February 2012 Newsletter - Aloha!

A'a i ka hula, waiho i ka maka'u i ka hale Translation from Hawaiian: Dare to dance, leave shame at home   First thing tomorrow morning I leave for Hawaii. I feel like I have been preparing for this Nia and Belly Dancing retreat for nearly a year yet I still feel like I have so much to do! I have butterflies in my belly and excitement fills my soul. Joining me on the journey to Hawaii are my Nia sister-colleagues, Sandra Caldwell and Jen Kraft. They are both phenomenal women-healers that I feel honored to dance with. And just a week ago my beautiful mother-in-law, Winni, decided to join us for the retreat. Winni has just recently discovered her passion for sewing. I always knew she was talented. She made my wedding dress 11 years ago and it was truly the most beautiful dress I've ever worn. Wait until you see the skirts, veils and tops she made for us to dance in at this retreat. Wow! I feel full. Life is good. My intention for this retreat is to share what I love most about Nia - the art of being fully present in my body and joyfully dancing my dance. The mindfulness, presence and joy that this practice has brought into my life is unparalleled. If I can just share a taste of it I will have accomplished a part of my life's purpose. I also know, from friends, that Hawaii has a way of working her magic. I am open to whatever decides to come through me while I am there. I am ready to teach, to share, to learn, to receive and surrender to the magic of paradise. The retreat will be held at the Kalani Oceanside Retreat. Take a look at the facilities: http://www.kalani.com/guest-info/facilities Can you understand why I can hardly wait to get there?! I will try and post photos and short reflections about the retreat on my blog: http://everybodyloveyourbody.blogspot.com/ and Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/EverybodyLoveYourBody The retreat runs from February 4 - 9. While I am away my classes at Community Fitness will continue as usual and will be subbed by the exquisite Gretchen Musgrove. While I am gone, feel free to take this online class masterfully taught by Nia creator Debbie Rosas: http://www.nianow.com/story/2012/01/nia-class-video-awareness-of-muscles Note: Press play on the video on this webpage and then expand to the full screen using the icon that looks like four arrows on the bottom right side of the video. I will be back in Seattle on February 10th arriving home on the red-eye in time to take a quick nap and teach Second Friday Nia from 7:30pm-8:30pm at the Dance Space in Greenwood. I haven't selected a theme for this class yet but I suspect it will have something to do with Hawaii :). Please join me that night and feel free to wear a leis! My regular teaching schedule resumes when I return with these exciting changes: Mondays - Open Flight Studio No class on February 6 due to a performance at the studio. My last class will be held on February 13, 2012 at 5:30pm. Please join me in dancing a goodbye dance to this beautiful studio overlooking the University Way. Tuesdays - NEW - Nia and Yoga Join me and Liziah Woodruff, certified Viniyoga instructor, for this weekly 75-minute class 9:15am - 10:30am The Dance Space in Greenwood 124 N 103rd Street Seattle, WA 98133 Note: Please bring a yoga mat. Class fee is the same. $13 drop-in or use a class card Wednesdays - Community Fitness 65th St studio, 5:30pm - 6:30pm Thursdays - NEW - Nia 9:30am - 10:30am The Dance Space in Greenwood 124 N 103rd Street Seattle, WA 98133 Note: This will be a regular class but I am also offering it as an Introduction to Nia class for new students. Second Friday Nia - next up: February 10, 2012 7:30pm - 8:30pm The Dance Space in Greenwood 124 N 103rd Street Seattle, WA 98133 Saturdays - Community Fitness Roosevelt studio, 1:00pm - 2:00pm Sundays - Delilah's Belly Dance Studio in Fremont, 10:30am - 11:30am Sundays February 19 – March 18, 2012 - Nia 5 Stages of Self-Healing Five-Week Series: The Dance Space in Greenwood, 124 N 103rd Street Seattle, WA 98133 5pm - 6pm on 2/19, 2/26, 3/4, 3/11 and 3/18 Cost: $50 for the series or $13 drop-in Description: Nia 5 Stages is a powerful integrative practice based on the five stages of human development: embryonic, creeping, crawling, standing and walking. This practice is dedicated to self-healing and to using these five movements as stimulation to feel better in your body. The object of practicing these five simple movements is to prepare the body to become more functional, energetic, and comfortable while doing any movement such as: dancing, walking, running, yoga, martial arts, etc. This practice allows you to sense the natural ability your body has to realign itself and self-heal through movement. By the end of this five-week series you will have an in-depth introduction to each of the movements so that you can sustain a home practice. Come for the series or drop-in when you can. I am especially excited to be establishing a consistent presence at The Dance Space in Greenwood. As Gretchen Musgrove says often - it is our sanctuary. Indeed it is. It is a sanctuary - a place to heal, thrive, laugh, love and heal. I am grateful to joing Gretchen, Susan Tate and Jena Hennessey there. Please follow us on our blog and Facebook page. See you in a week - It is likely I will return with a tan, mosquito bites, a love for Hawaii, and a new passion for belly dancing to match my passion for Nia! Jennifer NEW! 75-minute Nia and Yoga Weekly Classes with Jennifer Lucero-Earle and Liziah Woodruff Tuesday mornings - Classes begin Feb 14 9:30am – 10:30am at The Dance Space in Greenwood $13 drop-in or use my class card. Bring a yoga mat.  This class includes 45 minutes of Nia: sensory-based movement practice that combines the expressiveness of dance, the power and explosiveness of martial arts and the wisdom of the healing arts, and 30 minutes of Viniyoga: a highly adaptable, meditative, relaxing and healing form of yoga. This weekly class will leave you with a healthy body, quiet mind, open heart and vibrant spirit.

