My ‘Moving Story’

“Dance Your Heart Out”  

Responding to the sensation I felt radiating from my heart, I stepped in…

In July 2000 a startling event dropped me into my body.  Unaware I’d been living life in my head, I noticed a big change in the way I paid attention to what was going on in and around me. Time slowed down, events, activities and conversations had expanded value. I had no idea what was going on, and so I called this new way of being in my world “the grief process”.  I’ve since learned, that life lived “in the present” is full of sensations. When I choose to listen to their messages, these sensations will and have guided me towards health and healing. 

It was 2003 when I took my first Nia class as a way to relieve stress.  January 1st, 2005, at a workshop entitled Revitalize and Energize in 2005 a message from my youth resurfaced: Dance Your Heart Out. Responding to the sensation I felt radiating from my heart I stepped in acting on an urge to share Nia with others. I completed the Nia Technique Teacher Training-White Belt Intensive on March 2005 in Houston, TX.

Practicing Nia Technique principles in and out of class has changed me. Oh, I’m the same Julie you may have known before I discovered Nia, however today I’m mentally, physically, and emotionally more agile, stronger, certainly much more flexible, self-assured, more open and sensitive…to tell the truth I know my list of “shifts” will go on and on as I continue to evolve as a woman, a student, a teacher, a healer, a wife, a lover, a friend, a leader, a daughter….

Today, curious and energized I enjoy a more spirited lifestyle pursuing a life long dream of sharing the “Joy of Movement” with others.

I’m inspired to show YOU the way to Pleasure and find as much satisfaction in watching Nia students grow and change as I do in introducing Nia to students for the first time!

Creative Accomplishments – Interest – Volunteer Endeavors – Hobbies

Tai Chi for Health Facilitator – Teaching and studying Sun & Chen Style Forms arranged by Dr. Paul Lam. Suitable for all fitness levels. (2013-present)

Nia Technique Teacher, Workshop & Special Event Facilitator – Austin, TX (2005-present)

Volunteer, Truth Be Told Curriculum Facilitator, Mentor: Talk To Me Speaking, Talk to Me Movement, Discovery, Let’s Get Real curriculum facilitator – Lockhart, TX; Discovery curriculum facilitator, Toastmaster speech evaluator – Bryan Federal Prison Camp; God In Human Form performer – Bryan, Hilltop & Lockhart; Talk To Me Speaking facilitator coach Spring 2016 – Lane Murray Unit Gatesville, TX; Paying It Forward curriculum co-creation & facilitation w/author Lindsey Lane Spring 2017 – Lane Murray Unit Gatesville, TX (2009-present)

Truth Be Told is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization providing transformational tools for women behind and beyond bars. Programs provide communication, community, creativity and care for self tools inspiring personal and spiritual growth for incarcerated women. These programs encourage a deeper sense of personal responsibility facing the truth of their past and embracing the hope of their future.

Volunteer, Hearts of Hope Havurah: Qigong & Tai Chi

ToastMasters International Member: Joining the local Division 55 Aim High Toastmasters club has been yet another step in my journey to gain comfort in leadership roles, speaking in public and thinking on my feet. June 2012 CC, July 2013 CL (2011-present)

Movement Background: Classical Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Modern Dance, Acrobatics, Aerobics, Salsa, Country & Western, Nia, Theatre of the Body, Authentic Movement, Mind Body Centering, Tai Chi, Qigong, Yoga, Aerial Arts (1967-present)

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2020-Shepherd of the Hills Retreat Presenter: Introduction to Tai Chi: Improve Health, Well-Being & Quality of Life

2018-Session Presenter UCoH Women’s Retreat: Love Is Our Compass ~ Nia Mindful Movement presentation

2018-Embodiment Session Presenter at 22nd Gene Key Retreat at Stardreaming NM

2017-Seton Cove (three part series) Moving to Heal: The Art of Feeling Better workshop

2017-Session Presenter UCoH Women’s Retreat: Gifts of Connection ~ Nia Mindful Movement presentation

2017-Session Presenter at Isadora Duncan International Symposium – Bridging Time & Technique

2017-Seton Cove Restorative Luncheon featured speaker: Finding Health Through Movement presentation

2016-facilitator monthly Full Moon Movement & Labyrinth Walks at Unity Church of the Hills

2016 & 2017-liturgical dancer w/April Floyd for The Front Porch Easter Vigil Service

2016-2017 Stress Busters for Caregivers Coach & Master Trainer

2013-2017 A Matter of Balance Coach & Master Trainer

2012-2017 Nia Training Faculty – White Belt Trainer ~ February 2012 marked the beginning of a journey to master sharing Nia’s comprehensive education curriculum.

2012-2015 Ageless Grace Educator ~ A seated movement program promoting neuro-plasticity through play.

2010-2011 Next Generation Nia Trainer in Training ~ September 2010 marked the beginning of a deeper journey toward self-mastery. Successful completion of the course requirements qualified me to offer Nia White Belt Intensives for professional and personal growth.

2005-2007 Member of BeingLived Performance Company ~ Received ‘Best of the Fest’ 2006 Frontera Festival Austin, TX2003-2009 Big Sister through BBBS of Austin, TX ~ 2004 Big Sister of the Year – Austin, TX

2003-2007 Volunteer Big Brother Big Sister ~ One on one mentoring for at risk youth.

1980-1984 Taught Children’s Ballet Classes at Jacqueline’s School of Dance – Albuquerque, NM

1980-Winter Season Performed with The Houston Ballet’s touring company

1979-1980 Creator/President of EHS Dance Team – Albuquerque, NM

1970-1985 Performed and Choreographed for Albuquerque Children’s Theatre and Mike Haley Dance Center Albuquerque, NM

Interests and Hobbies: public speaking, group facilitation, photography, body centered curriculum creation, sewing, cross stitching, scrap booking, swimming, music, singing, cooking, studying dance, healthy eating, viewing documentary films, attending theatre and dance performances, reading, traveling and spending quality time with family and friends.