Total Health: Karyne Daniels of Sacred Dance Path On How We Can Optimize Our Mental, Physical, Emotional, & Spiritual Wellbeing
Self-love creates a mindset where making healthier choices becomes second nature. When you truly value yourself, it becomes easier to prioritize nourishing foods and avoid those that are harmful. This shift in perspective helps to overcome the common blockages such as convenience, emotional eating, and lack of motivation. A healthy dose of self-love empowers you to make changes that might have seemed difficult in the past, leading to a more consistent and mindful approach to healthy eating.
Often when we refer to wellness, we assume that we are talking about physical wellbeing. But one can be physically very healthy but still be unwell, emotionally or mentally. What are the steps we can take to cultivate optimal wellness in all areas of our life; to develop Mental, Physical, Emotional, & Spiritual Wellbeing? As a part of our series about “How We Can Cultivate Our Mental, Physical, Emotional, & Spiritual Wellbeing”, we had the pleasure of interviewing Karyne Daniels.
Karyne Daniels is a dance industry luminary with over four decades of expertise. She is renowned as an international choreographer, sacred dance specialist, and revered worship soloist, celebrated for her poignant performances. Through her company, Sacred Dance Path, Karyne leads women globally into embodiment and healing journeys.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Before we dive into the main focus of our interview, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your childhood backstory?
Thank you for having me! My journey with dance began at age 3, dancing on a table-top at the Bahooka Restaurant in El Monte, California. As an adopted Mexican/Italian child with a cowboy father from Wyoming and a Puerto Rican mother from Brooklyn, I grew up in a rich cultural mosaic. This diverse background, coupled with early experiences of both rejection and pure love, deeply influenced my path. I began formal training in Polynesian dance at age 5 and was later inspired by black social dance from shows like Soul Train. My professional career took off at 18 with a dance job in Japan. Despite facing challenges and burnout, I found redemption through sacred dance in Maui, blending hula, interpretive movement, and prayer. Today, my dance is a soulful blend of Polynesian and Sacred Interpretive dance, reflecting my deep connection with God and my life’s journey.
What or who inspired you to pursue your career? We’d love to hear the story.
I believe that I was born to dance; it was a gift I was given, and my parents saw this and nurtured it from a very young age. My first inspiration came from within — an innate calling that connected deeply with my soul. This calling was first expressed when I climbed onto a table at the age of 3 and began dancing to Hawaiian music in a Polynesian-themed restaurant. My parents, recognizing this spark, encouraged and supported my passion for dance.
My formal training began at the age of 5 in a local hula studio. My teacher, Maile Zousa, was an enchanting figure whose grace and skill captivated me. Her undulating movements and poetic hula hands were mesmerizing and made me realize the profound beauty and storytelling power of dance.
Another significant influence was the vibrant world of black social dance. Shows like Soul Train were my Saturday morning rituals, and the dancers on these shows were my idols. They introduced me to the soulful rhythms and expressive freedom that would later become integral to my unique dance style.
At 18, I got my first professional break in Japan, which was a pivotal moment. This experience broadened my horizons and solidified my commitment to dance as my life’s work. My mentor, Marcea Lane, further inspired me with her technical brilliance and dedication. She taught me discipline, technique, and the art of choreography, shaping me into the dancer I am today.
Through every stage of my journey, from my early influences to my professional breakthroughs, dance has been my guiding light. It has been both a refuge and a way to connect deeply with others and myself. My parents’ support and the mentors who inspired me have all played crucial roles in nurturing this divine gift, allowing me to transform it into a lifelong career and a sacred path.
None of us can achieve success without some help along the way. Was there a particular person who you feel gave you the most help or encouragement to be who you are today? Can you share a story about that?
My first dance mentor, Maile Souza, played a pivotal role in my journey. From the age of five through sixteen, she was my guiding dance light, teaching me the art of Polynesian dance. To me, she was like a goddess — beautiful, eloquent in her movements, with a soothing and welcoming smile. Her artistic ability captivated me, and despite not having any Polynesian heritage, the dance itself called to me deeply.
