"When you dance, you can enjoy the luxury of being you." - Paulo Coelho
* For Resources in Boston and the Community, please click on "Events" Page.
Meet Your Presenters
Liz Lister
Dana Arie
Dana Arie & Liz Lister
Liz and Dana first connected on the salsa and bachata dance floor, discovering a shared mission to harness the power of dance for holistic well-being. Liz, as a music therapist, dance instructor and event organizer, fosters the community and joy of dance, while Dana, a Doctor of Physical Therapy, provides the physical foundation, teaching dancers how to heal their bodies and safely dance through recovery.
Together, they offer a complete approach to healing, proving that Bachata is not just a dance, but a pathway to health.
What is Bachata?
Bachata is a dance from the Dominican Republic, characterized by its four-beat structure, close connection, and grounded movements. Incredibly accessible, it can be enjoyed solor or with a partner. The beauty of this dance is also its diversity. You can explore the fast foot work of Traditional, the slow, romantic themes of Romantica, or the hip movements and expressive body undulations of Sensual. This dance is for everyone, whether with friends, strangers, or loved ones.
More than just a social dance, bachata is a powerful vehicle for physical, mental, and emotional healing. Here in the Boston scene, the community naturally supports this approach with multiple places to go social dancing, take group classes, private lessons, and connect with the dance community.
Potential Benefits of Bachata for Breast Cancer Patients
Nausea & Dizziness
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Less Spinning: The dance has fewer turns than other popular styles, such as salsa. This can be particularly helpful for someone experiencing nausea post-chemotherapy
Limited ROM
(Range Of Motion)
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Range of Motion (ROM): Diversity of movements allows dancers to select moves that are gentle on their body
Social Dynamics and Isolation
Ex: Patient/Caregiver Dynamic, Social Isolation
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Balanced Social Dynamics: Roles are pre-defined as "leader" and "follower" in partnerwork. This can be a relief to people who have been stuck feeling infantilized by both loved ones and healthcare professionals due to their patient status.
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Structured Social Interaction: Low-pressure way to meet people. Conversation is not required, the dance is a safe and healthy activity, and the community can become a social circle separate from friends, loved ones, and the hospital.
Brain Fog/Chemo Brain
Ex: Post-Chemo, Decision Fatigue, etc.
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Positive Mental Engagement: The rhythm and movement allows people to be present and focused on the music, body, and connection, instead of long conversations that can be mentally taxing
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Non-Verbal Communication & Connection: The dance is a conversation without words, a relief for people tired of talking about their "cancer journey," their symptoms, and their feelings.
Ex: Mastectomy recovery
Ex: Post-Chemotherapy
Self-Identity & Mental Health
Ex: Dissociation, Self-Loathing, Loss of Control, Sense of Helplessness, etc.
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Self-Esteem: Steps are simple when starting out and easy to learn, making this dance a low barrier to entry. Mastering new skills, receiving positive feedback, and finding new ways to control one's own movements can directly counter feelings of vulnerability, inadequacy, and weakness that follow diagnosis and treatment.
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Self-Exploration: Bachata can be sensual, soulful, and joyful, allowing people to reconnect and find deep connection with their own bodies and with their dance partner
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Self-Love and Enjoyment: Dancing solo and in partnerwork allows people to rediscover their body as a source of pleasure, grace, and strength, and not just illness