It is Paradise in Paradise

It is paradise in paradise. I've been driving a Chevy Tahoe (seriously comical considering my size), we sat and enjoyed lunch, the sun, the water and sights at a clothing optional beach one mile from the retreat center, we've been eating amazing food at Kalani and tonight we danced our hearts out. This image of my friend and Nia colleague Sandra Caldwell, captures our first full day here beautifully.

 

I am off to sleep to the sounds of jungle here at Kalani Oceanside Retreat.

 

 

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

New Nia-Yoga Class Starts Valentine's Day

75-minute Nia and Yoga Weekly Classes with Jennifer Lucero-Earle and Liziah Woodruff

Tuesday mornings - Classes begin February 14, 2012

Time: 9:30am – 10:30am

Where: The Dance Space in Greenwood

124 N 103rd Street Seattle, WA 98133

Cost: $13 drop-in or use my class card.

Bring a yoga mat. 

Description:

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.

Introduction to Nia Six-Week Series

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 February 16, 2012

Classes are held on the following dates: 
2/16, 2/23, 3/1, 3/8, 3/15 and 3/22

Time: 9:30am – 10:30am

Where: The Dance Space in Greenwood
124 N 103rd Street Seattle, WA 98133

Cost: $65 for the six-week series, $13 drop-in or use my class card.

To register email: jennifer@everybodyloveyourbody.com

Description:
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.

January 2012 Nia with Jennifer Newsletter

“What does the garden of your life look like now? What seedlings and flowerings have been neglected and now need some attention? Which need a bit of water? Light? Fresh air? A singing to? What is new that you are growing for this year? What seeds have you planted that you now are seeing sprout? Which do you need to let sit and stop digging up to see what’s happening? What may need to die to allow room for something new to grow?”  - Steph Cowling The quote above is from a blog entry titled “Growing Your Garden” from Cosmic Cowgirls Magazine.  I know. The title is awesome and so are the blog entries. This particular entry arrived just as I was contemplating what I seeds I desire to plant, nurture and grow this year in the garden of my Nia practice. The following are a few things I want to manifest: Greater integrity in my practice and teaching of Nia. I want to master the 52+ moves with both precision and playfulness. I believe this will help me become a better teacher. A deeper embodiment of the Nia principles which includes taking the time to learn and master the continuing education materials that include educational modules I can share with you on topics such as the base, core, upper extremities, x-ray anatomy, connective tissue, awareness, sight, sound, touch, etc. The learning is endless. Bringing the healing arts aspects of Nia to the forefront of my practice and sharing it with you. I want to convey the power of Nia to heal and create significant shifts in how we live in our bodies, minds, hearts and spirits. I desire greater collaboration with my Nia colleagues. Each of us is talented and together we are mighty! When our talents and passions merge everyone benefits. I feel incredibly lucky to be joining the Nia team (Susan Tate, Jena Hennessey and Gretchen Musgrove) at the Civetta Dance Space in Greenwood this year! I will also be partnering with my amazing colleagues Mollia Jensen, Randee Fox, and Jill Pagano on a few events. These are just a few collaborations coming up this year.     To continue with the theme of my birthday this past year, I intend to continue to explore the alchemy of my Voice as a teacher, educator and student. In my personal life, I desire greater space in my life to explore my creativity and spend quality playful time with my loving husband. I’d love to hear from you what you plan on growing in your Nia garden this year. Please share. The seeds I planted have produced some significant changes in my schedule. Take a look: What’s NEW: Tuesday morning classes 9:30am – 10:30am begin at the Civetta Dance Space in Greenwood (124 N 103rd St., Seattle, WA 98133) on February 14, 2012 Thursday morning classes 9:30am – 10:30am begin at the Civetta Dance Space in Greenwood on February 16, 2012 Self-Care Second Fridays 7:30pm – 8:30pm at the Civetta Dance Space in Greenwood starts this Friday, January 13, 2012. The focus of these monthly evening classes is self-care and developing skills as a sensation scientist (body awareness, movement variation and deepening your skills as a Nia dancer). Classes are a blend of movement meditation, free dance and classic Nia choreography. The theme for the first second Friday coming up this week is slipping to a state of RAW: Relaxed, Alert and Waiting. Relaxation, ease and a new tool to manage stress await you. For more: http://everybodyloveyourbody.blogspot.com/2012/01/second-friday-slip-into-raw.html Nia 5 Stages of Self-Healing Five-Week Series: Sundays February 19 – March 18, 2012 5pm - 6pm 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. What’s ENDING: Mondays at 5:30pm at Open Flight Studio will be ending on Monday, February 13, 2012. Note: class is canceled on February 6 while I am in Hawaii and the last class will be on February 13. What’s staying the SAME: Wednesdays at 5:30pm at Community Fitness 65th St Saturdays at 1pm at Community Fitness Roosevelt Studio Sundays at 10:30am at Delilah’s Belly Dance Studio in Fremont EVENTS: There are still a few spots left for my Nia and Belly Dancing Retreat at Kalani Oceanside Retreat Center in Hawaii. The retreat is February 4-9, 2012. Details:http://www.delilahs-belly-dance-retreat.com/January2012-B/aboutretreat2012B.html Make sure you check out all of these great events from my Nia colleagues in Seattle: http://www.niaseattle.com/drupal-5.6/ I look forward to planting seeds with you, watching them grow and dancing with you this year and always, Jennifer Self-Care Second Fridays Starts this week! Friday Jan 13 2012 Time: 7:30-8:30pm Civetta Dance Space   124 N 103rd St., Seattle, WA 98133  Cost: $13 Slip into a state of RAW: Relaxed, Alert and Waiting. Relaxation, ease and a new tool to manage stress await you! Nia White Belt Training, Split-Week Schedule, Anacortes WA Take the Nia White Belt over two long weekends with Jill Pagano! Registration is now open: NiaNow.com/jill-pagano Weekend 1: Jan 26 - 29 Weekend 2: Feb 3-5 Nia and Belly Dance Retreat at Kalani Oceanside Retreat Center in Hawaii February 4-9, 2012 6 Days 5 nights with Delilah Flynn, Jennifer Lucero-Earle & Erik Brown Retreat Package Price (6 Day/5 Nights): $1399.00 There is still time to register: Hawaii Retreat

