Life Lessons from the Dance Studio

by | Aug 4, 2021

A few months ago, this cohost of Life Mastery Radio hosted a workshop for speech competitors ages 10-17. It was a four-hour workshop online, and I needed to provide time for our students to get breaks and stay active.

Bonnie Wallace

I brought in Bonnie Wallace, the founder of Bonnie Wallace Dance. She logged on to the workshop and in two fifteen-minute sessions gave the 30 plus attendees an opportunity to dance, refill their creative buckets, and move their too often sedentary bodies. It was fantastic.

This same Bonnie Wallace was our most recent guest on Life Mastery Radio. In addition to working with women in the creative space of dance for more than 13 years, Bonnie taught our listeners that dancing has a positive effect on every part of our lives.

Life Lessons from the Dance Studio

1. Preparation is everything

2. Everything counts

3. Dance is a conversation between your body and soul

When Bonnie was in preschool her mom enrolled Bonnie in a dance class. At the recital Bonnie was put in front of the class to lead the other students.

“I’ve danced my whole life since then, and I’ve never stopped.”

Bonnie Wallace

Today Bonnie does much of the same thing she did in preschool – she leads students in the art of dance. Bonnie has developed an approach to dance that blends a variety of techniques and practices and has brought the benefits of dance to hundreds of women.   Her students benefit from stretches, exercise, and the opportunity to creatively express themselves with movement.

“I teach dance classes online now so everyone anywhere can participate.   I want to inspire others to move and express themselves with their body.”

Bonnie Wallace
Bonnie Wallace Dance

Throughout our conversation with Bonnie, I made note of the numerous benefits of dancing:

  • Engages the whole body, mind, and spirit
  • Inspires and ignites passion and vitality
  • Teaches rhythm, coordination, and grace
  • Gives you access to the fountain of youth

“My mother has taken my dance classes for 10 years. She is healthy and in excellent shape.”

Bonnie Wallace
  • No fancy equipment is needed. If you can roll your shoulder and/or lift your arm, you can dance
  • Practice builds talent and technique quickly while working at a comfortable pace
  • It’s a spiritual, physical, and mental journey all at the same time
  • Provides connection with something inside and outside of yourself
  • You can dance at any age

“Many of my students are in their seventies.”

Bonnie Wallace
  • Dance has its own language. You’ll learn terms such as Dégagé, Passé, Developpe, Relevé, Plié, and Rond de jambe. By the way…you’ll need to take a dance class with Bonnie to learn the meaning of these terms
  • Increases oxygen, strength, and balance
  • Continuous movement builds physical and creative muscles
  • Connects you with the spiritual side of your emotions
  • Connects your mind-body relationship
  • Keeps you present and mindful
  • Improves memory and focus

For Life Mastery Radio listeners, Bonnie invites you to try a free class – no matter where you live. Using this link: https://bonniedance.eventbrite.com You’ll have a chance to learn Bonnie’s contemporary-modern dance style.

Bonnie’s beginner level is one hour, and the more advanced level is slightly longer. You’ll spend about 35-40 minutes warming up before you begin dancing.

We watched a video of Bonnie’s talents on the show. Look here: Bonnie Wallace Dance Class knowing the women in this video are about 4 classes in with Bonnie as their teacher.

“I teach four times a week. All you need to take a class is an 8’ x 8’ space, wear comfortable clothes, place your computer screen where you can see it, have water nearby, a yoga mat (if you have one), an open mind, and ready to have fun and move.”

Bonnie Wallace

Sitting is the new smoking, and we all need to move more!

Transform your Body, Mind, and Spirit through Dance with Bonnie Wallace

by | Jul 29, 2021

Bonnie Wallace Aug 3, 2021
Do you want to feel more flexible, more balanced, and inspired by movement and music?
Bonnie Wallace provides a place to transform your body, mind, and spirit through dance, and claims she can make anyone a dancer!

  • Dance is good for depression and mental health
  • Dance strengthens your heart, bones, veins, lungs, immune system, lower back, joints, skin, and brain
  • Dance is creative and connects you to something more than the physical world
  • Dance is fun and you feel accomplished after finishing a class and routine
  • Dancing is impressive

Dance is one of the best things you can do for yourself. Bonnie’s sessions are tailored to your level and pace, and are designed to fit your schedule. 

Try one of Bonnie’s free dance classes, sign up here
Meet Bonnie Wallace

Just D.O.U.L. It!

by | Jun 16, 2021

“Most of us are reactionary. In the moment when a strong emotion hits us, we would benefit from disconnecting from what may be a poor reaction. Instead, we should observe the situation and reflect on a better decision for the moment. Disconnect and observe unconditional love. This will always start with self-first. Then giving love to everyone around you will make it well in the end.”

Michael Challenger
Just D.O.U.L. It. Disconnect. Observe. Unconditional Love.

Our guest illustrated this process by wearing a t-shirt as a reminder of the steps:

Just D.O.U.L. It. Disconnect. Observe. Unconditional Love.

Michael Challenger feels he’s been able to navigate life better than most because of his awareness abiding by this acronym.

“The acronym stops me in my tracks. It’s deep enough to get me out of any situation without anger. I’m aware of different reactions possible.”

