During our Nia Brown Belt training we are playing with wearing different colors each day.
Would you like to join us?
Here’s the class schedule and color suggestion. Regular class rates apply.
This is a lovely time (and very special week) to experience Nia classes at Soma Ranch.
You get the opportunity to receive a taste of the Nia belt that focus on Energy “The Art of Perception”.
Enjoy meeting Nia belts from around the world and have a great time.
I'm getting excited about the upcoming Nia Evolution event with Debbie Rosas in Dallas.
Jule Aguirre asked me for some songs for a "retro Nia playlist".
The first Nia routine I ever taught was called Commitments.
The first place I taught was at St Luke's Hospital in the Texas Medical center.
With both (1) the "public" class with Nurses in the carpeted conference room and (2) the Cardiac rehab class we rocked out to this music.
oh my! now I'm wondering where the VHS tape is of me teaching these guys, I vividly remember Debbie's response when I showed her how we were dancing Nia in Cardiac rehab :-) Great to realize and celebrate how we were providing moving to heal experiences with Nia over 25 years ago! And to acknowledge how far we’ve gone/grown since then too.
My first Nia routines came with a TDK90 cassette with a hand written song list on the back from Carlos. If I could find those old tapes my guess is they might be worth something today! ha! I think I cleared them out about 10 years ago…
I’ll be co teaching a Nia class with Jule and Theressa on Friday night (before the Debbie Evolution event on Saturday). Won’t be able to grow big hair by then, however I’m already planning my outfit ;-) hope you can join us
Nia Collaboration Event
EVOLUTION MIX with Jule Aguirre & Theresa Quintans, with special guest appearance by Helen Terry!
A Nia Retrospective Community Event for EveryBODY!
Friday, July 5th 6-7pm at MoveStudio - 17062 Preston Road, Dallas, TX 75248
For decades, Nia has been transforming body and lives on the planet! What a ride of JOY, healing, friendship, body + life mastery, transformation, and amazing music+movement+magic! Join us for this nostalgic, FUN retrospective of Nia music and choreography FROM THE VAULT!!!
$20 IF REGISTERED BY THURSDAY, 7/4 | $25 THE DAY OF THE EVENT
REGISTER AT MOVESTUDIO.COM or pay onsite at the door
Jule Aguirre will be teaching a Moving to Heal Class before the Evolution Training on
Saturday, 7/6 at 9:05-10:05am at MoveStudio. Register at movestudio.com or on site at the door.
We’ve had a vibrant couple of months at Soma Ranch with the completion of Nia Green Belts and Blue Belts and also the Men of Nia Retreat.
Helen’s parents came over from the UK to visit for 2 weeks, during which time we celebrated our daughter, Liliana’s, graduation from University of Texas.
Liliana is now on a 5 week European vacation with her boyfriend, before relocating to Seattle to begin a full time job with FaceBook. AT the end of July, Helen is taking a 4-5 day road trip with Liliana to help her relocate and deliver her car to Seattle!
Helen has returned from yet another very successful (and heart warming) Nia white belt experience in Budapest, this is the 10th White Belt Helen has offered in Budapest. Wonderful to recognize more than 120 people have taking this Nia foundational course in Hungary!! Kinga (The Shift HU, studio owner) and Helen are looking at how to create some fabulous retreat experiences around the Nia belt trainings in Budapest. We are casting providing group transportation, shared accommodation, for a small group to enjoy exploring the (special insider) tour of the city of Budapest (including Helen and Kinga’s favorite local places), with daily NIa classes and THEN a trip to the county-side to enjoy a weekend retreat with ladies form the Nia Budapest community, trips to the beautiful Lake Balatorre and YES! more Nia opportunities. Email Helen@somaranch.com if you’d like more details.
Hananda, our resident Nia teacher and “Magical Pixie Assistant” at Soma Ranch has been wonderfully helping from clearing brambles and feeding donkeys to subbing classes and keeping Helen on track, she is a wonderful addition to the Soma Team.
Helen and Hananda are now teaching 4 Nia classes a week (and subbing hot yoga!) at The Yoga Room Conroe Studio. Fabulous to see the local Nia community blossoming….
Helen is still on track for completing 2019 miles in 2019, at the moment she needs to complete an average of about 5.3 miles a day to keep on track. The November Vegas Rock and Roll marathon will be helping her top up on miles!
