Nia ~ 87 year old Dancing with Replaced Knee
Posted: Feb 25, 02:12 PMNia at age 87! Retiree is still dancing her life away to stay young!
By Alicia Doyle Posted February 23, 2010 at 12:21 p.m.
Dee Volz, 87, a retired journalist, writing professor at Ventura College and professional dancer enjoys the free-form dance movements of a Nia workout.
She was a professional dancer at the Coconut Grove in the Ambassador Hotel and MGM. She was the co-owner of the Ojai Valley News while simultaneously earning her master’s in English Composition and Literature at UC Santa Barbara. And she spent three decades at Ventura College in the journalism department as a professor and adviser to the Ventura College Press.
Now 87, Diane Volz of Ventura spends several days a week at the Nia Center in Ventura, where she dances free style, modern, jazz and interpretive styles in her retirement.
“I dance four to five times a week, heavy cardiovascular, an hour or more,” said Volz, who is commonly known by her nickname, Dee. “Nia, is a mixture of jazz, modern and interpretive dance, planned in order to work out every muscle in the body while having fun in free style movement.”
As a dancer, “Dee is disciplined and consistent,” said Elizabeth Alvarez of Ventura, who met Volz more than 10 years ago when they were both taking traditional Afro-Brazilian dance classes in Santa Barbara.
At the Nia Center, “these classes are challenging for all age groups — Dee’s age is advanced, and I know she has had at least one knee replaced, but she dances several times each week.”
Volz also practices the wisdom of the words “do your best, with what you have, right now” Alvarez added. “I admire this exceedingly.”
Born Dec. 9, 1922, “I was brought into the world in Berlin, Germany, where my mother was studying Wagnerian opera and my father, a matinée idol of the time, was studying film technique,” Volz recalled. “I was brought up in the early Hollywood film colony until 6 years old, then in Mexico, Canada and New York City.”
She danced at MGM from 1943 to 1945, and before that at the Coconut Grove in the Ambassador Hotel. “It was commercial work, and included ballet, rumba, modern, East Indian, tap and whatever. I was in the ensemble.”
Volz has lived in Ventura County since 1962, when her husband, Fred Volz, bought the newspaper in Ojai.
“I had a wonderful professional background in Ventura County,” recalled Volz, a mother of two whose husband passed away in 2003. “I worked on our newspaper, The Ojai Valley News, until 1978, when I started at Ventura College in the journalism department as professor and adviser to the Ventura College press.”
She resigned from the full-time position in 1992, and taught English part time for 10 more years. “I also worked for FOOD Share for three years as resource development and public relations person. It was a great experience.”
An active older adult with tremendous zest for life, “Dee has danced under many dance luminaries, yet she is the most unpretentious person you can imagine,” said Alvarez, who is constantly inspired by “her smile, her moxie, her humor, her original and fun dance style … her enthusiasm for and devotion to ‘the real thing’ as she calls exceptional artists.” As a person, “Dee always has a smile on her face; she is always ready to notice something positive in an insightful, thoughtful way — never cloying, always intelligent — she is kind, generous and encouraging; she is also a very good writer.”
Looking back on her life so far, “the only wise advice I have to offer is to keep up the exercise that you did in your youth — that is the only thing that keeps me youthful,” said Volz, who is writing her life story.
In other advice, “just to remember Joseph Campbell’s Follow Your Dream. If you do what you love, you feel very well.”
To see inspirational pictures of Dee and the complete article click Ventura County Star
Students' Thoughts about Nia
Posted: Feb 17, 05:44 AM- Nia releases my sexy bliss-
- Real Women – Real Bodies – Really Me
- Nia is a stealthy workout disguised as pure fun and energy sharing.
- Nia invigorates me…
- My Body moves with the music, my Mind lets go, and my Spirit dances like a child.
- I come to Nia because I can dance, forget the stress of my everyday life and can feel my body getting stronger.
- Nia has awoken a Spirit in me that has been dormant for a long time. I can be me.
- I come to Nia because it brings me back to my child self while getting fit and having extreme amounts of fun. Spirit, Mind, Body and Soul all connected.
Nia is Freedom and Fun!!
- I keep coming to Nia to keep my body moving in a fun way.The fun part makes the practice of Nia doable – something I hope to be able to do when I’m very old.
I come to Nia to exercise my Body and reconnect with my Spirit. I always leave with more energy and enthusiasm than I came in with.
- I love to come to Nia because the music and the movement are so freeing and wonderful. My Spirit flows. I don’t feel like I’m exercising.
- NIA brings me Joy, Balance, a huge sense of Peacefulness and a sense of Community. : )
- I come to Nia because it gives me the freedom to dance and laugh and be who I am. It heals my body and it nurtures my spirit.
- Nia helps me be aware of my Body, Mind and Soul.
- I like to come to Nia because it gives my Spirit a chance to dance and explore.
Nia leaves me filled with Bliss and Gratitude.
- Nia is a Mind, Body and Soul workout.
