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All Studio Bliss
instructors are highly trained professionals,
fully licensed and certified
in their fields.
Director
Studio
Bliss Director Cathy Salmons, M.A., is a dancer, poet, performer and teacher. A certified instructor of the Nia Dance Technique, with more than 10 years' experience, Cathy opened Studio Bliss in 2003, and introduced Nia to Central Vermont. At that time, Cathy was the only Nia teacher in the area; since then, the practice has grown steadily: There are now 4 Nia teachers in Rutland alone, and many more throughout the region!
Cathy also teaches Dance at the Community College of Vermont, and is on the graduate faculty in Creative Arts at Lesley University. Her poems and translations have appeared in major literary journals, including Partisan Review, Harvard Review, Fulcrum and Prairie Schooner. She is a seasoned and enthusiastic performer, recipient of numerous grants and awards, including a 2007 Performance Grant from New England Foundation for the Arts (NEFA). Also a passionate dancer of Argentine Tango, Cathy is the creator of the newly popular dance-workout system TangoFlow!, which she teaches regularly at the Air de Tango studio in Montreal.
Nia
The
Nia Technique is a high-energy, expressive dance practice which
combines elements of Modern, Jazz and Duncan dance; martial arts,
and yoga. Developed by dance-fitness pioneers Debbie and Carlos
Rosas, Nia (short for “neuromuscular integrative action”)
engages body, mind and spirit to deliver a fantastic whole-body
workout—sweaty, creative, rhythmic and FUN!
Benefits
of Nia:
- Cardiovascular
Conditioning
- Improved
Muscle Tone
- Weight
Management
- Emotional
Release
- Greater
flexibility
- Stress
Reduction
- Improved
concentration

For more information on The Nia Technique, contact national Nia
headquarters at 800-762-5762; or check the national Nia website
at www.Nia-Nia.com
Instructors:
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Cathy
Salmons (director, Studio Bliss) |
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Darby Gorham |
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Linda
McCuen
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Yoga
We offer basic hatha classes grounded in Kripalu and other styles
and training, including Yin, Restorative and Ashtanga.
Instructors:
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Abby Valenta |
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Stephanie
Jones
Director, yoga programming |
Dance
Studio
Bliss offers an array of World Dance classes, emphasizing rhythm,
ritual, and high-energy bliss! Current offerings include Belly Dance, African Dance, Modern, Jazz and Argentine Tango..
See events page
Instructors:
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Shelby
Jones |
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Erika Schmidt |
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Alicia
Malay |
All
classes open to adults and teens.
Special
Programs
Studio Bliss hosts an ongoing program of special
events, performances and weekend workshops. Topics range from
in-depth technique classes to Qi Gong, chanting and drumming circles,
poetry-and-movement workshops, and intensives featuring acclaimed
guest instructors. See events page.
Facilities
At Studio Bliss, you'll dance in comfort on our
impact-reducing 'sprung' wood floor, bathed in sound from our
state-of-the-art audio system. We offer a convenient oasis in
the heart of downtown Rutland.
What Should
I Wear?
All our classes are designed to be done in bare feet, unless otherwise
noted. Wear loose, comfortable clothing, or dance wear. We provide
yoga mats, blankets, props and water. Please refrain from wearing
fragrance, if possible.
Studio Bliss Staff
Media/Promotions Specialist
Debbie
Etzler
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