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, my classes are designed to regulate your nervous system, build confidence, and bring joy back into your life—whether you’re starting fresh or simply craving something new.

My Healing Journey: Where Breathwork and Dance Met

After my divorce, I was walking through one of the hardest seasons of my life. The stress was constant, the responsibilities endless, and joy felt like something other people had. My body was tense. My thoughts never slowed down. I felt like I was existing in survival mode rather than truly living.

This is when I leaned more into tuning into my body.

I still remember the first moment I truly exhaled during a dance. The music wrapped around me, my partner guided me gently, and suddenly I was present. My shoulders softened. My mind stopped racing. My breath became deeper and slower. That moment was more than just dancing—it was my body’s first step toward healing.

As I continued dancing, I began learning breathwork exercises outside the dance floor to help manage stress and anxiety. The combination of movement and mindful breathing changed everything. I wasn’t just learning dance steps. I was reclaiming my connection to myself.

Why Breathwork Matters for Women Over 40

Life after 40 can be both liberating and overwhelming. The kids may be grown, careers may be stable, and yet… the quiet can bring its own challenges. Stress doesn’t disappear—it just changes shape.

That’s where breathwork for stress relief comes in. According to University Hospitals, intentional breathing techniques help:

• Lower blood pressure and heart rate

• Reduce anxiety and improve mood

• Enhance immune response

• Improve muscle function

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When you pair breathwork with movement, like in my classes, you’re giving both your mind and body a reset button.

Understanding Your Nervous System

If you’ve been feeling on edge, tired, or emotionally flat, it’s often because your nervous system is stuck in a high-alert state. This can happen after years of caregiving, emotional strain, or even unprocessed trauma.

Breathwork signals safety to your brain. It helps shift your body out of stress mode and into a state where healing, joy, and creativity can flourish.

In Dance to Uplift, every class begins with breathwork to:

• Settle the mind before learning

• Create awareness of your body’s sensations

• Prepare yourself for a deeper connection on the dance floor

  
  

Breathwork Exercises for Beginners We Use in Class

You don’t need any experience to start. The breathwork I teach is simple, effective, and easy to practice at home:

• Triangle Breath – Inhale for 4, hold for 4, exhale for 4

• 4-7-8 Breathing – A calming method to prepare for rest or reduce anxiety

• Extended Exhale – Inhale fully, then exhale longer than your inhale to signal relaxation

  
  

These are techniques you can carry with you—into stressful moments at work, before bed, or even during family gatherings.

Student Story: How Breathwork Changed Her Life

One of my students, a woman in her 40s from Springville, told me that before joining her breathwork coaching, she had trouble sleeping and often felt anxious in social situations. Within weeks of practicing breathwork, she noticed she was sleeping better and handling daily stress more calmly.

Her words: "’Shalay has been a beacon of hope in my life. Her easy-to-follow techniques have not only lowered my anxiety and improved my overall nervous system but also helped me release deep-seated shame from trauma.””

Julia DeLeeuw\

The Science Behind Breathwork and Movement

Breathwork and dance both trigger your body to release endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin—the “feel good” chemicals that boost mood and reduce pain perception. Conscience Dancing

Dance also improves balance, coordination, and brain health, while mindful breathing improves emotional regulation. Together, they create a feedback loop of calm, joy, and vitality.

Why I Include Breathwork in Dance Classes

Most adult ballroom dance classes in Utah County focus on technique, steps, and performance. While those are important, my approach at Dance to Uplift is different. My goal isn’t just to teach you how to dance. It’s to help you:

• Feel safe and confident in your body

• Release emotional tension

• Build meaningful connections with others

• Leave class feeling lighter and happier than when you walked in

  
  

By starting with breathwork, we make space for joy to show up.

Local Connection: Why Springville, Utah County Is the Perfect Place to Begin

Springville and surrounding Utah County communities like Mapleton, Spanish Fork, and Provo are full of women and couples looking for connection beyond screens and schedules. By offering adult ballroom dance classes in Springville that blend movement and mindfulness, I’ve created a welcoming hub for people who want something more than “just another class.”

Students often come to me saying they’ve tried gym memberships or yoga classes but still feel disconnected. Dance + breathwork gives them a social, creative, and healing outlet all in one.

Who My Breathwork-Infused Classes Are For

You’ll feel at home here if you:

• Are 40+ and looking for a fun, meaningful activity

• Have been feeling stressed or emotionally drained

• Want to meet like-minded women or couples

• Are curious about breathwork exercises for beginners

• Want to build confidence and rediscover your joy

  
  

Classes That Include Breathwork

Move with Meaning

A progressive West Coast Swing series for singles, couples, and friends. Perfect for beginners or those returning to dance. Includes foundational patterns, connection techniques, and mindful breathwork to center you before we move.

Play Passionately

A ladies-only styling and musicality class designed for self-expression and confidence. We use breathwork to ground ourselves, then explore ways to bring more joy and femininity into your movement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need experience with breathwork? No, I guide you through every step.

Do I need to be “in shape” to do this? Not at all. The breathwork is gentle, and the dancing can be adapted to your comfort level.

Can breathwork really help with stress? Yes—studies show that intentional breathing reduces stress hormones and improves emotional health (News Medical).

Summary: Your Invitation to Heal and Connect

If you’ve been searching for a way to reconnect with your body, relieve stress, and embrace a joyful, confident version of yourself, Dance to Uplift in Springville, Utah County is here for you. Through the unique combination of breathwork for stress relief and West Coast Swing, you’ll leave class not only knowing new steps but also feeling calmer, happier, and more alive.

💌 Learn more and register: www.dancetouplift.com 📅 Book a free consultation: Schedule here

Your next chapter is waiting—Live in love, Move with Meaning. Play Passionately