I will be hopping in here and there to share my stories as part of the Million Dance Reasons movement. I have many stories to share, this is one of them.

I’m Uyanga, 46 years old, living in sunny Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Three years ago, I found myself at a crossroads. My husband and I had been running a business together for over 15 years. We worked together, lived together, and were around each other 24 hours a day. As much as we loved each other, the constant closeness started taking a toll. We argued all the time, and the tension was unbearable. I felt trapped and desperately needed an escape.

Finding Dance

That’s when I stumbled across a dance studio that was opening in my neighborhood. It felt like a sign. I didn’t know what to expect, but I knew I needed space, something just for me. So I went. Walking into that studio for my first hip hop class, I was looking for escape—escape from the stress, the arguments, and the overwhelming pressure I felt at home.

What I didn’t expect was how much that one decision would change my life.

Dance became my sanctuary. Every time I stepped into the studio, I left everything behind. The music, the movement—it gave me space to breathe. It gave me a way to express myself without words. The more I danced, the more I began to heal. I didn’t even realize it at first, but something amazing happened. The tension at home started to fade. We weren’t arguing as much. Dance gave me room to clear my head and brought back a balance I hadn’t felt in years.

Dance, quite literally, saved my marriage.

Dance Transformation

Physically, I’ve changed too. I’m stronger, more flexible, and I’ve gained confidence in my body. But the biggest transformation has been mental and emotional. Dance has helped me reconnect with myself in a way I never thought possible. It has become my therapy, my fitness routine, and my creative outlet all wrapped into one.

Sharing My Love for Dance

The most rewarding part of this journey, though, has been sharing my love of dance with others. I’m building a brand called Dancing!, which includes everything from dance-themed t-shirts to a fun dance-inspired card game. I’m also working on another dance fitness-related project, Belly Heat. My mission is to inspire others to start moving, no matter their age or background. It’s never too late to start dancing—and I’m living proof of that.

Just Do It

If there’s one piece of advice I could give to anyone who feels unsure about starting, it’s this: just do it. Don’t overthink it, don’t worry about how you look. Dance is about how it makes you feel. Once you take that first step, you’ll realize that the joy and freedom far outweigh any fears you might have.

My Ongoing Dance Journey

Today, dance is a central part of my life. It’s the thing that keeps me grounded, happy, and healthy. It’s also given me the space to rebuild my relationship and reignite my passion for life. As I look toward the future, I know that dance will always be part of my journey, and I hope to continue inspiring others to discover the joy that dance can bring.

Through dance, I found myself again. I saved my marriage, healed my spirit, and transformed my life—and I want others to experience the same magic.

We would love to hear your story too! Go to Million Reasons to Dance to get your story featured. We’ve got a million stories to collect. Also, share this with your friends to inspire them to get moving and discover the joy of dance!