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Over the last year and a half, life handed my husband a journey I wouldn’t wish on anyone. Four major surgeries, each one demanding courage, patience, and a level of resilience that still humbles me. A bicep surgery. A shoulder surgery. And two knee surgeries. One after the other. Every time he healed from one, another challenge waited right behind it. For us, dance has always been more than movement. It has been the heartbeat of our connection, the language beneath our words

Passion  and pleasure , two words that once scared me, now light up my entire life. I wasn’t always this way. For a long time, I believed that passion was something I had to earn  and that pleasure was something to be cautious about. I thought joy came after  the hard work, a reward I could claim once I’d proven myself worthy enough to feel it. But the truth is, we are all born to experience pleasure. It’s our natural state. It’s written in our breath, our movement, our heart

Each year, we get the chance to begin again, to breathe deeper, move with intention, and reconnect with what truly matters. For me, that always begins on the West Coast Swing dance floor. Dance to Uplift  was created from the belief that movement is medicine. When we dance with awareness, when we breathe, connect, and allow joy to move through us, we don’t just learn steps. We awaken something sacred inside us. My classes are about so much more than dancing. They are about co

Discover the beauty of being a beginner again through grounding, breathwork, and movement. Learn how to build strong foundations in life and dance with purpose in Shalay Andrus’ “Connect & Transform” Masterclass Series in Utah County.

Learn how to move from self-conscious to self-confident through grounding, breathwork, and movement. Discover somatic healing practices and West Coast Swing dance techniques that build self-trust and inner peace in Utah County.

Breathwork changed everything for me. It calmed my nervous system, gave me the courage to leave an abusive marriage, and helped me rebuild my life with peace, purpose, and love. Today, it’s the foundation of everything I teach through Dance to Uplift , because when you breathe with intention, you invite healing into your body, mind, and soul. The Moment Everything Changed There was a time in my life when I couldn’t breathe, at least, not deeply. Every inhale felt tight. Every

In the Blues Room at Boogie by the Bay, I was reminded of why I dance, for connection, not perfection. When we let go of performing and sink into presence, dance becomes sacred. It’s a place where hearts open, nervous systems settle, and joy flows freely. The Magic of the Blues/Soul Room There’s something sacred about the Blues (or Soul) Room at West Coast Swing conventions. It’s not about competition or choreography. It’s about connection. The lights are dim, the music slows

When my son asked me to teach him to dance for his first prom, I was overjoyed, and reminded of my own prom night years ago. What began...

Dance isn’t just movement, it’s a reminder that you’re alive. For women in their 40s, dance restores energy, confidence, and joy. Whether...

Your 40s are not the end of fun, they’re the beginning of rediscovery. When you pair movement, breath, and soulful community, you...

This week, I met a woman who shared something that touched me deeply. She said, “Now that our kids are grown, I feel like my husband and...

Fear is one of the most powerful emotions we can face. It can paralyze us, leave us stuck, and make us question if we belong anywhere at...

There are moments in life when we are invited to pause, breathe, and step into something deeper than ourselves. For me, one of those...

Every time I prepare to teach in India, my heart is filled with anticipation. The memories of teaching dance to children and dancing in...

Tuesday marked a milestone I will never forget: the official launch of my new business, Dance to Uplift , right here in Utah County....

Have you ever noticed a number repeating in your life, on clocks, receipts, or even dance competition numbers? These repeating numbers...

Fear has a way of sneaking in when we least expect it. One minute, you’re confident and grounded, and the next, it rushes in like a wave,...

Are you craving something that’s just for you, a place to feel confident, connected, and alive again?  You’re not alone. So many women I...

Reflecting on the Journey As I reflect on my most recent trip to India, memories flood my heart — moments of dancing with children, teaching movement in the schools, and sharing laughter in the leprosy colonies. These are experiences that continue to shape me, both as the founder of Dance to Uplift in Utah County  and as a director with Rising Star Outreach , a nonprofit dedicated to lifting individuals and families affected by leprosy in India. One memory stands out vividly:

If you are a woman over 40 or an empty nester in Utah County searching for purpose, connection, and a way to heal, you may be wondering… “Where can I find a fun, safe, and uplifting way to reconnect with myself and others?” At Dance to Uplift , my adult ballroom dance classes in Springville, Utah County offer more than just learning West Coast Swing. They are a doorway to joy, healing, and a renewed sense of confidence. I combine movement, music, and breathwork for stress rel