In this episode, I sit down with dancer, choreographer, and advocate Marissa Lazovick for a heart-centered conversation that moves through performance, diagnosis, and the power of self-expression. Marissa shares how her journey with Tourette Syndrome has intersected with her passion for dance, leading to the creation of her powerful solo piece, "(Tic)kled." We talk about what it really means to advocate for yourself, to be understood, and to turn something challenging into something beautifully human.

Marissa opens up about everything from being diagnosed in middle school to coping with tics in college life, and how dancing—not just physically, but emotionally—has helped her find a rhythm in the chaos. Her perspective on inclusivity, mental health, and self-acceptance is honest, wise, and inspiring.

Marissa is a New Jersey native, now a first year at the Boston Conservatory at Berklee, majoring in Dance. A dancer since age 5, Marissa recently choreographed and danced to a piece about her Tourette experience, titled, "(Tic)kled. She is also an American Sign Language (ASL) instructor.

Episode Highlights:

[1:33] Meet Marissa — a New Jersey native, dancer, and ASL instructor with a powerful story.
[2:46] The inspiration and emotional arc behind her dance piece, "(Tic)kled".
[5:20] Performing across the country and sparking conversations about TS through art.
[7:40] Getting diagnosed and the emotional release that came with finally having a name.
[10:17] How school accommodations and support systems made a real difference.
[12:51] Coping with an uptick in tics during college — what’s helping, and what isn’t.
[16:59] Why painting, movement, and solo dorm living are part of Marissa’s self-care.
[19:09] From competition dance to choreography—how performance has evolved for her.
[22:17] Teaching dance as a form of emotional storytelling and empowerment.
[24:56] Finding community through NJCTS and connecting with others who "get it".
[27:20] Marissa’s definition of inclusivity—and how it shows up in her life and work.
[30:07] Her lifelong connection to volunteering, including ASL education for young kids.
[35:38] Advice for others with TS: take it slow, speak up, and know you’re more than a label.

Links & Resources:

• Learn more about NJ Walks for TS on May 17: https://p2p.onecause.com/njctswalk
• Marissa's Instagram: @marissalaz
• Marissa's piece, (Tic)kled: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DHhePHctTJd

Remember, each story shared on this podcast brings light and understanding to the diverse experiences within the Tourette's community. Your journey is your own, and it's filled with potential and promise. If this episode resonated with you, I encourage you to like, share, and leave a review to help us connect with more listeners.

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