Today we’d like to introduce you to Averly Burns.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Growing up, I dreamed of being a musical theatre performer. I dedicated myself to that dream, attending pre-professional training at my performing arts high school. Performance has always been central to my life because I love the power of expression and connection it brings. I was first introduced to the arts by my mom, Angi Burns, who was an actor and comedian in her younger years and later a director. Her passion for making art and theatre accessible to everyone and her empathy deeply influenced me.
During a contemporary dance class in high school, at a particularly emotional time in my life, my teacher introduced us to Dance/Movement Therapy techniques. This was the first time I experienced movement as a form of healing that was grounding, holistic, and completely authentic. I did not need to perform; I just needed to be myself. I immediately fell in love with mindful movement and knew this was my path.
I am currently a senior at Elon University in North Carolina, completing my BS in Dance Science, a program that blends performance and choreography with exercise science and psychology. I have continued my involvement in theatre at Elon, which is ranked among the top musical theatre programs in the United States. I served as assistant/student choreographer for Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 and am playing Madame Baurel in An American in Paris, which opens this weekend. At Elon, I have also conducted independent research in somatic movement and am founding a dance science club, which will hopefully be official starting in spring 2026, to bring students together to network and collaborate on research.
Alongside my studies, I work as an assistant dance teacher at Miss Kim’s, where I teach ballet, lyrical and acrobatics to 2-11 year old neurotypical and neurodiverse children. I also teach Somatic Movement independently, both virtually and in person. Additionally, I co-founded and serve as president of the board of directors for The Art of Coping, a nonprofit that helps children who have experienced trauma learn healthy coping strategies through art and movement.
Next, I plan to pursue a master’s degree in Dance/Movement Therapy and Counseling, continuing my work at the intersection of movement, healing, and connection.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My journey has not been completely smooth. I experienced trauma and financial challenges growing up, and my mom and later my stepfather worked incredibly hard to support us through those times. Those experiences sparked much of my passion and empathy for helping others the way I was helped as a child.
Attending college where many students have significant financial support has been another obstacle to navigate. While peers may have the freedom to spend money on weekends, I have been focused on saving and managing expenses to help pay off student loans and cover necessities. I plan to continue supporting myself financially through graduate school as well.
These experiences have shaped me into a resilient, resourceful person, and they motivate me to create opportunities and support systems for others through movement, art, and therapy.
Aside from personal challenges, I have also had some professional challenges. Finding undergraduate internship or work experience in the field of Dance/Movement Therapy is very difficult, and I essentially had to create my own experience there. You can find more information in this article by Elon University: https://www.elon.edu/u/news/2025/10/20/averly-burn-26-built-a-summer-experience-from-the-ground-up/
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I currently specialize in somatic movement, guiding people to connect with their bodies, regulate emotions, and explore authentic expression through mindful movement. I teach independently and also offer classes through The Art of Coping for both children and adults, creating inclusive spaces where participants can feel safe, supported, and empowered.
What sets my work apart is my ability to combine creativity, empathy, and a research-informed approach to movement. I am particularly proud of helping people discover new ways to move, cope, and express themselves, whether they are navigating stress, trauma, or simply seeking connection through their bodies. My goal is to make movement a transformative and accessible experience for everyone I work with until I am able to become a certified Dance/Movement Therapist.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was sassy, expressive, and loved to perform. I was more drawn to singing and acting at first and didn’t actually start dancing until middle school. I was a happy and energetic kid, though I also experienced anxiety, ADHD, and depression. I’ve always felt emotions very deeply, which I think is part of what makes me so passionate about connection and expression through art today.
Pricing:
- Virtual Somatic Movement: Group Session (40 minutes)- $20
- Virtual Somatic Movement: Individual Session (40 minutes) – $60
- In-person Somatic Movement: Group (1 Hour) – $35
- In-person Somatic Movement: Individual (1 Hour) – $100
- The Art of Coping is fundraising to become a full 501(c)(3), to donate art cope kits to children, create more coping coloring books, and expand our outreach. Donation link: venmo.com/u/theartofcoping
Contact Info:
- Website: https://averlybelleburns.squarespace.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/averlyburns?igsh=ZHZsaWpveWI0aHF1&utm_source=qr
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/averlyburns
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/_theartofcoping_?igsh=MTF2MTFiMDI2MmJzcw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
Image Credits
Erin Price, Sauna Therapy, Sun Kissed Imagery, and Aven Willow Portraits
