I arrived at the Truckee-Donner Recreation and Park Community Center with the event already in full swing. Kimberley Elliott was leading NIA dancing (that’s Neuromuscular Integrative Action Dancing in case you didn’t know). NIA dancing looks like an incredible workout. In a gymnasium full of ‘burners’ it reminded me somewhat of an old Bruce Lee movie when he visits the compound of his arch nemesis. There are droves of students chopping the air in unison with spinning-, dancing-, elbow- and open-hand blows. The dance isn’t violent; it’s mesmerizing to watch actually. The music – good beats by DJs – helps everyone get loose and into the mood.
Saturday June 13 marked an evening of dancing, DJs, and potluck dinner for a benefit sponsored by InnerRhythms. The proceeds from the benefit will go to upgrading sound equipment and other camp structures for the Rhythm Wave Dance Camp, which will host Rhythms Dance, Ecstatic Dance, Dancing Freedom and more at Burning Man.
After the session of NIA, the room temperature rose by about 10 degrees and left most sweaty and winded. You could tell by the faces that people were energized and felt great. The ‘runners high’ was evident, with bright eyes and big smiles. Fortunately, the cool-down session was equally as unique. Jenn McClellan of Reno played crystal bowls. The technique and sound is similar to running your finger in circles over a fine wine glass. But crystal bowl playing is done with a piece of wood, producing a much deeper tone mixed with an occasional ‘bong’ when the side of one of the bowls is gently hit. The bowls ranged from about 18 inches to two feet in diameter. Very relaxing and soothing. If you like to dance, exercise, listen to DJs or have an interest in Burning Man, keep an eye out for more NIA events – or visit them in the Playa.
For more information visit: innerrhythms.org, rhythmwave.org, or ecstaticdanceguy.com.
~ Court Leve
