Merengue

On: April 29, 2017
By: Aliénor Salmon
In: Dance Style, Dances, English, Merengue

Merengue was made the official dance of the Dominican Republic under the brutal dictatorship of Trujillo, and in 2016 was recognized by UNESCO as intangible heritage of humanity. A fast and energetic dance, Merengue music can be heard everywhere, especially if walking along el conde, the main pedestrian street in Santo Domingo’s colonial zone. Every Sunday evening, a group of musicians called Grupo Bonyé performs live music, including Merengue and other Dominican styles, in the colonial zone’s ruins of San Fransisco, generating an enormous street party not to be missed.

Dancing Merengue in Santo Domingo with Grupo Bonyé

Live music and social dancing every Sunday evening.

Grupo Bonyé

Ruinas de San Fransisco, Calle Emiliano Tejera

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

Tel. +1 809-857-7799

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Upcoming Book

Behind every dance, there is a story. An upcoming book will take you dancing from New York to Buenos Aires, immersing you in the local culture, history, and happiness with every dance step. Aliénor Salmon is represented by Gregory Messina of the Linwood Messina Literary Agency.

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The 2022 Web Summit highlighted just how important

The 2022 Web Summit highlighted just how important happiness really is and why👇

When we think about happiness, it’s not just about jumping for joy, but about living more mearningful lives, feeling fulfilled in our work, and finding a sense of purpose in creating a happier world.

The Web Summit is the world’s largest technology conference and brought out many pressing needs for happiness to be better incorporated as part of our lifestyles, workplaces and education and health systems.

With such great advances in technology, we need to focus on what we as humans have to contribute to the world.

Social and emotional skills - often referred to as soft skills - are least likely to be automated and replaced by robots. So are the character strengths of positive psychology - the science of happiness. That’s why we need to make them a priority!

That’s why I recently launched the School of Happiness along with 20 founding members from different countries, industries and sectors to address this issue.

Each month, we study one happiness concept, strength or philosophy and turn the theory into practice, so that we can actually walk the talk and spread happiness all around us.

Together, we create more positive workplaces, engaged classrooms, inspired content, nutured patients, and so much more!

See the link in my bio to learn more and be part of a global movement for happiness 😃❤️✨

#websummit2022 #websummit #happiness #scienceofhappiness #positivepsychology #schoolofhappiness #wellbeing #futureofwork #futureofeducation #futureoftechnology #happinessatwork #socialandemotionaldevelopment #socialandemotionallearning #softskills #characterstrengths #happinessatwork #happinessinschools #happinesstips #leadershipdevelopment #schoolofhappiness #happinessproject #happinessprogram

“I wish I had lived a life that was true to myse

“I wish I had lived a life that was true to myself” 😢

This is the number one regret of the dying, according to palliative nurse @bronnie.ware who documented countless conversations with her patients.

You don’t want to end up on your death bed grieving for a live you once could have had 😢

Sometimes it’s easy to get sidetracked as society tells us to pursue more “traditional” forms of success.

Chasing money or power, getting that promotion or pay rise.

But true happiness is about living a fulfilling life where you were able to be your most authentic self.

Life is short - follow your heart and live it! ❤️‍🔥

Happy Halloween! 🎃

My costume this year was a “plañidera” or professional mourner. Women who are paid to cry over the graves of the deceased in the hope that their tears will give them greater chances of going to heaven 😭⚰️

If you would like to explore some big questions about your life path, DM me with the word “Workbook” for my free happiness workbook to get you started 📝

#regretsofthedying #lifebeforedeath #livefully #happiness #halloweenreel #fulfilment #meaning #authenticself #redefinesuccess #corporatehumour #remotecoworking #lifestylechoices #scienceofhappiness

An invitation for you to tap into some lighthearte

An invitation for you to tap into some lighthearted joy and fun today 💓

In a society that has become so serious, we often tend to over-focus on accomplishing tasks and ticking everything on our list.

We might be so worried about how we are perceived by others, and walking on eggshells trying to be perfect.

But what if we could allow ourselves to tap into what makes us joyful, excited and light?

What if we just had more fun?

When we were children, we would dance around play without a care in the world.

