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: dancing in the Mogal Vadi colony with a man named Jaharaj.

Dancing with Jaharaj

On my very first trip to India, I brought my oldest daughter with me. As we stepped into the colony, we were greeted by Jaharaj’s booming smile, a small boom box in hand, and his words of joy: “Welcome!” Without hesitation, he began to dance.

His energy was contagious. His laughter and enthusiasm pulled us in until we were dancing together — not just with our bodies, but with our souls. In that moment, surrounded by people who had so little in terms of material wealth, I felt the richness of true connection.

I am thrilled to say I’ll be returning to Mogal Vadi soon, and I cannot wait to see Jaharaj again — to dance, to share joy, and to be reminded once more that happiness is born from within, not from circumstances.

The Children of Little Flower, Bihar

Another unforgettable experience was teaching dance at the Little Flower community in Bihar. The children, many of whom live with great challenges, approached dance with wide eyes and open hearts.

• They danced with enthusiasm that lit up the room

• They expressed themselves with pure authenticity

• They reminded me that the gift of movement is universal

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Each class was filled with laughter, clapping, and the kind of joy that cannot be contained. Their resilience and love of expression touched me deeply.

Why Dance Heals

These moments — whether in India or here in Utah County — continue to affirm for me that dance is so much more than steps and rhythm. Dance is healing. Dance is connection. Dance is joy.

For me personally, dance has been a tool to:

• Heal from past pain and trauma

• Reconnect with myself and others

• Find peace in my body and soul

• Experience profound joy, even in difficult times

  
  

It’s why I created Dance to Uplift — because I’ve witnessed firsthand, both at home and abroad, the way dance transforms lives. From women in Utah rediscovering themselves through adult ballroom dance classes and West Coast Swing in Springville, to children in Bihar lighting up with music — the language of movement is universal.

Lessons from the Colonies

Dancing with Jaharaj and the children in Bihar reminded me of a few simple truths:

• Joy doesn’t come from possessions, but from presence

• Connection transcends culture, language, and circumstance

• Movement is a universal way to heal and uplift

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These are lessons I carry into every class, every retreat, and every moment I step onto the dance floor.

A Closing Reflection

As I look ahead to returning to India, I’m reminded that every step we take — whether in a small home studio in Utah County or in the middle of a leprosy colony in India — is an opportunity to connect, to uplift, and to heal.

To my students, friends, and community: thank you for allowing me to share these experiences with you. You are part of this journey. Together, whether through dance therapy in Utah County or through service in India, we are spreading joy and recognizing the beauty that lives in all of us.

Let’s keep dancing with heart, embracing joy in the present moment, and sharing our light with the world.

Live in Love. Move with Meaning. Play Passionately, 

Shalay Andrus