I discovered dance in general and ecstatic dance in particular when I lived in Vermont. There, I took a Yoga Dance class for two years with Nina Shoenthal where I learned how to move the different parts of my body and have fun with it. I literally didn't know about moving my hips until this class! I was one of about five people that met consistently for two years; that community was extremely important to me. 

After that I participated in a modern dance performance called Everyone Can Dance, led by Tiffany Rhynard which brought professional and amateur dancers of all shapes and abilities together with non-dancers, like me.  We spent a month learning choreography and crafting our own dances because, well, Everyone Can Dance. Here I learned about creativity and expression in ways that liberated me in all parts of my life. 

From there I joined a modern dance company led by Heather Bryce where we co-created all of our performances. I learned about how to turn mundane gestures into something fascinating. Even though I was terrible at anything technical such as turns - I had no dance training at all - I loved the way dancing felt in my body. (The second photo includes me - second from the left - in one of our performances.)

Most influential of all was my work with Authentic Movement, held by Jan Sandman. I met with the same core group nearly weekly for four years and I learned how to trust my body, my movement, and everyone in the room. We all received deep healing. The connections I made in that room are the deepest ones of my life. One day I will get Jan to come here and lead a workshop for us!

And of course, I also discovered Ecstatic Dance in Vermont, which for awhile was called Trance Dance, and it took me many years to feel comfortable enough to show up. This space was held by Ivan McBeth (may he rest in peace) and his wife Fearn Lickfield, who still co-leads Vermont Ecstatic Dance to this day. It was a completely joyful, liberating, and strongly held space. I model much of what we do in this space on what I learned there. 

I've also been to several other ecstatic dance spaces and dabbled in contact improv. I love square dancing (not so much contra dancing). Additionally my many years of yoga practice, led by several deeply embodied teachers, taught me to listen attentively to my body. I am forever grateful to all of the talented teachers I was blessed to find. 

All this to say that movement, especially non-choreographed, creative, body-inspired movement is very important to me, which is why I hold this space for the greater Grand Traverse Community. I need it, and I think a lot of other people need it too. 

I am also a trained and experienced facilitator, educator and life coach. There is no greater honor than holding space for other people so we can discover the deepest truths of who we are and what we desire, and learn to be ok with them. May aim is to craft a meaningful experience for the group as a whole, and for each person to feel welcomed and safe. Please let me know how I can best support you.