Exploring Life & Business with Courtney Elliott of Courtney Elliott Somatics

Today we’d like to introduce you to Courtney Elliott.

Courtney, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
How far shall we go back? My mother says I danced out of the womb and was singing before I could talk. I was born in Manly (Sydney) Australia. I grew up dancing and singing competitively and professionally from the age of 3 however my first actual job was as a founding performer in Australia’s Flipside Circus circa 1995.

My mother cultivated a deeply rooted connection with the local community and Indigenous Australian First Nations People’s ceremony and culture. Her commitment to exposing me to a beautifully diverse selection of Art, Dance, Movement, Travel, Spiritual teachings (yes, Catholic Church included), and many mornings of yoga and meditation was truly instrumental in shaping the practitioner and performer I am today. You see, to me, art and healing aren’t separate careers. I started teaching Pilates in 2008 and in 2009, I took my first of many overseas contracts as a performer at Tokyo Disneyland Resort.

Returning to Tokyo in 2011 was one of the most pivotal years of my life and career. March 11th, 2011, I witnessed the most incredibly moving demonstration of resilience and community solidarity in the wake of the catastrophic “Great Sendai Earthquake.” On August 13th, 2011, I attended the Summer Sonic music festival, and as the sun set over Makuhari Beach I danced to the iconic Disco band I didn’t even know still existed, the Village People. Almost 7 years, a few more overseas and cruise ship contracts, staring roles in regional theatre, grueling audition seasons in NYC, some career-crushing injuries, and a very passionate but short-lived marriage to a macho man (yes you read the right) later, I found myself starting over in Nashville TN in August of 2017.

During the following 6 years in Nashville, I cultivated a beautiful interweaving of my multifaceted gifts and skills in Music, Art, Performance, Yoga, Pilates, Sound/Frequency healing, and Somatic Experiencing I have gained over the past 35 years into a life and career I am extremely proud of and honored to show up for each morning.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I think the 2 most challenging things I have experienced personally along the way have been my struggles with autoimmune health conditions and chronic pain.

We’ve been impressed with Courtney Elliott Somatics LLC., but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
When I am not performing as one of the lead singers of the Nashville Yacht Club Band, I run my own full body (mind, body, spirit) wellness approach business Courtney Elliott Somatics LLC. I believe that we have everything we need either inside of us or from the earth to heal and evolve into the healthiest, happiest, and most abundant humans this life has given us the opportunity to experience.

My approach to healing and overall wellness is through the lens of the body and your spirit’s connection to earth, ether, and community. The human body is the most intelligent electrical machine in existence and modern science is only just beginning to scratch the surface of understanding what our incredible meat suits are capable of. This is why I utilize the ancient teachings and science from Ayurveda, Yoga, Yoga Nidra, Sound Healing, and ceremony combined with the modern teachings of Trauma-informed Somatic Experiencing, Polyvagal Theory, IFS (Internal Family Systems,) Pilates, and functional movement.

A great place to start when it comes to somatic healing is attending a group sound bath. Just dip your toes into the ocean of possibility and embodied joy your body can experience. I offer group and individual Sound Healing, Meditation, Somatic Experiencing, Pilates, and Function Movement sessions. For more information and current group offerings reach out at courtneyelliott.com or @thegirlfromtheplane on Instagram.

Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
Singing Sarah Mclachlan’s “Angel” and walking along the beach at sunset with my Mum. Singing is the best frequency therapy you can find and it’s FREE!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.courtneyelliott.com
• Instagram: @courtneyelliott___

Image Credits
Natia Cinco, Nashville Yacht Club Band, and The Cast Collective