INVESTIGATE REVEAL CONNECT
The body knows who you are and where you have been.
When we investigate ourselves by moving our bodies
dancing
listening
exploring
especially together
we open up to an awareness of all that we truly are
and all that we are pretending to be:
Our stories, our conditioning, our fears, our strengths, our passions, our light, our joy.
We reveal ourselves.
Our Body in motion provides a space
where we can move with, express & release these revelations.
There we can
know our true nature
release what is not ours to hold
connect
feel fully alive
live in love
experience moments of magic in the struggles of being human
and
in the end, be of service.
Join me in the dance of discovery, of deeply knowing, embodying and offering who you are to yourself and to the world around you.
When we investigate ourselves by moving our bodies
dancing
listening
exploring
especially together
we open up to an awareness of all that we truly are
and all that we are pretending to be:
Our stories, our conditioning, our fears, our strengths, our passions, our light, our joy.
We reveal ourselves.
Our Body in motion provides a space
where we can move with, express & release these revelations.
There we can
know our true nature
release what is not ours to hold
connect
feel fully alive
live in love
experience moments of magic in the struggles of being human
and
in the end, be of service.
Join me in the dance of discovery, of deeply knowing, embodying and offering who you are to yourself and to the world around you.
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Through facilitating & Djing events, classes and workshops to people of mixed abilities & diverse needs since 2005, what I now know and deeply understand is that human beings are wired to connect. We have used connection in the past as a means of survival, and in our modern day world connection is still what we need.
Free movement and conscious dance are an unique opportunity for connection. Through receiving and responding to the music with our physical being, so much about ourselves can be revealed, we have an opportunity to get to know ourselves in a way that cannot be put into words. Once this connection to self is felt, we are more able to connect with another, and eventually to know our place and importance in the group field. Music and dance holds us as we explore ourselves and each other in all of our joys & sorrows, awkwardnesses & strengths, in all of our humanness. Like so many, I have always loved music and dancing. After years of dancing in nightclubs, the discos of the Dominican Republic, festivals, the forest and my home I discovered the 5Rhythms® movement practice and have been practicing and studying ever since. During my first class I made the declaration: |
"Everybody deserves the right to dance and experience themselves through movement,
I am going to make this my mission!"
After years of offering dance in outreach populations in 2019 I officially made that declaration a reality, I founded Dance Your Ability Therapeutic Movement Foundation, a not-for-profit organization. Programs & Trainings that bring movement & dance to those that would not normally attend public classes: children, elderly, at-risk youth, mixed abilities, trauma survivors, incarcerated and those in recovery.
I am going to make this my mission!"
After years of offering dance in outreach populations in 2019 I officially made that declaration a reality, I founded Dance Your Ability Therapeutic Movement Foundation, a not-for-profit organization. Programs & Trainings that bring movement & dance to those that would not normally attend public classes: children, elderly, at-risk youth, mixed abilities, trauma survivors, incarcerated and those in recovery.
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Trainings include:
•Room 217: Care Through Music Level I (2020) •Yoga Outreach CoreTraining™ (2014) •5Rhythms® Certified Teacher (2010/11) •Zumba Instructor (2008) •Ongoing Trauma Informed Practice •Level II Ski Instructor CSIA •BA in Latin American Studies/Spanish -with a Direct Studies on the Merengue Dance (1996) •and over 20 years as a Parent. |
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Gratitude...
I live and work on the unceded Hul’qumi’num Coast Salish Traditional Territory.
I would not be here without the guiding hand of so many teachers:
First I would like to thank my Mom, who dances with me each week, and my step father for brewing me in a very powerful cup of music. Their album collection and selection of music has impacted me in a way that, I believe, allows me to be with and play music for a large variety of human beings. Through out my childhood I had many solid friendships, these unions taught me trust. The mountains of my youth taught me that I am a part of the bigger picture, rather than the star of the show, they continue to teach me humility. I will forever be grateful to the thousands of dance partners that asked me to dance durning my years living in the Dominican Republic, those dances gave me the permission to embrace & surrender to my deep desire to dance. My three children have been my greatest teachers, offering the many ongoing lessons of unconditional love. The conscious dance world offers me countless teachers each time I step onto the dance floor. All of those souls that witnessed and moved with me, I am so grateful that you are a part of my biography, often without even knowing each other's names. At this time in my life I am blessed to have a loving partner, who offers me love in a manner I had no idea existed, I count myself as one of the lucky ones. And lastly, to all of the beautiful and brave humans that dance with me each and every week, thank you, you give meaning & joy to my work.
