Jeannie Schweitzer

Belly Dancing with Jeannie

2012-01-07T13:42:00.000-08:00

Enjoy this creative, healthy, artistic way of exercise while learning the different styles of dance and music from Greece, Turkey, North Africa, Morocco, Egypt, Middle East. Experience include how to use veil, developing spinal flexibility, strength, integrity, increasing ROM.

This class is designed for all levels of experience and fitness abilities. Please ware comfortable clothes, footware, and bring water.

Date: Wednesday January 18

Time: 6:30-7:30

Place: Strathcona Gardens Court Room
Please register before January 13

To register call

286-1081

For further information call

Jeannie 285-3505

Belly For The Beast

2011-09-16T11:51:00.000-07:00

Island Veterinary Hospital presents

A Nanaimo & District BC SPCA Benefit:
"Belly For The Beast"

with Pacifica Dance Troupe & the Island's Bellydance Stars

Saturday, October 1st 7:30 pm

The Port Theatre

Nanaimo based Middle Eastern Dance troupe has a dazzling array of guest dancers. Whether it's for the sake of all creatures great and small, for the love of music & dance, or just for the fun of it - Come out Vancouver Island - it's time to get your shimmy on with "Belly for the Beast"

For Further information and tickets

www.porttheatre.com

Autumn Belly Dancing Begins

2011-09-07T13:01:00.000-07:00

Come out and enjoy the fluid movement and strengthening aspects of

Belly Dancing

Classes are for anyone who would is encouraged to increase flexibility, balance, coordination, have some fun, while moving aerobically. Classes will include some core strengthing with the exercises balls as well as yoga and chi gong for building energy and well being.

Dates: September 14th

Times: 6:30-7:30 pm

Place: Strathcona Gardens Recreation Complex

To register: (250) 286-1081

For further information call

Jeannie

(250) 285-3505

The Element of Fire

2011-06-23T18:23:00.000-07:00

In Chinese Five Element Theory, the element of fire is characterized by summer, warmth, vitality, a spark of life. It is the most active, lively yang time of year, a time to activate the creative projects, ideas, and spirit nature of your being. There are four energy flows Heart, Small Intestine, Triple Warmer, and Pericardium.

Heart is the “compassionate ruler” and generates movement of the spirit. Intuition is truly the inner voice of the heart. How many times have we felt that inner glow of longing only to diminish it with our thoughts of “doing the right thing”, then later, often years later felt that sense of loss? The voice of our spirit is quite often subtle and easy to ignore with the quick pace of daily life. Pericardium protects the heart from assault and regulates blood flow. A feeling of compassion for one’s self and others is the spoken through this meridian along with self-confidence and the ability to listen and follow our inner voice.

Small Intestine meridian receives, digests, and absorbs nourishment; therefore assimilation is the main theme of this energy flow. All our food is processed through our digestive tract to become ready for this vital process. Emotionally our ability to process what works or what doesn’t in our life affects this flow which can be noticed with tension or pain at our shoulders and radiating down our arms.

Triple Warmer regulates temperature and provides warmth, both in the body and spirit. This meridian has been called the “commander of all energies.” If this meridian is hypoactive one quite often notices exhaustion that makes it hard to handle stress, while hyperactivity shows restlessness and “nervous energy”.

Balance of circulation and heat is the primary function of the fire element. The natural function at a spirit level is creativity and expression of heart felt love, joy and happiness. All communication of expression from our first cry, to our first love, and finally our life’s work and walking the truth of what we have come “to believe” are channeled through the fire element.

Imbalance within the fire element can show with hot painful joints, and fevers. A lack of blood circulation shows as cold extremities, varicose veins, heart burn and digestive problems. The emotions related with the fire element are joy and sadness. Feelings of sexual coldness (the fire has gone out), and lacking emotional warmth to those close to us. Bitterness of spirit and cruelty toward yourself and others is also an expression of fire imbalance.

To maintain balance in summer eat plenty of fruits, juices, multi-colored salads, whole grains, nuts, seeds, sea foods and avoid the heaviness of dairy and meats. Enjoy light hearted play, exercise, and drink lots of water. Finally, create time to let yourself be creative.