Whether you've never done Nia before or are a fairly new or experienced student, this series is open to all who want to return to beginners mind-body and deepen their Nia practice. Introduction to Nia Six-Week Series Thursday mornings - Classes begin Feb 16 Classes are held on the following dates: 2/16, 2/23, 3/1, 3/8, 3/15 and 3/22 9:30am – 10:30am at The Dance Space in Greenwood, 124 N 103rd St, Seattle, WA 98133 Cost: $65 for the six-week series, $13 drop-in or use my class card. Join me for this six-week introduction to Nia. No previous experience required. Learn to dance in a way that expresses your unique self while improving your balance, coordination and developing greater flexibility, agility, mobility, strength and stability. Nia is appropriate for all fitness levels, body types and ages. Wear comfortable clothes, bring water, your bare feet and a smile. Come for the joy of movement! Sign up for the series or feel free to use my class card or drop-in. To register email: jennifer@everybodyloveyourbody.com Five-week Nia 5 Stages Series  Sunday evenings Feb 19 - March 18 Specific dates: 2/19, 2/26, 3/4, 3/11 and 3/18  Time: 5pm - 6pm Where: The Dance Space in Greenwood, 124 N 103rd St, Seattle, WA 98133 Cost: $50 for the series or $13 drop-in Nia 5 Stages is a powerful practice to realign and self-heal the body. Through music, imagery, movement and language, this class guides you through five stages based on the natural phases of human development: Embryonic, Creeping, Crawling, Standing and Walking. This practice is dedicated to self-healing and to using these five movements as stimulation to feel better in your body. The object of practicing these five simple movements is to prepare the body to become more functional, energetic, and comfortable while doing any movement such as: dancing, walking, running, yoga, martial arts, etc. This practice allows you to sense the natural ability your body has to realign itself and self-heal through movement. By the end of this five-week series you will have an in-depth introduction to each of the movements so that you can sustain a home practice. Sign-up for the series, drop-in for $13 or use a class card. Register: jennifer@everybodyloveyourbody.com

December 2011 Newsletter

"Allow yourself to trust joy and embrace it. You will find you dance with everything." - Ralph Waldo Emerson The dark and cold days of winter are settling in along with the festive spirit of the holiday season. It’s the time of year when I can’t help but feel gratitude. I have so much to be thankful for. There is a budding Nia community at Delilah’s Belly Dance Studio in Fremont, Community Fitness (both studios) and at Open Flight Studio in the University District. I am thankful for all you that come to dance with me. You continue to guide me to become a better teacher and person with your feedback and joyful presence. I am also deeply grateful for my husband, family, close friends and colleagues that continue to support and encourage me as I pursue my passion. I couldn’t do this without them! My next newsletter (January) will include reflections on 2011 and visions for 2012. There are three more weeks left in 2011. I love to dance during this season. It helps keep my spirits up, warms my body and provides me with the incredible gift of connection with you as my students, teachers and friends during these months when I’d rather wrap myself in a snuggie-like blanket and sit by the fireplace with a good book and cup of hot chocolate. While that sounds lovely, my joy is on the dance floor. And that is where you will find me as we transition into the heart of winter and into a new year. In addition to my regularly scheduled classes, here are a few additional times you can find me on the dance floor over the next three weeks: Rejoice! Rock Nia When: Friday, December 16, 2011 Time: 7:30-8:30 p.m. Where: Mt. Baker Community Clubhouse – 2811 Mt. Rainier Dr. S. Seattle, WA 98144  Cost: $5 (Free to Nia Members!) Join Nia Black, Belt Jason Alan Griffin for the debut of his rockin’ new Nia routine, REJOICE! If you like rock music, this Nia routine is for you. The playlist includes Pink Floyd, Manfred Man, The Beatles, Led Zepplin and Sly and the family Stone. I will be there and hope you will join us! Welcoming Wholeness: Dancing Through the Holidays with Nia with Jena Hennessey, Jennifer Lucero-Earle and Susan Tate When: Sunday, December 18 Time: 2 - 4pm Where: Civetta Dance Space 124 N 103rd St., Seattle, WA Cost: $20 Please RSVP: jennifer@everybodyloveyourbody.com Join me, Jena Hennessey and Susan Tate for a special two hour class to welcome Winter and the holiday season. Together we will guide your through the Nia 5 Stages of self-healing and a Nia class that includes both some choreography and FreeDance. Our intention is to support you in cultivating wholeness in your mind, body, heart and spirit as we enter a new season and a new year. Celebrate Christmas Day with the Joy of Movement with Jennifer and Gretchen Sunday, December 25, 2011 Time: 11:30am - 12:30pm Where: The Civetta Dance Space  124 N 103rd St., Seattle, WA Cost: $13 drop-in or class card with Jennifer or Gretchen  Please RSVP: gretchen.blissfulfitness@gmail.com Join me and Gretchen Musgrove for an hour of holiday bliss in our sanctuary: The Civetta Dance Space in Greenwood. Come celebrate the spirit of Christmas with us through dance. Stepping Into 2012 with a Nia Movement Meditation Sunday, January 1, 2012 Time: 11:45am – 12:30pm (45 min class) Where: Delilah’s Belly Dance Studio in Fremont 4128 Fremont Ave. N., Seattle, WA 98103 Cost: By donation Please RSVP: jennifer@everybodyloveyourbody.com Join me after my 10:30am Nia class for a special meditation class. As a new year approaches, we celebrate endings and new beginnings. There is no better way to kick off 2012 than with an intentional movement meditation that brings centering and nourishment to your body, heart, mind and spirit. We will spend some time in seated meditation so please feel free to bring whatever would bring you most comfort such as a blanket, pillow or cushion. Come dressed to move and know that the movements will be gentle. The focus of this 45-minute movement meditation class is cultivating peace in the four realms of body, mind, heart and spirit so that you can dance into 2012 feeling whole, connected, centered and conscious. December Class Announcements No class on Sunday, December 25th at Delilah’s Belly Dance Studio. Instead, join me and Gretchen Musgrove for a special Christmas late morning Nia class at the Civetta Dance Space in Greenwood. 11:30am – 12:30pm. $13 drop-in or your class card. We are celebrating the Spirit of Christmas and Gretchen’s birthday which is on December 26th. No class on Monday, December 26, 2011 at Open Flight Studio. Yes, I am teaching on January 1, 2012 at 10:30am at Delilah’s Belly Dance Studio in Fremont. I would be me if I did not dance on the very first day of the New Year! I hope you will join me. Here’s to a joy-full holiday season – may your body, heart, mind and spirit be happy, healthy and full of joyous movement, Jennifer Special Class on 12/18/11 Welcoming Wholeness: Dancing Through the Holidays with Nia                  with Jena Hennessey, Jennifer Lucero-Earle and Susan Tate  Sunday, December 18 2 – 4pm Civetta Dance Space in Greenwood Cost: $20 RSVP to Jennifer. Join us for a special two hour class to welcome Winter and the holiday season. Together we will guide your through the Nia 5 Stages of self-healing and a Nia class that includes both some choreography and FreeDance. Our intention is to support you in cultivating wholeness in your mind, body, heart and spirit as we enter a new season and a new year. Christmas Day Nia Celebrate Christmas Day with the Joy of Movement with Jennifer and Gretchen   Sunday, December 25 Time: 11:30am - 12:30pm Where: The Civetta Dance Space  124 N 103rd St., Seattle, WA Cost: $13 drop-in or class card with Jennifer or Gretchen Please RSVP: gretchen.blissfulfitness@gmail.com Join me and Gretchen Musgrove for an hour of holiday bliss in our sanctuary: The Civetta Dance Space in Greenwood. Come celebrate the spirit of Christmas with us through dance. Step Into 2012 with a Nia Movement Meditation Sunday, January 1, 2012 Time: 11:45am – 12:30pm (45 min class) Where: Delilah’s Belly Dance Studio in Fremont Cost: By donation Please RSVP to Jennifer. Join me after my 10:30am Nia class for a special meditation class. The focus of this 45-minute movement meditation class is cultivating peace in the four realms of body, mind, heart and spirit so that you can dance into 2012 feeling whole, connected, centered and conscious.

