I have danced all my life. I love to dance because it helps me feel strong, grounded, and due to the endorphins released, joyful! I particularly enjoy dancing with others as it gives me a sense of community and connection, something we all need.
Like many girls who grew up in the 1960s, organized sports were not readily available to me, but dance classes were. Not only did the pink ballet slippers attract me, but I also enjoyed having an outlet for my energy and without knowing it, it helped build my coordination, confidence, and ability to cooperate and work with others. From my first ballet class at the age of five, I was hooked on dancing and I have never stopped.
Fortunately for me, my opportunities to dance and learn new expressions of it continued to expand. Each semester in college (Chico State) for instance, I enrolled in dance classes including Jazz, Modern and Ballroom. Dance, once again, provided me with the balance I needed and at this stage of my life, relief from the stress and the monotony of studying.
It was also during this time, and on a whim, that I took a Belly Dance class in the community; then found a troupe of women with which to practice and perform. Over the years, I have been fortunate to have been part of several Belly Dancing tribes of talented and supportive women.
In addition to being a dancer, I was also a teacher in public schools for nearly 40 years and although I am no longer in the classroom, I will always identify with being an educator. Lifelong learning and developing new skills and knowledge are critical for my well-being, as is sharing it with others. Teaching Healthy Steps fits well with who I am and what I value.
Fifteen years ago, I was lucky enough to have a good friend suggest I investigate the therapeutic dance program called Healthy Steps. She thought it would be a perfect fit for me, given my teaching and dance background. I followed her advice and signed up to train with Sherry Lebed-Davis, the founder of the program.
She and physician/brothers Drs. Marc and Joel Lebed developed Healthy Steps as a recovery program for their mother, to help with breast cancer. They put together a set of exercises to help with lymphedema and added gentle dance moves to boost mood and energy. The results were not only positive but measurable. They went on to develop training and a certification program to share with others all around the world.
In 2006, I became a certified Healthy Steps instructor and immediately began teaching Healthy Steps in the community and for Enloe Regional Cancer Center or Enloe Medical Center. In response to COVID-19 guidelines, I have also developed on-line classes as well.
Contact Mary Jo Brown:
Phone number: 530-228-4753
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