Today after a rainy morning in Lisbon, I decided to dance in the streets to tap into that light-hearted joy I felt as a child.

Thank you to @festsalsacali for this #calisalsera challenge to remind us to bring more joy into our lives 🫶💕

Salsa Caleña, a style of salsa from Cali, Colombia, is without a doubt the happiest style for me, bringing me so much joy with its fun footwork, kicks and shuffles 💃

Wishing I could be in Cali right now for their incredible salsa festival! 🇨🇴

#salsareel #dancereel #calisalsa #salsacalena #calipachanguero #danceheals #danceislife #bailandojourney #dancejourney #dancearoundtheworld #dancenomad #caliescali #caliporelmundo #salsera #bailando #salsaportugal #danceinlisbon #dancelisboa

We can each have a massive impact in spreading hap

We can each have a massive impact in spreading happiness✨

You don’t need to be a happiness expert, psychologist or Nobel prize winner.

All you need is to be clear that you want to make a difference and break down the walls of negativity that are surrounding us in our society.

✨Professionals can create more positive workplaces and lead happier teams.

✨Educators can create happier classrooms, more engaged students and coaching clients.

✨Creators can inspire happiness through their art, whether it’s photography, music, painting, writing or social media content.

✨Community leaders can create an incredible sense of belonging in a world where loneliness is rife.

✨Healthworkers can nurture their patients and bring them hope and positivity through illness.

✨Every single individual has the power to spread happiness to their family, friends, and partner through authentic and meaningful relationships.

In the School of Happiness, we give you the tools to become a leader for happiness so that you can make a positive impact around you.

Each month, we look at a different concept to see how we can bring it to life and put it into action.

Our topic this month is ✨HOPE✨

Join us to become a force for positivity in spreading happiness in your own unique way.

DM me “HAPPY” to learn more or go ahead and sign up through the link in my bio 🔗

#schoolofhappiness #happinessschool #happinesscommunity #happinessresearch #positivepsychology #positivethinking #happinessambassador #happiness #leadershipdevelopment #personalgrowth #leadership #redefineauccess #meaningfullife #happinessatwork #happinessinschools #positivevibes #positiveimpact #hope #hopefulthinking

How can we have more✨Hope✨? Hope is one of th

How can we have more✨Hope✨?

Hope is one of the 24 character strengths in positive psychology - the science of happiness - and falls under the virtue of transcendence.

Hope means that we believe positive outcomes are always possible.

It allows you to see limitless possibilities each day, and find something to be excited about.

Even in the darkest moments, it allows us to see the light.

Because we can make the choice to walk towards a brighter future ✨

✨Hope✨ is our theme this month in the School of Happiness, where we will explore the science, research and philosophies behind this concept and learn how to bring it to life.

We’ll be diving deep into hope through a live masterclass this Sunday, cheatsheets, action checklists, intentions and journal prompts and recommended readings.

Get all of this for just $27 through the link in my bio when you join the School of Happiness 😃❤️✨

Be part of a global movement for happiness 💛

I ✨hope✨ to see you inside! 🥰

Any questions? Just send me a DM 💌

#hope #schoolofhappiness #hopeful #optimism #positivity #happinessreel #positivepsychology #happinessresearch #characterstrengths #happinessrevolution #happinessmovement #positivethinking #positiveinspiration #happinesscommunity

The School of Happiness is now open! 😃✨ Over

The School of Happiness is now open! 😃✨

Over the last few weeks, we’ve been working behind the scenes with 20 incredible founding members who were selected based on their mission to create a happier world.

They represent such a rich diversity of sectors ranging from healthcare, education, finance, and music, to big four companies, travel, coaching and beauty.

Each of them are able to spread happiness around them in a way that I never could, and now you can too!

The School of Happiness invites you to explore one happiness theme, concept theory or thinker each month with all of the following for an introductory price of just $27 per month:

✨ Live Masterclass and Q&A
✨ Intention Setting
✨ Journal Prompts
✨ Cheatsheet
✨ Action checklist

And for a limited time, I’m giving 50% off the annual membership to celebrate!

