I first experienced Nia at the Canyon Ranch Health Resort in Tucson, Arizona in January, 2001.  I took a Nia class as one of my optional classes during my stay at the Ranch.  It attracted my attention because it was called a non-impact aerobic class.  I was working on a weight-loss program and I knew I needed to have an elevated heart rate to burn fat, but I hated pounding my bones to get a good aerobic workout.

 

When I entered the class the instructor asked us to remove our shoes.  I was surprised, but open to the experience.  After all, I wasn't wearing shoes in Yoga or Tai Chi classes, so I was game to try this.  We moved to some wonderful music, simply following the instructor.  I didn't recognize any of the steps from previous aerobic classes I'd taken, but everything seemed easy to follow. Surprisingly I found my heart monitor showed my rate was up to 135 and 140 in no time even though we were just dipping and bending, reaching and stretching.  The speed with which we moved and the varying levels were enough to raise my heart rate without jarring my bones.  I was loving it!

 

When class ended I asked the instructor how I could learn more about Nia.  She gave me the main website (www.nia-nia.com) and said I could find an instructor in my area at that site.  I found Lynda Seefeldt in Tempe - emailed her that night - and she gave me her class schedule.  Her studio was 45 minutes from my house in Scottsdale, but I made that drive every week for 4 months to take Nia classes.  I decided to take the training and become a Nia instructor.

 

In May of that same year I hopped in my Mustang and took off for Santa Barbara to spend a week with Carlos Rosas and 12 other students for my White Belt training.  It was a life altering week for me.  I knew Nia would always be a part of my life from that week forward.  And it has been.

 

I have been teaching in Scottsdale, AZ since receiving my training.  Through this daily exercise and managing my food intake, I dropped 40 pounds the first year and have maintained my weight loss for nearly a year.  Nia was the healing agent I needed in my life.

 

In April, 2002, I had the opportunity to work with both Debbie and Carlos for 3 days at the Body Mind Expo in Santa Clara.  I have met Nia colleagues from across the country in my travels and through Nia workshops.  It is a beautiful family of people who are committed to growing emotionally, spiritually, physically and mentally to our fullest capacity.  I invite you to join our family and experience the joy of movement known as Nia.   Check the class schedule for details or visit www.arizona.niasite for other classes offered in the Valley by my Nia colleagues.

 

My involvement in theater began as a youngster when I would sit in the wings and watch my mom perform in the community theater productions.  Throughout school and college I was always involved in theater.  When I left college I became active in community theater and a few professional theaters.  When I took up a sales career I traveled too much to continue with theater, but now I am able to spend time again performing, directing, and stage managing.  In addition to my work with Desert Foothills Theater, I am a company member of Mystery Mansion dinner theater and perform many weekends.  My husband, Alexx, is a playwright and so theater maintains an important presence in our family.  His comedy, "Buzzard Ball" will open January 15, at Desert Foothills Theater in Cave Creek, AZ. Visit the website for more information.

 

My friends all know me as a person who loves to entertain and I'm considered to be an excellent cook.  Recently I discovered the most wonderful tools to use in the kitchen that makes cooking easier and more delightful.  I was invited to a Pampered Chef kitchen party.  I don't know how I've missed knowing about these products all these years, but I was thrilled to discover them.  And now I am happy to share my knowledge of cooking and using these products with my friends and their friends through kitchen show throughout North Scottsdale.  My objective is to convert my entire kitchen of tools and equipment to Pampered Chef products within another year!  What a wonderful way to cook.  I'd love to be your Pampered Chef consultant and show you what I've learned.  Perhaps you'll discover the same joy I have found in using quality products every time I cook.

Diedre Kaye

(aka - Pat Alexander - my husband has always called me Diedre Kaye(nickname from my maiden name Diederich and my middle name Kay - mixed with my tribute to favorite actor Danny Kaye) and I adopted it as my stage name when I returned to theatre and took up radio/tv broadcasting 10 years ago.  It stuck and now it is my preference.)