In my latest The Embodied Podcast episode, I had a deep and inspiring conversation with Allyssa Rivera, a dance and movement therapist and fellow co-facilitator of our upcoming retreat series called WILD, about the profound role of dance in connecting to the body and our inner worlds. She explains how dance, for her, is a way to "remember the fullness" of her human experience—embodying vitality, exhaustion, and everything in between.
We also discuss how dance holds space for both dismemberment and reconnection. Allyssa shares how moving through disconnection and stuckness allows us to meet ourselves authentically. It's not about creating a polished, performative dance but engaging with what feels real and present in the moment.
One highlight was our exploration of authentic movement, a practice rooted in dance therapy and Jungian psychology. In this practice, movers wait for impulses from their unconscious and then express them in the presence of a witness. This approach helps cultivate a non-judgmental inner witness, deepening self-awareness and connection to the body.
Throughout the conversation, Allyssa emphasizes the importance of creating space for authentic expression—not just in therapy but in everyday life. She describes how even simple moments like dancing while doing dishes or moving to music in the kitchen can open up space for self-connection. In a world that often pushes us to stay numb and disconnected, these small acts of embodiment are both revolutionary and healing.
This episode is an invitation to embrace the power of dance, movement, and witnessing—whether you're feeling stuck, grieving, or joyful—because these practices help us navigate the complexities of being human.
Watch the full interview here:
Again, for more information on the retreat and to join us for our first online retreat on November 23rd, head here.
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