“I was a 9/11 rescuer diagnosed with several 9/11 related medical issues as well as cancer and PTSD. Over these past 20 years I have done all sorts of things to help me feel grounded and whole again. I was in therapy for 20 years and still didn’t feel grounded. I meditate 2 times a day and have been doing this since 1995. After being hospitalized in September and October of 2021 I decided I needed to venture out more and look for something deeper, something related to two things I loved and took for granted; dancing and music, something that I have been exposed to all of my life and had a passion for but never thought much about.

I found a local drum circle. I attended a few gatherings and loved it. I felt alive!! I loved it so much I wanted to learn to play so I purchased drums and took lessons. Each time I attended the drum circle I felt better and better. I could not stop smiling. The sense of calm that came over me was something I had not felt since I was in my 20’s. Then I found that there were dance classes available to me. African Dance Classes being given by Nikkani who has over 25 years experience in dance. I started taking her classes once a week. Nikkani is a wonderful dance instructor. Her classes are lively, energetic and vibrant. By the end of her class my confidence was better. I knew a part of a real African dance and looked forward to learning more. She is easy to follow and patient. Dancing is an amazing workout because I see the results right away each night when I learn a new routine.

I was so taken by how I felt in mind and body that I decided to research the science behind it all and found that there is tangible evidence that supports everything I have felt and experienced, especially from both drumming and dance. Dance along with drumming helps me feel grounded. I felt alive and complete. I felt whole again. I was so taken by how I felt that I decided to look further into the effects of drumming and dancing on my mind and body.

I was amazed to find out that these two things were not only great for me physically but that they actually do something to my brain, they help release endorphins, increase awareness and made my balance and coordination better. The cardio benefits are also real in that dancing, African dance is just as good if not better than high impact cardio workout but does not feel as strenuous. I feel more relaxed after I dance which I now incorporate into drumming. My body feels stronger. I have more energy. My confidence has increased as well. I feel stronger and more toned too.

I highly recommend dancing, especially with Nikkani. The benefits are amazing and the results very real.

Thank you Nikkanni for being such a great dance instructor. “

– JVL

“I have tremendous admiration for Nikkanni Shawishi, as I have personally participated in various programs utilizing creative movement, call/ response singing, and rhythmic instrument playing. Her creativity has meshed several modalities of vibrations produced by each participant to elicit unity, synchrony, and personal health through the senses of touch, sight, and auditory participation.

Nikkanni’s continual diversified implementation of solid programming for children through seniors is strong evidence of Nakkanni’s vision of need and passion for her art. A huge kudos to her for embracing this endeavor with such vigor!

– N.Rabe Cogsil, Registered and Board Certified Music Therapist and K-12 Music

Educator

“I’m an artist and an art educator with over 25 yrs of experience. I suffer from an autoimmune disease which flares up occasionally. During my last flare up, which lasted over a year, I felt like giving up. Thankfully I found drumming and it gave gave me something to look forward to. It got me out of bed on days I was unable

to function and returned home happy and with a sense of purpose. Drumming is cathartic, it makes me forget about all my problems, it engages my brain and body, it connects me to the universe, it grounds me to Mother Earth and fills me with endorphins. I have found such joy in drumming I will never give it up.”

– Anonymous

“Drumming is my soul. It takes me where I need to go. I would recommend drumming to anyone that wants to improve their mental health”

– David H, Social Worker / drum enthusiast(no title)

“Drumming is my soul. It takes me where I need to go. I would recommend drumming to anyone that wants to improve their mental health”

– David H, Social Worker / drum enthusiast(no title)