The Journey of Michelle Locke: From Ballet to Wu Tao

Michelle Locke, founder of Wu Tao, has a deeply moving and inspirational story that intertwines the grace of ballet with the profound healing power of dance therapy. Her journey from a classical ballet dancer with the West Australian Ballet Company to a pioneering dance therapist is marked by personal challenges, profound love, and an unyielding spirit.

A Dancer’s Dream

Michelle’s love affair with dance began at a young age. Her dedication and talent led her to the prestigious West Australian Ballet Company, where she flourished as a performer. The rigorous training, discipline, and artistic expression of ballet shaped her early years, instilling in her a deep appreciation for movement and its power to convey emotion.

However, the demanding nature of ballet took a toll on her body. Injuries became a part of her life, and Michelle found herself at a crossroads. She needed to heal, both physically and emotionally, and sought a way to continue her passion for dance without compromising her well-being.

From Ballet to Shiatsu

After leaving the ballet company, Michelle explored alternative healing modalities and discovered Shiatsu, a Japanese bodywork therapy based on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). She immersed herself in studying Shiatsu, mastering its techniques and understanding the flow of energy, or qi, within the body. Michelle’s passion for healing grew as she began teaching Shiatsu, helping others find relief from physical pain and emotional stress.

A Mother’s Love and the Birth of Wu Tao

Michelle’s life took a profound turn with the birth of her daughter, Belle. Belle was diagnosed with Rett syndrome, a rare neurological disorder that affects development. This diagnosis required Michelle to make significant changes in her life. She stepped away from teaching Shiatsu to focus on Belle’s care and well-being.

During this challenging period, Michelle sought ways to manage the stress and emotional strain she carried. She turned to dance as a source of solace and healing. Her exploration of TCM principles and her dance background led to the creation of Wu Tao.

Wu Tao, meaning “The Dancing Way,” is a unique dance therapy that combines specific movements with music, breathwork, and meditation. Each dance is designed to harmonize the body’s energy, release stress, and promote physical and emotional healing. It was during these times of deep personal reflection and care for Belle that Michelle fully developed Wu Tao, finding ways to move her own body to alleviate the stress and find peace.

The Heartbreak and Legacy of Belle

Belle’s presence in Michelle’s life was both a blessing and a source of profound inspiration. Despite the challenges of Rett syndrome, their bond was filled with love, resilience, and mutual understanding. Tragically, Belle passed away, leaving a lasting impact on Michelle and the Wu Tao community.

Belle’s legacy lives on through Wu Tao, which has become a testament to the power of love, movement, and healing. Michelle’s dedication to her daughter and her desire to find peace and balance during those difficult times has shaped Wu Tao into a powerful healing practice that helps others find their own paths to wellness and self-discovery.

Wu Tao Today

Today, Wu Tao is a global movement, helping countless individuals find balance, joy, and healing through dance. Michelle’s vision and dedication have created a space where people can reconnect with their bodies, release emotional blockages, and experience profound transformation.

Michelle Locke’s journey from ballet to Wu Tao is a story of evolution, resilience, and the enduring power of dance. Her relationship with Belle highlights the importance of love and the strength that comes from caring for a loved one. Together, their story continues to inspire and guide others on their path to wellness and self-discovery.