Our theme this month is ✨Hope✨ and our first live masterclass is this Sunday 30th October at 6pm Lisbon time (replay available).

With so much heaviness in the world – from war to the energy crisis and a looming recession – hope is what helps us believe in a brighter future and a happier world.

This is your chance to become a force for happiness and make a positive impact!

See the link in my bio to sign up today to join my movement for happiness! 😃

Got any questions? Send me a DM 💌

#schoolofhappiness #happinessschool #positivepsychology #happinessscience #happinessrevolution #happinessisnow #meaning #purpose #fulfilment #happinessresearch #philosophy #happinesscommunity #personalgrowth #embodiment

Once I got on that stage, I knew I was standing in

Once I got on that stage, I knew I was standing in my truth💃

TEDx Bath was a truly unforgettable experience bringing together an incredible lineup of speakers and performers.

My talk was called “What if you could do anything?” about leaving my dream job researching happiness at the UN to embark on my very own happiness journey dancing around the world ✨

As people ask me how it went and how I feel, I can honestly say that it couldn’t have possibly been better.

Despite a long wait as the last speaker and growing nerves, once I got on that stage, it flowed.

I rehearsed non-stop in the hours beforehand, but none of those rehearsals turned out as well as the real thing.

All I feel is gratitude for the opportunity to share my message to such a large audience, and hopefully inspire some of them to pursue a dream of their own.

I don’t feel any emptiness or anticlimax, my heart is full ❤️

Because for me, public speaking isn’t about being seen, and doing a TEDx isn’t just a career bucket list item - it is always about the message that I want to deliver to serve others and my conviction that we all deserve a happier life.

Thank you to everyone who turned in live from all over the world, your support means the world to me 🫶

The talk will be on YouTube in less than a month, and I’ll be sure to share it with you.

Thank you @tedx_bath

#standinyourtruth #tedxspeaker #publicspeaking #speaker #keynotespeaker #messenger #happinessisforall #embodiment #alignment #meaning #purpose #tedxbath #ideasworthspreading #tedxtalks #tedx

Come dance with me to celebrate my TEDx talk for t

Come dance with me to celebrate my TEDx talk for the next edition of Mindful Latin Flow 🌹

It’s time to get out of our heads and back in our bodies for a juicy dance circle to smooth Latin tunes 🎵

Saturday 22 October

Lisbon: 19:30-21:00
Online: 16:30-18:00

Book through: bailandojourney.com/events

#embodimentpractice #embodied #danceflow #lisbonwellness #lisbonevents #danceheals #dancejourney #dancelisbon #lisbondance

What if I told you that I was once terrified of pu

What if I told you that I was once terrified of public speaking? 🥺

On the eve of my TEDx talk, I realise how far I’ve come.

That the idea of raising my voice in front of others once gave me so much anxiety that my legs would shake.

As a child, I was shy, introverted, and lived in my books.

As a teenager, I had very low self-confidence, and was constantly on edge and scared of being criticised, judged or laughed at by others.

At university, I was taken aside by one of the professors who asked me why I never spoke up in class.

I told her that I assumed I didn’t know the material well enough and that anything would have to say would probably be wrong.

As an adult, I was told by an “influencer” with an instagram following of 1.5 million that I should volunteer at a nursing home if I wanted people to actually listen to my stories.

Today, I’m represented by @inspirationalspeakersltd, a premium speakers bureau, and have a robust portfolio of speaking engagements.

Tomorrow, I’m getting up on stage in front of 1,600 people at TEDX Bath to spread my message for happiness.

People have asked me if I’ve had professional training in public speaking because it comes so naturally to me.

What they don’t know is this wasn’t always the case. It was once an actual phobia.

Once my message and mission became clear to me, my ego stepped out of the way for me to take the stage.

Because I realised it’s not really about me, but about something so much greater✨

My message to you is: if you have a fear, phobia or weakness, don’t think that it’s like that forever.

You never know if it might turn into your superpower🌟

You can tune in to watch the live broadcast on Saturday 15th October here:

https://www.tedxbath.co.uk/2022

My segment starts at 17:15 UK time and I’m due to be on stage at 17:50.