Joe is well, he’s been seeing a local chiropractor for the past 2 months and is happy to report great progress in general and particularly great relief and healing in his shoulder. As ever Joe is working diligently with the upkeep and maintenance at Soma Ranch. Here’s a photo of him resting after 6 hours of power spraying the metal roof of the house. (on one of the hottest days of the year LOL)
Thank you to AirBNB who have helped us connect with guests to rent and enjoy Soma Ranch almost every weekend we are not booked with our own trainings and retreat.
Next Wednesday we begin our annual Nia Brown Belt with 14+ participants coming from around the world! Enjoy public Nia classes every day at 10am, special events Friday, Saturday and Sunday and consider making a day of it and enjoying a Day Retreat.
With Nia White belt, Blue Electric Storm, Nia July Retreat, Nia FreeDance Retreat, Nia Moving to Heal Retreat, Nia Blue Belt and Nia October Retreat there are plenty of things to look forward to at Soma Ranch.
Visit www.somaranch.com/training and www.somaranch.com/events for more information
Our daughter, Liliana, graduated from UT Austin this past weekend. As parents we’ve LOVED being part of the UT family for 5 years. Witnessing Liliana experiencing challenges as well as amazing achievements, seeing how she navigated the ups and downs of college life and playing with how we, as parents, find the balance between supporting her and fostering her independence, has been a joy. Liliana entered with dreams of being involved in film, she shared “it’s about time there was a female Spilberg!”, as her course developed, Liliana found herself dreaming of doing math problems and becoming fascinated with languages. The good news is with University of Texas there is flexibility and with Liliana there was enough tenacity for her to shift gears “mid stream” on her university path.
Liliana switched to complete a BSc in Comuter Science and utilized courses already taken to contribute to a BA in linguistics. 2 undergraduate degrees with the highest honor, acoomplished in 5 years is a huge achievement.
Celebrating at Graduation was a blast, we attended 4 ceremonies! Computer Science, Linguistics, Electrical Engeneriing (her boyfriend Carter) and the “grande finale” whole school outdoor evening celebration, where after amazing speeches and fabulous musical performances they light the UT tower orange. Here’s the speech by Michael Dell, urging graduates not just to succeed, but to serve.
If you’re ever in Austin around Memorial weekend and able to attend this public event (with or without knowing someone graduating) I highly recommend it. Give me a call, I’m going to do my best to be back, it was so magical!
Liliana is off on an extended European Vacation before relocating to Seattle having accepted a job with FaceBook. I’m excited to be taking a road trip to spend precious time with Liliana and help her move her car up there!! TBC
Some of my favorite lines from the speech include
“There were plenty of skeptics and back-seat drivers. Actually, I thank them, because for me it was just motivation to prove them all wrong.”
“Many people never realize what they’re capable of because they’re afraid to make mistakes.
Many people don’t stand up for what’s right because they’re afraid to be wrong.
But that’s not how changing the world works. Unless you’re willing to take risks, you won’t have a chance to use your talents when and where they matter most.
So step up… and take risks.
Because the rewards—for you and the lives you change—will be worth it.”
On my way to our annual Nia White Belt Budapest, I fly into Geneva, to offer a day of classes and workshops in Lausanne. Contact Tamara Janser at ziebelen@bluewin.ch for more details. Traveling to experience Nia in different places is a delightful way to connect with like-minded people and get to know other wonderful communities.
I had the lovely opportunity to be interviewed by Maya Baker recently as part of her video series “Redeeming Date Night”. Here we talk about Nia Technqiue, Ageless Grace, How I found Nia, How I became a Christian, How Joe and I navigate the many stages of our relationship. How to bringing some fun Ageless Grace tools to ignite some fun on a date night!
Nia 2nd Degree Black Belt, International teacher trainer, Helen Terry, has been loving being a student at the local Yoga Room Conroe. Annie Camp (Yoga Room Conroe owner) has been keen to have Helen teach at the studio, yet challenged on how to make this happen. Several factors to consider:
it’s a yoga studio, YOGA is their focus
all classes (except late night Tai Chi) are done on the mat
Hot yoga classes need the room to sustain high temperature and humidity
the only available time slots are early morning or late night
Loving the challenge of looking at barriers and how to make them bridges, Helen asked herself to figure out how to create the perfect class with these “restraints”, the result a 6am, Nia on the Mat class, in a hot room! This is a great example of how from creative tension something new, authentic and habit breaking can be formed!
