Wednesday, December 9, 2009

healing power of dance..

This is a lovely example of the healing power of dance. Gently and lovingly, breaking away from old, dysfunctional movement patterns and creating new neurophysiological connections and abilities. The article contains a video. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/25/arts/dance/25palsy.html?_r=3&em

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Skin....

Skin: largest organ in the body.

Protection, communication, elimination. Skin breathes, absorbs oxygen, nutrients, (sometimes toxins), releases waste products, pheromones, lubricants, and antibacterial substances. Skin is one of many miracles of our bodies. We communicate through skin by the way we touch, and the way we receive touch. When I am stressed, an unpleasant scent emanates from my skin. When I am frightened, or cold, or when I am touched in certain ways (physical or emotional), the hair on my skin stands up. Skin changes color to communicate physical or emotional states.

We can develop a greater sensory awareness in our skin, just by paying attention to it. How does the skin feel when the elbow floats gently up? How does it feel when I pull the elbow sharply into my core? When I bring an awareness of breathing through the skin into my dance or movement, how does it effect my mental/physical/emotional state?

Greater sensory awareness gives us access to greater pleasure.

Explore the joy of breathing and sensing pleasure through the skin this evening at TAC when we dance to Delerium. 7:00pm (If you are not a member of TAC, you can purchase a day pass for $10.00.)

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

New Daytime Nia Session starting at Senior Center

Incredible value! Classes for every body start on Monday Sept 28 and run until December 2nd. We meet Mondays and Wednesday at 11:00am til noon at the Corvallis Senior Center (2601 NW Tyler Ave.) The cost is $65.00 (Corvallis residents) for the session - 19 classes, which comes to less than $3.50/class, a great deal, even if you miss a number of classes. If you live out of town, the cost is $82.00 for the session (less than $4.50/class). Drop-in for $8.00/class.

Body/mind/spirit fitness at it's best!

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Nia for Men...

A friend and fellow Nia instructor, Fred Bass, in Portland wrote a blog about his experience as a man in Nia. Check it out! If you see this at a much later time, his story was published on August 12. His blog can be found at fredbass.wordpress.com

Friday, June 12, 2009

sweet, uplifting video

It reminds of of the precious uniqueness of everyone's dance and voice. Sara Tavares "Balance."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1C9mWN8vKHQ

Saturday, May 2, 2009

Dancing the one point

The one point: the center of gravity, center of centers, the center between heaven and earth. The discipline of Aikido refers to it as the one point, in Tai Chi it is known as tan tien. Physically, it is about two inches below the naval in the center of the pelvis. We can build ki or vital energy (prana or chi) by breathing into the one point. When we move from this center of gravity, we move with greater power, grace, and stability. If someone were to test me (in a martial arts class), when I am NOT centered in my one point, I am easily thrown off balance. When I am present in my one-point, I can sustain the occasional blow without losing my center. This is true in the mental and emotional realms, as well. Centered in the one-point, I am present to this moment, when I am off in my mind, I can easily be distracted from my focus, or even fall prey to my own judgements or projections.

One of my favorite Nia foci, I aspire to stay connected to my one-point in all classes. When I feel present in my center of gravity, suspended between heaven and earth, I feel a greater sense of power and grace, and more connection to the beauty of the moment. I invite you to cultivate the practice of connecting to your one-point in all Nia classes and observe what happens to your dance.

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Nia classes at the Senior Center: New session starts June 8th

If you are available for day-time Nia, please join us at the Senior Center on Mondays and Wednesdays from 11:00am to noon. The next session starts on June 8th and runs until July 22, that's 14 classes (7 weeks) for $76.00 if you live in Corvallis, and $95.00 if you live out of town. The drop-in rate is $8.00/class. This is such a great deal, that even if you miss 2 weeks of classes, you still come out ahead by registering for the session - and registering for the session assures that the class will happen. Nia classes tend to be groups of positive people you love being around, and this one is no exception - we're a delightful bunch. Please come and dance with us and share the joy! This class is open to all ages.

Schedule Changes for May....

As many of you know, Austin and I will be heading off to Turkey and Greece soon. My last class at Timberhill will be Tuesday May 5th 7:00pm. (Regular schedule until then.) We will be returning in June, and Nia will start up again on Thursday June 4th. Please come and dance your behinds off until our last class before vacation.

My last class at the Senior Center will be Wednesday May 6th at 11:00 am. We will also be meeting on Monday May 3rd, so, if you want to get as much dancing in as possible, please come to those classes, as well. The new session at the Senior Center starts Monday June 8th. (See next posting.)

You can also attend Nia classes with Monica on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 6 to 7pm at Springboard Studio, and on Saturday mornings from 9 to 10am at the Corvallis Karate School. Please call Monica for rates and information at 753-7966.

Sunday, March 29, 2009

Sunday, February 1, 2009

Floorplay instructional video

Please check out this educational (and entertaining) video. It is a floorplay instructional video. Required viewing for all Nia students. Check out the rolls. http://www.boingboing.net/2009/01/30/timelapse-of-a-9mont.html

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

New Saturday Class at Timberhill starts Jan 24th...

Starting January 24th at Timberhill, the Saturday class you have been asking about. We'll meet at 11:30 in Studio C. Let's start with a bang! See you there.

New Daytime Nia Classes at Senior Center...

New Nia classes beginning February 2nd will meet on Mondays and Wednesdays at 11:00am to noon. The first session will be six weeks, other sessions will be longer (gotta get a vacation in there somewhere!). Cost is $65.00 for Corvallis residents and $82.00 for those residing out-0f-city, with $8.00 drop-in. If dropping in, please arrive early enough to register at the front desk. I'm so excited about the new space, new people to play with, and a chance to dance with past day-time students (I've been missing you!). Come and enjoy!

You do not need to be a senior to participate.

For registration information, call the senior center at 766-6959.
For questions about Nia, me at 752-1784.

Thank you for a great New Years Day!

Thank you to all who came to the New Years Day fund-raiser for A Home in Community. We had a blast! It was great to have you in my home space, as well. Let's carry the energy of peace and gratitude into our new year!
- Leela