Finding Myself Again Through Dance
If you know me, you know I’ve always loved to move. But nothing ever felt quite like dance.
I grew up dancing. It was where I felt the most free, the most me. It wasn’t just exercise—it was expression. Something I was always excited about and proud of.
When I got to college, I even danced collegiately my first year. I went in so excited, thinking it would be the continuation of something I’d loved my whole life. But that experience was… hard.
Dance became something I dreaded.
By the time I left the team early, I was burned out and heartbroken. I didn’t just quit the team—I quit dance.
When Movement Became Obligation
During those years, movement stopped being something I looked forward to. It became something I owed.
No pain, no gain, right?
If I wasn’t pushing myself to exhaustion, it didn’t feel like I was doing enough.
Eventually, my body said no more.
Health issues forced me to step back entirely. I had to leave grad school to focus on healing. And for the first time in years, I had to ask myself:
What would it look like to move for joy again?
As important as my health was (and still is), the truth is I was trying to find something—anything— I genuinely loved. I needed something to do so I wouldn’t just sit there, ruminating over how everything had fallen apart. I wanted a reason to get out, to move, to feel alive again.
That question, that tiny bit of hope, led me back to dance.
Coming Back to Dance
The day I officially dropped out of grad school, I signed up for a dance class. I will always remember sitting in the park on my picnic blanket, enjoying the sunshine, and hitting the “sign up” button for my lesson scheduled for two days later.
Honestly? I was so nervous. I even called my mom from the dance studio’s parking lot. She told me:
"You’re going to have so much fun. Get in there and enjoy it!"
And she was right.
That first class reignited something in me I didn’t even realize I’d lost. I left with a new spark, not knowing just how deeply I’d fall back in love with dance.
The studio—World Champion Productions in Hendersonville, TN—quickly became my happy place. It wasn’t just about movement; it was about community. I found friends who made (and still make) every visit even more special, plus truly incredible instructors who made me feel welcome and supported.
Dance didn’t just help my physical health—it transformed my mental, social, and emotional health.
When I think about those final months of grad school, I remember feeling like a shell of myself. My energy was gone. I didn’t want to be around anyone. Most days, I just wanted to stay home and disappear, because that felt like all I was capable of.
But dance helped bring me back to life. Physically, emotionally, and mentally.
It gave me a reason to leave the house. It challenged me in the best way. I started wanting to learn more and see what I was capable of.
More than anything, it reminded me that stepping outside my comfort zone—even when it’s scary—is where I grow.
Honestly, it still blows my mind. If you told my 16-year-old self I’d be competing in a ballroom competition soon, she wouldn’t have believed it. Back then I would have said:
"That sounds fun, but I could never do that."
Now I know:
"It’s scary—and that’s exactly why I want to try."
The Benefits of Dance (Backed by Research!)
You don’t have to be a “dancer” to benefit from dance. Science backs what dancers have known forever: it’s powerful for your whole self.
Emotional release
Dance helps us process feelings without words. It’s been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, boost mood, and help manage stress.
It’s not just moving your body—it’s letting your emotions move too.
Source
Mind-body connection & stress reduction
Unlike rote exercise, dance requires awareness, coordination, and presence. That focus can be almost meditative, supporting mindfulness, lowering stress hormones, and helping you feel grounded.
Brain health & cognitive benefits
Dance challenges memory, attention, and coordination—building strong neural pathways.
Research from Harvard Medical School describes how dancing can protect cognitive health, even lowering the risk of dementia by engaging multiple brain regions at once.
Source
Social connection
Group dance classes create genuine community, ease loneliness, and foster friendships. Movement has always been a way for humans to connect—and sharing it with others makes it even more meaningful.
Physical health without pressure
Dance improves cardiovascular fitness, balance, strength, and flexibility—but with a fun, engaging element that keeps you coming back. It feels less like obligation and more like FUN.
Why I Share This
I share this not because I think you need to dance (though I highly recommend trying!).
I share this because I know what it’s like to lose your love of movement.
To feel like it’s just one more thing you’re failing at.
To dread the gym.
I know what it’s like to have something you loved become complicated or painful.
And I know what it’s like to find your way back.
Dance reminded me that movement can be healing.
It can be art.
It can be joy.
If you’ve lost touch with movement you love, I invite you to ask:
What kind of movement actually makes you feel good?
What did you love as a kid?
What would it look like to move for joy—not just discipline?
It doesn’t have to be dance. Maybe it’s hiking. Yoga. Swimming. Walking while listening to music you love.
Movement is personal. And it’s allowed to feel good.
If you’re ready to bring more joy and freedom into your movement journey, I’d love to help.
Click below to learn more about our program—and if you’re local, go check out the studio that reignited my love of dance: World Champion Productions.