We use Nia music (Deep Dive, Source, ChakraDancer and Medicine Woman so far), follow the “Hot 60” yoga movement sequence (based on Bikram Yoga). For each posture we create a very simple kata on the mat; a Nia movement sequence that flows into holding whatever the next Yoga posture will be.
For example, going into “3 part awkward” we play with
a clock step from 12 to 6 for part 1
stepping on to the ball of the foot, part 2
cross front into part 3
We then build a Cross front step in to Eagle (playing with Palm Directions).
Forehead to knee works beautifully with Knee Sweeps and Front kicks and so it goes on….
At the peak of the getting moving cycle (before coming down for a more traditional yoga floor sequence) we FreeDance on the mat! it’s a hoot! I had no idea how many different ways we can creatively move and dance on a mat. There’s a song in the Carlos Aya Rosas Routine “Alive” where we play dancing on a small dance floor, having the mat as a physical reference point is fabulous!
Most new attendees share “I don’t have coordination” “I don’t know if I can do this” “I have no experience and high concern!”. The good news is they smile, they share delight and surprise at the end of the class and they come back, with friends!
Stepping into May we are adding classes, tweaking the schedule and adapting. Helen is leading:
6:00am Mon: Hot Nia Yoga ~ bring a mat
7:15am Mon: Nia ~ bring a mat
6:00am Wed: Hot Nia Yoga ~ bring a mat
7:15am Wed: Nia ~ bring a mat
5:00pm Wed: Classic Nia
7:30pm Thu: Classic Nia
Nia ~ Bring a Mat “BAM” follows the Nia class format of 7 cycles.
One of the great things about a Nia class is how we begin class with Cycle 1: the Focus and Intent. An opportunity for the students to apply their mind to something specific for the entire class (focused process) with a clear intent on what to expect from the class experience (End product/result)
The purpose of Cycle 2 (Stepping In) is to remove distractions. In this Nia class on the mat we use a hand mudras to focus the mind, choose what we leave behind and consciously select what we bring into the class experience.
The choreography in Cycles 3, 4 & 5 (Warm up, Get moving and Cool Down) are simplified and yoga infused. Peak of get moving features “FreeDance” on your mat! Cycle 6, Floor Play, is created on the yoga mat. Playing with gravity, space and time, to move from one familiar yoga pose to next.
The experience ends with breathing and extended relaxation in Savasana with a personalize Cycle 7 stepping out invitation.
These class are in addition to 10am Nia at Soma Ranch Mon, Tues, Thurs, Friday and every day during Nia training weeks.
What to do when your “soon to be graduating from University”, one and only daughter, calls you out of the blue, and with short notice invites you to participate in the UT 10K fun run.
For me it was simple, no questions asked, say YES!! then figure out how (when in the middle of Nia training) to tweak the schedule to allow me to drive to Austin, run, and drive home.
The answer was to invite the Nia training participants to practice together, prepare collaboratively and team teach my 10am morning Nia class.
I got up at 4am, drove to Austin, ran with Liliana and was back by 1:00pm, time to enjoy Joe’s delicious lunch and ready to lead the training at 1:30pm. We then added an evening session to cover the material missed by my morning absence.
The results were so good I’m putting in the suggestion on all future Nia Green Belts.
Providing the group with the opportunity to practice together and team teach WITHOUT the trainer being present was a big success and actually added to the success of each of the participants, equipping them with some great tools and skills to apply immediately at home.
As a Christian, Easter time, is a big deal for me, it’s a time to celebrate the resurrection of Christ. Also, as a Nia teacher, (and a Christian!) I want to honor the uniqueness of everyone in class and be accepting of all religions, beliefs and faiths.
Coming into class with "let's all celebrate Jesus!" simply is not going to work. I feel the creative tension between my personal faith and professional responsibility then jump up and down as I find a fabulous solution; A playlist compiled with songs to do with Rising with a focus around the concept "Rising".
In life many things are beyond our control, yet what is within our control is how we choose to respond, and the highest choice is often to rise above the circumstances on a quest to find light, truth and love….
This Nia Experience “Rising” is adapted from the classic Nia routine "Mantra", originally designed by Carlos Aya Rosas.
Focus: The Belly (+Muscles and Cells) exploring how movement, the body’s way, is a mantra and metaphor for self, community, life.
