Meet Ana Miranda
What is your name and title? Ana Miranda, dance/movement therapist, Child Life department
What do you do at Broward Health? I work for the Salah Foundation Children's Hospital providing dance/movement therapy services to pediatric in-patients within the Child Life department. Dance/movement therapy supports the emotional, physical, social and cognitive needs of our pediatric patients through a movement-based modality that provides coping strategies and an outlet for self-expression. I also support Child Life services in department initiatives and collaborate with the music and art therapy.
Describe the moment you knew you wanted to be a dance therapist? I was a dancer and my undergraduate degree was in psychology. I was interested in the healing aspects of dance. I saw a dance therapist in action and knew I wanted to go to graduate school and study dance/movement therapy.
What motivates you to come to work each day? I am motivated by the opportunity to improve the quality of life of our patients and families, softening the stress of hospitalization and helping them discover new ways of coping.
What is your favorite Broward Health moment? The best moments are when children reconnect with the healthy side of themselves, finding sparks of joy and vitality in their body and spirit.
What do you find most fascinating about the work you do? The most fascinating part of the work is that it is never the same. I don't teach dance, I start with the patient’s comfort level and follow their lead. I make suggestions and let them guide the sessions. In this way, I am constantly learning from our patients what helps them cope and find meaning or joy.
What is your favorite type of dance? I have been involved in many forms of dance: ballet, modern, jazz. As a Cuban American, I grew up with Latin dance. For many years I was a professional Flamenco dancer. Right now, I am doing swing dance! I will never stop dancing.
What do you do at Broward Health? I work for the Salah Foundation Children's Hospital providing dance/movement therapy services to pediatric in-patients within the Child Life department. Dance/movement therapy supports the emotional, physical, social and cognitive needs of our pediatric patients through a movement-based modality that provides coping strategies and an outlet for self-expression. I also support Child Life services in department initiatives and collaborate with the music and art therapy.
Describe the moment you knew you wanted to be a dance therapist? I was a dancer and my undergraduate degree was in psychology. I was interested in the healing aspects of dance. I saw a dance therapist in action and knew I wanted to go to graduate school and study dance/movement therapy.
What motivates you to come to work each day? I am motivated by the opportunity to improve the quality of life of our patients and families, softening the stress of hospitalization and helping them discover new ways of coping.
What is your favorite Broward Health moment? The best moments are when children reconnect with the healthy side of themselves, finding sparks of joy and vitality in their body and spirit.
What do you find most fascinating about the work you do? The most fascinating part of the work is that it is never the same. I don't teach dance, I start with the patient’s comfort level and follow their lead. I make suggestions and let them guide the sessions. In this way, I am constantly learning from our patients what helps them cope and find meaning or joy.
What is your favorite type of dance? I have been involved in many forms of dance: ballet, modern, jazz. As a Cuban American, I grew up with Latin dance. For many years I was a professional Flamenco dancer. Right now, I am doing swing dance! I will never stop dancing.