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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 124 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 95 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 63 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 25 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 302 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 264 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 232 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 195 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 144 min read


The Unexpected Gift of Becoming a Teacher
I never set out to become a teacher. Honestly, I didn’t see it in myself. But sometimes, life nudges you toward your purpose in the most unexpected ways. It all began in a tiny desert town—Snowflake, Arizona—where options for partner dance classes were slim to none. I was just 16 when my mom encouraged me to start a couples' country dance class. So there I was, teaching line dancing, country swing, and the two-step. I didn’t fully understand it then, but something about partn
Shalay Andrus
Aug 82 min read


It's All About Connection
Since as far back as I can remember, dance has been woven into the very fabric of who I am. When the music plays, I don’t think—I just feel. I let my heart lead. Growing up in a small town with so few opportunities for formal training, I could have seen that as a limitation. But I never did. I simply danced where I was, with what I had, because I couldn’t imagine life any other way. In college, when I made the country dance team, a new dream opened up: auditioning for the lea
Shalay Andrus
Jul 312 min read


Embracing the Dance of Life: A Journey to Healing, Purpose, and Connection
It’s never too late to step into the rhythm of your own life. When I was just 18, freshly graduated and heading to college, I discovered a truth that still guides me today: Passion and perseverance can open doors you never imagined. Growing up in a small town, dancing had been my refuge — a way to express myself and find connection when words fell short. So when I arrived at Utah Valley University and learned about tryouts for the country dance team, my heart leapt. Even more
Shalay Andrus
Jul 122 min read


West Coast Swing: A Dance Into Healing
My journey into healing didn’t begin with therapy, books, or even intentional self-discovery. It began, quite unexpectedly, with a dance....
Shalay Andrus
Jul 12 min read
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