ALICIA VELASCO - Pain, Purpose & Reclaiming Dance After Injury

Alicia Velasco, is a powerhouse performer and Mambo dancer who opens up about her journey through chronic pain, identity loss, and recovery after a career-threatening spinal injury. 

🎧 This episode is a must-listen for dancers navigating setbacks and anyone ready to turn pain into power. 

💥 Injury Isn’t the End – Alicia’s story of reclaiming movement and purpose after spinal surgery.
🌱 Redefining Identity – Letting go of being “just a dancer” and embracing all parts of who you are.
🧠 The Power of Prevention – Why body awareness and support systems are crucial in the dance world.
🎤 Beyond the Studio – Alicia’s evolution into teaching, public speaking, and mentoring.
🎲 Move That Soul – A creative tool for emotional connection, vulnerability, and growth through dance.

From her theater roots to founding her own dance company, Alicia shares how dance shaped her life—until an injury forced her to step back and rediscover who she was beyond the stage. She talks about navigating depression, surgery, and healing, and how she’s now redefining her relationship with movement, purpose, and teaching.

The episode also explores themes of body awareness, prevention, supportive spaces, and Alicia’s renewed mission to empower dancers through pedagogy and self-care. Plus, Therese introduces the Move That Soul card game, sparking a powerful conversation about resilience, expression, and what dancers really need.

QUESTION - Did this resonate with you? About what or with whom would you like us to talk next?
 DM us - We want to hear from you!

MOVE THAT SOUL - GAME for DANCERS? 🥰

⏯️ Watch full video on our Youtube
⁠
⁠🎙️🙋🏻‍♀️ Host: T-zer & Sebastian Carlos Kruse