About Freed by Flamenco by Sandra Samore
Freed by Flamenco (a memoir) is not just about dance. Pursuing a passion and “making your own sunshine” is the theme. Dance and journaling were the mental health therapies for Sandra Samore: mother, teacher, and librarian, who was born and raised in Iowa and South Dakota. She discovered a passion for flamenco dance while visiting Spain. This passion was always running in the background of her mind, until she could find a teacher with whom she then performed. Journaling, music, and dance lifted her from depression, S.A.D. (seasonal affective disorder), grief, and the sameness of life to a gypsy-spirit catharsis. Her family’s mental health issues of alcoholism, addiction, suicide, Alzheimer’s, and O.C.D. also contributed to the weight of the sadness that she suffered.
Chapters end with the following:
• “Thoughts & Ideas” for the reader to use as a journal starter to pursue their own passion for self-discovery, motivational creativity, and improved mental health
• Photos of Sandra’s path of performance for 25 years and still going
• An inspirational quote at end of each chapter
Titles of the Chapters
• Souvenir of Seville
• Always on My Mind
• The First Class
• Opening Night
• Marga’s Story
• Life on the Edge
• My Father’s Gift
• SAD in South Carolina
• Mother’s Cliffhanger
• Motherhood: The Cycle of Life
• Taming OCD
• Cultural Clash and Connection
• Path of Performance
• Life’s Chapters
• Bibliography and Related Reading
• Recommended Mental Health Resources
• Notes
• Dance Glossary
• Spanish Glossary
The hope is that you find inspiration from a life-long journey to not give up despite the odds. “You’ve Got to Make Your Own Sunshine.” Only you can make it happen.
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Learn More About The Author
Sandra Samore has been a mother, professional dancer, teacher, and librarian. She has taught creative dramatics, English, speech, drama, and flamenco dance. She earned a Master of Library & Information Science while teaching.
Besides pursuing flamenco, she enjoys ballroom dancing, tending her butterfly garden, camping, hiking, biking, reading, and being with family and friends.
Sandra is currently working on a children’s book.