The Interview: Meet Anna Dickson
Movement saved my life. And continues to - daily.
For someone who grew up a professionally trained dancer, and tied my principal identity to it until my early twenties, Iâve certainly grown far too comfortable with constant somatic disconnect.
I was working out daily, sure - if COVID hadnât hit when it did I would be a cycling instructor today - but I completely shut off the mind-body-spiritual connection. It took enduring last fall, fighting through the most traumatic and belief-shattering events of my life to start connecting the pieces back together. And a large part of that (in combination with other holistic, energetic, and spiritual tools) is owed to dancing again.
KINRGY is a modality founded by Julianne Hough that moves you through the elements (Earth, Fire, Water, Air, & Ether) alongside dance cardio, fitness, mindful movement, meditations, breath work, sound healing, and more. And there is magic in it. The subsequent reconnection to self, sparking an even deeper energetic healing journey of my own, in tandem with the beautiful community the West Hollywood studio fosters has shifted my life in ways I could have never imagined.
So, to bring a peace of that ember to you (whether youâre looking for an in-person practice in Los Angeles or virtual options from across the world), KINRGY founding guide, somatic maven and mover, and wondrous soul Anna Dickson is sharing her grace and wisdom with The Actor Diaries this month.
Anna is an Artist devoted to a medium we all explore every day - the art of being human. Her journey of self-evolution has guided her lifeâs work, rooted in the practices of Dance, Yoga, Dance/Movement Therapy (DM/T), Breathwork, Somatic Experiencing, Internal Family Systems, and more. Annaâs unique path has led her to serve communities through transformational classes, retreats, teacher trainings, community workshops, and other educational and artistic programs for both children and adults. She moves passionately through the world, creating intentional spaces for individuals to explore their human expression and honor their personal sovereignty.
To learn more about Annaâs journey - and how to kickstart or continue on your own path of spiritual, emotional, physical journeying and healing - keep reading. Most importantly: I can personally attest that Anna is an incredible human and empath, and Iâm lucky to have her in my life. If you have the opportunity and resources to practice with her? Do it. I promise itâs a worthwhile journey. (More info on her offerings below.)
How did your journey with KINRGY begin?
I participated in the original KINRGY Guide audition back in Spring 2019. There were 20,000+ applicants, and Julianne invited 60 people to audition in person in LA. It was a two-day process, and they narrowed it down to 20 people. From that group of 20, two people were let go - me being one of them. I remember thinking, âI know Iâm supposed to be a part of this.â
I continued to stay in touch with the team through the summer, and then later that fall they brought me on as an intern for the company. I had just graduated from college at the time, so it all felt so surreal. My first day on the job, I was assisting Julianne in choreographing for the Oprah Tour, then driving to the desert to dance in nature with a group of incredibly inspiring individuals. The âinternshipâ was a gig I knew deep down would evolve into so much more and continue to be a part of my life for a very long time.
Whatâs the most valuable lesson youâve learned through practicing and teaching KINRGY?
I believe everyone is a mover and an artist - weâre here to move through life and create the world we wish to live in. This is what KINRGY always reminds me - that we are truly the creators of our reality. Itâs such a gift to guide people to remember these truths and witness them reconnect to their sense of agency over their bodies, their unique expression, and their lives at large.
Whatâs your favorite modality within the KINRGY method and why?
KINRGY X will always be home to me. I love exploring the art of being human, and this practice supports me in doing so. KINRGY X has been such a beautiful tool for self-discovery and healing for me, and itâs an honor to get to guide others to explore what the practice can offer them.
How do you nourish yourself and practice self-care?
My morning practice is everything. I spend anywhere from 10 minutes to 2 hours (depending on my schedule) breathing, moving, and meditating. I find it so important to connect to myself first thing in the morning, before I connect to everything outside of myself. This way, I move through my day with a strong internal reference point and anchored sense of self. My morning practice is a non-negotiable for me.
Do you have any advice for people starting on their own holistic, energetic, and/or spiritual healing journey?
Practice meeting yourself where youâre at with grace. For me, this means approaching each step of the journey with curiosity over judgment. As humans, our inner critic can sometimes try to override our system and get us super down on ourselves. But if you lean into curiosity over judgment, you can realize that any parts of you that youâve deemed unworthy, shameful, bad, etc. are all there to serve a purpose. When you build a relationship with these parts of yourself versus judging or exiling them, you can access deep levels of acceptance and embrace the beautiful, messy, and innate nature of the healing process.
Favorite tools in the energetic or spiritual space.
Whenever Iâm feeling in my head, overwhelmed, or inundated with other peopleâs energy, I close my eyes and imagine all the energy is melting down my body like molasses. From here, I draw my awareness to the soles of my feet making contact with the earth. I imagine that my breath is expanding and contracting out the soles of my feet with each inhalation and exhalation.
What would you tell your younger self, who was just beginning their journey as a creative in Los Angeles?
Be open to a greater plan than what you currently have mapped out for yourself. You will meet people and gain experiences that shift your perspective and further shape your sense of identity and purpose. Always continue to follow that inspiration, even if it feels scary or uncertain. These glimmers will guide you along your path to places you never would have imagined.
CONNECT + PRACTICE WITH ANNA!
Follow Anna on Instagram.
Updates on Pop-Up Events (KINRGY, Breathwork, Workshops, and more): Join Annaâs email list!
1:1 Sessions: Schedule a 15-minute Discovery Call.
Inner Compass Virtual Program (January 2025): Register now!
Practice with Anna in LA: Open (Venice Studio)
Take virtual KINRGY classes with Anna (and so many other incredible guides) HERE!
And if youâd like to practice KINRGY in-person at their West Hollywood Studio (which I cannot recommend enough), and learn more about all their offered modalities, visit their website or email weho@kinrgystudios.com. KINRGY WeHo would also not be the experience it is without some other pretty incredible guides, dancers, and humans, including: Haley Smith, Hanna Peddicord, Willis Hao, Sophia Hall, Sydney Diamond, and so many more. I love yâall.