(Science) The belly, as a substance, has 3 different qualities:
strength (resilience)
elasticity (ability to bounce back)
fluidity (go with the flow)
(Craft)
Sense how the belly contracts and expands
Observe how the belly of each of your 700 muscles do the same, now
Imagine all 70+ trillion cells also opening and closing
Notice how the belly, the muscles and the cells all do the same mantra of movement. They move in/out, expand/contract and always seek balance.
(Art)
As we sense the belly of the body, play with calling it the “Moma Cell”
We can go inward (Body, Belly, Muscles, Connective Tissue, Cell)
We can go outwards (Body, Self, Others, Class, Community, Global)
Intent: From inward + outward awareness we develop a sense of inter-connection "we are one". The Mantra, the movement, our lives and community continues.
This is a time for celebration. An invitation to be inspired to rise up above anything that draws us down.
We are strong
We bounce back
We go with the flow
You're invited to come celebrate and join in the dance.
Thursday, 7:30 - 8:30pm The Yoga Room, Conroe
Friday, 10:00 - 11:00am Soma Ranch
Sunday, 5:00 - 6:00pm Soma Ranch
Texas weather at it’s best was at Soma Ranch for the entire Nia week. The sunshine and glorious temperatures, provided the opportunity to truly optimize the facilities at Soma Ranch.
From dipping toes in the pool (and diving in on occasions!), feeding the donkeys, riding the golf cart to the local P6 Farms, enjoying sunshine streaming into the studio, hanging out on the front porch, roasting s’mores over an open fire, giggling in the hot tub, relaxing in the sauna, a grand time was had by all.
The three Nia Green Belt participants were able to enjoy balance between learning, dancing and studying. They developed amazingly in a relatively (5 day) short time, each teaching wonderfully by the end of the training. Well equipped to return home ready to teach at their next level, with greater confidence and relaxation.
Local participants enjoyed the camaraderie during the week, building to a “jam” class on the last day where 3 local Nia teachers jumped in to teach with the Nia Green Belt trainees.
Soma Chef Joe consistently creates delicious meals, with excellent presentation “transforming food into art” at Soma Ranch. In his opinion “People eat with their eyes”.
Our recent Nia Green Belt week was no exception!
Breakfast includes a hot “grain” (a gluten free, spouted seed, complete protein), fruit, kefir, yogurts, trimmings, extras and more.
Lunch is a home made soup, accompanied by large mixed salad.
Dinner is a cooked meal with plenty of fresh vegetables and often a surprise! (like a piñata when we have Tex Taco night!)
We provide retreat experiences, serving delicious healthy food with good humor and Texas hospitality.
We buy organic and local whenever and wherever possible. We’re blessed having the P6 Farms, as our neighbor, with fresh farm produce available for sale most of the year! Meals are balanced between healthy vegetables and good protein sources.
Providing yummy, gluten free, vegan meals, with accompanying egg, cheese and meat options seems to satisfy the needs and desires of most.
From Vegan to Keto we do our best to have you “covered” and most guests express their surprise of how delicious such healthy food can be.
Congratulations Nia Green Belts!
Anne from Denver, Colorado,
Hananda from Montgomery, Texas
Sunny from San Marcos, Texas
A wonderful Nia training week, where participants enjoyed a fun, safe environment to learn and play.
As a trainer it’s super rewarding to witness all 3 participants teaching a fabulous Nia class by the end of the course!
At Soma Ranch we offer a training even if only one participant is signed up! Why? we value our guests’ time and money, when folks book the training they are also often booking flights, making plans, getting children/pets taken care of and more.
By our commitment to always offer the training, registering participants can relax in the assurance that, no matter what, the training will go on.
Here’s a lovely 2 min clip from MaryBeth Davison Smith about how to "spring" from our ribs. Whether we are taking a Nia class, doing our yoga practice or going for a run, MaryBeth's talk is a great reminder of how key our ribs are;
If you're in the Houston area this coming Saturdays, consider attending this fab workshop at Angela Mestre 's Studio NiaMoves.
We hope to host MaryBeth at Soma Ranch some time in the fall for a workshop and possibly a retreat. Be sure to email info@somaranch.com if you’d like to be the first to receive more information about Feldenkrais opportunities at Soma Ranch.
