Nia Blue Belt Training

I began teaching in the fitness industry in 1981. I had a passion for exercise, and although teaching aquatics courses, water exercise and aerobics filled that passion, they were based in traditional fitness practices. My unconscious movement patterning ultimately led me to exhaustion, burnout and physical pain. In 1984, I severely injured both my knees. I had numbed myself to my body’s voice of pain, which led me to requiring surgery.

In July of 1991, I was on the edge of quitting teaching. I attended the IDEA Fitness Conference and I saw a sign that said ”Body, Mind, Spirit Workout.” I had not seen the word ‘spirit’ used in any other courses offered. Immediately, my curiosity drew me to take the workshop. It was a Nia workshop, and I clearly recall watching Debbie and Carlos enter the room and sensing every cell of my being recognize their radiance. They took the stage, and did something unheard of at that time in the fitness industry – they invited us to take off our shoes and move barefoot.  Those first barefoot seconds of conscious movement had my wounded knees saying “ahhhhhhh” as they experienced healing through movement.  After tearfully dancing a deep healing awakening, I registered for their next White Belt Intensive. I sensed a deep knowing within myself that Nia had much to teach me.  I eagerly attended the Blue, Brown, Black, and First Degree Blact Belt trainings in succession.

In February of 1997, after years of practicing Nia and many hours of teaching, I was blessed with the honor of becoming a Nia Trainer. Words merely cannot express the infinite gifts my heart receives from the privilege of sharing the Nia White Belt.  I travel internationally teaching Nia, and I am passionately in love with what I am blessed to share. I sing professionally.  I am a motivational keynote speaker, and a Yoga teacher. On February 14, 2009, I opened Heartdance Studio - a magical space of heArt.  My ability to balance all I am passionate about I owe to the teachings of Nia.

I am honored to joyfully dance in the sea of life with all of you!

My passion is movement. I took 2 Nia classes at a Spa in CA in 1991, and knew instantly that Nia was something I would do for the rest of my life. I was dancing professionally in NYC and felt with Nia, I had found the secret to keeping myself in shape and teaching dancers and non-dancers how to find freedom, joy and pleasure in movement. My degree is in dance and I am also a Nia trainer, a certified personal trainer, certified yoga instructor, Gabrielle Roth 5 Rhythms instructor, and creative movement specialist for kids. I design Nia programs for people with Parkinson's and Cancer as well as for Corporate Wellness programs, schools & health clubs. My main focus as a teacher/trainer is to deliver Nia in a way that is fresh, creative and deeply rooted in joy. It is very satisfying to watch a student discover how to move their body in a way that is healing, expressive and unique. The creativity of Nia is what keeps my passion alive. My classes are rarely the same. When in NYC come dance with me.