The music, the vibrant costumes, the rhythms, and the storytelling quality of the dances all inspired me. Under Maile’s tutelage, I discovered my own capabilities in dance. I learned to pick up movements and execute them with confidence, which built my belief in myself. This foundation was crucial for my career, as it gave me faith that I could build a future in dance.
The years of study with Maile taught me so much about myself and laid the groundwork for everything I have achieved since. Her influence is still evident in my work today, and I continue to benefit from the lessons and confidence she instilled in me during those formative years.
Can you share the funniest or most interesting mistake that occurred to you in the course of your career? What lesson or take away did you learn from that?
In my 20s and early 30s, I was a go-go dancer at some of the hottest nightclubs in Los Angeles and Orange County, like The Palace, The Roxy, Prince’s nightclub The Mayan, and Metropolis. I was known for my freestyle abilities, but one night, I made a classic rookie mistake — I wore the wrong shoes!
I had just bought a shiny new pair of boots and, in my infinite wisdom, decided to debut them during a two-hour freestyle session. Picture this: I’m up on a platform, grooving non-stop to whatever beats the DJ throws my way. About a quarter of the way through, my toes started to feel sore. By halfway, they were screaming, “What have you done to us?” Three-quarters in, I could barely move, resorting to upper body dancing like a robot stuck in molasses. By the end of my set, I was limping off the platform, my toes throbbing and bruised for weeks.
The lesson? Never, ever break in new shoes during a performance! Always give them a good test run first. I learned that the hard way, but it gave me a good laugh (and some funky dance moves that relied heavily on arm movements)!
Is there a particular book that made a significant impact on you? Can you share a story or explain why it resonated with you so much?
In the early 90s, I read “Women Who Run with the Wolves: Myths and Stories of the Wild Woman Archetype” by Clarissa Pinkola Estés. This book resonated deeply with me, granting me permission to embrace the wild, uninhibited, raw, and authentic part of my soul. At that time in my life, it was exactly what I needed to hear. The way Clarissa wrote was enthralling, poetic, and soulful, speaking to me on a profound level. It made me love being a woman and inspired me to live more authentically. I still cherish that book to this day.
Can you share your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Why does that resonate with you so much?
My favorite life lesson quote is one I created: “Dance like God is watching.” There’s a popular quote that says, “Dance like nobody’s watching,” but I believe in dancing like God is watching. I use this quote at the beginning of my dance classes to set the tone and encourage my students to tap into a higher power. This quote also helps me stay grounded and avoid superficiality in my work and life. Living as if God is watching guides our decisions and movements, ensuring we act with integrity and purpose.
What are some of the most interesting or exciting projects you are working on now? How do you think that might help people?
I am really excited about my speaker training program called Spotlight, where I am being trained to become a public speaker for platforms such as TEDx, women’s events, and conferences. My vision is to speak worldwide about Sacred Dance and how it benefits the full-body wellness of women. Additionally, I’m working on my first book, a dance devotional that includes 52 weeks of dance devotions and movement activations.
I also love my online dance program for women, which takes place during the new moon and full moon windows each month. This program is filled with delicious movement that provides full-body wellness and embodied joy. I believe all my work serves a purpose, whether it’s upgrading my skills, putting my wisdom into book form, or teaching in real-time. Ultimately, my work aims to heal and enlighten women to their full-body wellness capabilities and potential. I love what I do!
OK, thank you for all of that. Let’s now shift to the core focus of our interview. In this interview series we’d like to discuss cultivating wellness habits in four areas of our lives: Mental wellness, Physical wellness, Emotional wellness, & Spiritual wellness. Let’s dive deeper into these together. Based on your research or experience, can you share with our readers three good habits that can lead to optimum mental wellness?