November 2011 Newsletter

"sa.cred - Dedicated or devoted exclusively to a single use, purpose, or person.”

We are deep into my favorite season of the year. I love that autumn lingers here in the Pacific Northwest. I have been enjoying the multisensory experience of the season - the changing leaves, the cool air, the dampness, the dark setting in, the brilliant sunsets we've had over the past few weeks and the inner sensation that change is afoot. This is the time of year I typically reflect on where I am and where I desire to be. There is no rush or sense of urgency around making changes, just the quiet reflection and anticipation for a slow emergence. With that, I want to share with you that as I prepare for my 11/11/11 class I have been spending a lot of time thinking about my sacred livelihood; my purpose.

I have a full-time job at the University of Washington as the assistant director of the Global Health Resource Center. I have the tremendous joy of working with students that want to create a better world by addressing the causes of, and providing solutions for, disparities in health around the globe. I am also a Nia instructor/educator/facilitator. Movement is the heart and soul of my life and world. For me, there is no health, wellness or vibrancy without the pleasure and joy of movement. I am also a wife, daughter, aunt, friend, colleague and soul sister to many :)

As I think of the intersection between these very different parts of my life what has emerged is that my sacred purpose is to hold the space for others to discover and pursue their dreams of creating a better world whether that's through discovering the joy of movement or providing ethical and loving approaches to health around the world. I know that, as with all movement, my purpose is dynamic and fluid. It will change as I change. But at this moment in time, I believe my single purpose is to serve as a conduit and resource, to inspire, hold the space and provide an open heart, mind and spirit for you to spread your wings and fly.

I hope that you will join me in exploring and perhaps discovering your sacred livelihood at my special 11/11/11 class.

And now for news. There's lots of it :):

My new weekly class schedule is as follows -
Mondays at 5:30pm at Open Flight Studio in the University District
Sundays at 10:30am at Delilah's Belly Dance Studio in Fremont
and
Wednesdays at 5:30pm at Community Fitness 65th Street
Saturdays at 1:00pm at Community Fitness Roosevelt Studio

I will be in Montreal at the Consortium of Universities for Global Health annual conference from November 12 - 16, 2012. 

All of my classes will be lovingly covered by my amazing Nia sisters:
Saturday, November 12, 201, 1pm at Community Fitness Roosevet Studio - Gayle Holeton
Sunday, November 13, 2011, 10:30am at Delilah's Belly Dance Studio in Fremont - Quincy Anderson
Monday, November 14, 2011, 5:30pm at Open Flight Studio in the University District - Jeanna Wheeler
Wednesday, November 16, 2011 at 5:30pm at Community Fitness 65th St - Gretchen Musgrove

I will be so excited to dance with you when I return!

Subbing for Jena Hennessey
I am delighted to sub for Jena this coming Friday November 18, 2011 from 6p-7pm at the Civetta Dance Space in Greenwood.

Special class on 11/11/11
Dancing through the 11:11 Portal
Friday, November 11, 2011
11am – 12:30pm
Civetta Dance Space in Greenwood
Cost: $11
Join me for a special Nia class on 11/11/11 at 11am. We will be guided by Principle 11 of the Nia White Belt: Creating a Sacred Livelihood. Come and dance your unique dance, share your unique gifts and plant the seeds for a future of living more consciously from a place of inspiration and purpose. Let me know you are attending. Email me at jennifer@everybodyloveyourbody.com

Nia Thanksgiving Benefit Class for Noel House 

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Time: 9:30-10:30 a.m.

