Chris Linnares

Chris Linnares is a best-selling psychotherapist and author from Brazil that has touched a generation of women in her native country with her books, radio- show, DVD and her acclaimed one-woman show.

Chris Linnares is the author of several books and is the creator of Diva Dance that has being empowering women all over the country, and has earned rave reviews from the media and leading organizations such as Go Red – American Heart Association, Microsoft, Avon and others. Fox Television News said, "Get you groove on! Diva Dance is a powerful tool to increase women's self esteem!"

Her amazing life story and unique ability to use dance, as a practical tool to create wellness - in combination with the latest research about mind/body connection - make her an inspiring speaker and writer.

A few years ago when she was in her country inspiring other women, she had a vivid dream where a man told her "I love you, I miss you and I am waiting for you in Los Angeles." She took the leap of faith and decided to follow her dream and travel to L.A. A few months later, against all odds, this optimistic and brave woman met her "prince charming."

Instead of moving to a "castle" on the beach, she moved to Fargo, North Dakota. (Yes! You read it right...from the tropical country of Brazil, 80 degrees and palm trees, to the frozen tundra of Fargo, 20 below zero and snow men!) Rather than becoming a princess, she became a step-mom of two precious girls and she was faced with one of the hardest moments of her life...

The transition into this strange land with new people and a foreign language was difficult enough. Then her world seemed to fall apart. Her father died. Her baby girl, Luiza, spent a week in intensive care after her premature birth. Linnares gained 60 pounds and suffered from postpartum depression. While dealing with grief and depression, this successful speaker, who often inspired others, became the one that needed to be inspired.

Instead of treating her depression and overweight battles with a pill bottle, she craved a cheaper, more practical and natural way to heal herself.

Without having the luxury of a spiritual trip to India or Tibet, like some people do, she needed to find the power to transform her life in her own home, while doing the laundry, watching Oprah, and changing dirty diapers.

In this journey she studied cutting edge research about mind and body connection, she returned to her own roots and she found a power that a lot of us have long forgotten – one revered by other cultures, and rooted in tradition and science, the power of our Body, Mind and Soul.

That's when she was inspired to create Diva Dance – an empowering experience that uses Latin and fun dance moves as a practical way to Energize your Body, Empower your Mind and Express your Soul.

Chris Linnares continues to live in Fargo where she is a proud mom, step-mom and..."part-time wife." She feels blessed to be able to share her passion of empowering women with her husband - the photographer and filmmaker Billy Black. Together they brought to light the heartfelt book and social project Beautiful Women and the Dance Your Own Dance Foundation—its mission—to empower individuals to achieve personal and financial success and be a force for good in their communities.