Testimonials: What we have to say about Madrona

 "How appropriate to transform a fort where soldiers were preparing for war into a sanctuary for dance, where the soul can find peace, the body deep rest and renewal! One enters the beautiful, historical structure at Madrona MindBody Institute, removes ones shoes and the stresses of life immediately begin to dissolve. This is a place where one can unwind and safely and supportedly come to a state of ease and graceful stillness while in motion. What joy, what peace, what a gift to seekers of greater consciousness and body awareness. A sacred place in the heart of a port where what comes in is transformed into something bigger and better-a new spaciousness rushes in like a river, there is a feeling of well being, and a belief again in possibilities and magic. I can't wait to come back, to walk in and leave my shoes, my rusty, old ways and disengaged body at the door. Soon, soon..." Cantor Rita Glassman, San Francisco

"Madrona delivered well beyond my wildest expectations. WOW!!!!!! I have been in business a long time and like to WOW my clients but you two did an incredible job. And then of course there is beautiful shaman Vinn. It was a treat!!! Thank you and keep on that path. In humble gratitude."
—Arie Vander, British Columbia

"Thank you so much for the beautiful weekend you offered and made happen!  It was more than I could have ever imagined it might be!  I wish I could send all of my friends to workshops there or transport them with the wave of a wand! My experience has changed something in a good and loving way. So many words that are still forming in my heart about the weekend.  I look forward to more and more!  Thank you!!! —Sandra Franklin, Seattle

"It is hard to imagine anyone else creating the space that Allison does for each of us to play and dance into our own unique experience of Nia. While there are many Nia masters, Allison brings a sense of permission and joy to each class, and it is like a flowing river to touch that stream each time and surrender to the magic of where the current moves me. Allison is filled with grace, verve, spark and spirit and it is her essence that brings such a rich and varied 'gifting' to each session. Here's to the life-affirming energy that she sets in motion!"
—Kit P., Port Townsend

"I tell Allison, her Nia class saved my life. I love to dance and I was too out of shape to go to a standard dance class. Besides I thought I was getting enough exercise because I walk a lot. Every morning when I woke up my hip ached for an hour, but since Nia, that pain is gone. I feel so much stronger. I did Shakespeare in the park this summer in a physically demanding role, and never could have done it, if not for Nia. Like myself, I see women start her class, and in six months or less, it is very noticeable how much more confidence they have, they are more in their bodies, and they look strong and beautiful. Besides I so treasure the love and support Allison brings to the classes. If you don't dance, it's okay, if you can't lift your leg off the floor, it's all good. Every body and everybody will feel better after her class."
—Michelle H.

"The first day I met Allison Dey I felt her warmth, love and joy instantly. It spills over into her teaching style making you feel right at home with yourself, the community and her. She makes exercise fun, playful and soulful. I always leave her class fulfilled and happy."
—Connie S

"Discovering Allison's Nia class has been one of the most beautiful things I have ever experienced. I love the feeling of wholesome grace, agility and strength that Nia inspires, it really makes a huge difference in the way I feel about myself and the world. At the end of each class I walk away feeling greatly energized, grounded and uplifted at the same time, full of kind and positive thoughts. I also love Allison's choice of music - I have danced to those same songs in my living room before!"
—Catska E.

"To see Allison dance is energizing and awesome. In fact, it is so wonderful, one can't but follow her into beauty, and wide open possibilities of creativity and movement, and health, and, sometimes, bliss. And as I dance her powerful and joyous NIA dance, my body starts regaining agility and coordination, and balance, and becomes more articulate... more "mine". But this is not only "dance" stuff! NIA goes through and beyond mere dance or martial arts. Because of this profundity, it really takes a Master to impart the technique. The youth and joy of living Allison brings with her is a real indicator of her vast knowledge, technique, gentleness and wisdom. She brings the blessings of true artists, and brings the artists in us."
—Leticia H.

"When I have finished a Nia class I feel like I have been massaged from the inside out. I feel much stronger and more flexible now that I have been coming regularly to Allison's Nia class for almost one year. Allison's expert teaching enables me to experience a wide span of emotions as I dance: ranging from playful and goofy, to intense and determined, to childlike and full of wonder, to a sassy, jazzy attitude, and ultimately to a sense of the deep connection to the Spirit within and the Spirit in my fellow dancers. Allison knows how to bring a class of dancers together so that we end up feeling bonded with one another as we dance through the room. She is truly creating a community of Nia dancers. It feels so good!"
—Heidi M.

"When I tell people that I participate in NIA they of course ask me what it is. I usually respond that it is a mix of dance, yoga, and martial arts- three things that I enjoy, so together- wow! But there are a lot more descriptive words I should use: spinning, stretching, flowing, grounding and flying, crazy, loose, rhythm, NIA!"
—Kirsten H.

"I find the Nia experience an invitation rather than instruction. Allison has embraced the concepts of Nia and added her remarkable essence of physical awareness and joy. She reminds me that the journey is both in my body and in my heart, and leave her sessions carrying a seed of my own remarkable possibility."
—Janette F.

"Allison's class is my spiritual equalizer. She radiates acceptance and expression of the mind, body and spirit. Her Nia class helps keep me charged through my busy week. I look forward to her sunshine through the coming winter months."
—Sarah C.

"Thank you, thank you, entering the building I was instantly impressed by the beautiful surroundings, it gave me a sense of peace.  Allison made me feel very welcome, like an old friend.  She was very concise and an excellent instructor!  I am convinced that Nia will be a life long practice for me as it is for so many others around the world.  Where was I, that I didn't find this before?"
 Thank you, again
—Jacqueline Andriesian