Testimonials

“Time and time again, Donnella is able to see right to the root of any tension, restriction, or pain in my body and then work with me in ways that fit my body and personality. Her style is gentle, compassionate, and supportive. Donnella’s creativity and dedication helps me to understand and transform chronic problems. I have sought help from a wide variety of movement specialists over the last thirty years, Donnella is by far the most skillful and effective practitioner I have found. " Anusuya Howe

“At the time I began with Donnella I had constant pain due to a severe spinal condition and surgery. I was also processing enormous grief stemming for my partner being significantly injured in a car accident. Donnella not only helped me overcome my physical pain and movement limitation, she supported my processing the grief from my partner's accident that had locked itself in my body.  I worked with her weekly for some time and noted quick improvement. I looked forward to each session. By the end of the series I had almost no pain and was doing modern dance again. Walking was no longer painful- it was delicious”. Eleanor

“My sessions with Donnella are magical. Her knowledge and finesse opens a pathway for me to mend what is painful and raw. Each session I experience a hidden aspect of my body-mind.. After years of traditional ‘talk therapy’ I’d learned to label my emotional unpinning. Yet sadly, this knowledge did not diminish the pain. I wanted real change and Donnella’s insight, knowledge, training and experience allows a body-based approach which trumps years of talk therapy."

“Donnella has taught me how to pay attention to, trust, and work with my body’s signals. As a result, my nervous system is much less reactive. People and social situations that used to trigger physical sensations of panic no longer do. I no longer take any psychoactive medications. I no longer wake up at 3am with flashback nightmares. When I am triggered, I have the ability to recognize what is going on, both emotionally and physically, and I now have some skills that help me work with the situation in a way that doesn’t increase my pain and suffering. I now move through my life with a much greater sense of ease.”

“Donnella answers the “but how do I do that?” Her clear, yet intuitive approach has helped me sort out the mysteries of my particular body and the “how” of getting it to do what I want for Tango & life. This work has created a quantum leap in my dance and body.  Laurel Leverton

For much of my lifetime I was not present in my body.  I was wandering in different suits that either crippled my spirit, or covered my crippling. Donnella has helped me open door ways and find keys to other doorways that allow me to access my heart, guts, creativity, courage, intuition, and love.  Windy

"After suffering a back injury years ago, I spent thousands of dollars on chiropractic and other kinds of care... I am finally finding relief... I love discovering how my body has moved in the past, and now it is literally reshaping itself and moving through the world in a more relaxed and natural way." Sue Prindle

"I am impressed with Donnella's ability to pay close attention to the needs of my body by deeply listening to me and observing my  body movement. She allows me to take the lead while offering guidance and affirmation. As a result of our work, I move more freely and have a heightened awareness of my body." Mary

"The work I have done with Donnella has had a noticeable impact on every physical activity I participate in." Tom Stibolt

"Working with Donnella has helped me reclaim my body - to learn to trust it - to feel at home with every aspect of it." Judy Smith

"I have never seen such quick and noticeable improvement in Tango dancers as I have witnessed with the students that have worked with Donnella.” Alex Krebs

"My work with Donnella has given me some extraordinary insights into my own body mechanics and some wonderful new ways to approach integration in the dance. Not only has her keen movement analysis helped rid me of pain in my lower back, it has greatly enhanced my understanding of posture and alignment, both personal and in the tango connection. I can’t recommend her highly enough." Steven Payne

"I have enjoyed moving with Donnella for the past 15 years and have never tired of her fresh approach to keep me moving.  She challenges me to move just past my comfort zone physically and mentally.  I sometimes think I can't do that, but her guidance always makes it easier than I imagine.  It also gives me a great foundation for any other movement class I've added to my workout." Karen Erde

"Donnella uses her personal warmth and extensive knowledge about the body to teach and guide students through movement experiences that lead to greater integration and body knowing.  For me this has translated in more ease and delight in my movement and my being. As a cyclist, I use what I learn in her classes constantly to help with strength building, and connecting through my core. As a human being I use what I learn in my personal interactions and professional development." Kate