Hot tip: Suggested class or “dancing through life” focus: A delicious visual for ribs is as the expandable bird cage that provides protection AND mobility for our lungs and heart.
Thank you Sue Korthauer for 1-2-3!
(1) coming to dance (2) sharing about a magical affordable way to help allergies and (3) starting to share your permanent makeup talents so close to Soma Ranch
Here’s what Sue shared:
think I found “liquid gold”. One of the gals at the Salon said there was buzz on their newsfeed about this miracle relief for allergies. HEB couldn’t keep it on their shelves. I bought 2 bottles—(one for her)
Used as directed and this morning..no snot-filled sinuses, no general body inflammation—and no morning headache. $21/bottle...hoping you get the same results!!
Sue Korthauer, permanent makeup, p~ink
With 8 rescued donkeys, here at Soma Ranch, whenever someone shares they have a need for a donkey, we are glad to give them one. Even though it’s a bittersweet moment, we recognize how every goodbye is a new beginning.
Little Mo has a lovely new home with Jody T Morse (a long time friend). Jody took her Nia white belt training with Helen 20 years ago!
Part of Little Mo’s new purpose in the “Morse Family” tribe is to keep their donkey company when the horses are taken out for a ride.
Donkeys are very social and lovable, they can become sad and even depressed when left alone.
Out of all our donkeys Little Mo has been the most fun to play and fool with. For example he would accompany me for walks around the pasture without a lead or halter, i.e. he’d simply walk side by side, pausing and waiting when ever I stopped.
From noticing this we developed a very fun little trick, where Little Mo learned to count and do “steps and stances”. I’d stand side by side and walk a certain number of steps, counting out loud as I went along, then, when I stopped (stance) Little Mo would take the same number of steps, catch me up, and then stop (Stance), waiting for the next number/steps.
10 years ago I would never have dreamed I’d be rescuing, fooling with and giving away donkeys. Another example of how we often can’t even dream up the big picture waiting for us, however with faith and f, prayer and persistence, amazing things can happen.
This story is wrapped with friendship, trust, joy, letting go, new beginnings and of course DONKEYS!!
Wow! what an amazing, healing experience the Writer’s NEST retreat was for all who attended, including myself! We had 8 registered on the retreat then life happened and, like a pack a cards, commitments tumbled and 4 guests cancelled late notice! We could choose to cancel, however at Soma Ranch, Joe and I recognize folks have booked their flights, arranged their life and are looking forward to the retreat, whenever possible we “keep calm and carry on”. As usual, I’m glad we did ;-
Patricia came from Canada, she’s a published author, specializing in children and young adult fiction. On the day I’d had a conversation after class with a participant who was keen for us to offer a retreat for writers, Patricia had connected via email and made the comment “Oh I’d come to Soma Ranch for a writer’s retreat!” and the rest is history ;-)
Jane came from Colorado, she’s a published author, specializing in poetry and appears to have an abundant library of works both in her brain and on her phone. What ever the topic Jane would pop up with “oh I have a poem about that” and we would all delight in her sharing.
Kathy came from Plano, north of Dallas, Texas. She’s a most accomplished horse teacher, coach and judge and is in the process of writing her first book. Jane presented a “BETA test” of her intro workshop “All the Ride Moves” which combines her knowledge and personalized system for riding with the wisdom and philosophy of Nia Technique.
Darlene, recently relocated to Montgomery, Texas. She entered with the intent of continuing to develop her memoir book. Through the collaborative process of the retreat, Darlene tweaked her direction into writing a self help book that shares the wisdom of both her personal experience, and vast experience in psychotherapy, to provide a captivating, practical, step by step approach to help individuals and professionals.
We delighted in sharing meals together around the round table. Each guest seemed to find their favorite “pockets” of space to retreat to for their writing. We enjoyed Texas weather at it’s best with mini field trips each afternoon. The first field trip was to the Sam Houston National Forrest (within 10 minutes from Soma Ranch), our hike included a gentle stroll with some grand trees to navigate over, and take advantage of the photo op!. The following afternoon we sent out boating on Lake Conroe which helped invoke memories, creativity and even help one guest conquer a fear in a most healing way. One evening Kathy shared her “All the Ride Moves” intro talk which was both entertaining and educational.
Enjoying the super moon with hot tub, open fire, s’mores, poetry and great conversations was a highlight. I used one of my favorite books “The Power of Kindness” for personal inspiration and to included in the meditation parts of class, it helped spur some conversations about what it means to be present, included a fabulous exploration around how presence is to be present, which is a gift, for ourselves and those around us.
