Tatyana Ali encourages moms to dance amid her 'Dancing with the Stars' journey
Tatyana Ali says her journey on "Dancing with the Stars" so far has been empowering and healing.
In a video she shared ahead of her Tuesday night performance with her pro-dance partner Jan Ravnik for "Mariah Carey Night," Ali spoke about how dancing has unlocked parts of her body to a degree she didn't know possible.
She said the experience is linked to her own story as a maternal health advocate and the birth of her first child.
"I didn't expect that that stuff would come out, which is kind of silly when you think about it because I'm dancing, I'm using parts of my body in ways that I don't usually use it," she said. "And if they say that trauma is locked in the body, believe me, I have had especially early on in rehearsals, instances dancing with Jan."
She recalled a moment during rehearsals when she did a move where she was bending her back, saying something "unlocked" for her and triggered tears. She said Jan was supportive in the moment and told her that it's normal.
"I'm sharing that because my body's going through a lot right now," she said. "What's important is, mamas, women, we have to move. We have to dance."
Ali continued, "While you're watching the show and you're listening to the music and hyped up or whatever, dance with us. Because I didn't realize that moving is empowering. Moving is healing, in any way that you can move, that you're able to move, is important, and don't deny yourself of that."
"If you are seeing joy coming out of me, just know that this is a really cool experience. I got a lot to be joyful about, and I suspect you do too, so dance with me. I love you guys and I will see you Tuesday and your support in the process obviously means everything," she said.
In the comments section of her post, Ali's "Dancing with the Stars" family shared words of support.
"You are such a beautiful soul @tatyanaali thank you for sharing your light with us. Dance is a powerful drug!" Harry Shum Jr. wrote.
Julianne Hough added, "Yesssssss -- Movement is healing in all the ways!!!! YOU are magic for sharing your experience angel ❤️"
On Tuesday evening, Ali and Ravnik take the ballroom for "Mariah Carey Night."
See who the twelve remaining couples are here.
"Dancing with the Stars" airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and streaming on Disney+. Episodes stream the next day on Hulu.
The Walt Disney Co. is the parent company of ABC News, Disney+ and Hulu.
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