Classes and sessions available by appointment

Jeannie

250 285-3505

A Bellydance Workshop with Ramona

2011-06-11T07:53:00.000-07:00

This workshop is on Caberat Karshilama Ramona will be teaching short dance phrases to add to our dance repetoire then putting them together in class into a Karshilimana Caberat routine. Ramona is an inspiring and amazing dancer, this is a workshop you don't want to miss!

The date: Sunday June 12

The Time: 1-3

The place: Urban Dance Connection

The cost $30

Contact Tricia at 923-7241

to register and for more details

Belly Dancing at Strathcona Gardens

2011-05-08T09:01:00.000-07:00

Last Session of Beginner Belly Dancing before Summer

Learn the fun and health supportive art of Belly dance. The moves are both challenging and supportive for the skeletal system, endocrine system, spinal flexibility and strength, balance and coordination. Classes are lead with eight or nine movements that are linked together to create a dance. It's fun and entertaining.

Dates: May 11 - April 22

Time: 6:30-7:30

For more information contact

Jeannie

250 285-3505

Emergency First Aid ~ CPR-C

2011-04-22T13:00:00.000-07:00

Learn the basic critical intervention techniques for saving a life.

This is a one day class that will teach you airway management, CPR for adults and infants, control of deadly bleeding, techniques for removing obstructed airways, heart attack, stroke, treatment of shock and patients who are unconscious.

This is a hands on class with power point visuals, and lots of time to practice.

Contact Jeannie Schweitzer to register

Place: Vitalis Gym and Wellness Center

Time: 9:00 - 5:00

Dates: Saturday April 30

Cost: $75

Cost includes all materials, registeration, and handouts.

Belly Dance Superstars ~ Nanaimo

2011-01-24T11:11:00.000-08:00

An Evening of Inspiration

Bombay Bellywood

Sunday, February 6, 2011

7:30

~ Port Theater in Nanaimo ~

There are still tickets left.

For my students remember to ask for the strudent rate.

East meets West ~ Five Element Chi Gong at Strathcona Gardens

2011-01-13T09:08:00.000-08:00

We learn more about ourselves, perhaps, than in any other season. Nature now makes everything bare, turning inward, a falling away of outer-directed energy, composting begins that old negativity. The energy of this season supports our letting go Waste, Old and stale in our lives, leaving us receptive to the pure and new, granting us a vision of who we are in our essence.

Autumn returns us to our essence, moves us to eliminate what we no longer need, Reveals again what is most precious in our lives. In Chinese medicine, autumn is the season of the element Metal (or air). Grief is the emotion; the sound is weeping. Grief cleanses us of what is no longer needed in our lives. Or what has been taken Metal imbalance may be; Excessive and ongoing It may be absent, as in those who cannot express their grief.

The Colon ~ Letting go is the function of eliminating what is unnecessary or toxic from our bodies including our minds and our spirit. The Colon function on the mental and spirit level enables us to let go of all this waste.

The Lungs and Inspiration ~ The Lung, to take in the pure, the new; in classical Chinese medicine, the Lung is described as “the receiver of the pure Chi from the Heavens.” The Lung and Colon work together as a team, one taking in the pure, and the other eliminating waste. An imbalance my show up as: Bronchitis, Asthma, shortness of breath, cough, allergies, nasal congestion, emphysema, colds, sore throat, constipation, diarrhea, spastic colon, and abdominal pain feel depression, stubbornness (inability to “let go”), isolation, negativity.

Skin or the third Lung ~ Skin reflects the condition of the lungs and the ability to breath. Eczema, psoriasis, rashes reflect metal imbalance, sauna often during this time of year.

Metal Power ~ The capacity to cough is associated with the fluid mucus. Mucus is needed to keep the lungs and colon lubricated. Cough helps release toxins holding on in the air passages and releases that which is unwanted.

Value of Metal ~ Just as metals give value to the earth (gold and silver, minerals and trace elements), the Metal element within us gives our sense of self-worth.