Where: The Civetta Dance Space  

124 N 103rd St., Seattle, WA 98133 

Cost: $15

Please RSVP: gretchen.blissfulfitness@gmail.com

Join me and Gretchen Musgrove for a special Nia class on Thanksgiving Day to benefit Noel House, a shelter for homeless women in Seattle. Start your Thanksgiving day off with an hour of dance in the spirit of gratitude, service and sisterhood. Forward this announcement to friends who might appreciate a new twist on tradition!

I will be subletting Susan Tate's timeslot and teaching the following special classes in November and early December. You may use my class card or drop-in for $13 per class:

Tuesdays, November 22 and 29, 2011 - two day's only
Time: 6:00pm – 7:00pm
Where: Civetta Dance Space in Greenwood
124 N 103rd Street, Seattle, WA 98133

Thursday, December 1, 2011 - one day only
Time: 6:00pm – 7:00pm
Where: Civetta Dance Space in Greenwood
124 N 103rd Street, Seattle, WA 98133

As the dark and cold season sets in this is the perfect time to dream about Hawaii. There is still time to register for my in February 2012 rejuvenating Hawaii retreat with Delilah Flynn of Delilah's Belly Dance Studio. 

Belly Dance and Nia Retreat
February 4-9, 2012
Kalani Oceanside Retreat Center in Hawaii
6 Days 5 nights of Nia, belly dancing and more at the beautiful Kalani Oceanside Retreat Center in Hawaii
For more information: http://www.delilahs-belly-dance-retreat.com/January2012-B/aboutretreat2012B.html

Finally, as I announced in my October newsletter, my Nia Seattle colleagues and mentors Jill Pagano and Randee Fox are hosting their first Nia White Belt Intensive as trainers right here in Seattle starting on November 12, 2011. There are a number of classes available to everyone during the weeklong training. I am so sad that I will miss these community classes as I will be in Montreal for most of the time. Seize the opportunity to learn from these incredible trainers:

Community BLAST class with Trainers, Randee Fox and Jill Pagano during the Nia White Belt Week Nov 12-18th

Sunday 11/13 The Joy of Movement Focus - 11:15 AM
Monday 11/14 The Base of the Body Focus - 8 AM & 6:15 PM
Tuesday 11/15 The Core of the Body Focus - 9:30 AM & 6:15 PM
Wednesday 11/16 The Upper Extremities of the Body - 8 AM & X-Ray Anatomy - 6:15 PM
Thursday 11/17 Surprise! - 9:30 AM
Friday 11/18 - 8:00 AM Sensing your Body
All classes are $15 and will be held at Blue Heron Ranch Moving Arts Studio, 25025 NE 8th Street, Sammamish 98074
To preregister, please contact Randee Fox at randee@randeefox.com
 

Excited to play with you again on the dance floor,
Jennifer

Nia Benefit Class Thanksgiving Day Thurs, Nov 24, 2011 Time: 9:30-10:30 a.m. Civetta Dance Space   124 N 103rd St., Seattle, WA 98133  Cost: $15 Please RSVP: gretchen.blissfulfitness@gmail.com Join me and Gretchen Musgrove for a special Nia class on Thanksgiving Day to benefit Noel House, a shelter for homeless women in Seattle. Start your Thanksgiving day off with an hour of dance in the spirit of gratitude, service and sisterhood. Forward this announcement to friends who might appreciate a new twist on tradition!

NiaSeattle Fall Jam Sat., Nov. 12, 2011, 1-2:30 pm, Mt. Baker Community Clubhouse $20 at the door For more information, click here. Tune in. Turn on and come Dance! Connect with Seattle's growing Nia Community for an afternoon of soul-charging dance. A sparkling lineup of local Nia teachers will get you to glow. Funds generated from the Fall Jam are designated toward updating the NiaSeattle website and donations to communities in need.

October 2011 Newsletter

"Your voice is your identity in sound. It is far more than just a means with which to communicate your thoughts and feelings; it is the expression of your integrity and individuality in the world!”
 

There is so much delight to share in October. This month I celebrated my Bliss 36th Birthday with a celebratory dance surrounded by 11 friends, sisters and Nia colleagues. I wrote about it on the blog: Bliss 36. I am excited for the year ahead and have been enjoying sharing my favorite songs with my classes during my birthday month! My wish is that my bliss is contagious and you find yourself smiling and dancing joyously through life each and every day.

Nia on Thursday evenings coming to an end
This is my last month teaching at Fresh Fitness and Dance in Wallingford on Thursday evenings. I have taught at this space since January 2011 and have enjoyed watching the community grow at this lovely studio. I am hoping to offer a new Thursday evening class at a new location early in 2012. Stay tuned.
Please join me for my last two Thursday evenings at Fresh: October 20 and 27 from 6p-7pm.

Subbing for Jena Hennessey
I am delighted to sub for Jena this coming Friday October 21, 2011 from 6p-7pm at the Civetta Dance Space in Greenwood.

Co-teaching Halloween Class with Gretchen Musgrove
Join me for my regular Monday evening class on October 31st at 5:30pm at Open Flight Studio in the University District. My dear friend and Nia colleague, Gretchen Musgrove of Blissful Fitness, and I will be co-teaching the routine Dreamwalker!

Special class on 11/11/11
Dancing through the 11:11 Portal
Friday, November 11, 2011
11am – 12:30pm
Civetta Dance Space in Greenwood
Cost: $11
Join me for a special Nia class on 11/11/11 at 11am. We will be guided by Principle 11 of the Nia White Belt: Creating a Sacred Livelihood. Come and dance your unique dance, share your unique gifts and plant the seeds for a future of living more consciously from a place of inspiration and purpose. Let me know you are attending. Email me at jennifer@everybodyloveyourbody.com

Reflections on Blue Belt
I learned so much about myself as an individual and about myself in relationship to my Nia practice at the Blue Belt intensive. The focus of the Blue Belt intensive was “Communication, Relationship and Intimacy.” The intent was “to energize personal connection through self-discovery and communication by following The Body's Way.” Throughout this experience, I became a curious explorer of truth, connection, silence, sound, and deep listening not just with others but with myself.

