Ime is of Nigerian origin, raised in Germany. She was educated at the École Française de Ballet in Bonn, Germany, and at the New York City Dance School Stuttgart. A scholarship allowed her to study at the Dance Theater of Harlem School New York. Prior to focussing on a career as contemporary dancer she participated as a dancer/ singer in musicals, rockopera and modern music theater in Germany. Further engagements have been with Conny Janssen Danst…in Rotterdam (NL), followed by Charleroi Dance/ Plan K in Belgium and the Tanzcompagnie Giessen under the direction of Roberto Galván. There she started as an assistant to Galván. This was followed by a 7-year engagement as rehearsal director and teacher of the contemporary dance company NorrDans in Härnösand, Sweden. She assisted, restaged and accompanied creations of several renown choreographers such as Rui Horta, Steven Petronio, Jo Stromgren, Allen Kaeja, Ted Stoffer, Jessica Iwansson, Roberto Zappalà, etc. Since 2000 Essien-Hassel has studied within Life Energy Process (Process Inquiry®, Dansergia®) (www.instituteforlifeenergy.com). As a change catalyst she enhances and/ or accompanies change processes in an organic manner. Since 2004 Essien –Hassel works internationally as a teacher and coach for professional dance schools and dance companies. Currently, she develops a syllabus in essential movement coaching for professional dancers and non-professionals.
Starting with breathing, the class builds up slowly & gently and continues building up into a dynamic, full-on motion. With a strong focus on musicality it invites for gut-groove, funky precision, love for essential being through movement and for expanding one’s limits to the fullest!
