LAURA McCaughey understands how depression can take hold when you least expect it – and the power of dance as a healing method.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
She now wants to bring her message of “joy, light and love” to wider Launceston.
After a successful career as a champion bike rider, Ms McCaughey became a firefighter but encountered a series of challenging situations.
She said it was a tough time – but ultimately it was a blessing.
“[I] went through just a little patch where I went through a lot of road crash rescues and traumas that sent me on an interesting path. That was a path that put me through a deep depression,” Ms McCaughey said.
“It was the best gift that could have happened to me because it sent me on a healing path.
“I’ve been away for the last couple of years learning a lot of modalities, doing a lot of dancing, singing and playing, and being joyful.”
She found that dance was the best medicine – and the more, the merrier.
Ms McCaughey has organised Dance Tribe, a night of beats and movements where people are free to dance to their heart’s content.
As a solo effort, she has been busy traversing Launceston to deliver her message of positivity, handing out flyers, chatting with people and making colourful chalk advertisements on the footpath.
She said Dance Tribe was a unique experiment, and it needed as many dancers as possible to be a success.
“Know that as you come and dance with us and liberate yourself, and feel good, and release all of the feel-good hormones, all the neuro chemicals, get your body moving, get the chi flowing through your body… youre also dancing to liberate others who may be in a darker place,” Ms McCaughey said.
“I realise we’re not here for ourselves, we’re here for each other.”
The event raises funds for CORES Australia – a Tasmania-based organisation that raises awareness of suicide prevention.
Dance Tribe will involve Japanese drummers and other music designed to get everybody on their feet.
Ms McCaughey hopes to make it a weekly event, but is hoping for a long-term sponsor to turn her dream into a reality.
Dance Tribe will run from 7pm to 9pm on Thursday at St Ailbes Hall, Margaret Street, Launceston. Entry is $20 per person.