My work has been shaped by so many teachers, namely: Banafsheh Sayyad, Gabrielle Roth, Kathy Altman, Lori Saltzman, Jonathan Horan, Bettina Rothe and Joanne Winstanley.
I am constantly inspired by the offerings of Clarissa Pinkola Estés, John O'Donohue, Julia Alvarez, Alice Walker, Rumi, V formerly Eve Ensler, Toni Morrison and Kae Tempest. Above all I am both held and inspired by the Moon, the Sea, the Trees, the Sky and Mama Earth.
I live and work on the unceded Hul’qumi’num Coast Salish Traditional Territory.
I would not be here without the guiding hand of so many teachers:
First I would like to thank my Mom, who dances with me each week, and my step father for brewing me in a very powerful cup of music. Their album collection and selection of music has impacted me in a way that, I believe, allows me to be with and play music for a large variety of human beings. Through out my childhood I had many solid friendships, these unions taught me trust. The mountains of my youth taught me that I am a part of the bigger picture, rather than the star of the show, they continue to teach me humility. I will forever be grateful to the thousands of dance partners that asked me to dance durning my years living in the Dominican Republic, those dances gave me the permission to embrace & surrender to my deep desire to dance. My three children have been my greatest teachers, offering the many ongoing lessons of unconditional love. The conscious dance world offers me countless teachers each time I step onto the dance floor. All of those souls that witnessed and moved with me, I am so grateful that you are a part of my biography, often without even knowing each other's names. At this time in my life I am blessed to have a loving partner, who offers me love in a manner I had no idea existed, I count myself as one of the lucky ones. And lastly, to all of the beautiful and brave humans that dance with me each and every week, thank you, you give meaning & joy to my work.
My work has been shaped by so many teachers, namely: Banafsheh Sayyad, Gabrielle Roth, Kathy Altman, Lori Saltzman, Jonathan Horan, Bettina Rothe and Joanne Winstanley.
I am constantly inspired by the offerings of Clarissa Pinkola Estés, John O'Donohue, Julia Alvarez, Alice Walker, Rumi, V formerly Eve Ensler, Toni Morrison and Kae Tempest. Above all I am both held and inspired by the Moon, the Sea, the Trees, the Sky and Mama Earth.
Dancing with and playing music for people, is my total joy: children, teens, mixed abilities, elder care residents, violence survivors, the marginalized and everyone in between. I hope to meet you one day and dance together, thank you for visiting my website.
~Shauna
What people have to say about Shauna...
Shauna has a true gift: in her work she is part shaman, coach, space holder, movement therapist, activist, and guide. For a special part of a therapeutic retreat, I asked Shauna to lead a group of 30 women in an evening of 5Rhythms. Her attention to the group energy, her ability to hold the space while also skillfully leading was masterful. Working with her was a highlight of the retreat for all who attended.
-Hillary McBride
PhD, RCC, therapist, speaker, author researcher
I am so glad I found Shauna after I moved to V.I. in late 2018.
I attended a few of her 5 Rhythms classes and recently I joined her 3 full day outdoors dance workshops: Untamed Body, Mind and Soul.
The chosen location was absolutely beautiful and inspirational and I loved moving around from Beach to Point, to Forest, to Rocks.
With Shauna's guidance and selection of great music, I explored the untamed and wild woman within me and she was happy!
I noticed during Untamed Body and Mind I was still often in my head. During the Untamed Soul day, my soul finally danced freely.
The sharing circles were fulfilling, reflection time much appreciated.
Thank you for everything Shauna!
