Feel the Beat Team Member Spotlight: Marlena Fraune

Marlena Fraune (they/them) has been dancing since 2009, starting with jitterbug as a leader. Since then, they learned a variety of partner dance styles as a leader, follower, and switch dancer. They have won ballroom dance competitions in Colorado, New Mexico, and St Louis. Marlena has completed teacher training in 9 dances, taught in more, and learned and danced around the world. They modify dance to meet their own, and their students’, needs. This can include dancing standing, seated, and on the floor. Now, their favorite style of dance is “fusion,” in which they get to use skills and techniques from everything they’ve learned so far. Having earned an advanced degree in Psychology and Cognitive Science, Marlena is well aware of how important the body and movement are for the psyche and wellness. That’s why they make sure to keep moving! Marlena now works part time in psychology and part time quickstepping (or slow stepping, or crawling) across the dance floor.

Tell us about your role at Feel the Beat. How long have you been at Feel the Beat and what drew you to the organization?

I started with Feel the Beat January this year. I had sat down last year to think about what I would do if I could do anything. The answer was, teach dance to people with disabilities. Dance has such deep meaning in my life. It is one of the most thorough ways to express myself and be in touch with all of myself. When I started developing my disability, I thought meant I couldn’t dance. I spent years at a time away from dance because I thought it wasn’t possible or I was too embarrassed of what I couldn’t do to try. In the following years, I learned so much about disability, what I could do during a flare up, and how to keep moving while keeping myself safe during the flareup. I want to help other people see how much they are capable of, if or when disability is affecting their lives.

What is your personal mission statement and what about that mission statement resonates with you most?

My personal mission statement is to grow into the most authentic version of myself, and help other people do the same. I spent a lot of time doing what I thought it was supposed to do rather than what mattered most to me. When I became disabled, it changed how I saw myself in the world. I could no longer afford to do it I was “supposed to” because it took away too much time and energy from doing what I loved. Now, I’m taking control over my life again, so I can move consistently toward my values. I think so many people can benefit from stepping back and intentionally deciding how we want to spend our energy, and what values really matter to us.

Is there a person in your life you credit as being a key to what motivates or inspires you on a daily basis? How have they impacted your life both personally and professionally?

I am the person who inspires me. I don’t mean that in an egotistical way. Rather, I spent so much time doing things for other people. But now, I am developing a closer and more loving relationship with myself. I have begun to see the beauty and value in me. I’m getting better at identifying what makes me feel safe and loved. At learning what goals are truly mine versus the goals I make because I think I have to. I do what I do because dance and community brings me so much joy. I want to help other people find that as well.

Tell us about a recent experience you’ve had in your role at Feel the Beat – something funny, inspiring, challenging, etc.

I was assisting a dance class for Deaf children. Most of the children didn’t know much ASL yet, so communicating with them could be challenging. At one point, we were guiding the students in ways to dance and play with a scarf. We wanted them to ball up scarf very tight, then throw it in the air and watch it beautifully fan out and float down. One student didn’t seem to understand what we were asking for, and was playing with the scarf in a different way on her own. But she was near me, and when I showed her one-on- one what we were doing, she got really excited and joined in. It was really amazing to communicate by showing, and to see the joy light of her face when she understood.

Outside of dancing at Feel the Beat, what do you like to do for fun?

I love dancing and creating. I continue taking partner dance classes, and I am teaching accessible wedding dance lessons. I also enjoy writing novels that explore disability, trauma, and finding oneself. Lately, I moved to a new home, and I am having so much fun decorating it in any way that I want. Nothing can stop me now!