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We’re often told as children that if we work hard and apply ourselves, we can be anything when we grow up. But the truth is, our sense of purpose doesn’t always revolve around a career. This was the case for Liz Legrande, who had all her childhood dreams come true, but was still feeling like something was missing. 

Liz LeGrande is an accomplished dancer and choreographer who has worked with some of the biggest names in the industry, like Katy Perry, Beyonce, and Usher. She also has been on TV shows like “Dancing With The Stars,” “Glee,” and “Empire.” 

One of her biggest passions outside of dancing is working as a breath work coach. “Breath work” is based on ancient breathing and meditation techniques that help release physical and mental stress in the body and mind – allowing for breakthroughs in all areas of one’s life. 

Legrande came and talked with ENTITY Mag about all things success, social justice, education, and learning to breathe.

What Was Your “Aha” Moment In Life? (i.e. What Was The One Moment You Figured Out What You Really Wanted To Do?)

My biggest “aha” moment came after I accomplished my dance career. My childhood dreams came true yet I woke up most mornings not wanting to get out of bed. 

I realized I had unconsciously worked towards this dream of becoming a professional dancer, thinking the manifestation of it was the key to a different life experience. Like, somehow dancing for Beyonce would alleviate the pain I was living with. Achievement became a band-aid, hiding my wounds and never healing them. I kept finding myself right back where I started…energetically speaking that is. I learned that wherever I went…there I was! 

So, my most life-changing “aha” moment was realizing that happiness, joy, and peace had nothing to do with what I achieved. With this new awareness, I put my belongings in a storage unit and started traveling the world. I think the best part of any adventure or Hero’s Journey is that often, what one’s searching for is already within, just waiting to be uncovered. Ha! The irony of it all. 

I learned to release the stored memories/ trauma my body was physically holding onto and discovered new meaning to life. Getting out of the L.A. hustle and bustle was the best decision I’ve ever made.

What Is The Greatest Challenge You Faced And How Did You Overcome It?

My greatest challenge is hard to pinpoint because there have been so many! I’ve learned that there’s much wisdom to be found in these difficult moments and they’re truly not meant to destroy us. So, for now I’ll just tell you about a challenge that I haven’t spoken publicly about. 

Several years ago I booked a two-year tour with Katy Perry, I had already been promo touring with her for about a year at this point. This opportunity was a big deal because it meant I wouldn’t be going from audition to audition anymore. The life of a dancer is NOT as glamorous as we make it appear on Instagram or The American Music Awards. Additionally, we dancers do not make the same salary as any other position in the entertainment industry. So booking a tour is a great way to secure income and relieve stress.

One night on the road, my hotel phone rings around midnight and it’s Katy. She wanted me (and all the other dancers) to come to the hotel bar for a private dance party. Most of us drank, laughed, and danced our butts off. It was so much fun! An hour or so into the experience, Katy wanted me to play a Beyonce song. She looked me square in my eyes and said if I didn’t have the song on my phone I would be fired.

Guess what happened? I was fired.

This experience taught me that compassion, integrity, empathy, and kindness are all choices that, if made, can usher in more peace into an already chaotic world. Moving forward, I began to make different life choices that resonated with my spirit and I learned that walking through the fire of forgiveness is a necessary skill we should all master. 

ENTITY Mag interviews Liz Legrande, choreographer and breath work coach.

Speaking of challenges, I know that you’re a huge advocate for social justice, which can be hard to define. What does social justice mean to you?

Social Justice is everyone receiving equal economic, political, social rights and opportunities. Simply put… it is equality!

What are some things we can do every day to bring about social change?

I would say start with educating ourselves. I once heard that change never comes from the top down – it comes from the bottom up. To me, this means that WE get to reflect on our own journey and make a difficult decision. We must think about one single problem that breaks our heart open and bothers us more than anything. What is one problem in the world that you would do almost anything to solve? Maybe it’s something you’ve posted about on social media or attended discussions on.

