Take Nia and add Appassionata and you get Mikelle. Beethoven’s piano sonata called Appassionata was a deeply personal musical journey into previously unchartered realms of imagination. A woman of great feeling and fervor, Mikelle has passionately pursued her practice of Nia through every Nia training offered here at Still & Moving Center since 2015: White, Green, Blue Belts and again White Belt this last week. Mikelle has also been one of the pillars of our Nia Mentorship program.

Fortunately for us, after taking her Blue Belt with Winalee Zeeb here at Still & Moving Center in February of this year, Mikelle accepted my offer to staff the reception desk full time. Mikelle left her dear family and close ones in Wyoming to take the position. If you have ever been greeted by Mikelle, you know the warmth of her welcome and depth of her regard for every individual who passes the desk.

My heart fills as I watch Mikelle develop as a Nia teacher, and especially as I observe her incisively incorporating Nia principles into her life. Through White Belt she became more aware of herself as a spiritual being inhabiting a beautiful human body. I watched her nervous system calm after Green Belt. Blue Belt brought a remarkable growth in personal relationship building for her. I look forward to the continuation of her impassioned growth through the Nia practice.

Sat, Nov 19 11 am – 12:30 pm.  Move to a brand new Nia routine: Deep Dive with international Nia trainer Winalee Zeeb – $25, $20  for Golden Circle Members.

Come and dance! Deep Dive is one of the newest Nia routines and was choreographed by Winalee herself for the international Nia community. In addition to dancing the routine from Winalee, get the download on what is behind this routine and how it came into existence. Know that Winalee is a water woman who adores dolphins!

In July of 1991, I was on the edge of quitting teaching. I attended the IDEA Fitness Conference and I saw a sign that read, “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. Every cell of my being recognized 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. Those first barefoot seconds of conscious movement had my wounded knees saying, “Ahhhhhhh” as they experienced healing through movement. After tearfully dancing a profound 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 Black 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 cannot express the infinite gifts my heart receives from the privilege of sharing the Nia Belts. I travel internationally teaching Nia, and I am passionately in love with what I am privileged 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. The teachings of Nia have brought me my ability to balance all I am passionate about, and I am so very grateful.”

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