With the stress of the upcoming holidays and the recent onslaught of disturbing news events, stress in America is at an all-time high. People are desperately seeking ways to release pent-up emotions in a healthy and productive way.

Femme! offers an opportunity to express and release the frustration, fear and anger that is rampant in this political climate, while sweating, dancing and having fun. Yet Femme! is not sheer escapism—it leaves people feeling energized and empowered to speak out and stand up for what they believe in.

Set to live drums and uniting elements of dance and meditation, Femme! is a fusion movement experience that takes participants on an emotional tour from rage to joy to reach a place of catharsis and empowerment. Founded by healer, dancer, and entrepreneur Bernadette Pleasant, Femme! has more than 60 certified instructors across the United States and offers a bold new take on fitness and emotional wellness.

A gifted healer, dancer, and entrepreneur, Bernadette Pleasant is a charismatic teacher and speaker who draws on the tradition of African American women as natural healers. She also has a fascinating story as an entrepreneur whose Femme! movement explodes the typical workout class stereotype to embrace people of all ages, genders and sizes. Her story and the phenomenon of Femme! reflect the important current conversation about women’s bodies, empowerment, and inclusion.

We can provide you with photos and video, interviews with Bernadette and students, and opportunities to participate or cover an upcoming event.

You can learn more about Femme! by visiting: http://www.livefemme.com/about/ or watching this video: https://vimeo.com/105443849.

Tips To Stay Positive During The Holiday Season

The holiday season can be fun but it’s also stressful—and pent up negative emotions can weigh you down. Here are some tips from Bernadette Pleasant, the renowned leader, healer and founder of the fusion movement Femme!

Move your body any way you can right up to the dinner/party: dance, walk, run, bike, swim, take yoga and other classes—whatever moves you.

Take a walk with relatives before holiday dinners/parties (as long as you have someone to mind the stove). Walking and talking is the best way to relate.

Don’t be afraid to acknowledge the negative emotions—the holidays are not all joy and love. Feel free to speak out and acknowledge your full range of feelings.

Honor where you are emotionally. Be willing to say any of the following to take care of yourself:

-No, thank you

-You’re no longer invited

-I’ve had my fill

-I am unable to keep this commitment

Brighten up the holidays by wearing something fun and flamboyant to gatherings, without inhibition or judgement. It’s your body and you have a right to love it unconditionally.

Instead of buying more “stuff” for friends or loved ones who don’t really need it, treat them to a movement class or massage—or a night on the town.

If feasible, invest in a retreat getaway that focuses on wellness as your holiday gift. It will make you far happier than a piece of jewelry and set the stage for a better new year.