Michael Challenger

This is part of Michaels programs based on his personal journey as a dancer, actor, producer, film maker, etc. He admits to feeling paralyzed by fear in many areas of his life. He called it unconsciously competent.

Michael has always been confident in the execution of ideas but was afraid to talk about the emotions of what the idea meant to him. When he understood how paralyzed he would become at times, Michael studied himself, and discovered his own methodology to conquer fear.

Michael Challenger

His programs now help other people to conquer their own fears.  

Michael’s journey is an interesting one of discovery. Both being discovered, and his discovery of self.

“When I was a kid I thought I had a superpower. I was raised by a single mother and knew we couldn’t afford extras like board games. Despite that, I wanted some board games. Without ever voicing this, a substitute teacher began to give me board games. I was convinced I made it happen. I knew I had a superpower.”

Michael Challenger

When Michael was twelve years old, he saw a trio of performers on stage. Even though acting had never entered his mind, he liked what he saw. He had always been afraid to use his voice, but a teacher at his high school suggested he try it.

“I was invited to attend a performing arts program. Despite the preconceived notions in my mind about actors, I showed up. I liked the teacher and became obsessed with performing.”

Michael Challenger

Soon a talent scout discovered Michael and made a comment to his mother that “if Michael sticks with this he will be successful in the industry”.

Michael was soon in competitions, music videos, and fashion shows. He wasn’t sure it was what he wanted, but he knew he didn’t want to live merely scratching the surface. At age 17 he got his first theater gig in Italy.

Michael was embraced by the country working for a cruise line performing in their shows. He started travelling to different parts of the world and his career took off. The opportunities came for Michael because someone saw something in him he didn’t see in himself. If he had allowed fear to rule his thoughts, Michael would not have done half of what he did.

The “pressure to be” kept Michael going. He was accountable, easygoing, kind, and enjoying the experience of new things. More and more choices presented to Michael brought with them fear. Fear of taking full responsibility for his life going forward.

“Public speaking was a fear for me. When time came to open my mouth, everything became cloudy. Nothing made sense. Things slowed down and I couldn’t catch my thoughts. I would think to myself, ‘I’m never doing this again’.”

Michael Challenger

Michael eventually conquered his fear of public speaking, but admits he had to willingly work on it.

“If you don’t practice, even programs like Toastmasters won’t help. Fear can protect us. It gives us the heightened ability to sense danger, but we may also associate it with the bigger and better things we want.”

Michael Challenger

Michael was at one time a professional dancer on Dancing with the Stars, a television show which brings celebrities into dance competitions despite not being dancers. They are paired up with a dance professional who teaches, coaches, and prepares them for competition.

“Behind the scenes you’re partnered with a celebrity, and you have a very short period to teach them a dance. I witnessed crying, doubt, and fear from these celebrities off camera. They would remark, ‘I’m not going to be ready’; ‘I can’t do this’.

But when the camera came on the fear dissipated. They were ready to go. We are capable of much more than we imagine. Obviously, some people failed on stage, but that’s okay. Being beside them and being the reassurance for them was amazing.”

Michael Challenger

Michael has always had a knack for coaching others. Now, as a life, performance, and self-development coach he finally feels fulfillment. He sees in his clients that when pressure is on them, they are amazing and can push through the fear.

“When you’ve set intentions and you fail, it’s still a good experience. You learn from it.”

Michael Challenger

Michael provided Todd and I some steps to battle fear and melt it away.

Intention. You must be truly clear about what you want to accomplish.

Action. It takes a helluva lotta work every day. Action cancels fear.

Consistency. Maintain a strong work ethic.

Boldness. Make choices without reservation. If this is truly meant for you, fear will subside.

“When the camera comes on, and/or the curtain goes up, you’ll feel ready!”

Michael Challenger

You will find The Mini Success Workbook free on Michael’s website. HERE

Buy Michael’s book HERE

Don’t Let Fear Paralyze You with Michael Challenger

by | Jun 11, 2021

Michael Challenger June 15, 2021
Michael Challenger is the Ceo and founder of Optimal Living Summit , best-selling author of Don’t Let Fear Paralyze You , and a certified life coach, and creator of the No Fear Online Program .
He is a professional in theatre, dance, film, and television, and has performed for broadway musicals including Chicago, The Lion King, and The Producers. 
Michael is the owner, executive producer and creative director of ANU Entertainment . His film work includes Where do We Go From Here , which won the Best Shorts Winner , The Award of Excellence , and Best Direction at the Best Shorts Competition in 2013.
Michael also heads up The Challenger Foundation , believeing through inclusion, diversity acts as a catalyst to dispel ignorance, fear, and creates a space for equity and excellence.
Meet Michael Challenger

Let’s Dance with Joy!

by | Oct 6, 2011


October 11, 2011 Guest: Jennifer Joy Jimenez, creator of “Let’s Dance Together” and “The Body Image Breakthrough Online Movement and Dance Center” motivates us through dance and Joy with her internationally acclaimed programs which can bring you back to fitness and wellness while developing a loving relationship with your body. Join us as she teaches us to shake our Groove thing and have fun. www.bodyimagebreakthroughcenter.com