During this practice of listening and connecting, the pearl that emerged for me was the deep desire to find my voice. With that recognition, I returned home from the training with a respiratory infection and practically lost my voice! It was ironic and quite beautiful to sit in silence and listen my inner voice and clarify what it is that wants to be expressed through this channel of expression. As I pondered this, I stumbled across a book titled “The Alchemy of Voice” by Stewart Pearce. I closed my eyes, opened the book and this was the first sentence my eyes set on “Your voice is your identity in sound. It is far more than just a means with which to communicate your thoughts and feelings; it is the expression of your integrity and individuality in the world!” With that, 2012 is my year to explore the alchemy of my Voice as a teacher, educator and student.

Thank you for witnessing and sharing in my journey.

Excited to play with you again on the dance floor,
Jennifer

Nia White Belt Intensive Training Dates: Sat, Nov. 12, 2011 - Fri, Nov. 18, 2011.Immerse yourself into a magical and moving week studying your body via the Nia Technique. For students wanting to deepen their practice and deepen their connection or those wishing to teach Nia. For more information Nia White Belt Intensive in Sammamish, WA with Nia Seattle trainers Jill Pagano and Randee Fox.

Shine Your Light NiaSeattle Fall Jam Sat., Nov. 12, 2011, 1-2:30 pm, Mt. Baker Community Clubhouse, $20 at the door For more information, click here. Tune in. Turn on and come Dance! Connect with Seattle's growing Nia Community for an afternoon of soul-charging dance. A sparkling lineup of local Nia teachers will get you to glow. Funds generated from the Fall Jam are designated toward updating the NiaSeattle website and donations to communities in need.

Class Schedule Change and Events

Hello dancers,

A quick note to let you know that my Thursday evening class start time changes starting tomorrow September 8, 2011. The new class time is:

Thursdays at Fresh Fitness and Dance in Wallingford
4430 Corliss Ave. N, Seattle, WA, 98103
6:00pm - 7:00pm

Also, I have updated my Events page with information about the special Nia and Yoga special class and the 6-week foundation series on the Base of the Body.

*Please note the 6-week series has moved from Friday evenings to Sunday mornings in Fremont.

For both events:
http://everybodyloveyourbody.blogspot.com/p/events.html

To register for either or both, just reply to this email.

Finally, if you are brand new to Nia, my lovely colleague and dear friend Mollia Jensen is holding a six-week Nia Beginner's series starting next Tuesday evening (6pm) in the Mt Baker neighborhood. I can think of no better person to teach the Nia basics. Mollia is a stunning instructor and I look forward to future collaborations with her!

For more about Mollia's Nia Beginner's series: http://www.mahaflow.com/beginners-series/

I am looking forward to dancing with you - as always!

With warmth and dancing feet,
Jennifer

September 2011 Newsletter

Hi everyone,

I have some announcements for September!

I am going blue. No I am not morphing into a smurf or joining the Blue Man Group (although that could be fun), I am going for my  next level of training as a Nia educator this month.


Blue Belt, the second level of Nia education, explores how to create healthy relationships through body-centered communication. The week-long intensive I will participate in from September 17-23 will introduce me to the next set of 13 Nia principles, which focus on the mental, emotional and spiritual realms of the body.

The 13 Blue Belt Principles I will learn are:

1. The Joy of Being In Relationship
2. The Power of Two
3. Awareness, Insight, Clarity
4. Developmental Anatomy
5. The Power of Three
6. Split, Ellipt, Blend
7. Nia Class Format
8. The Power of Silence & Sound
9. Form and Freedom
10. FloorPlay
11. Music, Movement, Magic
12. Observe, Listen, Guide
13. Vertical Routines

I will be excited to integrate my new embodied learning into my classes and overall life.

All of my classes will be lovingly covered by my Nia colleagues Mollia Jensen, Jeanna Wheeler and Jill Pagano while I am in training:

• Saturday, September 17, 2011 at 1:00pm at Community Fitness Roosevelt Studio – Jill Pagano
• Sunday, September 18, 2011 at 10:30am at Delilah’s Belly Dance Studio in Fremont – Mollia Jensen
• Monday, September 19, 2011 at 5:30pm at Open Flight Studio in the University District – Jeanna Wheeler
• Wednesday, September 21, 2011 at 5:30pm at Community Fitness 65th Street – Jill Pagano
• Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 6:30pm at Fresh Fitness and Dance in Wallingford – Mollia Jensen
• Saturday, September 24, 2011 at 1:00pm at Community Fitness Roosevelt Studio –I may be back in time to teach but have asked Jill Pagano to cover my class just in case!

Class announcements:

Labor Day:
No 5:30pm class at Open Flight Studio on Labor Day, Monday September 5, 2011. I am teaching (subbing for Randee Fox) on Labor Day at 10:45am at Community Fitness on 65th Street. Drop-in for $12.

Events:

Special class:
An Exploration of Nia and Yoga: discovering health through movement
Date: September 25, 2011
Time: 2pm – 4pm

Where: Civetta Dance Space in Greenwood, 124 N 103rd Street
Seattle, Washington 98133
Cost: $20
What to bring: Yoga mat, water, your bare feet and wear comfortable clothes you can dance and do yoga in.
Join me and certified yoga instructor Liziah Woodruff for a 2-hour movement experience of Nia and Yoga. In addition to being an amazing yoga instructor, Liziah is also a dancer, artist, writer, healer, social activist and psychotherapist-in-training at LIOS Graduate College of Saybrook University. You can find out more about Liziah at http://liziahyoga.com/AboutLiziah.htm. In the Spirit of the intent of the Blue Belt training on creating healthy relationships through body-centered communication, our class focus is on discovering health through movement. 