Yet when our Metal energy is imbalanced, we cannot sense our value; so we compensate by seeking what we think will add to our worth: status, money, power, and conquest Once we have acquired these things, however, we remain strangely unfulfilled.

Persons with a Metal imbalance seek respect, quality, and recognition from the outside because they feel the lack of worth within. These are people who have difficulty “letting go” because they identify their own worth with “things” - achievements, attachments, collections, possessions, attitudes stored in the cluttered attic of the mind.

Restoring our Metal ~As Nature moves into a period of rest, we too must be cautious not to overexert. To contain ourselves, acting and speaking only when necessary, behaving with economy, exerting our will quietly and calmly.

The Metal Element: Cleaning out Old Negativity

Standard First Aid ~ CPR-C

2010-12-24T15:24:00.000-08:00

Students learn the same life-threatening intervention as the Emergency First Aid along with additional intervention for injuries and illness such as spinal injuries, heat & cold related injuries, diabetic emergencies, splinting for bone and joint injuries, and basic wound care. CPR-C included child and infant CPR. This is a 16 hour course and includes all the booklets and information needed to complete the course.

Date: January 8-9

Time: 8:30 - 5:30
Location: Vitalis Gym ~ Quadra Island

Cost: $160

To register please call: Jeannie @ 250 285-3505

Those wishing to take a one day

Emergency First Aid Class with CPR-A can come January 8

Blessings at Christmas 2010

2010-12-20T06:12:00.000-08:00

Hawaii 2010

Out beyond ideas of wrong doings and right doings
there are fields . I’ll meet you there.
When the soul lies down in the grass
the world too full to talk about
Ideas, language, even the phrase “each other”
doesn’t make sense.

Rumi

Thank you to all my Students and Teachers for an amazing year of dance, movement, good health, and the celebration of Life. Mostly, the joy you bring for me when I watch your faces light up when you see me. Breath in each day as a celebration to be savored and cherished. I'll look forward to seeing you all in the new Year

~ Love and Prayers Jeannie

What is Jin Shin Do Acupressure? December 2010

2010-12-06T12:42:00.000-08:00

Jin Shin Do Bodymind Acupressure is s synthesis of:

~ Traditional Japanese Finger Pressure

~ Classical Chinese Five Element Acupuncture Theory

~ Reichian Segmental Theory

~ Taoist Philosophy

~ Qigong Exercises & Breathing

~ Western Psychotherapy

Acupressure is a 5000 year old system of healing which uses finger pressure to integrate the body, mind and spirit. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine Theory there is a Life Force called Qi energy. This bio-energy is scientifically measurable. Qi flows through our body in 12 main channels like an interconnected system of rivers. These channels are called "meridians"

When the energy in our meridians is flowing smoothly we feel balanced and healthy. When certain points are congested, some meridians are blocked and we experience pain, sickness and /or emotional distress. Holding acupressure points frees blocked energy like removing debris in a river. This alleviates the tension and discomfort and the body begins to heal itself.

A example of an imbalance of the HEART MERIDIAN is accompanied by depression and anxiety. When the HEART MERIDIAN is flowing freely, we are able to experience happiness, self-confidence, and compassion.

What you can expect from a session of acupressure is a feeling of deep relaxation, and alternative to pain killers and other drugs, the ability to help your body heal itself, a confidential space and supportive assistance to process emotional confusion.

Introductory Classes of Acupressure are starting in January in the Wellness Center

For more information pick up a brochure, check the Hungry Eye or call Jeannie at 285-3505

Blessings to All for a Wonderful & Compassionate

Christmas Season and New Year

Celebration of Life for Wendy November 28, 2010

2010-12-02T15:53:00.000-08:00

It was an honor and privilage to dance for a dear friend and great teacher ~ Wendy ~

Her life was devoted to service and many humanitarian causes. Her spirit was one of nurturing, inclusion and lifted so many of us up when we were down. She walked the walk of patience, spiritual devotion, and life practice of peace. I would not be here without her continued love, loyality and committment to our friendship these last 24 years. Knowing you has been an honor and one of the greatest blessings of my life.