-Saskia de Q
Shauna’s experience, in life and in facilitating dance, gives her an ease and a deep wisdom which provides a place where every dancer, from experienced to brand new, can land. She understands each person in the room, she celebrates each of our openings and patiently guides us when we are closed. It is truly an honour to watch this woman keep growing into her potential; keep refining her craft; keep reaching beyond her edge to touch more people with the magic of dance.
-Naomi Jason
Co Founder Dance Temple Salt Spring
Shauna has been gracious enough to host a 5Rhythms class for women who have suffered sexual violence, and I have to say that although it is heartbreaking to see so many women in the same room with such heartache and grief... She has found a way to make all of our hearts sing and to lift us up in dance and connection. She is such a blessing to all of us and I cannot recommend her enough.
-Margaret
Shauna is an incredible leader with the capacity to create openness and comfort in the space she shares with others. Listen to your own internal rhythms while you let yourself move and groove in the beat of your own dance. I love these events so much and have been attending for years while supporting my own self growth and change. They are transformative and healing, fun and sweaty!
-Laura
Yoga Teacher Nanaimo
The workshop helped me process past trauma, connect me to my body and re-awaken my creative spark. Shauna is an intuitive guide, knowing when to push and when to support so I always felt safe but challenged to my edge. She is a remarkable, caring teacher and I am so grateful for her love and music.
-Participant at A Work of Art Workshop
I am starting out on the 5Rhythms teaching path and this video is truly inspiring and what I want to be able to do and will keep me fired up about this work thank you.
-Miranda White
Thank you for sharing the gift of dance in several communities! We are blessed to have your quiet, calm energy leading the way...helping us release our stuff!!
-Sue D.
Teacher
Shauna Devlin is a great gift to both the conscious dance community and to this world. She is generous, passionate and kind as well as being fun and very sassy. She has one of the biggest hearts I know, she cares deeply for others and is committed to making a difference. Her grounded and gentle presence encourages and inspires healing, growth readiness for change in those around her.
-Anne Marie Hogya
Occupation Therapist & 5Rhythms Teacher
Shauna has a rare talent to spark the joy of movement in everyone she encounters on the dance floor. With her huge heart, she can ignite a life long passion for freedom in motion. She encourages people of all abilities to stretch and grow into the authentic dancers they truly are.
-Bettina Rothe
Coach & 5Rhythms Teacher
Shauna is a bright and sparkling dance facilitator and DJ. She brings soul and beat to a space in a graceful and engaging way.
Her sharp mind, loving heart and creative humour support a wide range of experiences on the dance floors where she hosts.
I highly recommend dancing with Shauna.
-Christy Greenwood
Massage Therapist & Kundalini Dance Facilitator
I would have to agree with the participant’s and say that the music you played was very appropriate for everyone in the group! Shauna you bring such great energy to dance which clearly shows as one of your passions.
-Shanan St. Louis
Alzheimer BC
Shauna has a way of guiding the dance floor with a mix of humour, authenticity, care, and focus that my body and mind can trust and sink into. Her experience in life and on the dance floor comes through in her facilitation, and she has the ability to take people, and a group as a whole, really deep into their dance. I whole-heartedly recommend dancing with Shauna!
-Cedar Soulfeather
Dance Temple Facilitator & DJ
Shauna was my first introduction to conscious dance. I am grateful that I had such an amazing teacher and positive experience. She taught me the value and gift of working with teachers/instructors who ensure you are safe and supported in sacred movement practices.
-Valerie Williams
~Shauna
What people have to say about Shauna...
Shauna has a true gift: in her work she is part shaman, coach, space holder, movement therapist, activist, and guide. For a special part of a therapeutic retreat, I asked Shauna to lead a group of 30 women in an evening of 5Rhythms. Her attention to the group energy, her ability to hold the space while also skillfully leading was masterful. Working with her was a highlight of the retreat for all who attended.
-Hillary McBride
PhD, RCC, therapist, speaker, author researcher
I am so glad I found Shauna after I moved to V.I. in late 2018.
