“When I saw Dede over a year ago I could not run, though running is one of my favorite ways to keep mind and body in good condition. My right foot had been causing me trouble for over two years. Even walking caused an ache in my foot. I had seen orthopedists and others, but I was told that it was likely that my problem was caused by arthritis -- that I would probably never be rid of the pain, and probably would not be able to run again. When I went to Dede for a body massage, she asked me if I had any areas that were particularly painful...I told her, "well, there's my right foot, but I know you can't do anything about that." She asked me 'what makes me think that?', and I repeated that I had been told arthritis was causing the pain and there was nothing to be done. After 15 minutes of massaging my foot, the pain was gone, and remained gone! I'm running an hour a day now, am completely pain-free, and I still can't believe it! It's all because of Dede! I am beyond grateful!”
--Gerhild Krapf

“I came to you four months into a 3-year recovery from spinal surgery. I was unable to drive, delivered by the UI Bionic Bus, and walking, with great difficulty, on a cane.

I was in significant pain, suffering a post-surgery depression (which is considered quite common, until it happens to you), and incredibly afraid. I was uncertain what massage could do for me, but I knew that in addition to traditional physical therapy, I needed the addition of healing touch.

You had been recommended to me by one of your clients and when I visited your website and saw that you were trained in orthopedic massage and employed breath-work, I made the decision to make my first appointment. It was life-changing, really. Not only did the massage work we began that first day significantly enhance and accelerate the process of my physical recovery (my surgeon was quite impressed at my first year check-in), but your gentleness of touch, your patience, and, most of all, your compassion for the degree and extent of my suffering touched me in the depths of my wounded spirit. I felt that you were one of the only people I knew, besides my surgical support staff, who understood not just my pain, but the emotional and bodily trauma that I'd been through. I remember thinking, as I left your studio and boarded the Bionic Bus, that I had entered a new realm of healing.

I am now mid-way through my second year of recovery and I continue to impress my surgeon -- and myself!

Of course, I continue to work very hard in rehabilitative therapy, but I will always consider the work we have done together--on your table, through the healing touch of your hands -- one of the great gifts to come of this long and difficult experience of pain and trauma. Thank you, Dede.”

“I had been having severe ankle pain, hands going to sleep when I talked on the phone, and enough at night to wake me. It hurt to walk and to get up from a sitting position. I was having to take pain medication to get around. My doctor suggested I make an appointment with Dede. After one massage, I started to feel better. I went from four Tramadol to two, and after a few more visits, no prescription pain meds! My hands no longer go to sleep, my legs do not hurt, my ankle hurts much less, and I feel better all over. I have arthritis which has deformed my toes and fingers, but now I manage the aches with Tylenol Arthritis (or the generic form) and Dede Dancing. I am a far cry from ankle replacement surgery which I was originally told I needed.“
--Margaret Barnhart, West Liberty.

“I have been seeing Dede as my massage therapist for nearly 10 years. I have found her to be exceptional in this capacity. She asks questions that will guide her in addressing areas of concern. She listens to the explanations I give her regarding the areas of my body that need attention. Additionally, she has the keen perception to detect areas that require treatment, areas that escape my notice. Dede will suggest exercises that help alleviate discomfort. I find my 90-minute sessions with her invigorating, relaxing and refreshing. An appointment with her is always a treat. I recommend her to all my friends.”
--Ralph Cap

Dede was strongly recommended to me by my chiropractor's receptionist whom she worked on during her pregnancy. I had seen Dede around my chiropractor's office but was reluctant to give her a try. I had back surgery in the early 1970’s due to a freak accident, and had been struggling for years with chronic pain and stiffness from calcified scar tissue. I had never let anyone work on my scar before Dede. Massage therapists had rarely helped it and some actually made it worse. Dede's work was transformative. Her knowledge, emotional support, and intuitive understanding of what my body needed made it possible for me to heal in ways I never thought possible.
–Maryann Rasmussen

I asked my acupuncturist to recommend a massage therapist as my body was stiff with limited range of motion, most pronounced in my neck. Told her I needed a massage therapist skilled in rehabilitative massage as I have several old injuries. Accident in early 80’s ruptured three discs in my lower back resulting in sciatica. Rear ended at a stop light early 90’s by a truck. Totaled my car as I ended up in the back seat and in a ditch on the opposite side of the road. Major whiplash added to my arthritic condition. Adverse to exercise. My acupuncturist recommended Dede Dancing. Told me Dede would be the perfect match as she had a lot of experience providing what I call rehabilitative massage.

Called Dede and told her I had not taken very good care of my 69 year old vessel. She understood my language and we talked comfortably about my physical condition and life stresses. Scheduled an appointment. My sciatica was pronounced at the time with pain shooting down my left leg and numbness in my left foot. Chronic condition for which I have refused medication. My neck was very stiff with limited range of motion in all directions.

Dede worked on my neck for the first 30 minutes of each massage and my back and legs for the next hour. The results have been amazing. No longer experiencing sciatica or numbness. Major improvement in my neck’s range of motion. Entire body more flexible. Muscular armoring significantly reduced. Would go every day if I could afford to instead of weekly or biweekly as I do currently.

I have thanked my acupuncturist several times for her excellent referral choice of Dede. Have also told her she could tell others Dede is an excellent rehabilitative massage therapist and a healer.
C. Eldon Taylor, November 1, 2013

Dede provided clear instructions in step-by-step technique, managing an unusual classroom situation well and keeping the class moving along with her. To achieve this, she went back and forth between demonstration to the class, verbal reinforcement of the steps she is describing and moving through the group to provide one-on-one demonstration and role-modeling. At one point in the session, a student who I work with in developing teaching skills noticed this simultaneous communication with the group and the individuals and turned to me and said, 'She is SO GOOD!'

Dede provided positive energy and encouragement for students who were uncomfortable or unsure. This allowed students to experience their learning in a flexible format, totally appropriate for these learning goals and learning environment.

Dede used humor where appropriate and gauged the tone of the two different groups accurately. The first group was a little rowdier, and Dede was able to keep them under control while still playing along with their energy. The second group was much calmer and she was able to engage them in a quieter way.
--Darren Hoffmann, Ph.D., Lecturer and Vice Chair of Educational Programs, Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa.