Interview with Antonija Barišić
Dance has been a fundamental part of human culture and expression for centuries, serving as a bridge between body, mind, and spirit. For many, it’s more than just movement—it’s a transformative experience that connects us with our inner selves and helps release emotions and traumas that words alone cannot convey. In this interview, we speak with Antonija Barišić, a passionate dance instructor and enthusiast, who shares her insights on the healing power of dance. Currently leading workshops at the “Celebrate Life” festival, Antonija delves into her journey with dance, the importance of overcoming barriers, and the profound impact that dance can have on personal growth and emotional well-being.
The Awakening Times (TAT): Welcome, Antonija, and thank you for joining us. Could you share some details about the workshops you’ll be leading during the festival?
Antonija Barišić (AB): This is my first year at the “Celebrate Life” festival, and although we’ve just begun, I’m already delighted. We started with morning stretching workshops, which I personally love because stretching is crucial in dance. It also ties into all the other workshops I’ll be leading at the festival. In addition to morning stretching, I’ll be teaching Reggaeton and Bachata—both vibrant Latin American dance styles.
TAT: What does dance mean to you, and how has it influenced the person you are today?
AB: For me, dance is like entering another dimension. I believe we are all inherently connected to dance, which is why we feel such a strong pull toward it. Sometimes, however, we encounter obstacles—like shame or fear—that prevent us from expressing ourselves fully. This is when we might say things like, “I’m not a dancer” or “I don’t like dancing,” but those are just barriers we haven’t yet overcome within ourselves.
I did most of my personal growth through dance. I’ve always loved dancing, even as a little girl, but I was extremely shy and self-conscious. It took time, but I eventually found the courage to start. In dance, especially during performances and choreographies, the real connection is with oneself—that’s the essence of it. Dance harmonizes the mind and spirit, allowing us to focus on our movements while listening to the music, creating an entirely different world. Anyone who dances will understand that moment when we stop thinking and simply let ourselves move to the music—that’s when we truly feel it.
It’s important to realize that dance itself is never to blame for any negative feelings we may have. We need to reject those imposed ideas like, “I’m not doing this well enough” or “I’m not technically perfect.” Every movement is connected to the self, and that makes it good enough.
Each dance style has its own unique charm. I practice many different styles, and in each, the crucial element is that moment when we let go and infuse our own personality into the movement. That’s how we express our authenticity. Even when watching others dance, unless it’s a competition, we’re not focused on technical perfection—we’re captivated by their expression.
When we dance, we create a unique energy, a world that we share with or transmit to the audience. That’s something truly special. I encourage everyone to dance. Try it! Put on some music and dance, whether it’s in your living room or even in the shower. We all love music and movement. There are no limitations—everyone can dance, from babies to the elderly.
TAT: Can dance serve as a channel for healing trapped emotions or traumas? Could you share some of your experiences with this?
AB: Absolutely. Dance is deeply linked to healing. Throughout my training and from the very beginning of my dance journey, I’ve experienced significant personal growth. I used to be too shy to speak, let alone dance in front of others. But that fear of public performance gradually disappeared through dance. Dance fosters a sense of togetherness and connection. Every coach you work with guides you, and in life, we are always guided by someone. For me, it was dance coaches who facilitated my personal development. Building self-confidence is a step-by-step process.
I’ve experienced and released all kinds of emotions through dance—fear, shame… I would question myself, “Why am I afraid to do this?” or “Why can’t I do that?” Even on a physical level, emotions are often stored in our bodies, causing us to tense up—like when our shoulders hunch forward. But in dance, we open up in every sense. We open ourselves to the world and to who we truly are.
Dancing will change you for the better, no matter the moment. I encourage everyone to try it—just dance for five minutes a day, alone, and see what transformations occur.
