Annika, whom we brought together at Cappadocia Movement Fest, was born and raised in the vibrant heart of Cancun; she possesses a rich cultural heritage stemming from Mexican, German, and Dutch roots. One of the things that defines her is her embrace of life with curiosity, a desire for exploration, and deep passion.

As an actress, martial artist, and stuntwoman, movement is her language. Her journey to China not only honed her Kung Fu skills but also allowed her to internalize the essence of this discipline, its philosophy, and the lifestyle that breathes life into every movement.

Annika's approach is "not to keep dreams asleep." For her, true growth comes from stepping into the unknown, trying, falling, and getting back up. She defines herself not as a "master" but as a student of life; constantly evolving, learning, and sharing.

At the festival, Annika will introduce participants to Meihua Quan. This ancient Chinese art, consisting of stances and movements connected to the energy of the five elements, strengthens the body while bringing mental clarity and spiritual depth. Participants will not only learn techniques but will also be inspired by the experiences that shaped her journey.

She is a multidisciplinary performance artist, choreographer, academic, and sound therapist. She studied contemporary dance and choreography in Turkey and France.

Since 2009, her work has focused on the unity of voice and body. In 2018, she completed her training as a sound therapy instructor at the International Association of Sound Therapy in Spain. In 2017, she founded ‘SesBeden’ to share the transformative power of the sounding body, and she continues her academic career as an Assistant Professor in Contemporary Dance at Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University.

He added Budokon Mix Movement Art instruction to his Yoga instruction, which he started in 2013, starting from 2014. With this perspective, he questioned and sought to understand the working principles of the body through different disciplines such as yoga, mobility, movement, martial arts, and Thai yoga massage. He continues to share the Budokon system and its reflections on life through the trainings he provides and the camps he organizes for over 10 years.

Catherine and Jesse Hart began their world journey in Oregon, crossing 28 countries and four continents over 5 ½ years before arriving in Cappadocia. Along the way, they have been weaving yoga, flow arts, conscious travel, and performance into a shared vision of awakened living.

Now, they bring their fire and LED performance art to the magical terraces of Yunak Evleri, illuminating the night with movement, art, and connection — inviting us all to experience what it means to Live Limitless.

He started his sports career with handball at the age of 9 and played professionally in leagues. He completed his undergraduate studies in Physical Education and Sports Coaching and his master's degree in Training and Movement Sciences at Gazi University. He has been giving many different group exercise classes along with personal coaching in the fitness industry for approximately 20 years.

In 2017, within the Retrofit Academy which he founded, he started conducting the Turkey training organizations for the Animal Flow exercise system, which he had been trained in. He organized trainings, events, camps, and similar activities to popularize Animal Flow. Over the years, he specialized in functional training and has been providing and continues to provide training in this field.

In his new exercise program, called Reconnection Practice, he aims to create awareness for healthier body acquisition by practicing on the neuro-muscular system.

Gizem first encountered yoga in 2013 in Australia, where she was living at the time.

She returned to Turkey in 2017, deepened her practice, and developed herself on the path to becoming an instructor by working with many teachers in different studios.

In 2019, she began to deepen her practice not only in Hatha Yoga but also in mindfulness and meditation.

She loves to focus on, write, research, and share her experiences with people on topics such as liberation from suffering, grief and death, freeing the mind, body wisdom, and psycho-somatic awareness.

Sinem Akat Bağdaş, who designs experiences equipped with tools and inner resources that will lead individuals to discover and create their reality, shares the Yoga and Mobility modules of the system as the Turkey representative and instructor of Budokon Mixed Movement Arts; she supports her content with fascia, nervous system, breath, and nature practices. She advocates that moving in nature and connecting with nature is the greatest learning and the most genuine healing.

Rafet Uysal has been involved in various sports since childhood; he competed, trained, and then began to share what he learned. His journey to Nepal in 2010 opened new horizons for him. Today, he brings together his studies in Yoga, Wing Chun, and Qigong with Bo staff and Nunchaku practices under the same principle: intelligent, gentle, and effective movement. Maintaining the center line, accurately reading distance-timing, and synchronizing breath with posture… In his classes, his goal is not only to demonstrate techniques but also to clarify coordination and integrate what is learned into daily life.

Musician and psychological counselor Taylan Aktuğ has taken part in many music projects over the years.
Flute and percussion lie at the heart of his musical expression.
He leads body percussion and drumming workshops with both adults and children.
In his workshops, he blends ceremonial songs and mantras, creating a space for participants to experience deep inner journeys.

Tarık Buğra Akçit is a Turkish producer, composer, and DJ who blends modern electronic foundations with the emotional textures of Eastern melodies. A graduate of Berklee College of Music, BUURA creates his own distinctive sonic universe by fusing deep house rhythms with traditional instruments. Having composed music for numerous TV series and commercials, including Magnificent Century, he is also the founder of the innovative performance brand CORE Events Co. Known for tracks such as “Lameva,” “So Simple,” and “Da Karoon,” BUURA seamlessly unites the spirit of the East with the rhythm of the West in every creation.