A Dancer Finds Nia

I grew up in Israel. I have always loved learning, looking forward to my next project, creating and teaching what I know to others. My dance training began at age three. Since then my trainings have been in creative movement, ballet, modern dance choreography and jazz. As a young child I remember myself teaching my friends and siblings–play acting as if I was their schoolteacher. I was their dance teacher as well.
My dream as a young girl was to have my own business–a studio for dance and movement. This dream did come true in 1996 in Israel. I named my studio “The Way We Move”. I always encouraged my students–children and adults–to focus on joy, healing and health; to live life fully; to be oneself and to listen to one’s own body in order to find one’s way. I taught Mommy and Me classes, creative movement, ballet, modern dance and jazz dance classes. I had my own dance performance group, and we participated in national dance competitions where we did quite well.
In addition I was the head of a dance department in middle school where I taught the history of dance, modern dance and choreography. I also taught dance in a performing art school. Throughout the years I always taught fitness classes–which for me were very boring.
In 2002, at my oldest daughter Amit’s first play date since we moved from Israel to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA, I met her friend’s mother. She asked me about my profession and what I was currently doing. I told her that I have an MA in Dance and Dance Education from NYU and had been teaching dance and movement classes for the past 16 years. She was thrilled to show me a long article about Nia coming to the Center.
I could not have imagined how this article would change my life. When I read it I was amazed to learn that the only one of the nine movement forms I had never practiced was Aikido. I was curious to experience the blend of the techniques. I took my first Nia class a month later when the session began.
I clearly remember my systemic body sensations during that first Nia class. The music was powerful and the movements beautifully designed to create a magical experience. I was on such a high; my body floating, moving vigorously, creating, vibrant, youthful and alive. I knew from the moment I took that first class that this is all I wanted to do and teach. By the end of class the teacher Robin Block, Blue belt (now Brown) told me I should do the White Belt.
I had been experiencing extreme pain in my arm at the time, and after taking several tests, I was diagnosed with two bulged discs. My best friend, who is a neurosurgeon, told me I would never be able to dance again. After telling him to never say never, I asked him to help me find a solution. He referred me to a spine clinic where I was treated with physical therapy and occupational therapy. Through the practice of Nia, I learned how to modify and simplify my moves, and I regained my strength and physical abilities. A month and a half later I flew to New York and did my White Belt with Trainer Carolyn Kohles.
I did my White Belt while pregnant with my fourth child. During all my previous pregnancies, I danced until my water broke. With this pregnancy I was physically very limited by constant headaches and nausea. I kept dancing as a student with Barbara Wesson, Black Belt, learning how to play with level one, (I had been used to dancing at level three) sitting, utilizing body parts in an intrinsic way, listening to my body and teaching it how to move in a new way that feels good. To my surprise, both as a student and as a teacher, I always left classes with uplifting sensations. Before Nia I taught dance and fitness classes between 10-20 hours a week. Today I teach Nia between 5-10 hours a week. None of my previous teaching was as exciting as Nia. “Miracle” was my first routine.
I was fortunate to bring 31 years of dance training and teaching to Nia. It has served me well. Nia has given me so much more depth and awareness of my body–depth in all my realms–physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. I physically feel like I am in my 20’s. The child within me has returned and shows its beauty. I appreciate the body-mind-spirit connection and the healing aspect of Nia.
Nia is my full time job and life. I multitask and have created a schedule that works for my family and me. I love and enjoy sharing my passion and belief in Nia with new and varied groups of people. I teach Nia in private studios, Jewish Community Center, health clubs, the school system and special needs populations (mentally and physically challenged). I work with Nia teachers in groups and mentor them one-on-one. I introduce Nia to as many people as I can so that they may benefit and receive Nia’s joy and fullness. I met my husband, Guy when we were both doing our compulsory service in the Israeli army. I was a sports and hand-to-hand combat instructor. I knew when I met him that he was my soul mate. Guy is very supportive of my Nia path, although he has never taken a Nia class or participated in any other fitness class. We have four beautiful children–Omer 13, Amit 11, Dana 8 and Maya 4.
Each year when I visit my family and friends in Israel I teach Nia classes and workshops. I am planting seeds in my homeland. The joy and fulfillment I feel as a human being is truly amazing with each class I teach. My family and I are completing a dream moving back to Israel next summer July 2008. My desire is to develop and teach so that Nia will be a well-known name in every household in Israel.
I have achieved one of my desires by becoming a Black Belt Nia teacher. Becoming a Nia trainer is another dream. Teaching teachers is another level I find extremely challenging and rewarding. I am currently working on a yearly plan geared for pre-scholars. Other populations I would like to introduce Nia to are soldiers and civilians suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and victims of war and terror. By teaching different populations, not only do I grow and learn as a teacher, I get to play and teach a variety of people allowing them to learn, be more aware of their actions, find healthier ways of moving, healing and growing as human beings. I am creating a healthier community as a whole. The joy is abundant!
Nia has given me tools for living–more focus and clarity, tolerance, patience, creativity, strength, stamina and vibrancy for life. Nia is a way of life for me. Nia has given me closure. I now know my purpose here in the universe!