The Sheikh ordered, "Bring drums
for my funeral, and tambourines and dancers.

Carry me into the street with laughter

and joy, so that everyone will see how

the people of God go to God and how

death is cause for song and celebration.

“This death is like lovers whispering."

Everyone obeyed this order, and there was

no hypocrisy in the delight that day.

~ Rumi

New Website is Up!

2010-11-16T13:22:00.000-08:00

Check it out, we have the new website online at www.jeannieschweitzer.com
Still needs a few tweaks but I am really happy with it. See what you think!

Belly Dance Inspired Fitness begins Wednesday November 3

2010-11-02T07:01:00.000-07:00

Belly Dance Inspired Fitness Classes

We don’t stop exercising because we grow old; we grow old because we stop exercising.

This is an excellent class for those who would like to combine simple dance movements together with a light aerobic component that focuses on range of motion, balance, supportive strength building, while increasing self esteem and confidence through body awareness, increasing balance and injury prevention.

~*~

With the focus more on stress reduction, weight bearing, range of motion, strength and endurance, I realized how supportive and nourishing this form of movement was for the Endocrine System. The gentle spinal undulations and abdominal movements of belly dancing have a soothing and calming effect for the Central Nervous System as well as the various glands including the pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid, pancreas, and adrenal, within our bodies. Stress directly affects hormone production with our body’s quest to maintain homeostasis. Stress has become one of the main causes of ill health today, affecting the Endocrine System in ways such as weight gain / weight loss, exhaustion, anxiety, depression, diabetes, digestive troubles and cardiovascular disease.

The easy, fluid motion of Belly Dancing with the joy that went along with the sacredness of the movements made it a natural transition to incorporate into my Third Age and Adaptive classes at the pool. The interest soon made it a dry land class and another way to move.

To Register at Strathcona Gardens Comples 250 286-1081

~Jeannie

Mexico 2006 ~

2010-11-02T06:43:00.000-07:00

Nine men and women enjoyed the subtle, gentle movements of the Oriental Dance Holiday in La Manzanilla,

Mexico

with Jeannie. After spending the early part of the day at Brenda Dempsey’s Yoga Retreat, we ended the day with a soothing late afternoon of dance under the palapa over looking the town and sea. Later, feeling flexible, relaxed, yet energized, we headed off to enjoy a wonderful evening of Mexican cuisine, good company, and a beautiful sun set.

Oriental dance is about 5000 years old. Dance is one of the most ancient forms of art and was a mixture of many cultural elements. Traditionally, there were dances to celebrate weddings, victories, and many social events. Oriental dance is empowering, creative, and healing. It’s good for blood flow, massages vital organs and utilized muscle groups in the pelvis, trunk, spine, and neck, working with the body rather than against it. Because the participant is on their feet, it is also considered a good weight bearing exercise routine. As a moving meditation, it opens and nourishes your energetic skeleton (charkas), the 12 Organ meridians and the 8 Extraordinary Vessels that enrich your body, and spirit while it calms the mind. It’s excellent for stress reduction as the subtle rhythms along with the movements have a calming effect for your entire being.

Many of the movements also include stomach exercises to prepare women for childbirth and recovery after. Oriental (Belly) dance uses movements that come naturally to the female form.

CPR-C for Adults, Children and Infants

2010-09-10T18:03:00.000-07:00

It's so easy anyone can learn these life saving techniques

CPR-C is a 6 hour hands on class to learn the critical interventions to handle medical emergencies such as choking, asthma, anaphylaxis, COPD, rescue breathing, deadly bleeding, and CPR for adults, children and infants.

The class is taught in layers so candidates become increasingly more comfortable and effective as each emergency becomes more complex.

Date: Saturday, September 25th

Time: 9:00 - 3:00

Where: Vitalis Gym

Cost: $50

Instructor: Jeannie Schweitzer (250) 285-3505

Standard First Aid / CPR-C

2010-07-01T09:01:00.000-07:00

Students learn the same life-threatening intervention as the Emergency First Aid along with additional intervention for injuries and illness such as spinal injuries, heat & cold related injuries, diabetic emergencies, splinting for bone and joint injuries, and basic wound care. This is a 16 hour course and includes all the booklets and information needed to complete the course.

