Somatic Focus
- Ballet (14 years)
- Yoga (30 years)
- Nia (10 years)
Career
- Counselor/Case Manager for people with disabilities (1988-2016) – Retired
- Caregiver Coach 2010
- Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor 1995
- Training and Events Coordinator (1978-1987)
Education
- BA Communication 1985
- MEd Counseling 1995
- Sacred Art of Living (2-year) Anamcara Apprenticeship 2010-2012
- Licensed as LCPC, CRCC-Retired
Soul Food
- Dance/visual arts
- Nature and travel
- Family and friends
- My animal companions
When I was young, I got to follow my dream–I studied dance with a master teacher. My youthful dancer’s body moved dynamically, with ease, balanced and poised for whatever came my way. After college I stayed active: I hiked, biked, ran and skied with my husband and friends. I became a counselor/case manager helping people reclaim control, build resilience and plot new directions after life-changing injuries or illnesses. I learned a lot about emotional energy: what serves, what destroys, and how to comprehend my own and other’s emotional landscapes. I found spiritual expression through art, keeping journals and spending time in nature. I lived mostly in harmony.
In May 2008, my world changed forever. My husband of 30 years died and my body began failing me. Before long, my left foot and right hip hurt so badly I limped all the time. My spark for life began to dim. I had no idea what my next chapter would look like. So I examined my own life–physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually–and I began to chart an integrated course back to health.
My journey included two surgical repairs, work with a trusted counselor, a two-year apprenticeship with the Sacred Art of Living Center, and a return to dance–Nia–the movement form that supported my healing.
I was 53 when I took my first Nia class and re-discovered dance as a source of joy. Now that I practice Nia regularly, I recognize it as a thread that connects me holistically: body, mind, emotion and spirit. Once again, I’m moving with dynamic ease.
Britta von Tagen
Nia
- Teacher since 1995
- Training Faculty since 2002
- Black Belt since 1999
Education
- BS Clothing Design 1992
- BS Education 1999
- Creative Movement for Children Spec.
Studio Owner Since 2002
- Nia of Sun Valley 2002-2009
- The Dojo 2010-2015
- Dancing Dragons 2018
I found Nia 25 years ago; it has truly shaped the person I am today. When I first started, I was in search of a foundation to navigate through the mystery of life. Nia was the answer to that calling.
Nia is not only a fitness class: it also provides an outlet for emotional processing and mental stimulation. Once I started teaching Nia, I found it helped people listen to their bodies on a much deeper level and be guided by pleasure rather than pain. Every day I find myself more able to tap into creativity and do what I love, and I get to watch a similar outcome for others. My dream for Dancing Dragons and Integrate Boise is that many, many people come here and find the same benefits through loving and living creative movement.
What will you get if you practice Nia? That varies, depending on your desire and your commitment to a regular, ongoing practice. Occasional Nia practice is fun and comes with a sense of exhilaration and pleasure in the moment. Sustained, regular practice and study lead to a strong, flexible, agile body and a meaningful life practice on and off the dance floor.
About Integrate Boise
When our dance studio reopens, you will simply find it magical. Britta continues to offer Nia Class from her studio via Zoom and also offers outdoor classes at various Boise locations
About Dragon Dreamzzz
You can experience our community online too. Dragon Dreamzzz, our online store, sells unique products created by local artisans. April 2021, we’re launching a new line of products designed to educate and inspire individuals to use alternatives to plastics. A percentage of proceeds funds scholarships that help dreamers realize their visions. We call it our “dream incubator.” Carol feels she’s been blessed in many ways, and this is her way of paying it forward.
