Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Saunders.
Hi Sarah, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
What if I told you that dance is for everybody? Yes even if you think you don’t have rhythm or if you think you have two left feet. I would love to share my story of how dance has saved me & how it maybe can help you or someone you know.
I started dancing at age 4. Combo ballet, tap & tumbling class like most kids in the 90’s. I recall watching the older class do jazz dancing & being enamored with that asking my parents to switch me immediately to jazz class next. I danced solo for years until I was in my undergraduate program for my Bachelor’s in Social work when I found partner dancing. Specifically Latin styles like Salsa & Bachata & Lindy Hop (Swing Dancing).
After college moved to KC for a job & was able to really dig into the
history of various dance styles, practice, go out to the various clubs to dance, attend events, joined a team, competed & taught.
Fast forward a few years of dancing almost nightly & I met my husband then had our daughter. Along with our daughter came postpartum depression. The shift that occurs was too much and I got to the point where I was very mentally unstable & suicidal. Moments, days or episodes where I didn’t want to be here & I didn’t want this baby to be here. I firmly believe that saying “it takes a village to raise a child” because people in my circle & village really stepped up to help me when I was at a place when I needed it. One of the ways was getting back into dance. Friends inviting me out, bringing my baby when I could, I joke that my daughter has been to more jazz bars & spots than some locals.
The instant shift that would occur for me when I was feeling or in those moments of depression when I danced or went to a dance is what inspired me keep going. To have genuine connection with other people, get some exercise, use my body & brain to express myself creatively again & knowing that dance doesn’t stop just cuz motherhood started. Not to lose sight of the passion I once had & still have.. That passion is what kick started my next move to pursue my Master’s In Social Work (MSW) & get certified as a Dance Movement Therapist (DMT). I’m just one person that was able to use an art form as a continued aide for my mental health. There are thousands more out there! I just want more people to be aware that art can assist mental health & there’s so many avenues for it. Music, drama, dance, painting, etc,,.
I’m working towards starting my own LLC once all the school & certifications are done. Keep an eye out for Rhythm Interventions coming around the KC area soon. I would love to offer solo dance therapy sessions, group classes, I’m working on curriculum for schools, shelters, independent living facilities & hospitals. We have endless options for arts to be used as part of our toolbox to better our mental, physical & even spiritual health. It’s not about dance moves or steps being perfect, it’s about progress. Cuz we are all just individual works of art progressing together.
If you are interested in learning more about arts & mental health, building a village or circle of people, dancing please reach out to me!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I’d say for me the biggest struggle has been learning to be patient and moving with life as it has shifted the plans I had around.
I had a 5 year plan & it’s turning into more than that. It’s okay, cuz I have goal & im gonna get there.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Most people know me as a member of the Kansas City Canaries. A local Chorus Line troupe. One of my favorite things we do is offer workshops based off various chorus line dancers. I enjoy researching the history of a dancer & creating choreography.
I’ve also dabbled in Burlesque dance a bit as my persona Miss Killer Diller.
I think I’m most proud of just starting & actively doing the different types of dance or choreography.
It’s gonna sound cheesy but I’d rather say I did this I really achieved my goal rather than wonder why I never did it.
I think one thing that sets me apart is genuinely wanting people to have fun and find joy in dancing.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
When my entire family would get together for Christmas. I come from a big Italian family, Always loud, the food, & antics we got into.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sbrady_5
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1HFPbJcXBu/
- LinkedIn: Sarah saunders (brady)’s
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/rhythm_interventions
