Susan Palmer's Exquisite Now

Day 25 of 52 Nia dance

A profound exercise I experienced during Nia white belt training last spring involved dancing with one other person and taking turns mirroring each others steps.

We didn’t speak, we just looked at each other and either led or followed. I don’t think this exercise lasted for more than five minutes, but afterward I felt deeply connected to my dance partner, a lively and delightful person — Nanou, a Frenchwoman who lives in China, who came for white belt training in Oregon. I can’t see her picture without smiling.

I had forgotten about that until this morning while dancing the 30-minute version of Connecting with Laurie Bass online. Usually I follow the teacher’s movements, but in my own way. Today, I found myself mirroring Laurie and it brought me back to that deep experience with Nanou.

Here’s a thing that has changed in me since starting this daily practice. I no longer think less of the process of dancing alone with an online trainer. I’ve had to do it several times in the past week because of scheduling conflicts. I’ve come to appreciate how I can sink into the routine without distraction.

I love the dance community, but I think I also love this different yet meaningful experience.

Day 23 of 52 Nia dance challenge

The day got away from me. There were many tasks. Some of them took longer than expected. Suddenly it was almost 7 p.m. and I hadn’t danced. Also, wine had been consumed. Doesn’t that signify the end of daily obligations? Well yes. Except that Nia is becoming more of a fun thing than an obligatory one.

So I jumped into Ignite online. Let me just confirm that it is a bit of a challenge to keep up with all the steps through the filter of wine. On the other hand, the delight at being a beat or two off and not minding is fine, fine, fine.

Another day, another dance.