Featured in Voyage LA Magazine
Meet Vanessa Dunn of Los Angeles
https://voyagela.com/interview/meet-vanessa-dunn-of-los-angeles/
Today we’d like to introduce you to Vanessa Dunn.
Hi Vanessa, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My journey began as a dancer. Movement is my first language, and my first path to self expression. Dance taught me the power of discipline, consistency and repetition. But over time, I realized I wanted to go deeper—not just into how we move, but why we move, and how that movement can shift our inner landscape.
That desire led me to study and teach Pilates, yoga, sound healing, and meditation. Along the way, I realized the most transformative practices weren’t about perfect technique—they were about intention, awareness, and devotion. That’s when Mantra Moves was born.
Mantra Moves is more than a movement or mindfulness practice — it’s a journey of deep embodiment. Rooted in the understanding that life is felt through vibration, it invites you to align your body, breath, heart, mind, and voice to a higher frequency.
Through intentional movement and breath— we build strength, energy, and presence. Through mantra, meditation and mindfulness, we relax the mind, open our hearts, and deepen self awareness.
Each layer builds upon the next—not just to move, but to transform.
The core of Mantra Moves is this: we are what we repeatedly do. Our thoughts, emotions, actions, and words all become patterns—and through conscious repetition, we can reshape those patterns. With every intentional breath, each empowering mantra, and every embodied movement, we are rewiring our inner world and creating a more positive, beautiful, loving world.
Mantra Moves is a sacred rhythm, and a call to live with greater clarity, purpose, and authenticity.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Definitely not a smooth road—but that’s where the growth has been.
While my professional dance career gave me a strong foundation in discipline and embodiment, it also came with high pressure, physical strain, and a constant drive for perfection. Over time, that mindset carried into other areas of my life—leaving little room for softness, rest, or true self-connection. I had to unlearn a lot of what I thought made me “strong” and redefine success in a more sustainable, human, nurturing way.
I also navigated major injuries, burnout, and deep feelings of self-doubt, worthiness, and hatred. Even during my darkest times I always found connecting with others gave me a moment of relief. Teaching, specifically, always ignited a spark in my heart, and allowed me a space to get out of my head, to move beyond myself, and focus on someone else – it aloud me to soften. In creating something new like Mantra Moves, there were moments where I questioned if people would understand or resonate with it. But every time I led a class and witnessed someone have a real emotional shift, a spark of clarity, or a moment of release, I was reminded why this work matters.
The biggest lesson? Trust the process. Keep learning, and keep going!! Transformation is rarely linear. But when you keep showing up with intention, even the struggles become part of the sacred rhythm.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I specialize in mindful movement, whether that’s pilates, yoga, or dance based classes, and heart-centered experiences that help people reconnect with themselves.
I’m known for creating immersive, heart-opening experiences that feel both grounding and expansive. Whether it’s through a retreat, a class, or a mindful circle, my goal is always to help people feel more alive, more empowered, and more connected true self.
What sets my work apart is the integration of practices. Real change happens when we align our body, mind and heart! What I’m most proud of is witnessing the real shifts that happen for people—watching someone reclaim their voice, move through stuck energy, or simply feel seen and supported in a way they haven’t before. That’s what keeps me going.
What I Offer:
🌿 Mantra Moves Workshops
A signature experience blending movement, mantra, breathwork, and journaling. These workshops are designed to elevate your energy, shift your mindset, and awaken deeper connection—body, mind, and spirit.
🧘♀️ Group Classes at HEIMAT and F.O.L.M. Studios
I teach a variety of weekly group classes designed to energize, strengthen, and ground you:
– Pilates (Mat & Reformer)
– Barre
– Yoga-inspired flows
💫 Monthly Women’s Circles + Mindful Circles
Heart-centered gatherings that include breathwork, movement, journaling, and conscious sharing. These circles are created to build community, nurture self-awareness, and reconnect with purpose.
✨ Private Sessions (In-Home or Studio)
Customized 1:1 sessions blending Pilates, strength training, mindful movement, breathwork, mantra, and/or sound healing—based on your needs, goals, and energy.
📚 Online Book Club + YouTube Channel
An uplifting virtual space for inspiration, growth, and community. The Book Club meets twice monthly and the YouTube Channel offers free classes in Pilates, Mantra Moves, breathwork, sound healing, and more. Please reach out through email or Instagram to the join the Book Club, starting in August as we dive into Autobiography of a Yogi! One of the greatest spiritual books of our time. All are welcome, donation-based. (flowwithvanessa@gmail.com)
🌙 Retreats
Immersive, transformational retreats that include:
-Mantra Moves classes
-Sound baths + breathwork
-Journaling + mindful workshops
-Nature experiences (horseback riding, hiking, fitness, etc.)
-Nourishing meals and spa time (3 key Michelin rated)
-Deep rest, connection, and realignment
*Held in beautiful locations like Canyon Ranch Woodside, Yosemite, Baja Mexico, and beyond! These retreats are designed to rejuvenate the body, reset the mind, and elevate the soul. Join the email list to learn about our next adventure!
My final Retreat of the Summer will be at Canyon Ranch Woodside, July 31-Aug 4th. Located just outside of San Fransisco, nestled in the Redwood Forest, you’ll feel as if you’ve been transported to another realm of inner peace and tranquility. Spots still available! Special discount available for Hidden Gem readers (use code: VANESSADUNN at booking)
<a href=”https://www.canyonranch.com/woodside/events/mantra-motion-aug-2025″>https://www.canyonranch.com/woodside/events/mantra-motion-aug-2025</a>
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
Over the next 5–10 years, I see the wellness industry becoming more integrated, more intentional, and more community-driven. People are craving depth over trends. There’s a growing desire not just to “work out,” but to feel better—emotionally, mentally, spiritually. I believe we’ll see more practices that combine movement, mindfulness, and somatic healing, rather than keeping them in separate boxes.
I also think we’re moving toward more personalization and nervous system–aware modalities. Instead of one-size-fits-all approaches, people are seeking experiences that honor where they actually are—whether that’s burnout, anxiety, trauma, or transformation. Sound healing, breathwork, mantra, and embodiment practices are becoming more mainstream because they speak to that deeper need for regulation, connection, and energy alignment.
Community will also play a huge role. People don’t just want content—they want connection. Circles, retreats, shared rituals—these will be the heart of the next wave of wellness.
And with tech evolving, there will be more ways to access these healing practices remotely—but the practitioners and brands that thrive will be the ones who stay rooted in authenticity, presence, and real human energy.
Pricing:
Book Club – FREE
Private Training in Studio – $200
Private House Calls – $250
Private/Corporate Events – Inquiry
Contact Info:
Website: www.mantramoves.com