The Dance of Resilience: Transforming Lives and Staying Vibrant Through Partner Dance

by Ember Reichgott Junge

In the same vein of Wendy Suzuki’s Healthy Brain, Happy Life and Peter Attia’s Outlive, this inspiring narrative weaves together personal narratives, interviews, and cutting-edge science to explore the power of partner dance in transforming lives.

Energetic living. Mental sharpness. Social interaction. Emotional well-being. Scientifically proven benefits for people living with depression, dementia, and Parkinson’s disease. The Dance of Resilience reveals how these are just some of the many ways partner dance transforms lives.

Through extraordinary stories of ordinary people across the human spectrum—woven with her own candid experiences—award-winning author and legislator Ember Reichgott Junge shows how partner dance sparks self-discovery, fosters a healthier lifestyle, and offers a powerful antidote to today’s growing “epidemic of loneliness.” 

But Reichgott Junge goes even further, building a compelling case that dance should be recognized as an essential part of our insured and public health care systems. What if your doctor could prescribe twelve dance sessions—covered by insurance—to help ease anxiety or enhance cognitive function?

Step into The Dance of Resilience—and discover your hidden resilience as you enter an unexpected life of purpose and heartwarming possibility.  

319 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 13, 2026

About the author

Ember Reichgott Junge, former Minnesota state senator, journalist, and nonprofit executive, is an attorney and broadcast political analyst. She is an alumna of the international cast of Up with People and a late-blooming ballroom dancer. Her first book, Zero Chance of Passage, won the 2013 Grand Prize for Writer’s Digest Self-Published Book Awards and was cited as an expert resource in a 2025 US Supreme Court case. Ember is a graduate of St. Olaf College, Duke University Law School, and University of St. Thomas (MBA). She and her husband Michael Junge commute between their Hutchinson and Minneapolis, Minnesota, homes with their miniature schnauzer Maya.

Reviews

[Heather~ Nature.books.and.coffee · Rating 4 out of 5]

 I found this to be an easy, enjoyable, and insightful read about the benefits of partner dance. I never really thought about ballroom dance as something that I could benefit from. This book shares personal stories from couples who share what couples dance has done for them and how it's improved their lives. I can tell this was well researched and the author is very informed on this subject. I loved to learn about not only the physical benefits, but also the mental health benefits. The exercise you get and the connections and social engagement can really help you feel better and healthier. I love dancing at home and it puts me in such a great mood that I can totally see how actually making a routine of it with a partner would be so fun. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, and the added photos helped me to connect more with the book. I'm happy I had a chance to read this one! 

Thank you to the publisher, author, and Suzy approved book tours for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.

[Danielle B · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE DANCE OF RESILIENCE is an inspiring book about self-help and fitness. I think most people could find some inspiration here. The author does a nice job of explaining how the benefits of partner dance are many and can be transformational. Great job on this informational story!

Many thanks to Ember Reichgott Junge for my gifted copy.

This review will be shared to my Instagram account (@coffee.break.book.reviews) in the future.

[Melissa (Nissa_the.bookworm) · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐈𝐅 𝐘𝐎𝐔
💃🏻 love to dance
💪🏼 want to learn how to be strong in a fun way
❤️ have a partner you want to exercise with
📖 enjoy nonfiction

• 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓

Energetic living. Mental sharpness. Social interaction. Emotional well-being. Scientifically proven benefits for people living with depression, dementia, and Parkinson’s disease. The Dance of Resilience reveals how these are just some of the many ways partner dance transforms lives.

Through extraordinary stories of ordinary people across the human spectrum—woven with her own candid experiences—award-winning author and legislator Ember Reichgott Junge shows how partner dance sparks self-discovery, fosters a healthier lifestyle, and offers a powerful antidote to today’s growing “epidemic of loneliness.” 

But Reichgott Junge goes even further, building a compelling case that dance should be recognized as an essential part of our insured and public health care systems. What if your doctor could prescribe twelve dance sessions—covered by insurance—to help ease anxiety or enhance cognitive function?

• 𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒

This book was a lot of fun! I’ve never done any kind of ballroom dancing, but I know someone who used to do it with her husband, and they always had a fantastic time and were really great at it! This book was a lot of fun to read. I know that dancing is great exercise, but I never really thought about it as an exercise, if that makes sense. It does a great job of explaining how it works, along with a lot of helpful photos. I enjoyed reading about real life couples as well! I definitely recommend this one for anyone who likes to dance!

[TarHeelReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dance is truly my love language. If I didn’t have movement, including dance, in my life, I’m certain I’d be overtaken by the anxiety I remember feeling as far back as my memories go. My parents gave me the gift of dance classes at age two, and my Dad was a talented dancer. While I don’t think I’m the most skilled, I dance.

That said, this book spoke to me instantly. Dance has so many benefits. The social interaction. The energy and focus. The effects on memory and processing. As I mentioned, it can be powerful in reducing anxiety. It can help those with dementia, Parkinson’s disease, like my dear late dad, and multiple mental health conditions. Not a cure, but a possible help.

The author, Ember Reichgott Jung, focuses especially on partner dance, sharing stories of everyday people along with her own experiences, and how dance can fight the epidemic of loneliness plaguing our world. I especially loved her stance on dance being woven into public health and even insurance, such as doctors prescribing dance lessons, which would be covered by insurance, because we know that dance can improve wellbeing and cognitive functioning. This messaging connects with other nonfiction I’ve been reading, such as The Connection Cure and Art Cure. We need to open up our public health practices to more avenues of increasing resilience and improving mental and physical health.

I received a gifted copy.

Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader

[Linda Zagon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lindas Book Obsession Reviews “The Dance of Resilience “ “Transforming Lives and Staying Vibrant Through Partner Dance” by Ember Reichgott Junge, She Writes Press, January 13, 2026, On Tour with Suzy Approved Book Tours


Ember Reichgott Junge, the Author of “The Dance of Resilience” “Transforming Lives and Staying Vibrant Through Partner Dance” has written an engaging, informative, and intriguing novel. The Genres for this book are non-fiction, aging and longevity, exercise and fitness, personal transformation and self-help, and biography with both pictures and resources.The author vividly describes the positivity of the physical and emotional exercise, as well as the diverse group of individuals that dance would be positive for. There is a “Movement” for seasoned citizens, handicapped adults, middle aged school children and almost everyone to encourage dance. Some forms of Medicare cover dance for the physical and emotional benefits, and some YMCA’s encourage dance for socialization, and to prevent loneliness. I found this book not only entertaining but educational, and learned many things from this.

The author advocates for more governmental involvement and financial sources for dance across many platforms for different groups and people. The enjoyment, rhythm, exercise, entertainment and socialization is so very important. I appreciate how the author describes issues of trust, staying vibrant, communication by dancing. I highly recommend this captivating novel.

[Debbie Rozier · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this nonfiction book that shares the stories of regular people who have gained so much from partner dance. The book also shares incredible stories of the health benefits of partner dance.

I love to dance and do a program for exercise, but I’ve never thought about partner dancing except when I watch the tv show Dancing With the Stars.

Ember shares not only her story of being involved in partner dancing, but so many of others’ stories of how the world of partner dance helped them. This read has stories from a variety of people.

I thought that it was very easy to read. I found the story of Ember’s dance instructor, Nathan, really interesting.

I also gained a lot of insight into the last section of the book that shares how partner dancing helps with both physical and mental health. Those stories, like Mark who has Parkinson’s Disease, are an inspiration and a tribute to the power of partner dance.

I really liked all the photos in the book. Those were a great connector for me.

[Miss W Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Dance of Resilience: Transforming Lives and Staying Vibrant Though Partner Dance by Ember Reichgott Junge is an endearing novel I really enjoyed reading.

This nonfiction novel explores self-help and growth, both physical and emotional.

Exercise, both emotional and physical are discussed. I really appreciated the pictures and the references that were included.

Dance is encouraged for everyone, even disabled and older people. The author even speaks about insurance coverage for these types of dance classes offered in local communities.

I really enjoyed this book. I learned a lot, the overarching theme is that dance is for EVERYONE and there are many benefits.

Great read!

[Booksandcoffeemx · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book.

I’ve always believed that exercise and movement play a huge role in our overall health, and this book truly proves it. The Dance of Resilience shows how movement can improve not only physical health, but emotional and mental well-being too.

The idea that something as joyful as dancing can help with depression, cognitive health, and even conditions like Parkinson’s disease feels both powerful and hopeful. And the question it raises stayed with me: what if improving our health could be fun—and even covered by insurance?

This book is inspiring, fascinating, and deeply motivating. It made me want to keep moving, stay connected, and rethink how we approach health, resilience, and healing.

[Lisa Albright · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love everything about this book and agree wholeheartedly. I was a fitness coach for many years and truly believe movement is one the major keys to longevity. My husband and I have talked about taking partner dance lessons and this book has inspired me to follow through. There is a mind/body connection to the music, to your partner, to others, and to yourself that I can't wait to experience. Many thanks to the author for this informative book reminding me of all the reasons why we should "just do it", have fun with it, and enjoy the multiple benefits of healthy aging through dance.

I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

You know how you can tell when a person is smiling when they answer the phone?

This author’s smile is on every page.

Informative, but never boring, she’s (nearly) able to talk both my two left feet into taking a spin around the room.

I love how she speaks from a position of authority and has a real plan (on both a personal and systemic level) to get her ideas implemented.

I love how she blends personal anecdote and testimony with science and theory.

I don’t know that I’ll ever be able to cha-cha, but I can certainly see how I can fit a few of her ideas into my perimenopausal life.

[Priya Hutner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring and heartfelt, The Dance of Resilience reminds us how movement can bring joy and healing to the soul. Through stories of human resilience, Ember Reichgott Junge, shows how dance can transform lives, and improve our physical, mental, and emotional health.
The Dance of Resilience inspires us to dance like nobody’s watching.
~Priya Hutner, author of Chasing Nirvana: A Seeker’s Story of Love, Loss and Liberation

[Mindy Greiling · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm proud to know the author of this thoroughly-researched book that beautifully describes her personal journey with dance as well as others' stories. She issues a call for more opportunities for all types of people to enjoy dance while simultaneously reaping health benefits. I loved how she included how people with mental illnesses or dementia could also benefit and be less lonely.

[crafty.jenn.reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve loved to dance since I was old enough to step on someone’s feet, and I love the idea of recapturing that passion for movement in my October years.

I’ve got both rhythm and music, and now I have a tonne of information and actionable steps on how to work them into my life for both business and pleasure.

Now to get Husband on board.

[Christy Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I took dance lessons for many years as a child, but have rarely danced as an adult. I devoured the wonderful stories of people, young and old, from diverse backgrounds whose lives have been enriched by dance. This beautiful collection of stories and photographs was really inspirational for me. It was also a good reminder of the blessings we can reap when we step outside our comfort zones.

[Christina McComiskie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very unique and inspiring read. I grew up in a musical family and my fondest memories are watching my parents dance and my father play instruments and sing. Music and dancing are such an important part of life. More people should dance, it does wonders for your mental and physical well being.