Special foundational 6 week series:
Dancing from the Base of your Body - Happy feet, healthy knees, and strong legs: A foundational six-week series for everyone
This six-week series is for both new and experienced Nia students.
Class meets each Sunday from 10:30am - 11:30am from October 2 through November 6, 2011 at
Delilah's Belly Dance Studio in Fremont.
Cost: $65 for the six-week series
*Optional – an additional $60 for an educational package that includes the Nia Technique book, a class DVD, and a music CD.
Purchase both the 6-week class series and educational package for $100.

The focus of this foundational Nia series is on Principle 6 of the Nia white belt: The Base of the Body. The base of the body includes the feet, knees, and legs. You will learn all 27 base moves we use in Nia: 8 foot techniques, 9 steps, 6 stances and 4 kicks. There are a total of 52 official Nia moves so after this series you will only need to learn 25 more! In each 60-minute session we will break down each movement in three phases: learn the move, move the move and energize the move. At the end of the series, expect to have a mastery of the 27 base moves that will deepen your experience of Nia. Each session will include useful educational handouts and practice assignments you can easily do at home. If you come to all six sessions you will receive a graduation present. It’s a secret gift bag.

For an overview of each session: http://everybodyloveyourbody.blogspot.com/p/events.html

Register as soon as possible!

To register: email jennifer@everybodyloveyourbody.com

--
All classes for the month of September will explore relationships, communication, and discovering health through movement. I am in the early stages of learning the routines Humanity and the original Dream Walker and look forward to introducing songs from each this month. Some of you may be familiar with White Belt Dream Walker which I taught last year. The original Dream Walker uses different choreography to the same music and the moves are thrilling.

As always, I look forward to dancing with you and hope that even if I don't see you on the dance floor that you are taking every opportunity to dance through life.

With warmth,
Jennifer

August 2011 Newsletter

Hello everyone,

This will be a short(er) newsletter as I have plans to post several articles this month on my blog so please check it frequently. If you are on Facebook, please fan my Everybody, Love Your Body page to keep up with my article updates.

Learning to Fly together: July 28, 2011

I enter August with deep gratitude in my heart. On July 28, 2011, I will celebrate my 10th wedding anniversary. I feel incredibly lucky to be married to my best friend. These past ten years have brought abrupt change, death, illness, trauma and sadness. They have equally brought a deepening of love, laughter, immense joy, gratitude and a closeness that only comes with time and authentic connection. I would not change or trade this journey for anything.

To celebrate our anniversary, my husband and I are going away for a couple of days. Mollia Jensen, my dear friend and fellow Nia instructor, will be teaching my 6:30pm class at Fresh Fitness and Dance in Wallingford on Thursday, July 28th. Mollia is a fabulous Nia instructor. You will love her energy. She is playful, full of sweetness and she has terrific musical taste. With her I enjoy artists such as Olivia Newton-John, the Steve Miller Band and Rush. Mollia rocks! You can learn more about Mollia on her website: http://www.mahaflow.com. Please join her on Thursday eve this week!

Celebrating a year of teaching, learning and playing:

My first class (demo) with amazing supportive friends.
August 1, 2010 at the Civetta Dance Space.

Then, on August 1st, I celebrate my one-year anniversary teaching Nia! I have been a devoted Nia student for 8 years and the past year teaching has brought my relationship with Nia to an entirely new level of intimacy. As a student, I danced with joy and a spirit of playfulness. As a teacher, I move with joy and that same spirit of play but am more attuned to my body and to sensation. My dance arises from every single cell in my body instead of just my muscles, bones and mind. I will write more about my one year of teaching in an article next week.

A week of special classes:
I will teach a week of special classes (8/1, 8/2, 8/3, 8/4, 8/6 and 8/7) the first week of August honoring my first year of teaching! Come dance with me! My playlist will include songs from the first routine I taught (Sanjana) as well as a compilation of songs from all of the routines I learned this past year.

NEWS! I am teaching Tuesday evenings for the entire month of August only! I will be subletting Susan Tate’s timeslot at the Dance Space.

Please join me for Nia Tuesdays in August:
When: Tuesday 8/2, 8/9, 8/16, 8/23 and 8/30
Time: 6:00pm – 7:00pm
Where: Civetta Dance Space in Greenwood
124 N 103rd St, Seattle, WA, 98133

Other than the addition of Tuesday evenings in August, my class schedule remains unchanged.

Sunday, August 14, 2011 - free special Belly Dancing class after Nia!:
Join me for my regular Nia class on Sunday, August 14, 2011 at Delilah's Belly Dance Studio in Fremont and stay for an extra half hour (11:30am - 12pm) for a free 30 min belly dance class taught by Delilah. I don't know about you but I can hardly wait to learn from Delilah!

"Circle Belidi; A Dance of Birthing and Reclaiming " This is a dance Delilah has taught dancers all over the world. It just might be the first belly dance folk dance! It's made up of 7 steps and is a fun and empowering ! Lasts 30 minutes immediatly following the Sunday Nia class.

I'm subbing in August:

• Friday, August 12, 2011, 6:00pm - 7:00pm at the Civetta Dance Space in Greenwood (for Jena Hennessey)
• Monday, August 15, 2011, 10:45am - 11:45am at Community Fitness 65th St Studio(for Randee Fox)
• Wednesday, August 17, 2011, 10:45am - 11:45am at Community Fitness 65th St Studio (for Jill Pagano)
• August 29, 2011, 10:45am - 11:45am at Community Fitness 65th St Studio (for Randee Fox)
• September 5, 2011 (Labor Day), 10:45am - 11:45am at Community Fitness 65th St Studio (for Randee Fox)

Joy is the theme:
The theme I have chosen for the month of August is Joy. That’s right Joy with a capital J! All August classes will include some variation on Joy. There is so much to celebrate, appreciate and honor. Join me whenever you can to dance your Joy.

