96: Rediscovering our power and passion through dance with Illana Gambrill
Do you love to dance? Or tempted to get dancing, but embarrassed to get started?
Either way you're going to love today's show. I’m joined by former professional dancer and founder of Dance Box, Illana Gambrill for an inspiring discussion about moving our bodies with acceptance and joy!
Illana started Dance Box after experiencing the immense healing power of dance, and after a challenging childhood and negative experiences in the dance industry, she wanted to change the narrative for herself and others.
Illana says “I grew up believing that I was nothing, that I wasn’t deserving of holding my own place in the room. I was very anxious and I just knew that I couldn't continue. I made the decision to heal it. And I chose to heal it with other people as well. It was difficult to rewire but knowing I could help others spurred me on.”
In our conversation today you’ll hear about:
Illana’s own journey of healing through dance and how the reality of the professional dance world didn’t bring the joy that she expected it to
Movement as a raw expression and one of the most natural forms of medicine that can help us to ‘release the mask’ we wear in public and on social media
How Illana is teaching women to be unapologetic in their passion and truth and the authenticity and confidence that comes from releasing ourselves in dance
Dispelling the narrative ‘I can’t be sexy because I’m a Mom'
The habits that help Illana to maintain her own power and energy on a daily basis following a mental breakdown in 2020
Illana’s DanceBox App that allows anyone to join a dance class from anywhere in the world.
Now, while you're listening today, think about how you can take what you learn and put it into practice. Take action in any way that's meaningful for you.
And if you enjoy this episode, it would mean the world to me if you could take 5 minutes and leave a comment and review on one of the podcast channels or just on your favourite social media platform. I love to hear from you, it makes this more of a conversation and due to the way these platforms work it really does mean that others will more easily find the show.
Show links:
Find Illana on Instagram
Download the DanceBox App, available on Apple & Android devices
Buy The Happiness Habits Transformation: Second edition including exclusive signed and personalised copies while stocks last.