The Moment I Realized Dance Could Be Used To Heal
After a particularly tough breakup, I found myself in my Los Angeles apartment, surrounded by the quiet that followed a storm of emotions. Let’s be clear, though: it was only quiet because I had gotten to a point where the crying wasn’t enough. It was one of those moments where the silence felt louder than words, and my heart was heavy with everything left unsaid. It was my longest relationship to that point - 4 years of memories with a person I thought, perhaps, I’d make a lifetime with.
On a whim, driven by a feeling I couldn't quite name, I pushed my furniture to the sides of the room, clearing out a space in the middle. It wasn't much; this one-bedroom apartment was humble, but it was enough for what I needed—to dance, to move— and not for anyone else, but for me.
I hadn't danced like this in a long time, just letting my body move however it wanted, without any choreography or expectations. I had just gotten off tour with Katy Perry, and my life, as I once knew it, was completely gone. So at this moment, it was just me, my music, my dog Zoey, and my emotions, all swirling together in a dance that was as raw as it was real.
As I moved, I let go. My body began to tell its own story, one of loss, love, and longing, translating the ache in my heart into movement. It was a dance of grief, and with every step, every turn, I felt a release. Tears mixed with sweat, and my shaking limbs weren't just from the physical exertion but from the emotional weight lifting off my shoulders.
And then, as naturally as it had begun, the dance slowed. I found myself sitting on the floor, the storm of emotions having passed, leaving a surprising calm in its wake. I was exhausted, yes, but there was also a sense of peace, a clarity that I hadn't felt since before the breakup.
That night, I discovered something powerful about movement. It wasn't just exercise or performance; it was a way to process emotions, navigate through the pain, and come out the other side feeling a bit lighter, a bit clearer. Dancing allowed me to express what I couldn't say out loud, to move through my grief, and, in doing so, start to accept and let it go.
Sharing this feels important because it's a reminder (to me and you… if you’re still reading) that healing can come from unexpected places. Sometimes, it's not about finding the right words but finding a way to let your body speak. So, if you're ever feeling weighed down by emotions that seem too big to handle, try creating a little space in your room and dance. You might be surprised by the magic that happens when you do.