Remember to check the blog for new article updates ☺

As always, I look forward to dancing with you this month!

Jennifer

May 2011 Newsletter

May is National Physical Fitness Month: an entire month devoted to promoting physical activity in the pursuit of happier, healthier, and more productive lives. I think every day should be devoted to this pursuit and I believe it is possible through Nia – particularly with its commitment to dancing through life with joy and pleasure. To that end, I have decided to focus on one aspect of Nia for an entire month and go deeply into it.

For the month of May, all of my classes will focus on the upper extremities of the body. The upper extremities of the body include the fingers, hands, wrists, forearms, elbows, upper arms, shoulder joints, collarbones, and shoulder blade.

Think about all of the ways we express ourselves with our arms and hands: hugs, touch, eating, typing, creating art, writing, waving, gardening, driving, dancing, and on and on.

Throughout the month we will explore the 18 specific Nia movements that emphasize the upper extremities and their respective conditioning effects. But most importantly, we will be invited to express ourselves creatively, playfully and pleasurably via our arms and hands.

I attribute my natural ability to express myself with my hands to my latina roots. I am truly at home harnessing the power of my upper extremities to communicate what I am feeling and I am just so excited to share this with you. I wish I could say the same for my legs and feet (giggle)! The routines I will be working with this month include Velvet, Butterfly, and Sky Dancing.

I look forward to dancing and learning with you this month (as always).

Below are announcements and updates.

With love and dancing arms, hands and fingers,
Jennifer

May Schedule
No classes Memorial Day weekend: Friday, May 28 – Monday, May 30, 2011!

New classes starting this week!
Sundays 10:30am at Delilah’s Belly Dance Studio in Fremont begins THIS weekend on Sunday, May 1st
and
Fridays 5:30pm at Open Flight Studio in the University District begins next week on Friday, May 6th

My full schedule: http://everybodyloveyourbody.blogspot.com/p/class-schedule.html 

Gentle Nia and Nia 5 Stages Update
I am still seeking out the perfect studio space to nurture and grow my Nia 5 Stages and Gentle Nia classes. Stay tuned!

EVENT CHANGE! 
Nia 5 Stages Playshop: May 14, 2011
*This playshop was originally schedule for 1:30pm - 3:30pm at the Civetta Dance Space in Greenwood but due to a scheduling conflict, I have moved it to 9:30am - 11:30am at Open Flight Studio in the University District.
Nia 5 Stages Playshop: Core of the Body
Saturday, May 14, 2011 – 9:30am - 11:30am
(regular scheduled Nia class begins at 10:30am and is open to everyone)
Location: Open Flight Studio, 4205 University Way NE, Seattle, WA, 98105
Cost: $17 for the 2-hour workshop

To register, please email me at jennifer@everybodyloveyourbody.com

The Nia 5 Stages of self-healing is an integrative practice based on the five stages of human development: embryonic, creeping, crawling, standing and walking. This workshop is dedicated to self-healing and to the using these five movements as stimulation to feel better in your body.

When the body moves through the Nia 5 Stages, the body, mind, emotions, and spirit naturally realign, unify and integrate, leaving a greater sense of wholeness, health and well-being. Developed as a practice, these stages lead to changes that improve one's physical comfort, ability to move efficiently, and improvement in whole body functioning and posture.

The upper extremities of the body include the fingers, hands, wrists, forearms, elbows, upper arms, shoulder joints, collarbones, and shoulder blade.

During this 120-minute playshop, we will explore how the upper extremities of the body are supported and activated in each of the five stages through the sensations of flexibility, agility, mobility, strength and stability. We will then experience an hour-long Nia routine that focuses on the movements from the upper extremities.


FREE Introduction to Nia class
When: Sunday, May 22nd from 10:30am – 11:30am
Where: Deliliah’s Belly Dance Studio in Fremont.
Why: Delilah is hosting a garage sale in front of the studio that morning. Come to the sale and invite your friends to learn Nia! I will be teaching this hour-long class. And then head on down to the Nia Spring Jam at the Mt Baker Community Center. A Nia-full day – yippee.

Traffic Alerts!
Give yourself some additional time to get to the University District for class on Saturday, May 7th (Windermere Cup Opening Day) and Saturday, May 21st (University District Street Fair).

Month of June:
I will be in NYC visiting my family from June 9-19. I am excited to spend time with my feisty 92-year old grandmother, get some TLC from my mom and chase around my little nephews. I will send out a separate email later this month with information about my June class schedule.

Event: Join us this Sunday May 1st! 
What: Nia Benefit Class for Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure Breast Cancer Walk
When: Sunday, May 1, 2011 from 4pm - 5pm
Where: Civetta Dance Space in Greenwood: 124 North 103rd Street, Seattle, WA 98133
Fee: $15
All proceeds to go to the Susan G Komen 3-day for the Cure Breast Cancer walk.

Gretchen Musgrove and I are co-teaching this fundraiser class. We are raising money to support a dear Nia community member-student for the Susan G. Komen 3-day for the Cure Breast Cancer walk.

Please join us for an hour of dance and community-building for an important cause!

Event: Nia Spring Jam Sunday, May 22, 2011
Theme: We R 1 -Promoting Unity Through Dance
When: Sunday, May 22, 2011 from 2pm – 4pm
Where: Mt Baker Community Club: 2811 Mt Rainier Dr S, Seattle, WA 98144
Fee: $20 at the door.
Questions: Contact Mollia Jensen at molliania@gmail.com

Jam Teachers include ME (yay!), Gretchen Musgrove, Susan Tate, Jena Hennessey, Elise Tissot Storey, Jackie Thai, Sandra Caldwell (Nia Tacoma!), Wendy Chapman and jam juggling diva Mollia Jensen!