1. Dance as an Antidote for Depression
For 15 years, I struggled with depression and relied on antidepressants. However, I decided to transition to an all-natural approach, replacing medication with a dedicated dance practice. Dance became my therapy, allowing me to express my emotions, release stress, and connect with my inner joy. The transformation was profound — I have never been happier. Dance offers a powerful, natural remedy for depression, providing a sense of freedom and exhilaration that can uplift the spirit and improve mental well-being.
2. Living a Life of Faith
A dedicated life of faith and belief in God has been essential for my mental wellness. This practice replaces worry with worship, doubt with devotion, pain with purpose, hurt with healing, and loss with love. By anchoring myself in faith, I find strength and resilience to face life’s challenges. For instance, during difficult times, turning to prayer and worship helps me shift my focus from anxiety to trust in a higher power, providing a sense of peace and clarity.
3. Pursuits with Purpose
Engaging in purposeful pursuits is like a waterfall upon one’s mental health. Living a life that serves a higher calling and benefits others brings immense fulfillment. For over 40 years, I have taught dance to children, particularly hula, and witnessed the joy and celebration erupt in each one of them. Through teaching, I’ve imparted the spirit of Aloha, helping children learn to love one another with a heart of Aloha. Dance class became an incubator for character development, where children learned to work together, support each other, and cultivate love and respect. This sense of purpose, seeing the positive impact on the children, fuels my soul and underscores the importance of living a meaningful, service-oriented life.
Do you have a specific type of meditation practice or Yoga practice that you have found helpful? We’d love to hear about it.
Yes, I do! I practice sacred dance and meditative dance religiously. Sacred dance is a profound way for me to communicate with God, focusing on our Creator through movement. It allows me to reach my heart up to heaven, pray, worship, and release my faith. It’s a spiritual practice that helps me feel connected and grounded in my faith.
Meditative dance, on the other hand, is a modality where I turn inward, seeking answers and clarity. It involves moving while meditating, opening my heart and mind to the movement of God within me. This practice allows the spirit of the Lord to reveal insights, instructions, and revelations. Both forms of dance offer a holistic approach to wellness, blending physical movement with spiritual and emotional healing.
Thank you for that. Can you share three good habits that can lead to optimum physical wellness? Please share a story or example for each.
1. The Importance of Movement and Dance
Habit: Incorporating regular movement and dance into your daily routine can significantly enhance physical wellness & joy.
Example: Dance has been a pivotal part of my physical wellness. It’s not just an art form but a dynamic workout that engages the entire body. For instance, my Sacred Dance Path sessions during the new moon and full moon windows provide an opportunity for women to not only move their body creatively, but to also incorporate prayer and meditation. Over the years, I’ve witnessed countless women experience a “DANCEFORMATION”, along with increased vitality and joy. Dance contributes to the mind-body-spirit wellness..and it’s FUN!
2. Living a Life of Faith
Habit: Cultivating a life of faith can significantly impact your physical wellness by reducing stress and promoting a sense of peace and purpose.
Example: My faith is the cornerstone of my overall wellness. Living my life in oneness with God births mental and spiritual alignment and reduces stress, which has profound effects on physical health. For example, I begin each day with The Lord’s Prayer. After breakfast, I go for a walk in meditation in nature for about 40 minutes where I walk and talk to God directly.This practice sets the tone for my day, creating a harmonious start that fosters both mental peace and physical vitality.
3. Holistic Nutrition, Hydration, and Sleep
Habit: Maintaining a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and getting adequate sleep are fundamental to physical wellness.
Example: Alongside my dance and movement practices, I emphasize the importance of holistic nutrition, hydration, and proper rest. Eating a balanced diet rich in whole foods, fruits, and vegetables fuels my body for demanding physical activities. Occasionally, as I feel led by the spirit, I will engage in a fasting protocol by either fasting one meal or an entire day as a way to reset my system. Staying hydrated is crucial; I ensure I drink plenty of water doused with minerals throughout the day, especially before and after dance sessions. Additionally, prioritizing sleep is essential, with my personal flow being early to bed, early to rise. Adequate rest allows the body to recover, repair, and rejuvenate. These practices are essential and non-negotiable.
