I am going to be honest with you. I have been STRUGGLING with my mental health lately. This summer was hard. I don't really know exactly what triggered this low but here we are. I have started medication and started therapy. I wish I could say that I am fixed now, but that isn't really how mental health works. I have had more good days then bad so I am counting that as a success even though the bad days have been really bad. As I have been trudging along my mental health journey, one thing has become increasingly clear. Art is healing. Dance is healing. I think the ability to create is a divine characteristic of the human experience and essential to the well being of the human existance. Creativity is what allows the body, mind, and soul to coexisit in peace and calm. Dance for me is a healing balm for my mind. It allows the essential act of creativity and art to align all the parts of me. I forget sometimes how powerful dance and art is. I think too often I am pressured by competition and social media dance culture to focus on the execution of skills rather than the artistry and creativity. I need to remember that the greatest gift I can give my students is the art of dance. I have a feeling others need this reminder too. So as you plan your lessons and choreograph your dances, here is your reminder: Dance is healing and the art of dance is the greatest gift and lesson of all.
Also, if you struggle with mental health as well please know that you aren't alone. Reach out to mental health professionals and friends. I promise there are a lot of people out there that want to help you. And make sure you keep dancing.