Date: July 24-25
Time: 8:30 - 5:30
Location: TBA ~ but on Quadra Island

Standard First Aid with CPR-C

2010-04-15T17:27:00.000-07:00

Students learn the same life-threatening intervention as the Emergency First Aid along with additional intervention for injuries and illness such as spinal injuries, heat & cold related injuries, diabetic emergencies, splinting for bone and joint injuries, and basic wound care. This is a 16 hour course and includes all the booklets and information needed to complete the course.

Cost $140

Place: Vitalis Gym

Dates: Saturday May 1 & Sunday May 2

Time: 9:00 - 5:00

For more information and to register please call

Jeannie (250) 285-3505

Emergency First Aid with CPR-A

2010-04-15T09:19:00.000-07:00

Learn the general knowledge needed to intervene in life-threatening emergencies such as cardiac arrest, deadly bleeding, choking. Students will learn skills such as CPR, bleeding control, and airway management. This class is 8 hours and includes all booklets and information.

Cost: $70
Place: Vitalis Gym
Date: Saturday May 1
Time: 9:00 - 5:00

Please call for more information call

Jeannie 250 285-3505

Safety Awareness & Violence Prevention

2010-01-17T14:31:00.000-08:00

The power of instinct will protect you from harm all through your days.

Lao Tsu

Chinese Philosopher 570-490 BC

The Women's Center is offering a Violence Prevention Night for women who are interested in becoming more aware of choices before becoming a victim of violence. The class is interactive and fun. Using scanning and observation skills with the inner voice of instinct and intuition, we will explore the process of awareness in our surrounding from the first niggle of the gut response "this is not right" begins to the end when we know we are safe. There are many choices early that give us many options to respond thereby avoiding unsafe encounters in the first place. To walk away is the greatest choice there is.

Blessings

Jeannie

Date: February 4

Time: 6:00-8:00

Place: The Women's Center

Acupressure, Autumn, and Menopause

2010-01-17T14:08:00.000-08:00

In our forties we become the elders to our youth;

In our fifties we become the youth to our elders.

Menopause is the time of internal enlightenment; the autumn harvest within. This is the a final opportunity for sorting, what is wonderful and useful to our life, while eliminating and cleansing what has not worked or is no longer useful anymore. As we look to the season for guidance, it's easy to see that the autumn flowers that bloom are warm, vital, and vibrant while being a little more tolerant, a little more resilient, and a little tougher to the harshness of the elements. Menopause is for creating this vital transition.

Blessings

Jeannie

Date: February 3rd

Time: 6:00-8:00

Place: North Island Survivors Healing Society

Call: 250 287-3325 to register.

Belly Dance Inspired Fitness Classes Begin on Quadra

2010-01-05T19:10:00.000-08:00

New This Year! Belly Dance Fitness will begin at the Quadra Island Community Centre. These series of classes will run every Monday & Friday for 6 weeks starting Monday, January 11th from 9:30 – 10:30 am and Friday, January 15th from 4:00 - 5:00 pm. Enjoy dance moves inspired by Oriental Dance to increase tone, flexibility, strength, range of motion, balance and self confidence for a great beginning to the New Year.

Classes are on a drop in basis and will be running for 6 weeks. Please call for further information.

Classes are on a drop in basis. Please wear comfortable clothes and shoes.

Jeannie (250) 285-3505

2009-12-18T22:01:00.000-08:00

Out beyond ideas of wrong doings and right doing
there are fields . I’ll meet you there.
When the soul lies down in the grass
the world too full to talk about
Ideas, language, even the phrase “each other”
doesn’t make sense.

Rumi

I grew up, playing, at this powerful place. I long to go back there. The sacredness of life is always present. I'm grateful to understand this now.
Blessings
Jeannie

Blessings and Good Health for 2010

2009-12-15T16:47:00.000-08:00

Thank You to all my beautiful students for this fabulous year of dance.

I'm looking forward to seeing you in the New Year!!

With love and Blessings

Jeannie