Interconnectedness of dance, life, and our overall well-being. | Raven Gibbs | TEDxMSSU

Dance is an art form that teaches you to be both a student and a teacher. Prior to my work as a psychotherapist in the mental health profession, I spent over a decade dancing professionally. Dance not only taught me how to turn, leap, and jump, but it taught a myriad of life lessons that can be carried out long after the curtain closes. In fact, it was during my time on stage that I learned how to take risks, ignore my fear of failure (or success!), celebrate my successes (and learn from my failures), be comfortable with who I am as a person—and most importantly: how to find joy in the journey. Dance is a critical aspect of our lives, but it also plays a powerful role in how we manage challenges in our lives such as depression, substance abuse, and stress by allowing us to form connections with music and others. This presentation will explore the interconnectedness of dance, life, and our overall well-being, by helping individuals to remember their "why", restore balance when life begins to overwhelm, and remain inspired by all that life has to offer. Raven Gibbs holds a bachelor's degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in Psychology and Sociology with a concentration in Law and Cognitive Science. She is also a Graduate of Distinction from Capella University with a master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She was inducted into Chi Sigma lota, the international honor society for professional counselors and serves as the Professional Alumni Representative. Currently, Raven serves as a psychotherapist and professional dancer specializing in trauma-informed care and mindfulness. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx