rao

  • "I LOVE Maria and her dance class! She is a wonderful teacher - fun, attentive and professional! And the classes are so much fun! I always dreamed about dancing and never thought it would be possible but here I am dancing! Thank you dear Maria!"

    Ya’el Shahaf

  • "The Yutori classes are a gift that we must unfold with every breath. We gradually learn to listen to our bodies and untie the knots. At the end, we leave feeling loose and light, ready to face another day."

    Teresa Santos

  • "I absolutely love Maria's classes. Her teaching is both precise and deeply passionate, combining technical detail with genuine artistry. Each session brings joy to my week, motivates me, and helps me learn to dance —something I've always dreamed of but never had the chance to do when I was younger. I totally recommend Maria's classes to anyone looking to learn and fall in love with dance."

    Olena Repkina

  • "Maria is an exceptional dance teacher. Her classes strike a perfect balance between technical precision and creativity. With constant kindness and encouragement, she helps you progress while fully enjoying dancing. I highly recommend her classes to explore different facets of dance and to receive a true boost from the positive energy she radiates!"

    Sylvie Meyer

Would you like
to join us?
Send us a message!

To book your class or for any further information about the practices, contact us by email or using the form:

Workshops
& Events

  • OCTOBER 18

    October 18 | 10h to 11h
    @Grémio Cultural Sesimbra

    Children (Ages 4 to 7)

    This workshop intends to enable children to explore the possibilities of the moving body and use their imagination and emotions as a source of criativity.

    Past Event

  • OCTOBER 18

    October 18 | 11h10 to 12h10
    @Grémio Cultural Sesimbra

    Children (Ages 8 to 14)

    Through dynamic, interactive exercises, challenging movement combinations, our aim is for children to experience dance as a powerful and joyful form of artistic expression.

    Past Event

  • OCTOBER 18

    October 18 | 12h30 to 14h00
    @Grémio Cultural Sesimbra

    Adults - open level

    Focusing on release-based movement, spinal mobility exercises, & using combined techniques, participants explore dance as an embodied reconnecting experience.

    Past Event

  • SEPTEMBER 13

    September 13 | 10h to 11h
    @Grémio Cultural Sesimbra

    Children (Ages 4 to 7)

    This workshop intends to enable children to explore the possibilities of the moving body and use their imagination and emotions as a source of criativity.

    Past Event

  • SEPTEMBER 13

    September 13 | 11h10 to 12h10
    @Grémio Cultural Sesimbra

    Children (Ages 8 to 14)

    Through dynamic, interactive exercises, challenging movement combinations, our aim is for children to experience dance as a powerful and joyful form of artistic expression.

    Past Event

  • SEPTEMBER 13

    September 13 | 12h30 to 14h00
    @Grémio Cultural Sesimbra

    Adults - open level

    Focusing on release-based movement, spinal mobility exercises, & using combined techniques, participants explore dance as an embodied reconnecting experience.

    Past Event

  • JULY 20

    July 20 | 10h to 11h
    @Grémio Cultural Sesimbra

    Children (Ages 4 to 7)

    This workshop intends to enable children to explore the possibilities of the moving body and use their imagination and emotions as a source of criativity.

    Past Event

  • JULY 20

    July 20 | 11h10 to 12h10
    @Grémio Cultural Sesimbra

    Children (Ages 8 to 14)

    Through dynamic, interactive exercises, challenging movement combinations, our aim is for children to experience dance as a powerful and joyful form of artistic expression.

    Past Event

  • JULY 20

    July 20 | 12h30 to 14h00
    @Grémio Cultural Sesimbra

    Adults - open level

    Focusing on release-based movement, spinal mobility exercises, & using combined techniques, participants explore dance as an embodied reconnecting experience.

    Past Event
Logo of Our Mother Tongue - dance classes and movement practices in Lisbon by Maria Ana Diogo

Bring a workshop to your venue!

These workshops are tailor-made, designed and adapted according to the needs and characteristics of each group: level, mobility, and time available.

Get in Touch

maria ana diogo

Contact

maria.a.diogo@gmail.com