Find the issue that resonates with your soul and commit your life to it. Once you’ve made that commitment, the solutions will come as you continue to learn and create. 

We can do anything…just not everything! 

Other than dance, social justice is an important topic to Liz Legrande.

You mentioned that one thing we can do is educate ourselves, can you tell me about what the future of education looks like to you?

I have a recurring dream where different nations, nomads, states, and neighborhoods come together with the aim of teaching our children how to build a sustainable life anchored in equality. This is a place where they learn about: love, integrity, empathy, compassion, leadership, sustainable living, forgiveness, energy, taxes, finances, investments, dismantling systemic racism, veganism, meditation, healing trauma, trauma response, the arts, technology, and communication. 

I call this place, The Global Village and it’s actually a non-profit I’m currently building. 

Speaking of education and teaching, you’re also a breath work coach. How do you use breath work and how does it relate to mental and physical health?

Yes, this is one of my favorite topics! I’ve learned there are more receptors communicating from our body to brain than brain to body. This means that mind over matter is not always accurate. Why? Our bodies (cells, organs, and DNA) literally keep score of memories, stresses, and trauma that we experience. 

I remember times where I was triggered by something rather small in my external environment – even when my reality was safe and beautiful. I now understand my body was recalling an unprocessed memory from my past, sending my body and nervous system into fight or flight mode – a place where no amount of words can change one’s full-body experience. 

I’ve also learned that our beautiful bodies can become used to storing these memories – eventually leading us to overreact to stressors that are not life-threatening, such as traffic jams, work pressures, and family difficulties. Basically, when you suppress an emotion, it reveals itself in unexpected ways. Over time, repeated activation of the stress response takes a real toll on the body and can even change the brain causing depression, anxiety, and addiction. 

This is why I wholeheartedly believe in the healing powers of breath and body movement…both designed to release stored emotions/memories our bodies are holding onto. It’s been one of my pleasures in this life to, first, experience that healing of my own body and my mind through breath. Second, to offer those services to other people and to watch them heal their mind and body through the simple act of breathing. The deeper I go in my breathing journey, the deeper I go in my mind and body journey. I always set an intention going into my session and I watch it unfold. Sometimes it’s during the session and sometimes it’s afterward, but there is a change in behavior.

I often think of the peace that would float across our planet if we learn to release these memories from our physical bodies by processing the emotions tethered to memories and/or experiences. 

Breath work is based on ancient meditation and breathing practices.

What’s The Key To Being A Good Mentor?

When I mentor, the first thing I do is empty myself and pray. I ask to be used as a vessel for whatever the person needs. From that space of stillness and of having no agenda other than to be of support, I navigate.

It’s also important for mentors to remember that letting the mentee come to an understanding on their own is very important! When we figure out a problem for someone, it’s merely an answer to a question versus a full bodily experience that changes the trajectory of their life.

ENTITY Mag on what is the key to being a good mentor or mentee.

What’s The Key To Being A Good Mentee?

Definitely the ability to take feedback. Oftentimes mentors see where their mentee is headed based on the choices they’re making, and it is our job as mentors to essentially hold up a mirror and say, “Where are these choices leading you, and is this what you want to create?” The mentee eventually learns that things shift around when they shift within. 

Next is the ability to apply what the mentor is teaching, which is an art in itself. Once one truly starts to take accountability for our life, the process of transformation can begin.

What’s the Best Piece of Advice a Mentor Gave You?

“The only way out is through.” 

We must not run away from the inevitable challenging situations that arise in life. If we desire to get past them, we must go through them. On the other side of these challenges you’ll discover wisdom, grace and authentic power. Take a deep breath and remember you have wings, darling. You got this and are worthy of all your dreams coming true. 

You can follow Liz Legrande on Instagram @lizlegrande

You can follow Liz’s non-profit The Global Village on Instagram @theglobalvillagelife

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