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About

Hello, I’m Clément Layes aka Aimé C. Songe. I am a choreographer, performer, and somatic researcher, born in France in 1978.

My background is in dance and circus, informed by somatic practices, with a strong interest in philosophy. 

I create spaces for transformation, curiosity, and playfulness.  

My work has been grounded in an embodied approach to questions of post-humanism, and phenomenology.

you can find information about the performances of Clément Layes here: clementlayes.com

 short CV

Education

  • Feldenkrais training (2004-2007)

  • Conservatoire National de Music et de Danse de Lyon-CNSMD, contemporary dance: 2000–2003

  • Circus School of Lyon- 1998–2000

  • Baccalaureate in Economics, 1998

Selected Artistic Career

  • Dancer : Odile Duboc (2004-2007), Boris Charmatz 2003-2004

  • Co-founder, Public in Private, Berlin, 2008

  • Allege (2010) – Jury Prize, Infant Festival; Prix Jardin d’Europe, 2011

  • Key works: Things that surrounds us, Eternal return, The River I (2022–24)

  • Retrospective Venice Biennale, 2018

Grants & Research

  • Berlin Senate, HKF, Goethe-Institut, and other international funding bodies

  • Basisförderung recipient, 2016–2021

  • Tanzpraxis: research period in dance and somatics, 2024–25

Teaching Experience

  • HZT – University Center for Dance Berlin, Guest Lecturer & Mentor, 2014-2022

  • University of Zagreb (Dance & Theatre)-2024

  • MA Physical Performance Making, Tallinn-2025

  • Focus: embodied performance-making, object agency, post-humanism, phenomenology

  • Trauma-informed and consent-based teaching approach

Somatics 

  • Feldenkrais training (Basel, 2006), Vipassana meditation (since 2011), Chöd meditation (since 2018)

  • Wheel of Consent – Like a Pro (2024), Advanced Group Work (2026)- coaching (2026)

  • Influences: Hubert Godard, Claude Espinassier; Polyvagal Theory (Gabor Maté, Stephen Porges)

Selected Platforms & Initiatives

  • Founder, PIP Studio, Berlin, 2011

  • Co-founder: 3AM event series, Flutgraben Performances & Residencies