We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Candice Barlow a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Candice, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Was there a moment in your career that meaningfully altered your trajectory? If so, we’d love to hear the backstory.
At the heart of my business is the belief that fitness should be enjoyable. As a certified personal trainer and nutritional coach, I not only train clients one-on-one but also lead engaging fitness classes that cater to different needs and interests.One of our standout offerings is Dance Therapy, a session designed to nurture the emotional, spiritual, and physical well-being of participants through the art of dance. Another popular class is “Weight a Band Minute,” a full-body workout that uses weights and bands to tone and strengthen muscles.My mission goes beyond just sweating it out; I want every participant to discover that working out can be fun. Alongside our classes, I emphasize the importance of holistic wellness. This includes advocating for clean eating, practicing regular stretching and mobility exercises, and fostering positive self-talk to cherish and care for our bodies.In October 2023, my commitment to this mission was put to the test when I suffered a fractured ankle, requiring surgical intervention. This setback forced me to pause my fitness journey from November 2023 to April 2024, and there were moments when the idea of dancing again felt almost impossible. The emotional toll was immense, and tears were frequent companions.However, fueled by determination and resilience, I’ve made a full recovery and am thrilled to rekindle my passion for dance and fitness. To mark this new chapter and to share the healing power of dance with others, we’re launching a special initiative at the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus.We invite you to join us for free Dance Therapy classes every Wednesday at 5:15 PM from April through June at 640 Ellicott Street. This is more than just a workout; it’s an opportunity to uplift your spirits, promote healing, and connect with a supportive community. Simply register and come ready to embrace the joy of movement. Together, let’s dance our way back to wellness!
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
Hey there, I’m Candice! Dancing has been my passion for as long as I can remember. There’s just something magical about moving to the rhythm—it lifts your spirits and heals your soul. My journey into the world of fitness began when I was wandering around a gym, feeling a bit lost, and was drawn into a room by the irresistible beat of music. That’s where I discovered Zumba, got certified in May 2012, and fell head over heels in love with it!When the Covid-19 pandemic hit, like many of us, I had to hit the pause button on my classes. My students missed dancing together so much, and as the sun started shining again, I had an idea—why not take our dance sessions outdoors? That’s when Zumba transformed into something even more special: Dance Therapy.I noticed something incredible happening during these outdoor sessions. Dance Therapy was not only a fun workout but also a healing experience that made people feel uplifted and connected. Inspired by this, I decided to rebrand my business to focus on the therapeutic power of dance.Today, under the name Dance Therapy, I offer a variety of services designed to improve your emotional, spiritual, and physical well-being through dance. Whether it’s a Dance Therapy session or a “Weight a Band Minute” class, my goal is to make fitness enjoyable for everyone, no matter your age or fitness level.What makes Dance Therapy stand out is our holistic approach to wellness. It’s not just about sweating it out; it’s about nourishing your body with clean eating, embracing stretching and mobility, and practicing positive self-talk. I’m really proud of the supportive and vibrant community we’ve built together.So, if you’re looking for a fun and uplifting way to improve your health and well-being, I invite you to join us at Dance Therapy. Come dance with us, feel the rhythm, and let’s embark on this transformative journey together!
If you could go back in time, do you think you would have chosen a different profession or specialty?
If I had the chance to go back and choose my path again, I would definitely opt for fitness and wellness right from the start.
While I currently enjoy my role as a provider representative at Molina Healthcare, which has been a rewarding experience, dancing has always been my true passion. If I had known earlier that dance would become such a significant part of my life, I would have wholeheartedly pursued it as my full-time profession. Nonetheless, I believe in following your dreams, and I’m grateful for all the experiences that have led me to where I am today.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
I believe my own personal transformation played a crucial role in building my reputation within the market. Instead of merely selling a dream, I lived it. By following the same steps and practices that I recommended to others, I was able to authentically demonstrate the effectiveness and benefits of my approach, earning trust and credibility among clients and peers alike.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://icanwithcanmarie.com/
- Instagram: @dancetherapywithcanmarie
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/UwZAtBULVGByUAvC/?mibextid=CTbP7E
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@dancetherapywithcanmarie6840?si=Vs3mGH1ekc7WJm9D
Image Credits
Dwight Barlow