Second Friday - Slip Into RAW

A new class for 2012 and more to come. Stay tuned :)

Second Fridays at the Civetta Dance Space start this Friday:
The focus of these monthly evening classes is self-care and developing skills as a sensation scientist (body awareness, movement variation and deepening your skills as a Nia dancer). Classes are a blend of movement meditation, free dance and classic Nia choreography.

The theme for the first second Friday coming up this week - January 13, 2012 is slipping to a state of RAW: Relaxed, Alert and Waiting. Relaxation, ease and a new tool to manage stress await you.

In Nia, RAW is a body-centered meditation practice. RAW invites us to slip into internal stillness, to listen deeply and to cease inner dialogue so that we can be fully present in our bodies. In RAW, we are not distracted by thoughts, desires, likes or dislikes; we surrender into a place of internal silence in all four realms -- physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.

“The big difference between RAW and other approaches to meditation is that RAW teaches us to get into and stay in our bodies. It is consistent with Nia’s body-centered philosophy. We don’t trip out or travel out of our bodies but instead seek to go deeper and deeper into our bodies. RAW doesn’t even require us to set aside time for meditation, because when RAW is mastered, the meditative state becomes accessible in each moment.” 
 - From the Nia Technique book 

This Friday night we will explore RAW as a moving meditation. We will do some seated meditation so feel free to bring a cushion to sit on or a shawl for comfort. Also come prepared to dance. The class will be gentle, will include free dance and some choreography.

Come explore an hour of relaxation and ease via movement meditation…the Nia way.

Friday, January 13, 2012
7:30pm - 8:30pm
Civetta Dance Space in Greenwood
124 N 103rd Street Seattle, WA 98133
Cost: $13 drop-in or class card or $8 for High School and College Students

Nia in Seattle this Weekend

Nia events this weekend!

In addition to regular classes, the Nia Seattle (and beyond) community is offering a number of special events to get 2012 started right :)

3 Events Tomorrow - Friday, January 6, 2012

What: FREE Nia Class with Dara McKinley

Time: 10:30 am - 11:30am

Where: Shift Seattle, 3517 Stone Way North, Seattle 98103

More Info: www.volvernow.com/nia

What: Welcome 2012 with Winter Dance with Jena Hennessey

Time:  7:30pm - 9:00pm

Where: The Civetta Dance Space, 124 N. 103rd Street, Seattle 98133

Cost: $15

Space is limited to 13, so please let Jena if you can attend.

More Info:  Jena Hennessey  - jendancingfir@gmail.com  or www.movingintopresence.com

First Friday Nia with Mollia Jensen

Time: 7:00pm – 8:00pm

Where:  Mount Baker Community Club, 2811 Mount Rainier Drive South , 98144

Cost: $12

More Info: www.mahaflow.com

2 Events - Saturday, January 7, 2012

Igniting the Power of the Pelvis: Amplifying the Joy, Healing, Passion, & Creativity Within with Susan Tate

When:  3:00pm - 5:30pm

Where:  The Civetta Dance Space, 124 N 103rd Street, Seattle 98133

Cost:  $50

Description: The pelvis, often called "the seat of the soul," is a powerful container for physical, mental, spiritual and emotional energy. You are invited to experience this mindful blend of dialogue, activities, movement, and meditation followed by a uniquely choreographed Nia routine. Come and explore second chakra issues involving money, sex, and personal power, as you deepen your awareness and sensation of your most authentic self.

More Info:  Susan - susan@wawellness.com and www.wawellness.com

South Puget Sound Nia Jam: 2012 Rejuvenation!

When: 4:00pm - 6:00pm

Location:  Waves Studio, 232 Division Street NW, Olympia 98504

Cost: $20

Description: Join South Puget Sound Nia teachers for a 2-hour festive celebration of the New Year. 2012 Rejuvenation features a 75-minute Nia class (with multiple teachers), refreshments and shopping. Join the teachers in kicking off the South Sound Nia communities first Nia Jam!

More Info: Julia Annis- julia111annis@yahoo.com

To find out about more about Nia events and classes, visit www.niaseattle.com