Julissa Cruz on Dance as Medicine

Juju you started dancing when you were 8 years old and were training in both public school and private academy by 11. When you were this young, what did dance mean to you? 

Dance was my in my spirit. It felt natural. It was my souls way to express freely what I couldn’t say with words. It was easy to gravitate to, so finding a space to train was very important to me. 

By age 16 you had to undergo surgery for your Scoliosis which was particularly important for your lung capacity as you also had asthma. How did having surgery at this age affect you as a young woman? 

It affected my confidence. I felt like my spirit was alive but my body was no longer going to be the same. I was in a state of depression for a time. Once I went through rehabilitation and healing for my recovery, I knew I was going to dance again. I was impatient throughout the process. In the end, I finally was able to return to it. I knew that breathing was more important but the setback and stress of the procedure changed the course of my dancing. 

What were the challenges as well as the breakthroughs you had as you returned to dance after this surgery? 

Ahhh ok after the surgery, one of the challenges was knowing and feeling the hardware so heavy inside. At first it took time to learn how to walk properly. I found myself fighting through the simple things like sitting up or taking steps days after the procedure. My breakthrough came after a month of healing, I could see myself adjusting to life. I remembered feeling ok I have to dance again. Or I would just tell myself this is temporary I’ll make my way back. I gave myself a lot of mini pep talks. Until I did return to the stage 6 months later! 

Over the years, how has dance impacted how you relate to your body and see yourself as a woman? 

Now my relationship with dance is much different. My body is different after having three kids. I’ve had the hardware for 20 years. So lots of maintenance therapies have helped me along the way. Now dance has healed my spine. How you ask? Well I realized that I need to move, if I don’t move I get very stiff. Especially during cold weather. The type of dance style I take helps to shape my view of my body differently. There is this honest exchange with my body, of healing and acceptance now. 

Juju you said that the surgery changed the trajectory of your life, giving you an appreciation of the medical field with yourself becoming a licensed nurse. You also believe that movement and dance is healing. Do you find you can bring these two worlds together or do they exist in different spheres of your life? 

Going into medicine was inspired by the care I received after my surgery. I knew I wanted to be in healthcare because although the surgery was traumatic. I healed well because of the team of doctors, nurses and physical therapists that helped me. I knew I wanted to do this too. I strongly believe I’m a natural born healer. Whether it’s through the medium of dance or medicine. 

Yes I have started a series in my brand of classes called Dance is Your medicine.  I firmly believe dance has a way of healing not just our bodies but our minds. I have blended my skill set with my knowledge as nurse to provide fundamentals for the every day person as well as the more seasoned dancer.  I apply the techniques of pedagogy of dance and anatomy & physiology. Movement is medicine. Movement is the prescription we need. 

Can you tell us more about how you have incorporated dance into your practice to support patients with their healing?

The two are very intertwined, you see. 

Simple range of motion exercises for some patients who need the physiotherapy come from dance. It’s all rooted in its foundation. I’ve helped patients who have limited range of motion in their lower or upper extremities find healing through this method. It’s improved their mood and overall health. 

You took some time off from dancing, returning to dance at 35. How did it feel to bring dance back into your life? 

I was in a toxic marriage where I wasn’t able to dance because he held me back and I gave that up to have my kids. I was a domestic violence victim although when you are in the cycle you aren’t truly aware of the abuse. I wouldn’t be alive today to share my story if I didn’t make my escape with my kids to safety. But after my divorce I was able to revisit my passion and find that true love again. I learned to Never give anything up for anyone.  Coming back to dance felt like home. Felt like a love that never ever abuses you. Dance is truly a therapy. 

 I was still actively stretching at home or freely dancing in my kitchen lol. But going back made me feel alive again. Being so far away from it caused me to feel like I lost a part of me. As if something was missing. 

You are now 41 and are a single Mom of three children. Is dance a part of your motherhood journey? 

Yes I have connected with so many other mothers on my same journey. There is something very empowering about dance now than what it was before. My kids come to my performances and support my efforts. I’m teaching my kids to never give up on what they truly love. Although they are not dancers, they have danced for a bit. I continue to support them on their passions. 

Juju you are a proud Latina, can you tell us what this means to you? 

Being Latina for me means to be proud of your roots, your culture, your expression, your hospitality and your gestures. It’s the part of you that you can never deny. I’m of Puerto Rican and Dominican descent. My family raised me on the riches of our language, cultural staples and respect. It’s what I share with my children today. 

You are working on a series of workshops, ‘Dance Being Our Medicine’, can you tell us more about this? 

To highlight this workshop series will focus on the importance of wellness that includes, grounding meditation techniques to reset our nervous system, the meaning of movement which gives space for improvised movement, foundation of movement and also a detailed experience of my theories on learning choreography. 

Juju do you have any words of wisdom for women of all ages as they embrace their authentic selves and unique version of femininity? 

I recently saw a post that said we are our energy not our age. That has carried me through. Another mantra of mine is:  Do more of what makes you happy. Don’t limit yourself because the outside world wants that. Take your power back and you can reach new heights. As women we have incredible power and feminine energy that can be expressed either through movement, art, writings and speech. It’s time to rise up. That’s my message. 

Juju thank you so much for sharing this part of your story with us and for the words of encouragement to other women. You have overcome more than once in your life and this testimony will support, encourage and empower other women in their journeys to overcome.