Mel B is getting candid about how dance helped improve her mental health after leaving her reported abusive relationship with producer Stephen Belafonte. In a new interview, the Spice Girls group member also spoke about the key to staying physically and mentally healthy.
Speaking with PEOPLE, Mel B opened up about a recent Zumba class she led at the SXSW event on June 2. At the end, “Wannabe” singer said that dancing, especially Zumba, has been a life-changer for her.
“Because I had a 10-year very abusive marriage, when I got out of there, I had to piece my life back together,” she said. “Trauma doesn’t really leave you and your body keeps that trauma in.”
According to Mel B, real name Melanie Brown, dancing has given her a sense of “freedom” she didn’t have while in her relationship.
Mel B Opens Up About How She’s Stayed Healthy By Having An Active Lifestyle
Mel B is no stranger to dancing or being under the bright lights. She shared with PEOPLE that she was trained as a dancer; however, Zumba allows her to feel something entirely different.
“… this is just so much more free and you can just put your own personality on it, and it’s a good way of keeping fit and moving,” she said. ” And that’s what I love to do.”
For Mel B, she’s also discovered that staying healthy is easier than some might believe it to be. “I think just moving and keeping some kind of movement in your body is so key to being healthy,” she said, adding, “At the end of the day, who wants to be a couch potato?”
Zumba Makes Mel B Happy
In addition to finding freedom through Zumba, Brown, 51, said that the style of exercise just makes her “happy” and has had a positive impact on her day-to-day.
“It just makes you happier because you can choose your own music, you know, everything’s in the count of 8, so it’s really kind of easy to follow,” she said before sharing what she’s learned with those who are wanting to live a healthier life.
“Do something that speaks to you,” she stated. “I think just being able to get your body moving, however you interpret it, whatever music, it just makes you a little bit happier. I think that’s important.”
The Singer Detailed The Abuse She Suffered In A Past Relationship
During her appearance on a previous episode of the “Mad Sad Bad” podcast, Mel B opened up about the “manipulation” she dealt with while in a previous relationship.
The singer explained that she would often deal with her ex-partner doing things, such as moving her diamond earrings from the bed side table and placing them in the refrigerator, only to berate her about being “irresponsible.”
“… and I’d question myself, maybe I did put them in the fridge,” she said before admitting she dealt with upsetting manipulation tactics frequently.
“A lot of that went on and I literally felt like I was going mad and I would double check myself… almost like you were living in a fantasy world where I know that that wasn’t there before and I know where my coffee mug is,” she said.
According to Mel B, there’s a lot of “self-doubt” when you’re in an abusive relationship, considering abusers seek out people they can control.
“They find you when you’re either at your most vulnerable or when you’re at your happiest,” she said. “It’s a challenge to them to see how they can get you and how they can then start to manipulate and it doesn’t happen all at once.”
Scary Spice Wants A Reunion
According to a previous report from The Blast, Mel B is holding onto hope that she and her Spice Girls band mates will reunite one day for a massive tour featuring their biggest hits.
“In a perfect world, we’d already be on tour right now, touring the whole entire world,” she said. “I’m always ready to go on tour with the Spice Girls. I wouldn’t be sitting here if it weren’t for my other four girls, if I weren’t part of that kind of girl power crazy roller coaster ride.”
While the group had plans to reunite for a 30th anniversary, it all came crumbling down due to reported scheduling demands and group tension. However, stranger things have happened in the entertainment industry, so fans should never say never!
