Chanel May is an artist, choreographer, teacher, and movement coach, residing in Los Angeles. She is fascinated by the ways in which expressive movement and body awareness can lend vital support throughout the human journey. She began dancing and expressing herself through movement shortly after learning to walk. Chanel developed a deep passion for modern dance, contemporary, and classical ballet, which she studied throughout her childhood and early adulthood. Dance and movement provided an outlet for expression and a channel for energy to move through her body.

Her training includes techniques such as Horton, whom she studied under former member Don Martin of the Lester Horton Dance Theater, Graham, Dunham, Laban Movement Analysis and Bartenieff Fundamentals, and Release Technique. Other studies include Pedagogy, Music and Composition for dance, Pilates for dancers, Biomechanics of human movement, and Dance Science. Presently, her movement and teaching style is greatly influenced by the experiences and modalities of dance therapy, Expressive Movement, and somatic movement, as she navigates the ever-evolving relationship to the trials and challenges of life as a human on planet Earth. 

My story and how dance and somatic movement changed my life.

I came across the work of Somatics after having experienced my own relationship with PTSD and anxiety. After weeks of terrifying panic attacks, debilitating anxiety, hypervigilance, hopelessness, and sleepless nights, I went to see a doctor. Within five minutes I was diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder and offered medication for my symptoms… Really? That was the answer?

In my desperate search for more answers, I stumbled across a few somatic-based practices for approaching trauma and something fascinating happened; it felt as though my body already knew what to do and how to heal itself.

Through Somatics, I have learned that our bodies are innately resilient and have known how to heal since the beginning of time — we have just forgotten how to listen. Trauma-informed somatic practices have brought me back home to my body. Most importantly, they have given me the tools to find safety in my body, even in the most uncomfortable and terrifying moments. I whole-heartedly believe that we already have the tools within us to thrive in this life, it is just a matter of re-learning and applying.

It is my deepest intention to help guide others back home to their bodies, and find the safety within, while feeling powerful and in control. I am so excited to connect and honored to have the opportunity to support you in whatever ways I can throughout your journey.

If you resonate with my approach, please fill out the form below