About
Renk
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As a somatic practitioner, dancer, herbalist, and maker, I bring an integrative approach to my work ~ one that honors the body, the nervous system, and ancestral memory.
My practice bridges movement and stillness, joy and grief, structure and spirit.
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Born in Istanbul, I now offer my work internationally holding sessions and workshops in person and virtually across Los Angeles, Kaua‘i, and Türkiye. Increasingly within wellness resorts, artist residencies, and retreat spaces around the world.
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​Rooted in over a decade of experience in dance and somatic movement, my work draws from Dance Therapy, Yoga Therapy, Somatic Experiencing®, and trauma-informed practice. Movement has always been my medicine~ a powerful tool for releasing trauma, awakening joy, and remembering ancestral wisdom. It connects me to the people I work with, my lineage, and the land itself.
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Grateful you're here
Growing up in a culture where “trauma” and “healing” were often unspoken, I learned that a single rhythm or tambourine shake could awaken something ancient ~ a shared pulse. It was in those moments of movement that people returned to themselves. Bringing this work to the Middle East, especially, has opened my heart ~ witnessing how movement dissolves barriers, stories, and stigma alike.
I'm currently deepening my practice in culturally sensitive somatic care, ritual movement, and ancestral reconnection. My sessions weave together embodiment, nervous system awareness, local herbalism, and creative expression.
* More soon about my herbalism practice, ancestral lineage, and craft-based offerings ~ each one a thread in this living tapestry.
"Renk is so good at seeing the invisible in the room- the feelings or ideas people hold on to that get in the way of a complete freefull expression of movement that is sincere and genuine to what is needed in the body. It motivates and strengthens the inner desire to let go of whatever is being held back and completely surrender to movement medicine. To embrace this expression of movement as freedom is healing beyond compare."
~ Flora
Testimonials
"I worked with Renk as part of Slow Residency, an experience that changed my life for the better. Renk’s movement work was a huge part of that for me. As a comedian and artist, I felt awkward at first with ~movement, but each session I found myself opening to the trusting safe space she created for us and I unlocked new levels of depth I didn’t think was possible. I find movement to be a radical healing tool that helps me show up to my art practice more authentically myself than ever before. Thank you Renk!"
~ Fareeha
"Renk’s somatic practice helped me ground myself through a very harsh time in the world. I’ve been able to apply her calming practices to my social circles. I’m grateful to have been invited to her online zoom sessions. I always leave feeling centered, full, and loved. Thank you Renk for the work that you do and for your healing ripple effects in our community here in Nyc. "
~ Berenice
CURRENT RESIDENCIES & PROJECTS
​Ahama – Somatic Therapist-in-Residence
Göcek, Türkiye — June- July 2025
In-residence at Ahama, a luxury wellness resort on the Aegean coast. Led daily group and private somatic movement journeys, plant-wisdom rituals, and nervous system restoration sessions for both guests and fellow practitioners.
Colibri Beach Club – Artist in Residence
Corfu, Greece — July 2025
Facilitating a week of somatic embodiment and herbal ritual programming for the soft launch of Colibri, a slow-living beach sanctuary grounded in joy, community, and natural rhythm.
Slow Residency – Founder, Producer, & Workshop Facilitator
Launched 2024 – Ongoing
A curated platform for slow-living residencies and immersive healing retreats. Producing a week-long analog creative immersion welcoming international artists merging movement, herbalism, open-studio art, visual & sculptural art workshops, communal ritual, and land-based practices.
Love Portal / Love Bubble – Founder & Event Curator
2021–Present
Curated day-festival experiences blending somatic movement, ritual, music, and nature-based healing. Love Portal and Love Bubble are portals of joy, collective embodiment, ancestral reconnection, and ecstatic ceremony. Held in collaboration with aligned spaces, these events are immersive containers that honor land, pleasure, and spirit.
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EXPERIENCE
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(more available upon request)
Ancestral Hands – Founder, Facilitator, Producer
Global / Remote — 2015–Present
- Produced and facilitated somatic workshops, retreats, day festivals, and ceremonial events in North America, Europe, and Southeast Asia
- Developed body-centered healing experiences for luxury resorts and healing sanctuaries
- Co-created large-scale cultural wellness events and intimate rituals with a trauma-informed, earth-based approach
- Partnered with organizations such as the NYC Department of Education, Chobani, and Concern Worldwide
Columbia University – Lead Facilitator, SVR Wellness Programs
New York & Remote — 2018 - Present
Led trauma-informed wellness programming for students at Columbia University, including somatic movement, plant-based ritual, and regulation techniques for survivors and community members.
Charlie Health – Integrative Somatic Group Therapist
Remote — 2023-2024
Facilitated trauma-informed somatic therapy sessions using breathwork, movement, mindfulness, and contemplative tools for clients aged 11–30.
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EDUCATION & TRAINING
- Somatic Experiencing with Peter Levine (2020)
- Trauma-Informed Yoga for Children – Bent on Learning (2018)
- Community Action & Healing Arts – Gibney Institute (2018)
- BioRegional Herbalism Training- Suntrap Botanicals (2018)
- 500hr Yoga Therapy Training – Gaia Yoga Shala & Luna Alignment (2016)
- BA in Liberal Arts- Independent study ( Dance & Psychology (Trauma) – The New School(2015)
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SKILLS & LANGUAGES
- Luxury Retreat Programming & Wellness Curriculum Design
- Ritual facilitation, Ancestral Herbalism, and Movement Integration
- Event production & Digital Content Creation/Marketing
- Sacred Adornment Jewelry Designer/Maker
- Fluent in English, Turkish, and Portuguese