Today we’d like to introduce you to Tatiana Zamir.
Tatiana, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I’ve been attracted to healing the body since I was a young girl. I used to massage my family and do subtle forms of energy work way before I learned the official names for what I was intuitively doing. Around that same time, my grandmother put me into dance classes where I quickly discovered my love and passion for movement. That love grew so much that I majored in dance during my undergrad at UCLA. I continued my studies on integrative approaches to wellness at a holistic body therapy school called IPSB at Life Energy Institute.
Soon after I developed my private practice in the healing arts — creating spaces where people could experience post-traumatic growth and an abundance of joy within a community of like-minded people. These movement therapy based offerings manifested through my community dance classes and my Heal Her workshops and retreats. While I provide some co-ed experiences, Heal Her is a sacred space for womxn to connect deeply to their authentic selves, gain tools to overcome challenges and embody their highest potential. It’s an incredibly beautiful experience and I feel honored to be a part of each gathering that takes place.
While developing my healing arts practice, I’ve also had the pleasure of nurturing my artistry. Early on, my artistic path propelled me around the world, taking me through the Americas, Africa and Asia, which also added so much richness to my journey. As a professional dancer I performed with various LA-based companies such as Contra Tiempo, the Marshall Dance Company and Viver Brasil. All of them were enriching experiences and also made me present to the desire to develop my own choreographic work. I listened to that call and produced two dance theater shows, Moonlight Reflections and In My Skin. Creating those shows were life-changing on many levels. One of the gifts that stands out for me is experiencing an unparalleled joy which rippled into every area of my life. In so many ways, dance has been a constant blessing from the beginning.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The three biggest struggles that come to mind are finding funding for creative projects, juggling multiple callings, and navigating self-doubt. I’ll address these in the order I listed them.
Although most people would agree that a world without music, dance, poetry, films and other forms of art would feel desolate, boring and flat, we haven’t created a world that truly supports artists; especially not dancers. I remember one of my teachers at UCLA mentioned that dance is the most underfunded of the arts. While there are grants and special programs available, only a handful benefit from these opportunities and it seemed like I was never one of them. After several rejection letters I could have easily said, “Oh well, maybe this path isn’t meant to be.” Luckily I didn’t give up. Instead, I began creating and calling in the opportunities I desired. It hasn’t been the easiest journey and funding creative projects is still something I’m figuring out, but somehow I’ve managed to produce two dance theater shows and slowly build my network — which led to paid performance opportunities and collaborations with artists I respect and admire.
Another challenge is navigating so many passions. On one hand, I feel grateful that so many things light me up. On the other hand, when you’re doing a lot of different things, sometimes it feels like you’re not accomplishing anything at all. It’s harder to make progress down one particular path when you’re navigating several at the same time.
One thing that has helped me with this is changing my perspective of my work. I used to look at everything as separate; my community dance classes, Heal Her programs, and my artistic path. And while they all require specific kinds of attention, I’m realizing more and more how they overlap, integrate, and support each other. In many ways, they promote the same things: inspiration, healing and embodied joy through movement.
The third and biggest challenge has been believing in myself. It’s not enough to simply take steps towards my calling. I have to believe in myself and the vision I’m creating. I think this is the most important test to overcome because I’ve learned through experience and by watching others that we truly are co-creating our lives and the Universe supports our beliefs. So when you know and trust your purpose, you’re sending the signal that you’re ready for growth and expansion.
When I first started my healing practice it failed in many ways. I spent a lot of time, energy, and money building a business. When I didn’t even get close to the results I wanted, depression had its way with me. I took a break and spent time going deeper within. As I nurtured my spirit and strengthened my belief in my work, opportunities started coming my way, and that’s when I knew I was ready to dive back in.
Failure can be discouraging but it’s often inevitable. When we remember the lessons are there to teach us something important, then we can evade getting stifled by them. My grandmother used to say to me, “Honey, once you realize life is meant to be difficult, it will be so much easier.” We would both laugh and it’s been a nice gem I return to when I need it.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
The three main things I do professionally are: teach pop up community dance classes, facilitate Heal Her workshops, and perform. I also get quite a bit of private work to facilitate movement therapy based healing workshops. The opportunities range from working with children within a school setting or working with adults via various wellness and social justice organizations. There’s a lot of titles that could describe my work: choreographer, dancer, teacher, writer, producer, healer, community builder and movement therapist. However, I recently came up with a title that seems to encompass those titles and more; I’m currently calling myself a Healing Arts Conductor. Regardless of what service I provide, I enjoy creating experiences that are infused with vulnerability, truthfulness, authenticity, joy, playfulness, transformation and healing.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
A lot of people have played a role in the growth of my business and I hope I don’t leave anyone out. I’ll start by giving thanks to the Creator for designing me and infusing limitless inspiration into my being. Julie Walker for helping me heal from various traumas, mirroring my gifts and bringing out the best in me. Paith MacQueen for being an amazing coach and holding a powerful space while we laid a strong foundation for my healing practice. My husband for his genius business advice and supporting me every step of the way. My grandmother for her abundant love and putting me in my first dance classes. My mother for being one of my biggest cheerleaders and helping me navigate financial success with creative projects. Marina Magalhães for being my muse, collaborator and a pure example of what it looks like to elevate, encourage and support a woman in the same genre. My community, which is filled with an array of phenomenal people. If they didn’t show up for my offerings, I wouldn’t even be able to practice the work I enjoy and love so much. And lastly, I’d like to acknowledge my amazing friends who constantly inspire me and provide the nutrients I need to do my best work. I know that I would be nothing without the love and support that encourages me to thrive.
Contact Info:
- Website: TatianaZamir.com
- Instagram: TatianaZamir
Image Credit:
Seher Sikandar, Amir Image, Bobby Gordon and Sundarhya
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