The Healing Power of Dance
Years ago I had no clue that dance was my most effective healing tool. In my case, I left dance behind for a husband, children and a career. Eventually, I found myself in a situation of complete stress and dissatisfaction with my life. It wasn’t until I incorporated dance back into my life that I was able to find my way back to myself. I truly found my happy place. I restarted my dance journey at 45 years old with belly dance classes when I was still in corporate America.

I remember how that once a week class immediately started to change my outlook on life. Going to work each day became easier and easier mostly because I no longer let the issues at work get to me. I had something of my own, dance was back in my life. That was 20 years ago and now I dance every day. These days I am either teaching dance or taking dance classes. I’m currently exploring new dance forms at my tender age of 64. I know my memory has improved and I’m healthy and fit. But most of all no matter what comes my way in life, dance keeps me going.

When we start to dance the first benefit is a sense of vitality as our life energy awakens. It has been scientifically proven that dancing with the right instructor can decrease depression, improve your moods and strengthen your positive feelings about yourself. With all that said, there is also the case that we can take anything and make it stressful. For example, when we only focus on the technique of a dance form and the final artistic product of performing. And please don’t misunderstand me, there is nothing wrong with improving our dance technique and performance. I love both myself but you need to find a balance. Explore improvising from the heart and learn to move and exchange your energy, stay creative, connect with inspiration and express your uniqueness. Move to how you are currently feeling and experiencing life by surrounding yourself with a supportive group.

Besides all the technical dance forms we have heard of or tried such as ballet, jazz, tap, flamenco, bellydance, African , Afro Cuban, salsa, ballroom etc. etc. There is a variety of therapeutic, yoga and sacred dance forms. I find my balance by working with both methods of dance. I highly recommend you try one of the many non technical forms to boost your creativity in your preferred dance form. I have tried so many and I’m always willing to try a new therapy dance forms anytime. Currently my favorites are Shakti Dance® which is a Yoga practice and I loved it so much I became an instructor. I just had to share it with the women I love. My other favorite is Biodanza I practiced this form with the same group for seven years. In this movement form it’s like sitting on a couch for hours with a therapist without having to say a word. In both these practices you don’t need any experience just an openness to allow your body to express and release which brings more grace and joy into your life.

The benefits of dance are just so many. We learn the concepts of movement within rhythms, space and time. It gives your silent voice a tool for expression. Dance is movement and movement is the process of ongoing change. Through dance we learn to flow better with life; we feel our strength, our vulnerability and our interconnectedness to all that is. In the last 20 years that I have been dedicated to women and movement I have seen so many transformations. Women find their tribe of dancers, they move together in sisterhood respecting and supporting each other. I see recoveries from health issues, their youthfulness returns, creativity starts to flow, they start to nurture themselves more and most all I experience their joy.

Feeling blessed to be able to bring movement and dance experiences to women. We are just beyond amazing and we need to always remember that. Love you all so much, I accept you just the way you are, You are Awesome.