“Consciousness expresses itself through creation. This world we live in is the dance of the creator. Dancers come and go in the twinkling of an eye but the dance lives on. On many an occasion, when I am dancing, I have felt touched by something sacred. In those moments, I felt my spirit soar and become one with everything that exists. I become the stars and the moon. I become the lover and the beloved. I become the victor and the vanquished. I become the master and the slave. I become the singer and the song. I become the knower and the known. I keep on dancing and then, it is the eternal dance of creation. The creator and the creation merge into one wholeness of joy. I keep on dancing. . . until there is only. . .the dance.” — Michael Jackson, in Dangerous
My Nia instructor, Laura Bulatao, read this beautiful quote from Michael Jackson at the end of class last week, and she was kind enough to send it to me so I could quote it in my blog. She had choreographed the entire class as a tribute to Michael, and this passage certainly embodies his highest self.
I’ve mentioned Nia before in my posts and on Facebook, and some people have responded with requests for more information. To learn more about Nia and to find a class near you, visit the Nia website. Laura’s classes are listed there.
I’ll be back with more extensive posts next week. But I’ll be taking a break for the weekend once I finish this post. Fun and games ahead – tonight I’ll be going on a three-hour cruise on the Hudson with the Out of Control Ski Club, of which I’m a member. A three-hour captive audience with plenty of drinking – an ideal venue for selling some books, or so I’m hoping! I plan to wear my turquoise tee-shirt with the Mood Swing cover (the same one I wore for the Norman Mailer signing; see my blog from June 18th). But sales or no sales, I’m planning on having a great time.
Then tomorrow it’s Country Fest – nine hours of country music stars in an open field at the Altamont fairgrounds with 30,000 northern rednecks. My husband has actually agreed to go with me!
Do you have any exciting weekend plans? I’ll be back Monday!
K. A. Laity says
I’ve been interested in Nia, but I haven’t figured out where I could fit it into my schedule. Maybe in the fall when things are a little more regular.
julielomoe says
Kate, you’re in Columbia County, right? There are Nia classes at the East Greenbush YMCA Moday 11:30, Wed. 11:15 and Thurs. 11:30. One of the instructors, Richelle, also has private classes in West Sand Lake. If you like, I’ll send you the schedule.
With its combination of dance, yoga and martial arts, this is the only exercise class I’ve ever loved enough to keep doing it. I find it does wonders for my creativity, too.
Karen Walker says
This is a lovely quote. Julie, Have I told you I trained to be a While Belt Nia instructor with Debbie and Carlos Rosas, the creators of NIA, when I lived in Portland? It is a wonderful form of exercise choreographed to music. You’re lucky you can do it. I have physical limitations that prevent me from doing it.
Karen
julielomoe says
Hi Karen, yes, you told me you had studied with Debbie and Carlos, but I didn’t know you were training as an instructor. Laura Bulatao, one of my instructors, will be going to Portland to earn her black belt from them this week.
Sorry you can no longer practice Nia. For those reading this, it’s not terribly demanding physically, and you can participate at your own comfort level. However, I do know some women who are unable to do it – bad knees seem to be the biggest culprit.
Elizabeth Spann Craig says
That’s a wonderful quote, Julie. Thanks for sharing it.
No exciting plans here…hosting a sleepover tonight. 🙂 But you sound like you have enough excitement this weekend for everyone!
Elizabeth
Mystery Writing is Murder
julielomoe says
Good luck with the sleepover, Elizabeth. I read somewhere else that you were wondering whether you could get any writing done during it. hope you succeeded.
Helen Ginger says
I’m looking forward to hearing how your cruise went – and the selling of books!
Helen
Straight From Hel
julielomoe says
Hi Helen. I didn’t sell any books on the cruise – it was too much of a mob scene. The boat was jammed, with live bands on two decks and lots of young singles and romantic couples. So I just drank wine and went into my silent researcher mode, jotting down notes in my journal. Had a blast. My husband drove me to and from the dock – he would have hated it, but he’s very understanding about letting me do my own thing. One reason we’ve been together 34 years!
NA Sharpe says
I love this quote – it definitely sounds like Michael. It’s funny – at the memorial service I think it was Berry Gordy who said Michael had two personalities – one that was was quiet and shy – the other that came to life when he was performing (something to that effect) I think this quote came from the performer part of his personna – he definitely was a master of dance. Thanks for sharing.
Nancy, from Realms of Thought…
julielomoe says
Good to hear from you, Nancy. Yes, I believe that was Barry Gordy. It’s an apt description of many performers, I believe – including writers like me who are able to act like extroverts when we’re pushing our work but who are actually more introverted.