Embracing the Dance of Life: A Journey to Healing, Purpose, and Connection
- Shalay Andrus
- Jul 12, 2025
- 2 min read
Updated: Oct 13, 2025

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 exciting? The team also danced the enchanting, soulful West Coast Swing — a style that spoke to something deep inside me.
I had no formal dance training, no polished technique — just a fire in my heart and a desire to grow. At tryouts, I poured every ounce of that passion onto the floor. When the results were posted and I saw my name, joy and purpose swept through me.
Later, the coach shared that it wasn’t my skill that earned me a spot — it was my dedication, my willingness to show up, learn, and grow that stood out.
That moment taught me something I now share with the women and couples I work with:
🌟 Your story isn’t over. Your passions still matter. Your connection — to yourself, to your partner, to life — can always be rekindled.
Whether you’re in your 40s, 50s, or beyond, or you and your partner are searching for a deeper bond, dance — especially West Coast Swing — is more than steps and music. It’s a pathway to healing, joy, and meaningful connection.
Here at Healing to Passion, I help women and couples embrace their passions and reignite their spark — through dance, breathwork, and intentional healing practices. My journey from a hesitant beginner to a confident dancer reminds me (and I hope reminds you, too) that it’s never too late to start.
So let this be your invitation
:✨ Embrace your passions.
✨ Step into your purpose.
✨ Reconnect — with yourself, with your partner, with life.
Because when you pursue what sets your soul on fire, you discover that healing, joy, and connection are always within reach.
🌸 Let’s dance through life — together.
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