About
My Story
Movement with Matilda began not as a business, but has a personal mental health journey. I never intended to start my own business, in fact I really intended to become a professional dancer. I graduated from Minnesota State University Mankato with a bachelor of fine arts and dance in 2016.
After graduating, I went full force into taking dance classes and auditioning. I found the learning curve of moving from the bubble of college life into adult life extremely difficult. It was hard to find balance between work, my goals, and having a sense of community.
My mental health began to deteriorate. When dancing, I began to always compare myself to others and feel that I was not good enough. I quit dancing because there was no more joy in it for me.
On New Year’s Eve of 2017, I decided to attend a yoga workshop only to find out upon arriving, that the workshop was full. I began to tear up and felt stupid for not thinking to sign up ahead of time.
The teacher of the workshop walked up and asked what was going on. Once she understood, she turned to me and said, “No worries, we will make space for you”. In that moment I felt seen, I mean deeply seen and it seemed like she understood what I was going through something. After the workshop, she took the time to check in on me once again. She offered support and asked me if there’s anything I could do in that moment to help myself. Without thinking I said, “Yes, may I go back into the yoga studio and dance?”. Right away, she nodded her approval.
For the first time in a long time, I danced. This time I flowed through dance improvisation. My focus was only on breath and movement and that allowed me to express my deep frustration and uncertainty. Two reasons NYE 2017 was important. One, the Yin yoga teacher showed me the way I want to show up for others. Two, her powerful question, “How can I help myself?”.
Over the next couple years I dove into my yoga practice. Like many people, I initially started yoga for the fitness aspect. As I began to integrate yoga with dance, I discovered that it was more than just an exercise. Movement was the key to finding balance and joy in life again. Movement allows us to practice mindfulness, shed fear, and grow confidence. Movement can transform your body and mind.
This is the goal of Movement with Matilda. To show up for others, to give people the tools to help themselves, and to have some fun in the process. I hope you join me for a class and see how Movement with Matilda can positively impact your life.
Movement with Matilda
Yoga for Clarity, Inspiration & Confidence
“Movement with Matilda
is a playful and fulfilling program
that will allow you to enhance
trust within yourself.”
— Sigma