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
- Melody’s childhood competitive dance background
- Recognizing ancestral trauma & how you can heal emotionally through dance
- Rediscovering dance through dance fitness classes in adulthood
- Why she left her corporate job to start teaching dance
- The shift towards making the mind-body connection today in the fitness world
- The power of speaking our “why” for working out
(00:16:04) Growing the Melody DanceFit Community
- How Melody evolved from teaching Zumba to concert venues
- The inception of Melody DanceFit philanthropy and community
- Why not having a plan is sometimes the best plan
(00:19:54) Moving Through ADHD & Depression
- Her perspective on her ADHD diagnosis
- How Melody works through depressive states
(00:23:15) Embracing Dance As a Mind-Body-Soul Healing Modality
- Melody’s advice for anyone nervous to try dancing
- Dance to Heal Program
- What to expect from a Melody DanceFit class
- Melody’s passion for using dance fitness for mental health
- Learning presence through dance
- Melody’s favorite song to dance to right now
This episode of The Big Silence is sponsored by Clearstem. Visit clearstemskincare.com and use code THEBIGSILENCE for 15% off your order! In doing so, 15% of your purchase will also be donated to The Big Silence Foundation to support mental health programs.
Guest Info:
- Website: melodydancefit.com
- Instagram: @melody_dancefit
- YouTube: Melody DanceFit
Resources:
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- Read: The Big Silence: A Daughter's Memoir of Mental Illness and Healing
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- 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.
