To dance is to create. To heal. To connect. To fully feel. To truly live.

Movement is magic(k) - and when I dance, I can feel myself heal.

Dance is embodied connection - connection with myself, with music, with those dancing with me and those watching us dance. To dance in a group is to find a place of true belonging.

To dance is to release shame and self-judgement in favor of unbridled expression, if only for a few minutes.

I believe that everyone deserves to heal, to express, and to create. And I know firsthand how powerful of a trauma-healing tool creative self-expression can be.

Dance is just the medium, and what's so powerful to me about dance is the way the artists become the art.

As a dance teacher, it's my responsibility to meet my students exactly where they're at, providing ways to engage and participate in the artform that meet their needs and support their well-beings. I teach all choreography both standing and seated, and utilize trauma-informed communication in class. Especially since classes are open level, it's been beneficial to provide options for students to adapt the movements as needed, whether they need to simplify a movement or want a bit more of a challenge.

I am so grateful to be back to dancing again. Back to performing. Back to teaching. Back to movin' and groovin' and boppin' around. I can't wait to see where this journey takes me next.