About Mindful Dancers
Welcome to Mindful Dancers, where the beauty of dance and the power of mindfulness come together to create a harmonious and transformative experience.
Our Story: Mindful Dancers was born from a shared passion for dance and a profound belief in the benefits of mindfulness. Our journey began with a simple question: "How can we enhance the lives of dancers through the practice of mindfulness?" This question led to the creation of a unique platform dedicated to the well-being and growth of dancers at all levels.
Our Mission: At Mindful Dancers, our mission is to inspire and support dancers on their personal and artistic journeys. We believe that mindfulness can elevate dance beyond physical movement, enriching it with intention, presence, and emotional depth. We are committed to providing valuable resources, guidance, and a nurturing community that empowers dancers to thrive both on and off the stage.
What We Offer:
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Resources: Explore our library of blog posts and guides that delve into the intersection of dance and mindfulness. Discover how these practices can enhance your performance, boost your well-being, and deepen your connection to the art of dance for dancers and instructors of any age or ability.
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Products: Our Mindful Dancers Journal is designed to help you cultivate mindfulness, set intentions, and stay inspired throughout your dance journey, while our collection of guides and worksheets provide dancers, parents, and instructors with mindful tools to help them approach training, feedback, self-esteem, and other life skills in a mindful way. Explore our carefully crafted tools and accessories that support your growth as a dancer.
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Community: Join our vibrant and supportive community of dancers from around the world. Share your experiences, connect with like-minded individuals, and find inspiration in the stories and journeys of fellow dancers. Follow us on social media @mindfuldancers_
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Workshops and Events: Stay tuned for workshops and events designed to deepen your mindfulness practice and expand your dance horizons. We're dedicated to providing opportunities for growth and learning.
Join Us: Whether you're a professional dancer, a student, or simply someone who loves to dance, Mindful Dancers welcomes you with open arms. Together, we'll explore the enriching world where dance and mindfulness unite, creating a profound and transformative dance experience.
Thank you for being a part of our journey. Let's dance mindfully and grow together.
We're rooting for you!
Meet The Team
Meet the passionate professionals behind Mindful Dancers—former dancers and current industry experts who bring together years of experience, dedication, and heart to nurture confident, healthy, and empowered dancers. Each team member is committed to supporting every dancer’s growth, well-being, and joy, both on and off the stage.
Rebecca Brettingham-Filice
Rebecca Brettingham-Filice is the co-founder of Mindful Dancers, a program dedicated to supporting dancers, parents, and teachers through a whole-person approach to dance—mind, body, and spirit. With over 35 years of experience in dance education, Rebecca is passionate about helping dancers develop not only strong technique, but also confidence, resilience, and self-awareness.
She is also the owner and artistic director of Dance Extreme in London, Ontario, where she has taught and mentored over 30,000 students since 1997. Rebecca is a certified instructor with Dance Educators of America and Dance Masters of Canada, and regularly adjudicates and teaches at workshops and conferences across North America.
Through Mindful Dancers, Rebecca combines her professional experience with her personal journey, providing practical tools and guidance to help dancers thrive, while empowering parents and teachers to better support them along the way.
Kiana Simler
Kiana Simler is the co-founder of Mindful Dancers and a passionate advocate for supporting the whole dancer—mind, body, and heart. With a background in dance education, marketing, and studio leadership, Kiana has spent years helping dancers, parents, and educators create healthier, more positive experiences in the dance world.
As a dance teacher, choreographer and industry leader, Kiana understands both the beauty and the pressures that come with dance training. Her mission is to shift the culture of dance toward one that prioritizes confidence, self-awareness, resilience, and joy. Through Mindful Dancers, she provides tools, resources, and programs that empower dancers to build strong mindsets, develop emotional awareness, and cultivate lifelong wellness both inside and outside the studio.
Kiana believes that when dancers feel supported mentally and emotionally, their artistry and confidence flourish. Her work continues to inspire studios, teachers, and families to embrace a more mindful, compassionate approach to dance training.
Lauren Krause
Lauren Krause is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) and former competitive dancer with 14 years of experience in the dance world. She understands the unique pressures dancers face, including performance anxiety, perfectionism, burnout, and body image challenges. Lauren specializes in helping dancers strengthen their mental well-being while deepening their connection to movement. Her approach integrates evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and somatic practices that reconnect the mind and body. Lauren is passionate about creating a safe, supportive space where dancers can build confidence, resilience, and balance so they can thrive both on stage and in everyday life.
Vanessa Huggins
Vanessa Huggins is a dedicated Mental Health Worker and experienced dance educator based in London, Ontario. With more than 16 years of experience as a competitive dance instructor and award-winning choreographer, she understands the artistic and emotional demands dancers face. Vanessa combines her background in dance with a compassionate, client-centered approach to mindset coaching, helping dancers build confidence, resilience, and healthy habits that support both performance and personal growth. She is deeply committed to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and integrates mindfulness into her coaching and wellness work. Vanessa is passionate about guiding dancers through personal development, empowering them to grow, reflect, and blossom both in dance and in life.
Marlow Salhany
Marlow Salhany is a Registered Holistic Nutritionist and the founder of Marlow Nutrition. She specializes in helping individuals move from burnout to balance by supporting the connection between nutrition, stress, and overall wellness. Marlow earned her Bachelor of Arts in Human Ecology with a specialization in Nutrition and Family Studies from the University of Western Ontario and later completed her Holistic Nutrition certification through the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition. As a former competitive dancer, Marlow understands firsthand how stress and high expectations can impact both physical and emotional health. Her personal journey sparked a passion for helping others better understand their bodies. Through a holistic approach that considers mind, body, and lifestyle, Marlow empowers clients to create sustainable habits that support energy, resilience, and long-term well-being.