about this project

People dance for so many reasons- to connect, to disconnect, to celebrate, to express joy, sadness, grief, or anger, to grow, to remember, to forget and move past, to heal. Storytelling is an integral part of how people share and connect, part of what makes us human. This blog explores how stories and culture are passed down through dance, as well as how people express themselves through movement. This project aims to look at dance in all its styles and forms- from a dance form and style that's been passed down to entire cultures for centuries to an impromptu movement session with your toddler to a professional dance performance. Watch the dance, read the story, share the journey. 

I was inspired to start this blog by the book The Body Keeps the Score, which explains how trauma is stored in the body and how many feelings are too hard to be expressed verbally, and the brilliant podcast Song Exploder, in which musicians break down how they created one of their songs. I wanted to do the same thing for dance, where dancers and choreographers could share the process and story behind their pieces.

about me

I believe in the healing power of moving and story telling, and combining the two can be an incredibly powerful experience. This project is the culmination of my many interests and experiences- I have been dancing for as long as I can remember, studied dance and international studies for my undergraduate degree, went on to earn an MA in conflict resolution with a focus on trauma healing, and once again pivoted by completing my Doctorate in Physical Therapy. When I was 19, I did a dance study abroad program in Ghana, and was struck by how every dance I learned had a story, much like the oral traditions passed down through song, and how even the three-year-old children knew the dances I was trying to learn. It wasn't until I worked in an active-conflict zone that I truly realized how essential "freedom of movement" is for me (and really for all humans). It took me four years to really return my lost movement to my body, but with it I regained more than just my ability to move- I rediscovered the ability to truly enjoy life. My mission is to help others process and express their story through movement in a safe, supportive, and fun environment. I am a physical therapist specializing in dance, circus arts, and pelvic floor needs, a professional dancer and teacher, and a dance journalist. 

continuing education

One of the best parts of being a Doctor of Physical Therapy is that we are required to continuously learn and grow, staying up-to-date on the latest research. Below is a list of some of the courses I’ve taken:

Herman & Wallace: Pelvic Function Level 1 - Introduction to Pelvic Health; Pregnancy Rehabilitation; Postpartum Rehabilitation; and Pelvic Function Level 2A - Colorectal Pelvic Health, Pudendal Neuralgia, and Coccyx Pain

Circus Fusion: Circus Medicine Education (with the amazing Dr. Emily Scherb!)

Myopain: Dry Needling Level 1