104. Dance to Heal: Bridging the Gap of Dance Fitness & Mental Health with Melody Afkami

The Big Silence

Today, we're joined by the incredible Melody Afkami, CEO and founder of Melody DanceFit, a trailblazing force in the world of dance fitness – from revolutionizing the dance fitness experience to becoming a beacon of empowerment and mental health advocacy.

With a knack for infusing humor and inspiration into her message, Melody encourages us to let go of societal pressures and embrace the mental release that dance delivers. Through her innovative classes and online programs, she has touched the lives of millions, fostering a community built on self-acceptance and resilience.

In this episode, Melody shares her personal journey of leaving the corporate world to pursue her passion for dance. We talk about the transformative potential of dance as a tool for emotional healing, as well as the importance of articulating our "why" for working out in order to free ourselves from our inner darkness.

From navigating ADHD to overcoming depressive states, Melody offers advice for using dance and feel-good movement to flow back into a lighter headspace. Tune in and get inspired to try a new way to move or rediscover your love of dance in adulthood!

(00:03:14) Choreographing Her Life: Melody’s Journey to A Career in Dance

(00:16:04) Growing the Melody DanceFit Community

(00:19:54) Moving Through ADHD & Depression

(00:23:15) Embracing Dance As a Mind-Body-Soul Healing Modality

Click here for full show notes

Guest Info:

• Website: melodydancefit.com

• Instagram: @melody_dancefit

• YouTube: Melody DanceFit

Resources:

• Start a conversation in your The Big Silence merch: thebigsilence.com/collections/shop-all

• Read: The Big Silence: A Daughter's Memoir of Mental Illness and Healing

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• Follow The Big Silence on Instagram: @The.Big.Silence

• Subscribe: The Big Silence YouTube Channel

• Therapy For All: Resources for those in need

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“The Big Silence” theme song written and performed by James Nicholas Kinney.

Producer, Bobby Goldstein.

The Big Silence is produced by Crate Media.

Mentioned in this episode:

ClearStem | Visit clearstemskincare.com and use code THEBIGSILENCE for 15% off your first purchase and 15% of your purchase will be donated to The Big Silence Foundation.