In times of chaos and uncertainty, when the world is shaken by earthquakes and demands for freedom are being shouted every where - that's a great time to get together and DANCE! NiaSeattle's annual spring jam is focusing on UNITY.

Bring your dancing feet and together we can help spread peace and unity one movement at a time.

*I am also celebrating two other milestones on May 22nd. The first is celebrating the anniversary of my Nia teacher training which began on May 22, 2010 last year. The second is celebrating twelve years since I met my wonderful husband. I am certain to be full of bliss this day. Bring on the JOY!

Nia in Hawaii 2012 
Early registration for the Hawaii retreat is officially open.

If you register with a $500 deposit before May 31st 2011, we can easily get you on an easy payment plan. This helps you and helps us block out enough rooms for our group far in advance so we can have a really fun retreat. For thinking ahead we will also give you a FREE extra night room and board (adding at the beginning of your retreat) for your personal rest and relaxation or adventurous spirit.

Sign up before May 31st! Kalani also has guided tour service to see volcano, hot springs, snorkel sites and more you could do on this day.

For more information: http://everybodyloveyourbody.blogspot.com/p/hawaii-retreat.html

To register: http://www.delilahs-belly-dance-retreat.com/January2012-B/registration2012B.html

April News: Class Change, Playshop, Come to Hawaii, and more!

Hello everyone,

I hope you’ve had a lovely few weeks ushering in Spring! I have plenty of news to share with you. Sit back, grab a cup of tea, coffee or your favorite ice cream and read carefully :)


Class changes: NEW CLASS time and location for Saturdays! 
My Saturday class has changed. Starting on Saturday, April 2nd I will be teaching at Open Flight Studio in the University District from 10:30am – 11:30am. The rest of my schedule remains the same for April. View my updated schedule.

Future Class Changes - starting in May:

Sunday, May 1, 10:30am - 11:30am at Delilah's Belly Dance Studio in Fremont

and
Friday, May 6, 5:30pm - 6:30pm at Open Flight Studio in the University District

*Stay tuned for more in the future about my Gentle Nia and Nia 5 Stages class. I am still exploring options for teaching this restorative and healing class. My last class will likely at the Civetta Dance Space will likely be on Sunday April 17th. 

Email Poll:

Please let me know if you would be interested in an ongoing Nia 5 Stages class Saturdays mornings from 9:30am - 10:30am at Open Flight Studio in the University District. Email me at jennifer@everybodyloveyourbody.com.

Discount Class Rates for Students:
If you are a college, university, high school student, I now offer special student rates.
Drop-in to a class for $8 or buy a 5-class card for $35.

FREE class:
It is my desire for as many people to experience Nia as possible. Over the past 8 years, Nia has been a life-changing fitness and lifestyle practice. I invite you to help share the joy you experience in a Nia class. Invite your friends to try a class with me. Their first class will be FREE!

Events: Playshop and Hawaii!

Nia 5 Stages Playshop: Core of the Body 
Saturday, April 16, 2011 – 1:30pm – 3:30pm 
Location: Civetta Dance Space in Greenwood, 124 N 103rd St, Seattle, WA 98133
Cost: $17
More info, click here.

The Nia 5 Stages of self-healing is an integrative practice based on the five stages of human development: embryonic, creeping, crawling, standing and walking. This workshop is dedicated to self-healing and to the using these five movements as stimulation to feel better in your body.

When the body moves through the Nia 5 Stages, the body, mind, emotions, and spirit naturally realign, unify and integrate, leaving a greater sense of wholeness, health and well-being. Developed as a practice, these stages lead to changes that improve one's physical comfort, ability to move efficiently, and improvement in whole body functioning and posture.

The core of the body includes the pelvis, chest, head and spine. In this workshop, we will explore how the core of the body is supported and activated in each of the five stages through the sensations of flexibility, agility, mobility, strength and stability.

During this 120-minute playshop you will be guided through the 5 Stages practice followed by an hour-long Nia class that focuses on the movements from the core of the body.

To register, please email me at jennifer@everybodyloveyourbody.com

Come to Hawaii with me! February 4-9, 2012 
Yes, that's right, I said Hawaii! Delilah Flynn, owner of Delilah’s Belly Dance Studio in Fremont, has asked me to partner with her on a Belly Dancing and Nia retreat in Hawaii at Kalani Oceanside Retreat Village. Of course, I said YES! Imagine me with a giant smile - ear to ear. I think I may have even shimmied. In fact, I am certain I did.

Each day will include belly dancing, Nia, other movement exercises and live music. It is going to be divine.

If you register with a $500 deposit between March 18- May 31st 2011, we can easily get you on an easy payment plan. This helps you and helps us block out enough rooms for our group far in advance so we can have a really fun retreat. For thinking ahead we will also give you a FREE extra night room and board for your personal rest and relaxation or adventurous spirit. Sign up before May 31st!

More information on Delilah's website: http://www.delilahs-belly-dance-retreat.com/January2012-B/aboutretreat2012B.html 

Announcements:
On Sunday, April 10, 2011, I will be covering the lovely Gretchen Musgrove’s 11:30am – 12:30pm Nia class at the Civetta Dance Spance while she is at the Nia Blue Belt training. Please join me for a delightful and energetic Sunday mid-morning class! For a double dose of Nia, come back for my 5pm Gentle Nia/Nia 5 Stages class.

Save the Date: 
Nia Seattle Spring Jam - Sunday May 22, 2-4pm at the Mount Baker Community Club.

That’s all for now. I look forward to dancing with you again throughout the month of April and appreciate your continued support. Many of you know how much I love to teach (and learn!) and I am so grateful that you have chosen me to be one of your Nia teachers.

Thank you with all my heart,
Jennifer