The Story

I have loved to dance since I was 4 years old. It is the place I feel most myself. It has brought me happiness, confidence, and a way to express the big feelings I experience and otherwise would keep inside. As a kid, I was quiet and unsure, had bouts of low self-esteem and would freeze in terror if I suddenly became the center of attention. I had trouble expressing myself verbally, and was constantly teased for being so quiet…unless I was dancing. Give me some music and a stage and I could be the loudest person in the room. No one forcing me to talk, but finally listening to what I had to say.

My love of this art form drove me to pursue a bachelor’s degree in dance and I grew to love it even more than I already did. I won awards, my choreography was chosen for nearly every main-stage concert I participated in, I danced for incredibly talented guest artists, and was dancing 8+ hours a day. I loved it.

After graduation, I moved to Denver and danced for a few professional companies, taught at local dance studios, was doing everything I thought I was supposed to be doing and was absolutely miserable. The competition and stress of it all stole the joy I once knew. I was constantly reminded that I didn’t have the feet, the legs, the ‘this’ the ‘that’ I needed and was destined to a life of waving flowers in the background while the ‘real’ dancers were center stage. The one thing I could count on to bring me joy was the thing that was now chipping away at my confidence and wellbeing. I needed a break.

During this time, I decided to get my Master’s Degree in Education and Human Development. I had always loved working with kids and teenagers and plan b was to be a teacher. What I didn’t expect, was to subconsciously explore the dramatic retelling of,“WHO AM I IF NOT A DANCER?!” identity crisis that was rocking my world. Things are always clearer in hindsight, aren’t they? I became fascinated with Social Emotional Learning theories and how I could apply them in the dance studio. What if rather than focusing on talent and skills, there could be a dance class intentionally designed to create belonging and connection, increase self-esteem, and enhance the energy needed to become our most actualized selves? And what if it could be for everyone, not just experienced dancers?

Working with young people in the aftermath of the pandemic drove me to bring my ideas to light. The rowdy and loud teenagers I once knew were replaced by these weird walking zombies who didn't know how to talk to each other and seemed to have lost their zest for life. I knew that these intentional dance and movement classes could be the catalyst to help them reconnect not only with each other but with themselves. Each class has been designed using evidence-based learning theories that enhance intrinsic motivation, increase feelings of connection, and promote an overall sense of well-being. Plus, we all know that shakin’ your booty to music is good for you, mind, body, and soul!