Thank you to those who believed in me, supported me, and held space for me to use my voice 🙏✨

Photo by @ktwphotographer

In a world so busy, how can we disconnect to recon

In a world so busy, how can we disconnect to reconnect to ourselves? 🌿

With my TEDX talk just under a week away, I’ve decided to take three days off of social media in a secret location in the middle of nowhere.

And as I prepare for this I realise how dependent we have become on our phones - messaging, searching, scrolling to a million things at the same time.

So to get ready for the big day, I’m taking a pause to disconnect from the noise to reconnect to myself.

Because in silence there is stillness, and in stillness there is peace 🌿

Top tip 🌿 if you have an iPhone, under screentime you can set your phone on downtime which will block all apps except for phone, sms and maps.

There’s even the option to add apps that are allowed when your phone is on downtime, so I’m including voice memo (to record my TEDX rehearsals), TED Masterclass (a special training we got!), Calm (to meditate), and Spotify (to listen to music).

Android and other phones must have a similar equivalent as there are so many functions we didn’t even know we had!

Even if you take one hour today to be away from your phone, you will feel like you lived ten, because each moment was mindful and fully present.

See you in three days! 🌿

#thepause #disconnecttoreconnect #digitaldetix #socialmediadetox #mindfulness #silence #stilness #happiness #bliss #innerpeace #phonebreak #mindfulliving #getoffyourphone #phonefree

Each of us has a unique kind of magic to share wit

Each of us has a unique kind of magic to share with the world 💫

Sometimes we may feel we don’t have a purpose or know how we can create meaning around us.

But what if I told you that every single one of us has a gift, and the ability to deliver it in our own unique way?

Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve been reviewing applications to become a founding member of my new happiness school.

And I am in awe at how each application shows me how they could spread happiness in a way I never could:

💫 A parent will spread happiness to their children

💫 A photographer will capture happiness through their lens

💫 A teacher will educate on happiness to their students

💫 A manager will build happiness in their team

💫 A health worker will bring happiness to their patients

💫 A content creator will inspire happiness through their message

The examples are endless, and I couldn’t be more excited to see them all being happiness to life through their gifts, talents and unique magic.

Alone my impact is limited, but together, it is limitless ✨

A huge congratulations and thank you to the founding members of the School of Happiness - you know who you are 🌟

Want to learn more about the School of Happiness?

DM me with the word “HAPPY” to be the first to know when doors open to the public ❣️

In the meantime, you can get my free happiness workbook from the link in my bio 🔗

#happinessschool #schoolofhappiness #findingmypurpose #meaningfulliving #happinessisachoice #happinessproject #happinessambassadors #happinesscommunity #mondaymagic #mondaymotivation #positivepsychology #happinessresearch #happinessisyourbirthright

A sneak peek into the exclusive benefits I'm givin

A sneak peek into the exclusive benefits I'm giving away to founding members of my happiness school 😃

The creation of this happiness school is about something so much bigger than me...

It's about bringing people together for a movement – a much needed happiness revolution 🌟

Each month, the school will have a theme based on a happiness concept, research, value or thinker, with a live masterclass, cheat sheet, action check list, and intention-setting and journal prompts – all at just $27 per month.

Founding members will co-create the school with me, and will themselves become leaders in spreading happiness in their own unique way.

You see, my impact is limited when I act alone.

But when we act together, we can multiply our impact in ways that you couldn't even imagine.

To thank them for their commitment to making a positive impact and supporting the creation of the school, founding members will get access to a number of exclusive benefits at no extra cost:

⭐️ Name listed on the school website
⭐ Co-creation of school vision and mission
️⭐ Happiness Ambassador Training + Certification (worth $1200)
⭐ Redfine your Happiness Course (worth $360)
⭐ Exclusive founder meetings and events
⭐ Resource Library for spreading happiness

I'm reviewing applications as we speak and successful applicants can expect an email in their inbox as early as tomorrow 💌

If you would like to be a founding member, I'll still be reviewing applications for a limited time!

Send me a DM with the word "HAPPY" to learn more.