Do you have any particular thoughts about healthy eating? We all know that it’s important to eat more vegetables, eat less sugar, etc. But while we know it intellectually, it’s often difficult to put it into practice and make it a part of our daily habits. In your opinion what are the main blockages that prevent us from taking the information that we all know, and integrating it into our lives?
Once you develop a strong, healthy value system rooted in self-love, many of the blockages to healthy eating tend to dissolve. I’ve reached a point where I love who I am so much that I refuse to put anything in my body that doesn’t serve me well. In fact, I can’t remember the last time I ate out at a restaurant! I love the food I make so much that I prefer to eat my meals at home rather than consuming food prepared by strangers.
Self-love creates a mindset where making healthier choices becomes second nature. When you truly value yourself, it becomes easier to prioritize nourishing foods and avoid those that are harmful. This shift in perspective helps to overcome the common blockages such as convenience, emotional eating, and lack of motivation. A healthy dose of self-love empowers you to make changes that might have seemed difficult in the past, leading to a more consistent and mindful approach to healthy eating.
Can you share three good habits that can lead to optimum emotional wellness? Please share a story or example for each.
Emotions are a tool and a gauge for us, but we should not live from the center of our emotions as a roadmap. Allowing the emotions to have a healthy space to express themselves can lead us to find the deeper answers within situations we face, and the people we interact with.
1. Don’t Take Things Personally
Habit: Living in a state of grace allows us to give others room to reveal who they are without attaching ourselves to what they project.
Example: People are flawed and imperfect, just as we are. When we stop taking things personally, we create a space for grace and understanding. For instance, when someone lashes out, it’s often more about their own pain than anything related to us. The phrase “hurt people hurt people” is true, but so is the idea that “healed people help heal wounded people.” By not taking things personally, we can move gracefully in the dance of life, responding with compassion rather than reacting with hurt.
2. Anger Can Be Healthy
Habit: Using anger as a tool to identify and address issues rather than letting it consume you.
Example: Anger, when experienced healthily, can signal that something is out of order and needs attention. For example, when I feel anger rising, I ask myself, “What is this anger trying to teach me right now? Is there information I’m missing? How can I bring peace to this situation?” By viewing anger as a teacher rather than an enemy, I’ve been able to uncover solutions and bring about positive change in difficult situations. Instead of letting anger get the best of you, work with it to bring the best out of challenging circumstances.
3. Questions Are Doorways
Habit: Asking the right questions to unlock new insights and solutions.
Example: There is always more that we do not see. Unrevealed information can cause stress, frustration, and emotional turmoil. By asking the right questions, we can unlock doorways to new insights, revelations, and answers. For instance, in a particularly challenging situation, a simple, well-placed question to the right person can transform frustration into understanding. This practice not only reduces anxiety but also opens up possibilities for growth and resolution.
Do you have any particular thoughts about the power of smiling to improve emotional wellness? We’d love to hear it.
Absolutely, I do! Smiling is a huge part of my work as a dance leader. I often encourage my students to smile while dancing, even if they don’t feel inclined to do so. The act of smiling itself exudes a vibration and energy that is very transformative. Smiling is like faith in action; it is a statement and a reflection of one’s heart.
I have a personal history with the power of smiling. As a child, youth, and young adult, I rarely smiled. People often told me, “You should smile more, you’re so pretty, why don’t you smile?” This used to annoy me, but they didn’t know that I suffered from depression. In my mid-40s, I healed from this depression, largely through my profession of dance. It was then that I began to incorporate my smile into my dance, and I truly began to see a transformation.