- Nia makes my Spirit soar…(and my toes giggle)
- Nia energizes me and helps me to get centered!
- Nia is a beautiful blend of things I love – dance, yoga and music from different cultures.
- It’s relaxing and energizing all at the same time.
- Fantastic!
- For me Nia is a fun, energetic stress relief! A place to lose all inhibition and have a Great Time!
There just aren’t enough opportunities for joyful movement (aka dance) in my life. Nia lets me cut loose!
- For me Nia is joyful. I feel my whole body and it feels wonderful. The music is great and since I also feel my whole body the next day, I know I’ve been exercising!! (And it’s fun!)
- Nia is… joy of movement to world music – keeping well – community – laughter!
I love Nia because – my body loves it, needs it, wants it!
- It is really, really, really, fun, healing physically and emotionally.
- All aspects of fitness rolled into a 1 ½ hours of great music, friendship and fun!
I keep coming back because I can be myself, exercise (dance) to my ability and mood and never feel like I am compared to anyone. Total freedom, fun and fabulous music. You keep coming back because it is about you.
- Fun / Friends / Freedom!
Rare Opportunity to take a Nia Class with Winalee Zeeb
Posted: Feb 12, 03:06 PMBlack Belt Nia Teacher and Trainer
Join us for this rare opportunity! Winalee will be teaching Debbie Rosas’ new 2010 Nia routine “Butterfly” . These classes are open to everyBody, students and teachers alike. As an added bonus, we will kick-off the week-end with a Friday Night – Black Light Nia Class. Come dressed in WHITE or NEON colours to dance and glow under the Black Lights.
Who should attend: Open to EveryBody
Description: Classic Nia Classes
Location: Marie Ann Longlade School of Dance Inc. 1650 Dundas St E Ste 205. Mississauga, Ontario Canada Map
Dates, Times and Cost:
Friday, April 23, 2010 ~ 7:00pm – 8:30pm ~ $25 ~ Black Light Nia Class
Saturday, April 24, 2010 ~ 10am – 11am ~ $20 ~ Sat. AM Butterfly Class
Sunday, April 25, 2010 ~ 10am – 11am ~ $20 ~ Sun. AM Butterfly Class
Weekend Passes
Fri. Sat. & Sun, Apr 23, 24 & 25, 2010 ~ $60 ~ Three Class Pass
How to register:
To Register complete the form below and send any questions in the message box
Payment Options
1. Cheque
Payable to Denis Karda
Mailed to: Denis Karda 13937 Tenth Line, Halton Hills, ON. L7G 4S8 CANADA
2. PayPal
- Black Light Nia Class ~ $25
- Sat. AM Butterfly Class ~ $20
- Sun. AM Butterfly Class ~ $20
- Three Class Pass ~ $60
Contact:
Denis Karda
deniskarda@gmail.com
http://www.terrakardastudio.com
905.703.0454
Winalee Zeeb
517.719.2446
The Joy of Plearning "Butterfly" blog
Posted: Feb 12, 03:04 PMWith Winalee Zeeb, Black Belt Nia Teacher and Trainer
Join Winalee Zeeb for this 2 day workshop of playing and learning Debbie Rosas’ NEW 2010 Nia Routine “Butterfly”
Purchase of the Routine PRIOR to the workshop is not required. Winalee honours the fact that your renewal may be after the workshop. She trusts that if you attend the workshop, you will purchase Butterfly upon your next renewal.
Come fresh ~ ready to Plearn
Plearning Workshop Details
Who should attend: Open to all Nia Teachers and Intensive Graduates
Description: Plearning = Playing + Learning
Cost: $110 CAD
Location: Marie Ann Longlade School of Dance Inc. 1650 Dundas St E Ste 205. Mississauga, Ontario Canada Map
Dates and Times
- Saturday, April 24, 2010 ~ 12noon – 6:00pm
- Sunday, April 25, 2010 ~ 12noon – 3:30pm
Winalee will facilitate this amazing playing and learning process with FreeDance, Teaching What You Sense, Nia’s 7 Cycles, Music Appreciation and other Nia tools. Participants will recieve song by song handouts throughout the weekend. Winalee is a Black Belt Nia Teacher and Trainer from Lansing, Michigan. She began her career in the fitness industry in 1981. Since discovering Nia in 1991, Winalee has been passionately sharing the Joy of Nia throughout the world. Learn more about Winalee
After joining the Aya Plearning, Nia co-creator Debbie Rosas said: “The best approach to learning Nia choreography I’ve ever seen. This event will forever change how you Listen and Dance to the music. Most of all how you connect to the music and the choreography will become a true Expression of You!”
Nia Classes for the General Public
Join us for this rare opportunity! Winalee will be teaching Debbie Rosas’ new 2010 Nia routine “Butterfly” . These classes are open to everyBody, students and teachers alike. As an added bonus, we will kick-off the week-end with a Friday Night – Black Light Nia Class. Come dressed in WHITE or NEON colours to dance and glow under the Black Lights.