#happinessrevolution #happinessschool #schoolofhappiness #positivepsychology #happinessisachoice #mindset #success #happinessambassador #scienceofhappiness #happinessproject #happinesscoach #happinessresearch #growthmindset #mindfulness #positivemindset #spreadhappiness #happinessmembership

Here’s what really makes us happier at work 😃

Here’s what really makes us happier at work 😃

When we think about happiness at work, we might imagine yoga classes, fresh fruit Wednesdays and staff parties 🍏

But going to the root cause of what brings us happiness goes much deeper than that - it lies in finding meaning, purpose and fulfilment ❤️

We all want to find meaning in the work that we do, and know that ultimately, it will serve a purpose greater than us.

We also want to find fulfilment, a sense of enjoyment and satisfaction in our work.

The secret to all of this lies in applying the very basis of happiness science to our work - our values and strengths.

I like to see this in three steps:

1. Identify your values and strengths so that you know what matters most to you and what you are best at.

2. Embody your values and strengths so that you live and breathe them through your words, actions and behaviours.

3. Align with your values and strengths so that you make decisions and choices that are in line with your highest good.

Living a life based on your values and strengths is certainly a happier one, and it will only reflect itself through your work, in your team, and community as your radiate happiness around you.

Follow me @bailandojourney for more happiness tips, and get my free Happiness Workbook from the link in my bio 🔗

PS: my happiness school is opening soon! 📚 Want to become a founding member and happiness ambassador? DM me with the word “HAPPY” to learn more✨

Thank you to @inspirationalspeakersltd for the opportunity to prepare this message in honour of international happiness at work week 💁🏼‍♀️

#happinessatworkweek #happinessatwork #corportaelife #worksatisfaction #greatresignation #remotework #happinessstartswithyou #successhabits #workwellness #wellbeingatwork #happinessrevolution #meaningfulwork #purposefulliving #fulfillyourpurpose #fulfillyourdreams #positivepsychology #characterstrengths #valuesbasedliving

My TEDx talk is in one month! 🌟 I’ve already

My TEDx talk is in one month! 🌟

I’ve already written my first draft and had my first coaching and feedback session with TEDxBath and so excited about how it’s shaping up!

My talk will be about my story leaving my dream job as a happiness researcher at the UN to embark on a life changing journey dancing around the world 💃

I’ll be incorporating elements of movement into my talk so it’s going to be a real performance piece.

If you will be in the UK on 15 October and would like to join my talk in Bath you can get half price tickets using my code FRIEND15 from the @tedx_bath website.

#tedxtalks #tedxspeaker #dancearoundtheworld #dancehealing #dancejourney #happinessjourney #happiness #happinessproject #happinesstalk

Do you want to create a positive impact around you

Do you want to create a positive impact around you?🌟

If you are a leader with the potential to spread happiness around you then this is for you!✨

Leadership takes many forms - you might be a parent, teacher, senior manager, thought leader, content creator or community leader - but the point is you lead by your potential to inspire others.

I’m selecting a limited number of founding members for my new Happiness School to become Happiness Ambassadors! 🌟

Each month, the happiness school will look at one concept, philosopher or thinker, or character strength from the science of happiness, with a live masterclass and tools to embody it in day-to-day life.

As Happiness Ambassadors, you will not only access the school’s content to radiate happiness from within and embody its concepts, but you will also get a special training and certification from me.

Want to learn more?✨

Send me a DM with the word “HAPPY” for more information 💌

#happinessisachoice #happinessschool #happinessscience #positivepsychology #embodiedhappiness #livehappier #happinessproject #happinessjourney #joyfulliving #successreels #happinessreel #happinessambassador #happinesscoach #bethechange #embodiment #walkthetalk

Celebrating the 6th edition of Mindful Latin Flow

Celebrating the 6th edition of Mindful Latin Flow with theme “Grounding”🍃

Mindful Latin Flow is a unique embodiment method that allows us to explore our bodies in a safe space through elegance and grace🌹

In this juicy dance circle, we sink deep into our emotions, play with musicality through mindful movement to smooth Latin tunes 📀

The in-person class in Lisbon at @littleyogaspacelisboa is already sold out!

