Nia
Nia for Japan
Yesterday I attended a Nia fundraiser organized by Andreea Diaconescu at Hart House. It was amazing to see so many folks come together to connect and donate through fitness. In total, we raised $1350 for the Canadian Red Cross! Take a peek at the event here: Nia for Japan Fundraiser (benefiting the Candian Red Cross’…
Read MoreA Nia Dance Break in Toronto
As part of our FAB (For All Belts) 52 Moves Choreography training, Nia teachers took our dance to the streets on April 3, 2011. We are led by Debbie Rosas, co-founder of Nia and Kevin VerEecke, Nia Black Belt & New Generation Trainer. It all started like this: With scarves wrapped over their heads and…
Read MoreMoving to breathe, breathing to move.
When I dance, I really get in touch with my breath. I mean I really get in touch with it. Not only do I become more aware of my breath when I move, but I also become more aware of how my body insists on that deep and full inhale and exhale that moving forces…
Read MoreYou can dance ANYWHERE
Phil does! Dancing at No Frills! You would not believe how much more pleasant this would make my grocery shopping experience (read: I don’t like grocery shopping. Not one bit). This Phil dude, who by the way lives in Toronto, is the epitome of freedom! How liberating must being authentic like that be? Wait…
Read More10 Thoughts About Family
So today is Family Day. Family… what does that even mean? There are so many definitions of family, my favourite one, from a Tweeter I follow, is that family is “a group of people who love, trust, and support each other”. Related or not, another person stated that family goes hand in hand with “complicated…
Read MoreI've been TIRED all day!
So how did I possibly teach a Nia class tonight? It was possible because I have teaching tools designed to help me manage such situations! When my physical energy is low, I’m able to fall back on a key teaching principle from my White Belt training called “Teaching What You Sense.” This principle allows me…
Read MoreLove your body, Love your life through Nia!
This year, I decided on a less traditional and more self-full way to celebrate Valentine’s. This weekend, I taught special “self love” themed Nia classes. Without going over the top, I encouraged all of us to spend the hour-and-15-minute class in appreciation. Appreciation for our bodies, minds, emotions and spirits. After all, how can we…
Read MoreBelly dancing and the Core
I’ve started taking belly dance classes at Joy of Dance (which, by the way, is the best dance studio in Toronto that I know of). At first, I wasn’t sure if they were for me, as there is an incredible focus on technique. Whenever there is a chance of doing something wrong, I find myself…
Read MorePlantar Fasciitis: How Nia Healed My Foot Problems
I used to run 5 days a week, averaging 50-60 kms each week. Those were the days when I did a lot of high impact exercise: at that time I was also playing soccer, ball/ice hockey and doing step class. Eventually, along with shin splints, I got plantar fasciitis, which caused me a great deal…
Read MoreChristmas in Arizona: Best of
Paul and I spent Christmas in Arizona this year (2010). We left on December 25, after a family celebration on the 24th, and returned on January 1, 2011. It was really easy to come up with a ‘best of’ list about our trip, so that’s how I’ll share my experiences with you. Best Hotel Fiesta…
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