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Breathe to Heal: How Breathwork Transformed My Life and Helped Me Find Peace
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
Shalay Andrus
Oct 30, 20254 min read


The Sacred Space of Connection: Lessons from the Blues Room: Finding Presence, Purpose, and Joy Through West Coast Swing
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
Shalay Andrus
Oct 25, 20255 min read


Prom, Parenting, and the Healing Power of Dance: Rediscovering Connection and Joy Through West Coast Swing in Utah County
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 as a bittersweet memory became a full-circle lesson in joy, connection, and the healing power of movement. A Prom Night Full of Surprises Recently, my youngest son, who’s never been the social butterfly, surprised us all. He stepped up to plan his first prom, learning everything from coordination to confidence along the way. But the moment th
Shalay Andrus
Oct 21, 20254 min read


Why Dance Is the Secret to Feeling Young in Your 40s: Reconnect, Reignite, and Remember Who You Are, Right Here in Utah County
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 you’re in Mapleton, Provo, or Spanish Fork, Dance to Uplift offers classes that help you reconnect to your body, your senses, and your spark. Feeling “Young” Isn’t About Age, It’s About Aliveness If you’ve ever watched someone lost in dance, you know what aliveness looks like. There’s light in their eyes. They move freely, almost weightle
Shalay Andrus
Oct 19, 20255 min read


How to Have Fun in Your 40s: Rediscover Joy, Connection, and Confidence through Dance & Movement in Utah County
Your 40s are not the end of fun, they’re the beginning of rediscovery. When you pair movement, breath, and soulful community, you reignite confidence, connection, and joy. Whether you’re in Spanish Fork, Provo, or Mapleton, Dance to Uplift helps women in their 40s reconnect with themselves through dance and healing. When Life Shifts, So Does Joy Something happens when we reach our 40s. Life slows in some ways, and in others, it speeds up. The kids might be older or out of the
Shalay Andrus
Oct 14, 20256 min read


Couples Dance Classes for Empty Nesters in Utah County – Rediscover Joy & Connection
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 I are trying to remember who we are together again.” I smiled, knowing in my heart that God’s timing is always perfect. “You’re going to love this,” I told her. “Dance to Uplift is launching a new couples program in January.” Her eyes lit up, and in that moment, I felt confirmation of what I already knew: couples are longing for connection.
Shalay Andrus
Oct 7, 20254 min read


Overcoming Fear with Love, Dance, and Healing
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 all. For many women, especially those of us over 40, those entering the empty-nest years, and those who have walked through deep trauma, fear is not just an occasional visitor. It can feel like a constant shadow. I know this shadow well. After 15 years of being a stay-at-home mom, I suddenly found myself going through a divorce. I had no deg
Shalay Andrus
Oct 4, 20254 min read


Play Passionately: A Journey of Healing, Breath, and Dance for Women in Utah
There are moments in life when we are invited to pause, breathe, and step into something deeper than ourselves. For me, one of those moments came in 2008, when a group of women I was teaching dance to asked if I would create a space just for them. A class where we could not only learn dance steps but also laugh, cry, share, and grow together. That simple request planted the seed for what has now become one of the most meaningful parts of my life: my ladies-only dance classes
Shalay Andrus
Sep 30, 20255 min read


From Utah to India: Finding Healing and Joy Through Dance in Leprosy Colonies
Every time I prepare to teach in India, my heart is filled with anticipation. The memories of teaching dance to children and dancing in...
Shalay Andrus
Sep 27, 20255 min read


Launching Dance to Uplift: Mapleton Dance Studio Bringing Breathwork & West Coast Swing to Utah County for Confidence, Healing, and Connection
Tuesday marked a milestone I will never forget: the official launch of my new business, Dance to Uplift , right here in Utah County....
Shalay Andrus
Sep 25, 20255 min read


Angel Number 70: What It Means for Your Healing Journey Through Dance
Have you ever noticed a number repeating in your life, on clocks, receipts, or even dance competition numbers? These repeating numbers...
Shalay Andrus
Sep 15, 20254 min read


From Fear to Freedom: How Dance and Breathwork Help Heal the Nervous System
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,...
Shalay Andrus
Sep 12, 20254 min read


Best Adult Dance Classes in Utah: West Coast Swing, Ballroom, and Partner Dancing for Beginners
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...
Shalay Andrus
Sep 9, 20255 min read


Dancing in the Leprosy Colonies: Finding Joy, Healing, and Connection Through Movement
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:
Shalay Andrus
Sep 6, 20253 min read


Adult Ballroom Dance Classes in Springville, Utah County – Find Joy, Connection, and Healing Through Dance to Uplift
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
Shalay Andrus
Sep 2, 20255 min read


Embracing Joy and Self-Recognition
Losing Sight of Joy Recently, I noticed myself struggling to hold onto the joy that dance has always brought me. Instead of celebrating the gift of movement, I found myself slipping into criticism — questioning my abilities, asking why I continued to dance at all. Deep down, I knew the truth: dance fills me with profound joy, connection, and healing. But still, my mind wandered down the familiar path of negativity. A Moment of Realization One day, while watching old videos of
Shalay Andrus
Aug 30, 20252 min read


How to Have Fun in Your 40s: Movement, Connection, and Confidence in Springville, Utah County
How to Have Fun in Your 40s: Movement, Connection, and Confidence in Springville, Utah County If you’re in your 40s, 50s, or 60s, life might look different than it did just a few years ago. The kids may be grown, your career might be stable, and the constant hustle of early adulthood may have slowed down. But somewhere in the quiet, you might be asking yourself… “What’s next for me?” You’ve given so much to everyone else for years. Now it’s time to give something back to you
Shalay Andrus
Aug 26, 20254 min read


The Student Who Forever Left a Mark on My Heart
My journey as a movement and dance coach in Utah County began with a remarkable soul named Wayne Garff . Freshly married, I was working my first job at a chiropractic clinic when I met Wayne in the waiting room. What started as a simple conversation about dance quickly became something much deeper. His eyes lit up as he shared his longing to dance again, even though age and physical challenges had slowed him down. Then he asked me something that changed the course of my life
Shalay Andrus
Aug 23, 20252 min read


Breathwork for Stress Relief and Emotional Healing Through Dance to Uplift in Springville, Utah County
If you’re a woman over 40 or an empty nester in Utah County who’s feeling stressed, disconnected, or unsure of your next chapter, you might be wondering… “How do I reconnect with my body and feel truly alive again?” At Dance to Uplift in Springville, Utah County, I’ve created a space where movement and mindful breathing meet to help you release stress, heal emotional wounds, and rediscover your spark. Through a blend of West Coast Swing and breathwork for stress relief , m
Shalay Andrus
Aug 19, 20255 min read


West Coast Swing for Beginners: The Adult Dance Classes in Springville, Utah That’s More Than Just Steps
If you’ve ever thought, “I’d love to learn to dance, but I’m too old to start now” , I have good news—you are never too old to begin. In...
Shalay Andrus
Aug 14, 20254 min read
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