Now, I inspire my students to apply their smiles as well. Smiling while dancing creates a positive feedback loop, enhancing not just their emotional wellness but also their overall energy and presence. It’s a small but powerful practice that can lead to significant improvements in how we feel and interact with the world.
Finally, can you share three good habits that can lead to optimum spiritual wellness? Please share a story or example for each.
1. Spiritual Leadership
Habit: Cultivating relationships with mentors and spiritual leaders to draw from their wisdom and guidance.
Example: Everyone should have a pool of mentors and spiritual leaders to draw from. I have several spiritual leaders that I follow online, and I religiously listen to their talks and weekly messages to keep my spirit refueled and fortified. Additionally, I attend church in my community regularly to be under the tutelage of my pastor and to fellowship with like-minded believers. This consistent engagement with spiritual leaders helps to keep my faith strong and provides me with continual spiritual nourishment.
2. Private and Intimate Relationship with God
Habit: Engaging in daily devotions and living a life led by the spirit.
Example: I maintain a private and intimate relationship with God through my daily devotions and religious practices. I live my life led by the spirit, always tuned in and receptive to what the spirit might be saying or teaching me. By constantly checking in with the spirit inside me, I gain instructions and direction. This practice ensures that my decisions and actions are aligned with my faith, providing me with a deep sense of purpose and clarity.
3. Living a Clean and Drug-Free Life
Habit: Maintaining a clean and drug-free lifestyle to keep the body and mind clear for spiritual connection.
Example: I live a clean and drug-free existence, which keeps my system clear of any debris, allowing me to hear God without obstruction. The Bible says we are the temple of the Holy Spirit, and we are to keep our temple clean, pure, and holy so that the Holy Spirit has a comfortable place to dwell. This lifestyle choice not only enhances my physical health but also strengthens my spiritual connection, making it easier to receive and understand divine guidance.
Do you have any particular thoughts about how being “in nature” can help us to cultivate spiritual wellness?
As a Polynesian dancer for most of my life, I have always been deeply in tune with the elements of nature, as this style of dance often mimics natural movements. Hula, in particular, flows with movements that resemble earth, wind, water, and fire. As a Kumu Hula (hula teacher), I often hold classes by the ocean, where my students and I can perform this beautiful dance amidst the natural surroundings and connect with the power of creation.
Dancing with bare feet on the land, accompanied by the sounds of nature all around us, allows us to move in oneness with the beauty and breath of life. This experience is otherworldly and profoundly nourishing to the soul. It fosters a deep sense of peace, connection, and clarity that is difficult to achieve elsewhere. I believe everyone should experience this in their lifetime, as it offers a unique way to cultivate spiritual wellness through a direct and intimate connection with nature.
Ok, we are nearly done. You are a person of great influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good for the greatest number of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger.
If I could inspire a movement to bring the most good to the greatest number of people, it would be the “Dance of Life Movement.” This initiative would use dance as a universal language to promote healing, connection, and joy. By establishing global dance programs in natural settings and online platforms, we would encourage people to engage in dance for mental, physical, and spiritual wellness. Participants would experience the transformative power of dance, connect deeply with nature, and express their spirituality through movement. The movement would also include educational and mentorship programs to nurture future generations of dancers, fostering a global community united by the rhythm of life.
We are very blessed that some of the biggest names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US, whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we both tag them :-)
I would love to meet one of my mentors and online pastors Erwin Raphael McManus. His style, personality, and way of teaching about the creativity of God has moved me and changed me. His leadership has instructed me to become the woman I am today, which then overflows into the art I create.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
Monthly Women’s Online Dance: https://www.sacreddancepath.org/moondance
Website: https://www.sacreddancepath.org
FB: https://www.facebook.com/karyne.daniels
IG: https://www.instagram.com/sacred_dance_path
Thank you for these really excellent insights, and we greatly appreciate the time you spent with this. We wish you continued success.
It was my honor to share my experience and wisdom. Thank you so much for this opportunity!
