Finding Rhythm Launch Party

Order Your Copy now

An international dance journey reveals how beautiful life can be when you take the lead.

This powerful memoir is a resplendent meditation on happiness, connection, courage, and wanderlust, as well as a superb up-close look at the history, steps, and development of the world’s most remarkable dances.

US

UK

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“With Finding Rhythm, Aliénor Salmon brings Latin America’s rich cultural heritage to life through a vivid, accessible, and entertaining story.”

About the book

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?

Hi! I’m Aliénor

The founder of Bailando Journey as well as an author, consultant and entrepreneur. One day, I decided to give up my full-time UN job to follow my dream to learn how to dance. Dancing changed my life, and I believe it could change yours. This website invites you to dream, dance and discover in the hope to inspire you to embark on your very own journey.