“When we become disembodied from our emotions to the point that we don’t recognise which physical feelings are connected to which emotional feelings, We don’t gain control. We lose it.”
Brené Brown / Dare to Lead
The Facilitator Chara & The Vision of CMC
Our facilitator, Chara, embodies a transformative healing journey that highlights the profound impact of dance and resilience.
In 2011, she set out on a brave adventure, moving from Taiwan to Melbourne with a heart full of dreams and a passion for dance. At 24, she immersed herself in the vibrant world of Latin dancing, competing and performing with an exuberant spirit. By night, she dazzled as a showgirl, living a life of rhythm and grace. Yet, her world took an unexpected turn in 2015 when injuries and the demands of studying led her to step away from her beloved dance.
The year 2020 brought a storm of challenges. Amid a global pandemic, the hardship from the long-term relationship, career uncertainties, and health struggles, Chara was adrift in a sea of despair. It was in this crucible of chaos that she turned back to dance, not as a performer but as a healer for her wounded soul. With mindful movement and dance practice, she began to reclaim her sense of self and control, finding solace and strength through her body’s expressive language.
This newfound inner strength gave Chara the courage to leave an abusive relationship in 2022. Her journey of healing led her to a realization: To heal from the trauma and integrate as a whole, we need a deep connection between our body, emotions, and psychological well-being. Driven by this insight, she pursued a path of studying emotions, body language, and the therapeutic power of dance movement.
Today, Chara resides in the serene countryside of Kinglake, Victoria, where she is creating a sanctuary of healing—a studio set amidst the farmland, where she continues personal and professional growth. Her experiences and the kindness she received have ignited a desire to give back.
Thus, the Creative Movement Circle was born. This wellness studio is a beacon of hope, designed to expand body language and gain self-awareness through mindful movement. Each event is a carefully crafted blend of Dance Movement Therapy methods, incorporating talking, sensing, moving, journaling, and creative expression through art and sound. Chara’s mission is to highlight the crucial role of emotional literacy and body awareness. These are often overlooked factors that can prevent domestic violence and improve mental health.
Chara believes in the inherent healing potential within each individual and the significant benefits of nurturing our well-being through body movement.
Besides DMT, she also regularly practices Mediation, 5 Rhythms, Fusion Belly dance and Brazilian Zouk dance. Chara just finished two years of studying dance movement therapy in 2024! She will continue working toward completing her qualification as a dance movement therapist in 2025. As an intuitive dancer, Chara also aims to perform Fusion Belly Dance in 2025 to share her passion for dance with a wider audience.
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2024 Mitcham Community House / Assist Anjali’s DMT Group
2023-24 OC Connection Disability Center / Assist Teri’s DMT Group
2023-24 Natalie Poole DMTx5Rhythms / Crew member
2023-24 Brazouky Dance Festival / Volunteer
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2023 -2025 Diploma of Dance Movement Therapy / Dance Therapy Training Aotearoa
2015 -2017 Master of Commerce / RMIT
2005 -2009 Bachelor of Fashion Desgin / Shih Chien
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2012 Australia Sala Solo / Amateur Latin Solo 3rd Place / Amateur Latin Team 2nd Place
2013 Australia Sala Solo / Latin Pro/Am VIC state 2nd Place / Latin Solo VIC state 3rd Place / Latin Pro/Am National 3rd Place
2014 Australia Latin Championships VIC State / Brazillian Zouk Pro/Am 2nd Place
2011 to 2014 Full-Time Showgirl