When I'm dancing, I can't help but smile. 

• I feel like a golden retriever whose being told he's a good boy while he has his head out a car window. 

  • Sometimes when I dance, I feel so free that I close my eyes and I let the whole world melt away.

Dance has been a powerful force for good in my life that has:

1. Helped me to reconnect with my body as a transgender nonbinary person.  

• I practice new ways of being and self-expression that feel good to me while blatantly disregarding hegemonic gender norms.

2. Enabled me to build and nourish deep friendships.

• Dancing with my friends is a form of play that's good for my soul. Partner dancing has helped me establish trust.

3. Improved my mental and physical health.

• It's good for my heart (as in cardiovascular system). It's good for my soul. I feel less sad and anxious. I also sleep better.