But you can book the online class from 16:30-18:00 Lisbon time on Saturday 17th September through the link in my bio 🔗

Can’t make it live? You’ll get the replay in your inbox 💌

Want to experience mindful Latin flow in a private session customised to your needs?

I offer 1:1 upon request for individuals as well as couples seeking deeper connection❣️

You can also hire me to bring this to your school, office or event. Just send me a DM with the word FLOW✨

#mindfullatinflow #mindfulmovement #embodiment #embodiedmovement #danceflow #consciousmovement #lisboa #lisbonlovers #connection #feminineenergy #divinefeminine

Tango is my transcendence, allowing me to be both

Tango is my transcendence, allowing me to be both grounded and lifted at the same time 💫✨

Today I was practicing “barreras”, one of the many adornments in Tango that require you to maintain all your weight in one leg, while making decorations with the other.

They teach me to ground myself into the earth, so strongly that I can lift myself up.

There are no words for this feeling, other than the magical transcendence that Tango brings.

A mastering of your body that brings intense connection and allows you to fly.

This month’s edition of my movement class Mindful Latin Flow will have the theme of grounding, incorporating Tango elements among many other Latin styles 🌹

You can join in-person in Lisbon and online. See the link in my bio @bailandojourney to learn more 🔗

Thank you to my incredible teacher @angelescarrion_tango and her wonderful platform @senoritastangueras for allowing me to have world class training 👠

#tango #tangofeminino #tangodancer #tangoreel #dancereel #grounding #transcendence #danceislife #dancaevida #bailaresvivir #tangotherapy #danceheals #dancehealing #embodiment #embodiedmovement #dancejourney

Do you believe in miracles? 🙏✨ For most of m

Do you believe in miracles? 🙏✨

For most of my adult life, I was not spiritual at all.

As a researcher I only wanted to believe in science and evidence.

But ironically it was when I started to research happiness that I realised that spirituality was such an important aspect of our lives.

I’d taken the VIA survey, which gives you a ranking of your character strengths (which make up happiness science), and found spirituality to rank last for me out of all 24.

And then in 2016 as I reached rock bottom and felt that no logic could justify my sadness, grief and burnout, I started to look up at the moon and ask what forces were guiding my life, my mission and purpose.

I asked for a miracle.

And although I didn’t get the exact miracle I was asking for, I got something better: the courage to follow my heart and dance around the world 💃

This exhibition by David La Chapelle profoundly moved me in its way of blending spirituality, pop culture and iconography.

But the story behind it is not so different than mine in the way that loss can help us understand our life path more deeply.

In early 1980s New York, David La Chapelle lost his partner to a mysterious new disease.

And eventually he lost many of his friends around him.

This led him to ask a higher power “why is this happening?”

As he felt loss surround him, he needed to answer this question through his work: “where does the soul go?”

In this powerful exhibition “I Believe in Miracles”, David La Chapelle invites us to feel guided by something bigger than ourselves 🙏✨

Thank you @david_lachapelle and @mudec_official for this incredible experience 💕

#davidlachapelle #musec #milanoculture #spiritualart #lifepurpose #dharma #soulsearching #consciousness #meaning #purpose #spiritualawakening #happinessjourney #hope #milanmuseums #photography #burnoutrecovery #popcultureart #soulmission

Seeking Happiness Ambassadors! 😃 Are you a lea

Seeking Happiness Ambassadors! 😃

Are you a leader in your team, community or network?✨

I’m seeking happiness ambassadors as founding members of my upcoming happiness school, who are committed to spreading happiness ✨

As leaders, we are in a unique position to spread positivity around us, and guide people in living more fulfilling and meaningful lives❤️

As I prepare to open my very own happiness school, I am looking for committed leaders to be the first founding members and to co-create the school with me!

We will work together on the school mission and vision, brainstorm crucial topics, and explore the school’s science-based framework to implement into your work and life to impact as many people as possible ✨

Founding members will be the first to enter the school, and will get access to exclusive content and and events.

Want to be part of the happiness revolution? 😃

DM me with the word HAPPY to learn more 💌

#happinessschool #happinessisachoice #positivitypsychology #happienssscience #happinessscience #consciousleadership #empathyinleadership #meaning #fulfilment

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