I attended a few of her 5 Rhythms classes and recently I joined her 3 full day outdoors dance workshops: Untamed Body, Mind and Soul.
The chosen location was absolutely beautiful and inspirational and I loved moving around from Beach to Point, to Forest, to Rocks.
With Shauna's guidance and selection of great music, I explored the untamed and wild woman within me and she was happy!
I noticed during Untamed Body and Mind I was still often in my head. During the Untamed Soul day, my soul finally danced freely.
The sharing circles were fulfilling, reflection time much appreciated.
Thank you for everything Shauna!
-Saskia de Q
Shauna’s experience, in life and in facilitating dance, gives her an ease and a deep wisdom which provides a place where every dancer, from experienced to brand new, can land. She understands each person in the room, she celebrates each of our openings and patiently guides us when we are closed. It is truly an honour to watch this woman keep growing into her potential; keep refining her craft; keep reaching beyond her edge to touch more people with the magic of dance.
-Naomi Jason
Co Founder Dance Temple Salt Spring
Shauna has been gracious enough to host a 5Rhythms class for women who have suffered sexual violence, and I have to say that although it is heartbreaking to see so many women in the same room with such heartache and grief... She has found a way to make all of our hearts sing and to lift us up in dance and connection. She is such a blessing to all of us and I cannot recommend her enough.
-Margaret
Shauna is an incredible leader with the capacity to create openness and comfort in the space she shares with others. Listen to your own internal rhythms while you let yourself move and groove in the beat of your own dance. I love these events so much and have been attending for years while supporting my own self growth and change. They are transformative and healing, fun and sweaty!
-Laura
Yoga Teacher Nanaimo
The workshop helped me process past trauma, connect me to my body and re-awaken my creative spark. Shauna is an intuitive guide, knowing when to push and when to support so I always felt safe but challenged to my edge. She is a remarkable, caring teacher and I am so grateful for her love and music.
-Participant at A Work of Art Workshop
I am starting out on the 5Rhythms teaching path and this video is truly inspiring and what I want to be able to do and will keep me fired up about this work thank you.
-Miranda White
Thank you for sharing the gift of dance in several communities! We are blessed to have your quiet, calm energy leading the way...helping us release our stuff!!
-Sue D.
Teacher
Shauna Devlin is a great gift to both the conscious dance community and to this world. She is generous, passionate and kind as well as being fun and very sassy. She has one of the biggest hearts I know, she cares deeply for others and is committed to making a difference. Her grounded and gentle presence encourages and inspires healing, growth readiness for change in those around her.
-Anne Marie Hogya
Occupation Therapist & 5Rhythms Teacher
Shauna has a rare talent to spark the joy of movement in everyone she encounters on the dance floor. With her huge heart, she can ignite a life long passion for freedom in motion. She encourages people of all abilities to stretch and grow into the authentic dancers they truly are.
-Bettina Rothe
Coach & 5Rhythms Teacher
Shauna is a bright and sparkling dance facilitator and DJ. She brings soul and beat to a space in a graceful and engaging way.
Her sharp mind, loving heart and creative humour support a wide range of experiences on the dance floors where she hosts.
I highly recommend dancing with Shauna.
-Christy Greenwood
Massage Therapist & Kundalini Dance Facilitator
I would have to agree with the participant’s and say that the music you played was very appropriate for everyone in the group! Shauna you bring such great energy to dance which clearly shows as one of your passions.
-Shanan St. Louis
Alzheimer BC
Shauna has a way of guiding the dance floor with a mix of humour, authenticity, care, and focus that my body and mind can trust and sink into. Her experience in life and on the dance floor comes through in her facilitation, and she has the ability to take people, and a group as a whole, really deep into their dance. I whole-heartedly recommend dancing with Shauna!
-Cedar Soulfeather
Dance Temple Facilitator & DJ
Shauna was my first introduction to conscious dance. I am grateful that I had such an amazing teacher and positive experience. She taught me the value and gift of working with teachers/instructors who ensure you are safe and supported in sacred movement practices.
-Valerie Williams