“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

Welcome to Embodied Movement.

I am Chara, a passionate Dance Movement Therapist and performer with experience across various dance styles.

My work focuses on harnessing the power of body language, emotional regulation techniques, and expressive movement to foster deeper connection and integration.

Dance Movement Therapy (DMT) is a unique form of psychotherapy that utilises nonverbal language to promote emotional, social, cognitive, and physical well-being. Through mindful and expressive movement, I help individuals connect with their emotions, enhance self-awareness, and build resilience to support somatic healing.

My Offerings

  • Interactive dance performances that engage and inspire audiences

  • Gentle & creative movement sessions for elders to encourage mobility and joy

  • Expressive & playful dance for children to build creativity and confidence

  • Group movement psychotherapy for emotional exploration and mental health support

  • Learning emotions through body movements – a structured approach to emotional literacy and body awareness

If you’re looking for someone who blends creativity, empathy, and therapeutic expertise to bring movement-based healing to diverse communities, I’d love to connect and explore how we can collaborate.

About Me

My Vision

My path to this work is deeply personal. As a survivor of domestic violence, I understand firsthand the complex emotions and challenges that come with trauma, isolation, and self-doubt. But it was through movement that I found my way back to myself — reclaiming my voice, rebuilding my confidence, and healing my heart one step at a time.

Embodied Movement was born from this lived experience. It’s not just a practice — it’s a calling. A space where emotions are honoured, bodies are listened to, and healing unfolds through compassionate movement.

My Journey

  • In 2011, I left Taiwan and moved to Melbourne with a heart full of dreams — but without speaking much English. It was terrifying to arrive in a new country, unable to communicate, feeling like a stranger not only to the world around me, but at times, to myself.

    But dance became my language.

    I immersed myself in the vibrant world of Latin dancing, performing and competing with passion. By night, I was a showgirl — expressing with my body what I couldn't yet say with words. Dance gave me a way to connect, to belong, and to be seen.

    In 2015, injuries from dancing and the pressures of academic life led me to step away from dance. I shifted my focus to building my life and career in Melbourne.

    The year 2020 brought a storm of challenges. Amid a global pandemic, the strain of a long-term relationship, career uncertainties, and health struggles, I found myself adrift in a sea of despair.

    It was in this crucible of chaos that I turned back to dance, not as a performer but as a healer for my broken soul. With expressive movement and dance practice, I began to reclaim my sense of self and control, finding solace and strength through my body language.

  • This newfound inner strength gave me the courage to leave an abusive relationship in 2022. My healing journey led me to a powerful realisation: To truly heal from trauma and become whole, we need a deep connection between the body, emotions, and psychological well-being.

    Driven by this insight, I began studying emotions, body language, and the therapeutic power of movement.

    My vision is simple, yet vital:

    To advocate for emotional education, body awareness, and holistic healing.

    I believe that inviting people to feel, express, and understand their emotions through movement can break behaviour pattern and foster healthier relationships with ourselves and others.

  • I support:

    • Children navigating ADHD, anxiety, or disabilities

    • Adults or elders facing health challenges, trauma, or emotional disconnection

    • Professional development in the emotion management

    My sessions can looks like as the following:

    • Interactive dance performances that engage and inspire audiences

    • Gentle & creative movement sessions for elders to encourage mobility and joy

    • Expressive & playful dance for children to build creativity and confidence

    • Group movement psychotherapy for emotional exploration and mental health support

    • Learning emotions through body movements – a structured approach to emotional literacy and body awareness

    • Delivering programs on emotional regulation, emotion management, and reflective journaling within both educational settings and corporate wellness initiatives.

  • 2025

    • Women’s Retreat in Kinglake

    • Conscious Movement in Brunswick

    • Monthly “Master Emotions Through Movement” Group

    • Mindful Movement at Kinglake Community House

    • Intensive Children’s Therapy Program at St Kilda Primary School

    2024

    • Weekly Therapeutic Movement Practice Group

    • Women’s Circle in Kinglake

  • Working With Children Check (WWCC)

    NDIS Worker Screening Check

    2025 Registered Dance Movement Therapist at DTAA

    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

  • 2025 Fusion Belly Performer at Community Festival in Healesville

    2024 Brazilian Zouk Flash Mob

    2011 to 2014 Full-Time Showgirl

    2014 Australia Latin Championships VIC State / Brazillian Zouk Pro/Am 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

    2012 Australia Sala Solo / Amateur Latin Solo 3rd Place / Amateur Latin Team 2nd Place

My Protfolio