If you went to the doctor for burnout or depression, it’s unlikely they would subscribe you to a dance movement session to help you feel better. But hey - maybe one day! Until then, you’ll have to trust me when I say a dance movement practice is some of the most potent medicine readily available!  Not only can a regular dance movement practice help someone unlock stored emotions and promote physical health, but it can also help improve mental health and reduce stress. Unfortunately, most of our lifestyles are sedentary – commuting to work by car, sitting behind a desk all day, and then scrolling on various apps while watching Netflix on the couch before bed. This lifestyle is making it increasingly difficult for many folks to find the time and space to move their bodies.

The impact that the modern lifestyle has on us is one of disconnection - from ourselves, each other, and our environment. This disconnect can manifest in poor mental health and even physical ailments.

That’s why we need more dance movement facilitators in the world! By creating a container where individuals can safely express stored emotions and create body-mind connections through dance improvisational techniques, breath awareness, and lots of playfulness - dance movement facilitators can help folks access more joy and lead more satisfying lives.

The Power of Dance

It's no secret that people feel better after they move their bodies, but what might surprise you is how much of a difference dance can make in your overall wellbeing.

Studies show that when we dance, we're releasing endorphins which are naturally occurring hormones responsible for making us feel good. It also improves blood circulation and reduces stress levels. So if you're ever feeling down or stressed out, a good way to snap out of it is to put on some music and start dancing! You'll be surprised at how much more energized and relaxed you'll feel after just a few moments. 

Not only is dance an incredible physical activity, but it’s also a great opportunity for self-expression, emotional release, and connection. 

Dance can also serve as a meditation practice. If you are like me and find it hard to sit still for meditation, you might be relieved to know that dance can also be used as a form of active meditation. Yes, you can really reap the same benefits from busting a move as you can from sitting on a meditation cushion for hours!

Though dancing alone is a powerful practice in itself, dancing in a group of others can amplify the feelings of connection and livelihood you might be desperately seeking. The reason is that during a dance session, an experienced dance movement facilitator will encourage you to explore stored emotions in your body through specific dynamic movements and then express them. The expression of these emotions is the key to healing and overcoming them. If emotions are given a safe and supportive space to be expressed and witnessed, they won’t be screaming for your attention in the middle of the night.

Do Facilitators Have to Be Trained Dancers? 

There is NO need to be trained in any particular style of dance in order to benefit from this experience – nor to become a Dance Movement Facilitator - the focus is on self-expression, not technique. Dance movement helps people bridge the body-mind connection and gain insight into their own inner workings in a fun, supportive, and inspiring atmosphere. That means there is absolutely NO need to have a prestigious dance degree to shake off your worries - or hold space for others to shake off their worries. 

That being said, though you don’t NEED to be certified to become a Dance Movement Facilitator,  it certainly helps you feel more confident as you embark on the facilitating journey. In my Dance Alchemy Teacher Training (online and in person), I outline everything you need to know from how to break the ice, prepare for a session, create a trusting environment, warm up the body, implement breath practices, facilitate the session from a choice of 70+ tools, and close the session. I even give you insight on how to turn your practice into a business. 

Imagine what the world would look like if more people were willing to step out of their comfort zones and make dance a part of their everyday routines? They’d finally have a way to process stored emotions and create meaningful body-mind connections that would help them feel more joyful and connected to the world around them. 

Now, imagine if YOU were the catalyst that helped others embrace dance as medicine? What if, for a living, you helped people unlock their stored emotions and improve their overall well-being -  all while having an amazing time? Sounds pretty great, right? 

Join Dance Alchemy Teacher Training. DETAILS HERE