Joe’s food nourished us though out the week with food that was delicious to all 5 senses, I love his phrase “people eat with their eyes” and how Joe focuses on creating “Food as Art” to satisfy and delight.
With yet another day of perfect sunshine and warmth we took a stroll around the local White Eagle retreat center, including time for a contemplative walk through the labyrinth. Kathy and Jane had a wonderful time brushing the winter coats off our horses, who happily then pranced their dashing selves! From the most to the least experienced with horses I’m always touched to witness the power of healing through “fooling” with horses.
Hànanda (our resident Soma assistance and Nia teacher), who joined us for some meals and field trip, was witnessed doing some extensive clearing on our fence line. Jane created a poem called “Hananda of the Brambles” which was touching, amusing and most perfect for recognizing the wonderful contribution "Hananda is bringing to Soma.
Each afternoon we gathered for our “NEST” circle. This was a collaborative conversation on the couches in the studio building. These special times provided the opportunity for each person to share some of what they’d written. The conversation provided space for us to weave in our personal experience, recommendations and support, like an exquisite nest! it was a beautiful dance full of support, joy and insight.
Our last day brought beautiful closure. Sharing our appreciation, admiration and love for each member of this very special experience, we giggled over avocado toast, worshiped together at Cowboy church, praised and danced with Lauren Daigle and snapped some fabulous “last” group photos.
Several fabulous ideas have been ignited for future events including:
2020 Writer’s NEST Retreat
“The Body’s Way” with “The Writer’s Way” - retreat or workshop co-lead by Helen and Jane
“All the Right Moves” - retreat or workshop co-lead by Helen and Kathy
The Canadian Migration Retreat - how lovely to host our fellow Nia friends in cold climate to enjoy a Sunshine retreat at Soma! :-)
Are you, or do you know somebody, who’s living with a long or short term challenge, looking for self-healing and to feel better?
Do you desire to add a little more to your Nia practice and classes? Perhaps at home or in an area where there isn’t an abundance of classes at times you’d like?
Beginning tomorrow, March 29, NiaTV is offering a FREE 14 Day Wellness Program!
This is an online experience geared towards self-healing and feeling better when living with a long or short term challenge.
Participants will have access to 14 customized fitness videos, a 14-Day Wellness Journal, guided daily challenges, wellness pointers and peer support from a global community when they sign into Nia Technique's streaming platform, NiaTV.
Create your free account at www.niatv.fit
Testimonials from teachers and students who have taken the Nia FreeDance training:
Amy Jogodnik Warshawsky, Nia Black Belt from Hoboken, New Jersey.
"As soon as I met Joanie and Adelle, I knew I had to bring them to Israel. Their warm, energetic and open way of being would be perfect for our community. And, then, while experiencing the Nia FreeDance Training, I was overcome with the feeling that the Israel Nia community would all love what Nia FreeDance has to offer the Conscious Dance community. Nia FreeDance deepened my relationship with form and freedom, opened possibility for more creative authentic movement and heightened my ability to play with music. And, most of all, the training was deeply bonding and crazy fun!"
Robbie Plumb, Nia Brown Belt Teacher from Lenexa, Kansas: “Nia FreeDance training opened up a whole new doorway of expression in the way I move, think, emote, and share my unique spirit with the world around me. Nia FreeDance gave me the tools to find my voice and the resonant creative power within me.
Nia FreeDance was a beautiful blend of body centered freedom, emotional expression, cognitive creativity, and spirited liberation! “
Sandy-Ananda Ramon Jenet, Nia Black Belt Teacher from Germany:
“I loved the training for its rich dive into music and realms. I hear and sense music in a different way through my chakras...Sonic Landscape. I left with a greater understanding of experiencing freedance stages in my own personal practice. I now have tools to share this experience with others so they can dive into their creative music and movement journey. Additionally, an incredible tool for application in learning new routines and revisiting previously learned routines.”
Sara Earl, Nia Brown Belt Teacher originally from Austin and now lives in Pennsylvania: “What I love about Nia FreeDance is that, as a long-time ecstatic dancer I always felt obligated to have a spiritual experience. But in Nia FD, embodiment is the foundation and the experience is crafted to be multi-dimensional. It allows for more freedom and richness and it just makes so much more sense to me. In FD I find the perfect opportunity to be creative and yet also practice all the form and principles of Nia.”
