Meet Zan Perko - Founder
My story & why I do this work:
For years, I lived a fast-paced life as an actor in theater, television, film, and radio. Long hours, constant demands, and emotional suppression became my norm. But during this intense period, I faced a series of painful losses — my grandmother, grandfather, and dog, the suicide of my best friend, and my father’s hospitalization. Amidst this, my parents divorced, and two colleagues passed away. Even as grief piled up, I kept pushing forward, until I reached a breaking point.
I knew I couldn’t continue living this way. So, I stepped away from my career, built a van, and set off on a journey of self-discovery.
It was only after slowing down that I received a cancer diagnosis. Despite believing I was living a healthy lifestyle, the diagnosis revealed how much unprocessed grief and emotional stress I had been carrying.
Rather than following conventional treatment, I chose to explore alternative healing methods. Through nutrition, somatic practices, meditation, and emotional work, I began to unravel the layers of trauma stored in my body. This process taught me that true healing isn’t just physical — it requires presence, awareness, and emotional integration.
This journey inspired me to create Primal States — a practice designed to support others in reconnecting with themselves and finding inner balance.
Primal States is rooted in awareness, emotional clearing, and a deeper connection to the self. Through movement, somatic practices, and embodied presence, I help release stagnant energy and restore natural flow. These practices are drawn from years of exploration in modalities like Contact Improvisation (CI), water therapy, and other transformative practices. I’ve had the privilege of learning from many beautiful teachers along the way, and now, I’m eager to share these tools with others.
Primal States as a Practice
Healing is not just an individual process; it is deeply intertwined with how we connect as communities. In today’s world, our collective nervous system is often in overdrive, shaped by division, fear, and tension. When we disconnect from ourselves, we unknowingly contribute to these patterns of separation, aggression, and control.
That’s why Primal States also emphasizes the transformative power of group dynamics. I create spaces where people feel seen, heard, and supported without judgment. In these spaces, we explore what it means to release old identities, soften our convictions, and meet one another with openness, curiosity, and compassion.
Thank you for being here.
My experience has shown me how vital it is to embrace all parts of ourselves. Healing isn’t about forcing change or bypassing difficult emotions; it’s about creating space to feel, express, and integrate what’s inside us.
I believe that when we connect deeply with ourselves, we naturally create healthier relationships, stronger communities, and a more compassionate world.
With love,
Žan