Finding Rhythm - by Aliénor Salmon (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

A happiness researcher set out on an international dance journey, 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? Alienor 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. The Franco-British Alienor wanted to learn to dance, and so she set off on a journey to New York City and then Latin America. She danced her way through Mexico, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Colombia, Brazil, and Argentina and learned eighteen dances in total--everything from salsa to cha-cha, reggaeton to samba, tango, bachata, merengue, and more.

As Alienor engaged with esoteric customs and cultures, she discovered that every step, pivot, and shake thrums with an undeniable spirit of place. In a world where we are over-connected but increasingly disconnected from one another, dance offers an authentically human experience. One that promotes tolerance, kindness, and vulnerability by holding the hands of a stranger and gazing into their eyes for the length of a song.

This one-of-a-kind dance-travelogue is a resplendent meditation on happiness, connection, and wanderlust, as well as a superb up-close look at the history, steps, and development of the world's most remarkable dances. With her courageous and candid approach, Alienor will also inspire you to take the reins of your own life, to find what makes you happy and summon the courage to take the first step.

Review Quotes

"A cross-cultural journey recounted in lively, lyrical prose packed with insight and inspiration. . . . Anyone interested in expanding their cultural vocabulary will enjoy this memorable memoir."--Booklist

"Can you dance away the hurt? Alienor 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."--Henry Alford, author of And Then We Danced, Big Kiss, and How to Live

"Alienor 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."--Shawn Achor, New York Times best-selling author of The Happiness Advantage, Before Happiness, and Big Potential

"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." --Dr. Nicole LePera, The Holistic Psychologist

"A journey through the many rhythms of Latin America, Finding Rhythm shows sincere appreciation for Latin Americans, their warmth, and close social relationships. Alienor Salmon reminds us about the central importance of human connection as the key to our happiness in the journey of life."--Mariano Rojas, happiness economist and former president of the International Society for Quality of Life Studies

"With Finding Rhythm, Alienor Salmon brings Latin America's rich cultural heritage to life through a vivid, accessible, and entertaining story."--Tim Curtis, anthropologist and UNESCO cultural heritage expert

"As she dances her way through Latin America, Alienor 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."--Joe Cummings, travel writer and best-selling Lonely Planet author

"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."--Griselle Ponce, world renowned Salsa dancer best known as The Mambo Diva

About the Author

Alienor Salmon is a Franco-British writer, researcher, and consultant who has traveled the world studying happiness, education, and emotional development for UNESCO and other international organizations. Through her website, Bailando Journey, she has become a dance influencer and ambassador, promoting the discovery of cultures through dance and dance's multiple benefits for well-being and personal development. In 2018 she received official accreditation for journalistic coverage of the Cali Fair, one of the most important traditional music and dance celebrations in Colombia and Latin America. In 2022 she gave a TEDx talk on her tour of Latin America, learning its dances and about herself in the process, the basis for her book Finding Rhythm. She has since founded the School of Happiness, where she teaches masterclasses on the science of happiness, and she teaches Mindful Latin Flow, a mindful movement class based on Latin rhythms. Alienor currently lives in Lisbon, Portugal.