Meet Mimi Ferrie | Dancer & Arts in Health Practitioner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mimi Ferrie and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mimi, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
Many of us have experienced the benefits of arts engagement and participation, but outsiders may not be aware of the breadth and depth of health benefits. When thinking about our collective work towards health equity, artists embrace the complexity of the human condition and remind us of what is good and beautiful. Numerous studies have shown that the arts support physical and mental health, child development, support chronic illness, break down stigmas and heal trauma. It builds autonomy, confidence, and purpose, nurtures cultural identity and builds social connection for community led change-making. There are artists all over our community centering health promotion in their values and mission.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

The creation of Anima Arts was really about bringing my passions for dance, education and health equity together. With twenty years in traditional dance education settings I found myself asking….

How can I make movement classes more culturally affirming, more accessible physically, mentally and financially?
How can I create opportunities for families to move together in meaningful ways?
How can I utilize the power of the arts as a conduit for community strength and social action?
How can I advocate for embodied learning in traditional school settings?
How can creative movement be the spark for deeper learning and intrinsic motivation in health topics like nutrition, climate action and mental health?

Play and creativity are serious business for kids and critical for our development. I like to call myself a “facilitator of play.”
I embrace joyful movement for all ages as a pathway into health, interconnection and positive change. It’s pretty remarkable to feel the power of a group of people moving together. I’m proud that in our first year we’ve reached over one thousand participants in three Colorado counties, ranging in age from 3 months to 95 years. As we grow I’m excited to see how my organization can contribute to a holistic change in health and wellness at cultural, institutional and policy levels.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I live in beautiful Longmont, Colorado. If I had a play date with a friend, which feels few and far between a four and six-year-old, we’d spend it downtown. First, we’d head to Carnicería Las Cazuelas for the best-grilled chicken. We’d picnic downtown in shady Thompson Park and then visit the Cheese Importers for dessert. From the moment you step in you feel like you have been whisked off to France. Finally, we’d head to Wibby brewing for tasty beer and live music.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My shoutout goes out to Amy Kenney, owner of Boulder Body Wear, and Anna Narvaes, owner of Mountain Kids Louisville. I worked for these two incredible women for over a decade. They are wonderful examples of businesses prioritizing philanthropy. They have taught me the power of wholeheartedly supporting artists, children, and families.

Website: https://animaarts.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/animaartsorg/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mimi-ferrie-248b2126

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpGC_prTzwS-wOgDg849qqA

Image Credits
Orange jumpsuit: Cliff Grassmick Red leotard, white pants on stage: Grace Creative Studios All other images: Mond Entertainment LLC