Finding Rhythm - An International Dance Journey

"If you could do anything you wanted, what would it be? Aliâenor Salmon was working as a happiness researcher in Bangkok when a friend asked her the question that turned life as she knew it on its heels. A novice dancer but experienced social researcher, the Franco-British Aliâenor headed west from Bangkok to dance her way through Latin America. As she learns eighteen dances, each native to the countries she visits, she engages with esoteric customs, traditions, and cultures. Through conversations and arduous studio hours, she learns that every step, pivot, and shake thrums with an undeniable spirit of place. And that in a world where we are over-connected but increasingly disconnected from one another, dance offers an authentically human experience."--

List of contents

1. Three Loves Lost

2. Bangkok

3. New York

4. Mexico

5. Cuba

6. Dominican Republic

7. Puerto Rico

8. Colombia

9. Brazil

10. Argentina

Afterword

About the author

Aliénor Salmon is a French–British writer, researcher, and communications consultant. After graduating from King’s College London with a master's degree in war studies, Aliénor worked as a field researcher studying issues related to education in Mongolia and along the Thailand/Myanmar border, before eventually settling in Bangkok where she worked for UNESCO. Through her blog Bailando Journey, she has become a dance influencer and ambassador, promoting the discovery of cultures through dance and dance’s multiple benefits for well-being and personal development. In December 2018, she received official accreditation for journalistic coverage of the Cali Fair, one of the most important traditional music and dance celebrations in Colombia and Latin America. Aliénor consults for UNESCO and other international organizations as a happiness researcher and an expert in social and emotional development. She hosted her first dance and personal development retreat in Havana, Cuba, in November 2019 and plans to host more retreats in other Latin dance capitals around the world, hoping to expand to New York City, Miami, LA, and Puerto Rico. In the meantime, she is focused on creating a virtual dance studio, nightclub, and platform to support dance professionals who are struggling in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic and to spread the joy of dance online. Aliénor resides in Lisbon, Portugal.

Summary

One woman embarked on a dance journey around the world, finding out how each dance tells a story of its country and learning how beautiful life can be when you take the lead.
If you could do anything you wanted, what would it be? Aliénor Salmon was working as a happiness researcher in Bangkok when a friend asked her the question that turned life as she knew it on its heels. A novice dancer but experienced social researcher, the Franco-British Aliénor headed west from Bangkok to dance her way through Latin America. As she learns eighteen dances, each native to the countries she visits, she engages with esoteric customs, traditions, and cultures. Through conversations and arduous studio hours, she learns that every step, pivot, and shake thrums with an undeniable spirit of place. And that in a world where we are over-connected but increasingly disconnected from one another, dance offers an authentically human experience. One that allows her to develop tolerance, kindness, truth, and love by holding the hands of a stranger and gazing into their eyes for the time of a song.
With her fearless and candid approach, Aliénor will inspire you to take the reins of your own life—and have some fun along the way. In this dance-travelogue, you’ll learn the history and steps of dances like salsa, samba, and tango, enjoy a resplendent meditation on happiness and wanderlust, and receive a life-affirming answer to the question: How do I take the first step?

Foreword

Traditional and digital media: print and online features, reviews, author op-eds and Q&As, and blog tour. Strong outreach planned for women’s interest, travel, wellness, and fitness focused media from publications like Vanity Fair, Elle, Woman’s Day, Cosmo, Travel + Leisure, Town & Country, Shape, the New York Times and Wall Street Journal travel sections, and sites like Mindbodygreen, The Chalkboard, Everyday Health, Well + Good, SheKnows, and more. 
TV appearances with hook of teaching various Latin American dances to talk-show hosts on shows like The View, Good Morning America, The Today Show, and Ellen.
Live online appearances designed around dance instructions/classes and book readings with Q&As via Instagram Live, Facebook Live, YouTube, Zoom, and independent bookstore websites.
Targeted digital advertising with SEO keywords on sites like Amazon, Google, Facebook, and Instagram with a focus toward dance, Latin American travel, solo trips for women, fun fitness, and more.
Author in-person events: Author can hold dual dance instructions and book readings/signings at bookstores, cultural centers, and elsewhere, and will also do so at the dance retreats she plans to host around the world, including in Latin American dance centers in the US, such as New York, Miami, and Los Angeles, and in Puerto Rico.
International sales appeal: Book should have strong appeal to audiences in Latin America and Europe, and author is an international nomad and can do signings around the world.
Book club push: Book is excellent for women’s book clubs and will be promoted to in-person and digital clubs, including in roundups and through targeted advertising.
Trade media outreach: Unique angle should appeal to reviewers in Publisher’s Weekly, Kirkus, Library Journal, ALA Booklist, and Shelf Awareness.

Additional text

“A cross-cultural journey recounted in lively, lyrical prose packed with insight and inspiration. . . . Anyone interested in expanding their cultural vocabulary will enjoy this memorable memoir.”
—Booklist
“Can you dance away the hurt? Aliénor Salmon admirably and gamely throws herself—or should I say jetés herself—into answering this question, yielding a lovely portrait of both a woman and an art form.”
—Henry Alford, author of And Then We Danced, Big Kiss, and How to Live
“Aliénor Salmon doesn't just walk the talk, she dances it. Timely, insightful, and practical, Finding Rhythm reminds us of the importance of not just knowing but actually embodying powerful research on how to be resilient and find happiness in a constantly changing world.”
—Shawn Achor, New York Times best-selling author of The Happiness Advantage, Before Happiness, and Big Potential
“Finding Rhythm is the story of a woman’s search for authenticity, connection, and creativity in an overly rational world. It beautifully captures the power of dance as a tool for self-healing and allowing our inner child to cultivate joy to discover our true essence.”
—Dr. Nicole LePera, The Holistic Psychologist

“A journey through the many rhythms of Latin America, Finding Rhythm shows sincere appreciation for Latin Americans, their warmth, and close social relationships. Aliénor Salmon reminds us about the central importance of human connection as the key to our happiness in the journey of life.”
—Mariano Rojas, happiness economist and former president of the International Society for Quality of Life Studies
“With Finding Rhythm, Aliénor Salmon brings Latin America’s rich cultural heritage to life through a vivid, accessible, and entertaining story.”
—Tim Curtis, anthropologist and UNESCO cultural heritage expert
“As she dances her way through Latin America, Aliénor Salmon offers a fascinating inside glimpse of local life. Think Bourdain, but with dance instead of food, and buoyancy over cynicism. Finding Rhythm strikes a balance between research and adventure that will make you feel like you are there.”
—Joe Cummings, travel writer and best-selling Lonely Planet author
“An incredible story of stepping out of your comfort zone. Discover how dance can help you build confidence, find freedom, and truly bring out your best self.”
—Griselle Ponce, world renowned Salsa dancer best known as The Mambo Diva

Product details

• Authors: Ali Salmon, Aliénor Salmon
• Publisher: Ingram Publishers Services
• Languages: English
• Product format: Hardback
• Released: 16.03.2021
• EAN: 9781948062725
• ISBN: 978-1-948062-72-5
• No. of pages: 400
• Dimensions: 165 mm x 235 mm x 35 mm
• Weight: 618 g
• Subjects: Humanities, art, music > Art > Theatre, ballet; Travel > Travel guides; Dance, BIOGRAPHY & AUTOBIOGRAPHY / Women, TRAVEL / Special Interest / Adventure, Memoirs, PERFORMING ARTS / Dance / Regional & Ethnic, Travel guides: adventure holidays, BIOGRAPHY & AUTOBIOGRAPHY / Memoirs