Conversations with the Inspiring Erin Anderson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Erin Anderson.

Erin, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Growing up, there was not a strong or positive focus on dance, the body or expression. These areas became very conflicting internally, and also the most important aspects of my health, healing and life. Due to various injuries and ailments, I went into dance, massage, bodywork, and healing to explore what was possible separate from Western medicine. As I worked with more and more people on their bodies, I came to find that emotions were so deeply stored inside the body that I wanted more training to be able to support people in those moments of intense emotion and trauma. Also, being a part of many dance, artistic and bodywork communities, I discovered a need for safe space to be able to process the issues being explored and uncovered through the creative process. This led me to study and receive my master’s degree in somatic counseling/psychology and dance/movement therapy. I wanted to be able to create safe spaces for people to express, move and transform their emotional experiences that hold them back. I spent close to a decade providing dance/movement therapy to children, adolescents and families on the various psychiatric units at Children’s Hospital. I loved this work so much. I always wanted to open a community healing arts center so that is what I have done with Communitas Movement. I offer a variety of ways to explore and express both individually and within a group, whether that is Reiki trainings, dance/movement therapy groups, or integrative 1:1 sessions.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
There have definitely been struggles along the way. My advice for others is to seek support for your internal health and well-being. No matter where we come from, I believe we carry a lot of beliefs and experiences that ultimately hold us back from being who we truly want to be. That is part of the journey and it is often an ignored one. My journey has been one of finding amazing people who teach me something I did not know and then help me to understand something else about myself and my purpose. Have a meaningful journey so your heart is involved. Have an honest journey so you can be as healthy as possible and have incredible impact.

What should we know about Communitas Movement? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I love Communitas. I discovered that word decades ago and held onto it for when I had my own space. It is all about the profound level of connection that happens when we are intentional coming into community. It literally means “the spirit of intimacy that occurs when a group of people undergo change and transformation together.” This is something I believe the world needs more than ever. I love being a dance/movement therapist, which is very unusual to people. I believe this is a unique way to create communitas. When do we get together as a group and move together in an open and expressive way? So many people think that they have to “dance,” as if there are specific steps to follow and do. Dance is a way of being and expressing. Dance is the way you stand and talk. Dance is the way you walk down the street. Dance is the way you interact with others. I believe we need more dance in this world. There are endless ways to move and express. When we allow ourselves to do that, we discover more options for ourselves. We experience freedom. What would it be like to not hold back? What would it be like to be at home in the body you have? What would it be like to trust your body to give you wisdom so you don’t have to analyze every single thing over and over again? If you come over to our studio, you will discover connection. Look what happens when you are connected – it is a lot different than when we are disconnected. Our society keeps us in disconnection. What change can we be when we are connected to who we really are and not an idea of who we think we should be? We are creative, expressive beings. Our studio supports uncovering and discovering that.

It would be great to hear about any apps, books, podcasts or other resources that you’ve used and would recommend to others.
I love books and I have a hard time finishing them. I have piles of books that I have started to read. One book I started and finished pretty quickly and loved was Don Miguel Ruiz’ new book, The Three Questions. I loved what he wrote about the body. It is everything I say in my groups and sessions. He is a master of being clear and succinct. This book is a quick read about what our body is meant to be. My favorite quote from that book is, “Your body is the love of your life.” Wow. What would our world be like if people felt like that about their body? I have worked with eating disorders for close to 15 years and that is the belief I hold for what is possible.

I love Oprah’s SuperSoul Conversations podcast because of the incredibly interesting people she interviews who are doing their work in the world. I am always inspired after listening to what they share.

I love using a Moon Phases app to track the lunar cycle. We explore a lot at the studio according to the phases of the moon so it is a way for me to stay connected to something that is out in nature and not always something I am outside experiencing. It reminds me of a deeper kind of rhythm to follow.

Contact Info:

• Address: 4309 E. Mississippi Ave. Glendale, CO 80246
• Website: www.communitas.dance
• Phone: 720-515-8106
• Email: communitasmovement@gmail.com
• Instagram: communitas_movement
• Facebook: @communitasmovement
• Twitter: @communitaserin

Image Credit:
Gillian Davenport
Daylene Wilkins

Suggest a story: VoyageDenver is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.