Meet M
MA Registered Dance and Movement Psychotherapist
My name is M Gallego and my journey to working with the body began at a very young age. Growing up I was involved in Street Hockey, Competitive Gymnastics for 7 years, Dance, Drumming, and anything that used my body to express itself. With a background in Drumming and Dance, I quickly discovered that these two elements were so important for healing, transforming and understanding myself better.
My education has been spread in many ways, with two AA degrees in Humanities and Behavioral Sciences to a BA in Religious Studies. With this background I was able to better explore my belief systems and the world views of others. During my education I managed a Ballroom Dance Studio through instructing and competing professionally with students. Being in close contact with beginners and meeting new students allowed me to see how dance became a therapeutic outlet for them after a long day of work. This inspired me to use dance as a connecting tool throughout the world and found myself an internship in London 2018.
After networking in London and meeting people who enjoyed the therapeutic medium of Dance, I decided to apply for a Masters degree in Dance and Movement Psychotherapy. Having studied in a foreign country during the Covid-19 Pandemic while being away from family was not easy, but it pushed me even harder to fulfill this degree and dream.
I believe understanding the bodies reactive and responsive states aligns the body and mind to become more able to connect with the self and others. My dream is to become the first DMP to connect Ballroom/Partner Dance to this therapeutic art, allowing others to connect again after spending countless of months without the human touch. Stay tuned and welcome to the world of M!
M's Background
Education
Pasadena City College - Pasadena, CA, USA
Associates Degree in Humanities and Behavioral and Social Science
Azusa Pacific University - Azusa CA, USA
Bachelors Degree in Religious Studies
University of Roehampton - London, United Kingdom
Masters Degree in Dance and Movement Psychotherapy
Other qualifications/courses:
African Drumming and Drum Therapy
Music Therapy
Art and Play Therapy
Other Expertise
Drummer:
- Experience for 20 years in Percussion,
African drumming, Snare drumming (Marching Band),
Drum kit and playing in multiple rock bands
Gymnastics:
- Experience in Competitive Gymnastics for 7 years
- Coached Gymnastics for 15 years
- Experience with ages 9 months to 16 years old
- Experience with developmental movement in parent/child classes
Dance Experience:
- Atheltic Garage Dance Team - Jazz, Lyrical
-Competed in Jazz, Lyrical, Hip-hop, Novelty, Ballet
- Music Video appearance for "Get My Name" - Mark Ballas
Volunteer Work
Down for Dance - Los Angeles, CA
-Dance Company for individuals with Down Syndrome (Hip- hop, Jazz, and Contemporary)
-Assisted in classes and assigned to help specific dancers perform their best
- Performed with group at end of year performance
Free 2 B me - Los Angeles, CA
-Dance Company for individuals with Down Syndrome (Ballet and Contemporary)
-Assisted in classes and assigned to help specific dancers perform their best
- Performed with group at end of year performance
City Internships - London, United Kingdom
-Non-profit for Women's Talk Therapy Group
-Social Media Intern for Cafe De Paris
Movement Works - London, United Kingdom
- Volunteer participant/observer in an Autism School District under the direction of the University of Roehampton
Dance and Movement Psychotherapist Trainee University of Roehampton, London, UK
- Community Drug and Recovery Center for Adults with Mental Health Support
- Facilitated Dance Psychotherapy group and 1-1 sessions
Dance and Movement Psychotherapist Trainee University of Roehampton, London, UK
- SEN school for young people with severe to moderate learning difficulties
- Facilitated Dance Psychotherapy group and 1-1 sessions
- Participated in school events