A Marlow day In the life of...MARY NONDE of Dancing for Joy

By Lizstout | Sunday, June 26, 2011, 20:37

As part of our regular feature, we find out more about the local businesses and personalities that make Marlow tick.

Mary Nonde helps people of all ages express themselves confidently through dance.

This week, we meet Mary Nonde, Life Coach and dance-movement teacher at Dancing For Joy...

What does a typical day involve for you?

Dancing for Joy is my own dance company and I also run an executive life coaching business with my partner called Inspiring Enterprises. A typical working day has me up around 5.30 am to do my 'morning pages' - free-flow writing and drawing over a nice cup of tea, while the house is still quiet.

After I have taken my labrador for a walk in the woods, I often spend the rest of the morning at my desk, or I might have a networking one-to-one meeting to go to in town.

I usually teach a class in the afternoon or spend time with an individual client - this might be someone who wants to become a more confident social dancer and overcome their fear of getting up onto the dance floor. My classes are fun and creative - for both men and women - with lots of space for free movement and creative self-expression.

By the evening, particularly if I've spent too much time at my desk, I often take a class myself, like ballet, contemporary dance or pilates or I may go and sing with the Danesfield Ladies Choir.

What do you like best about your job?

The opportunity it gives me to move about a lot and the freedom of being able to have control over how I spend my day and with whom. I love helping people express themselves through dance - it makes my heart sing to see them moving with joy and freedom.

What frustrates you most (if anything?!)

When I have to switch between being a business woman and an artist too abruptly - it can leave me feeling out of sorts.

What do you love most about Marlow?

I love the proximity of both the river and infinite variety of woodland we have here. I also enjoy seeing all the period buildings in town and visiting our fabulous selection of coffee shops, restaurants and pubs. I feel proud to live here.

What's your favourite thing to do out and about in Marlow?

I like the simple things, like finding a different way to walk or cycle into town and seeing what - and who - I bump into along the way. I never get tired of that!

Mary Nonde

Dancing for Joy - Tel: 07827 017188