General Public Nia Class Details:
Who should attend: Open to EveryBody
Description: Classic Nia Classes
Location: Marie Ann Longlade School of Dance Inc. 1650 Dundas St E Ste 205. Mississauga, Ontario Canada Map
Dates, Times and Cost:
Friday, April 23, 2010 ~ 7:00pm – 8:30pm ~ $25 ~ Black Light Nia Class
Saturday, April 24, 2010 ~ 10am – 11am ~ $20 ~ Sat. AM Butterfly Class
Sunday, April 25, 2010 ~ 10am – 11am ~ $20 ~ Sun. AM Butterfly Class
Weekend Passes
Available to Nia Teachers and Intensive Graduates ~ $155 ~ Full Weekend Pass
Fri. Sat. & Sun, Apr 23, 24 & 25, 2010 ~ $60 ~ Three Class Pass
How to register:
To Register complete the form below and send any questions in the message box
Payment Options
1. Cheque
Payable to Denis Karda
Mailed to: Denis Karda 13937 Tenth Line, Halton Hills, ON. L7G 4S8 CANADA
2. PayPal
- Butterfly Plearning Workshop ~ $110
- Black Light Nia Class ~ $25
- Sat. AM Butterfly Class ~ $20
- Sun. AM Butterfly Class ~ $20
- Full Weekend Pass ~ $155 incl. the workshop and 3 classes
- Three Class Pass ~ $60
Contact:
Denis Karda
deniskarda@gmail.com
http://www.terrakardastudio.com
905.703.0454
Winalee Zeeb
517.719.2446
Learn to Teach Sanjana ~ In ONE Day! blog
Posted: Feb 12, 02:58 PMSanjana ~ Workshop for Nia Intensive Graduates of any Belt Level
with Brown Belt Nia Instructor, Lainie Magidsohn
- Are you a new White Belt?
- Are you a Nia teacher struggling to master a FULL routine?
- Are you preparing for Green Belt?
- Do you feel overwhelmed with the process of learning alone?
- Would you like to expand your Nia Body of Work?
If you answered YES to any of these question…
Here’s your chance!
Workshop Details
When: Sunday, February 28th, 2010.
Time: 10:15am – 6pm (Including the 7 – 8pm Nia Class)
Cost: $75 for the workshop
Where: Terra Karda Studio 36 Armstrong Ave. Georgetown, Ontario
It is highly recommended to:
- Attempt your own barring and bring them with you
- Practise RAW with all the music
- Freedance all the songs and dance like no one is watching, seeking JOM.
Lainie Magidsohn is offering this full day Intensive Workshop that will leave you fully prepared to teach Sanjana. The workshop platform will be based on White Belt Principle #12 – Continuing Education. Following the triad of Embody, Learn, and Share, you will receive the tools necessary to Deliver the Nia Promise
Lainie has danced since she could walk, studying ballet, modern, jazz dance and theatre, and performing with “Village Folk”, an international folk dance group. In addition, Lainie has a Master’s degree in Adult Education. She is a psychotherapist in private practice, focusing on feminist counselling and women’s health.
She sees both her work as a Nia instructor and as a counsellor, as an opportunity to learn more about our lives, our bodies, our relationships, and our ability to be fully ourselves.
Nia Class ~ Open to the General Public
This is a special class being offered in support of the teachers who are learning to teach Sanjana. Spread the word about this special class.
Class Details
When: Sunday, February 28th, 2010.
Time: 7m – 8pm
Cost: $10
Where: Terra Karda Studio 36 Armstrong Ave. Georgetown, Ontario
To Register complete the form below
Payment Options
1. Cheque
Payable to Denis Karda
Mailed to: Denis Karda 13937 Tenth Line, Halton Hills, ON. L7G 4S8 CANADA
2. PayPal
- Sanjana ~ Workshop for Nia Intensive Graduates ~ $75
- Nia Class ~ Open to the General Public ~ $10
Map and Directions to our location. Click the map for further information.
Yoga for Runners!
Posted: Dec 31, 02:24 PM“I highly recommend the Yoga for Runners class. I started running fairly late in life, at 47. I love running and I love racing. When I turned 49, as a challenge, I ran ten 1/2 marathons in 10 weeks. I was 50 when I ran my first marathon. In the following 18 months, I ran 5 marathons, including Boston and New York City (2008). For the last two years I constantly felt “off balance” (recurring sore right knee, recurring sore left Achilles). I started the Yoga for Runners class in September 2009. The Yoga for Runners class has improved my flexibility and range of motion (Achilles tendon) and has started to strengthen and restore my muscle balance. Yoga is much more of a workout than I ever anticipated. After the first class, I felt I had run a 1/2 marathon. I think that the class would be good for non-runners too and I look forward to the 2010 season, for both running and yoga.”
Sheldon Gragg of Georgetown
This testimonial is referring to Lisa McKenna’s 6:30pm Thursday evening Yoga for Runners at Terra Karda Studio
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