Terry Pozza, Nia Brown Belt Teacher from San Antonio, TX “During the Nia FreeDance training I discovered the movement of contracting and releasing throughout the 4 realms (body, emotions, mind, and spirit) gave me the opportunity to work with and release what I no longer needed, and to receive what I craved – all in my body’s way and my body’s time. I began the Nia FreeDance training after a very stressful week and was amazed that by the close of the weekend, my body, emotions, mind and spirit were completely sated. I felt centered and empowered and ready to face whatever presented itself as I stepped out from the dance floor.
Participating in the Nia FreeDance training has given me greater opportunities to take Nia’s healing power to a larger audience. It is true that, “through movement we find health.” I have been able to take this beautiful practice into my Spiritual Direction work and I will be facilitating some Nia FreeDance sessions at an upcoming retreat for women wishing to more deeply embody their spirituality.
Facilitating a Nia FreeDance class is a complete blast!”
A letter to Debbie Rosas from Elaine Shipman, Nia student in San Antonio: “Hi Debbie. This past weekend I attended the Nia FreeDance training with Adelle and Joanie in San Antonio. It was an amazing experience that not only enhanced my Nia FreeDance practice but gave me a new appreciation for the amount of thought, preparation, and work that goes into a Nia FreeDance class. Although I am a future Nia white belt, Joanie and Adelle made me feel very comfortable throughout the training and I was able to gain a deeper understanding of how and why Nia FreeDance works so well for me.
Debbie, I would also like to thank you for creating this beautiful movement form. Nia (both classical and Nia FreeDance) has been the catalyst for major change in my life. I am so grateful for this practice and I cannot imagine ever being without it.”
Todd Morgan, Nia Whiten Belt from San Antonio, TX: “I am fairly new to Nia, and have had issues with learning choreography since I started. I took the Nia Freedance experience a number of months ago, and it was amazing. I found out that most choreography is created from Freedance. I also became privy to some important ideas and reasoning behind Nia Freedance that really set me free. A very cool thing is that the freedom in Nia FreeDance also helped me to get into my body to learn choreography. It is not about learning how to FreeDance. That is my dance. It is about how the experience affected me both somatically, as well as emotionally. I have also taken the Nia White Belt, which was amazing as well. I really feel like the Nia FreeDance experience moved me more experientially. I love Nia FreeDance. It has changed my relationship with Classic Nia, plus Adelle and Joanie are magic!!!!!!!”
Sign up & save!
Early Bird Rates continue through midnight this Sunday for Men of Nia retreat at Soma Ranch (April 26 - 28)
Folks have the misconception this retreat is for men only. Truth is the Men of Nia Retreat is welcoming of everyone, and we celebrate Men of Nia with 4 key World Class Male Presenters (Mark, JAG, Ray and Alan)
Early Bird rates are extended through midnight Sunday for Men of Nia retreat. Folks have the misconception this retreat is for men only. Truth is the Men of Nia Retreat is welcoming of everyone, and we celebrate Men of Nia with 4 key World Class Male Presenters (Mark, JAG, Ray and Alan)
Big thanks to Nia second degree black belt instructor, Fred Bass, who created and introduces a fabulous video series of interviews with "Men who do Nia"! Here’s his introduction:
Fred has wonderfully captured the essence of some of the fabulous Men who do Nia
click HERE for more clips from the series.
AND check out more information on the Men of Nia retreat, we’d love you to join us.
Thank you Patricia for your lovely review of the recent Writer’s NEST retreat at Soma Ranch, we’re delighted to hear we exceeded all your expectations :-)
I recently attended a "Writers Nest Retreat" at Soma Ranch. Thank you Helen Terry! The Writer’s Nest Retreat exceeded all my expectations. Soma Ranch is a real Texan gem; inviting, relaxing, and heartwarming. I’m grateful to have had such a fabulous ‘Nest’ experience with fellow authors enabling us all to share writing information, stories, Nia dance, yoga, great conversation and getting to know the locale of Montgomery better. Helen, you and (Husband) Joe are lovely hosts! The accommodations are comfortable, the meals fantastic, and my every need was met with a smile! Thank you so much!
Curious to know more? Here’s information about Wrtier’s NEST 2020 Retreat
