Bare: The Misplaced Art of Grieving and Dancing

How does a grieving mother recover from the loss of her baby when the birth of her sister’s son is being celebrated? Vanessa finds herself facing this agony when she discovers that at the same moment the doctor was telling her that her baby had died, her sister was giving birth across the corridor. This true story catapults us into a very personal exploration of grief and grieving in a culture that has misplaced its ability to lament losses of all sorts—stillborn projects, miscarried relationships, life-threatening illnesses and ruined finances. Sandy Rosen not only offers a passionate and stirring commentary on everyday casualties, balancing stories of personal loss with professional perspectives on the grieving process, but also brings a unique approach to the subject by adding an undercurrent of the body-and-soul-relieving effects of dance. She teaches us that the often awkward process of grief is both natural and critical.

Sandy and her musician husband, Russ, live on the west coast of Canada where they have conspired to stir up creative community that is vulnerable, innovative and compassionate. She is a mentor, teacher, communicator and dance studio director who has cared for the bodies and emotional well-being of many individuals. In addition to standard dance classes, her studio offers mentorship for emerging dance professionals as well as Dancing for Your Health and Dancing for Your Healing classes (www.dancebarnstudio.com).