Today we’d like to introduce you to Shannon Louis.
Shannon, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Essence of Motion emerged out of my passion and love for dance. I’ve been connected to the art of movement since the age of 3 years old when my parents took several home videos of my version of “choreography” to some of my favorite tunes.
I knew that I had a talent for dance when I was enrolled in my first series of professional dance classes at the age of 8 years old. It was as if there was a spark that lit inside my tiny soul that not even the strongest tidal wave could put out. Dance was an important part of my life at that time because I realized it was my gateway to the outside world. Growing up as Jehovah’s Witness meant there were SEVERAL restrictions on “associating” with anyone outside of my congregation. Having to be so separate every day from all of my peers at school, or even kids in the neighborhood created a lot of emotional challenges for me. Dance took that all away… it was my time to just be me… and a time where everyone else could be my friend, without guilt, or without me needing to “witness” to them about my faith. The pressure was lifted, and I could just glide on the dance floor, in pure glee.
My battle with the boundaries of the Jehovah’s Witness religion hit a climatic break when I decided to move on campus and attend college against my parents’ wishes and most of the adults in my congregation. At that time, it was highly discouraged to pursue a path of higher education, especially if it involved living on campus. Dance played a large part in being able just to feel “normal” and connect with other students because an easy outlet for me to relate to others in. It then quickly became my healing mechanism to battle with the trauma of feeling abandoned and clinically depressed once I decided to no longer be a member of the Jehovah’s Witness organization.
This was extremely significant because once you are baptized in the Jehovah’s Witness religion and especially being raised to believe it is the one and only “true” religion, the price you pay of deciding against that is complete banishment from any and everyone associated with that faith. This meant that when I decided to leave, I was labeled “disfellowshipped,” and all family members and friends that knew me could not even speak to me if they saw me in the street.
As I continued to “heal through movement” throughout my twenties, my career path led me to Texas, where I decided to start my company, Essence of Motion. The essence of Motion grew from being a traditional youth dance program to dance-fitness collaborations, performance services, and now a leading partner for Body Positive Workshops at several Women’s Conferences.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has not always been smooth, but the experiences gained through the Essence of Motion have been priceless. I always say, “Experience is the best teacher,” and Essence of Motion has proven to be my way of sharing my testimony, and assisting others to heal through movement.
The main struggle has been with facing the emotional triggers that come up as my purpose unfolds to me. That is not to lessen the more tangible struggles of what most entrepreneurs experience: lack of funding, managing time between a “9 to 5” and your passion, etc. I usually cope with any struggles I encounter by simply asking for help. I’ve been blessed to have amazing, friends, extended family, mentors, and sometimes random strangers become my biggest supporters and guiding lights as I continue growing Essence of Motion.
Essence of Motion – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Essence of Motion is a dance company specializing in body positive movement workshops that teach women how to heal through movement.
While we offer traditional dance classes, workshops, and performance services, we focus on the holistic benefits received through dance. I believe Essence of Motion is setting the foundation for the power of dance to connect and heal the community at large. We are providing women the opportunity to fellowship in a way that empowers and establishes a foundation of self-love and continuous growth.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I define success as never quitting. Success means that you are continuously moving forward, while remaining unattached to the pace you are keeping. Comparison is often the thief of joy and the main culprit that keeps us from reaching a goal. Remaining consistent, asking for help when needed, and being open to things beyond your control will always allow success to follow!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.essenceofmotion.tv
- Phone: 6094252849
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/essenceofmotion/
Image Credit:
Hannah Anderson Photography (black and white photos) ; Chris Jones -chrisjonesfoto.com (white bikini photos)
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