Inspiration and Testimonials

  • I’ve been taking Courtney’s classes for almost two decades because Dance Journey gives me the opportunity to dance and move with total abandonment, which frees my spirit and nurtures my soul every week.

    Pam, Long Beach

  • I love how everyone is welcomed into the community immediately at Dance Journey. It is truly a liberating experience. Courtney selects really inspiring music that sometimes makes you want to play and be silly. Other times it gets you truly introspective. Either way, if I have walked in with stress it quickly melts away and I walk out feeling serine.

    Kelly, Seal Beach

  • I love how flexible and connected I feel after every dance class. This class and this community is such a gift in my life. I look forward to it every week!

    Brita, Seal Beach

  • “Courtney brought so much joy and spontaneity to our retreat and always gave 110% to our activities! Her thoughtfulness was evident in the materials she prepared for us like the special rocks she hauled to Guatemala for us and the prayers she had prepared for us. Each day of our retreat seemed to be planned perfectly and still she wasn’t afraid to change it up if needed. Courtney is so full of love and caring it just spilled out and all over us. Super fun dance teacher! She’s both a leader and a joiner whichever serves the group best at the moment. I'd jump on a plane with Courtney for a Dance Retreat again in a heartbeat!”

    ~ Clint Gilbert: San Francisco

  • “I have had the amazing good fortune to experience three international Nia retreats co-led by Courtney. In Mexico, Guetemala and Costa Rica Each experience provided unique nourishment for my soul. Courtney brought her vivacious energy, open heart and radiant presence to the dance floor with every beat.Courtney helped facilitate a sacred space where we could all feel safe and free to step into our joyful warrior selves. I so appreciate the focus and intent Courtney and our other teacher set every day to encourage us to access our truth and experience it in a somatic way. And it wasn’t just dancing! Writing, drawing, partner exercises, delicious food, swimming, hammock lounging and fun excursions. A retreat with Courtney is one you will treasure for a lifetime!”

    ~ Norie Mozzone, Boston

  • “My first introduction to Nia was one Sunday morning at my local gym in Seal Beach. I was laboring away on the weights, feeling kind of bored when Courtney started teaching a group of the happiest women I'd seen in a long time.I had no idea what they were doing, but I loved the music and the sheer joy of the group as well as Courtney. By the end of the hour, I had decided that the next Sunday I'd be there with them. I did, and I've never regretted it!! I am now hooked on Nia, I'm much healthier in many ways and my creative side has re- emerged after a thirty year hiatus. I also have a whole new group of friends in my dance tribe. Thanks to Courtney, I now go to at least two classes a week, dance at home to Nia DVDs and have my White Belt. I'm totally hooked on Nia. Thanks Courtney... You changed my life!!”

    ~ Janet Tedesco, Seal Beach

  • “Nia is a core component activity at the 4GIRLS empowerment workshop and it is the perfect tool to allow the middle school girls to express themselves in their own individual, beautiful and powerful style. Nia is consistently rated as the number one activity enjoyed by the girls at the workshop. Angelica, who attend the workshop said, "I learned today how powerful dancing could be and how it affects individuals." Sofia said, "what I learned about myself today was that I have the courage to dance!" Jessica said, "what I learned about myself is that I shouldn't be afraid how others think about how I dance or sing; if I like it, I can do it." Courtney is a fantastic instructor and person, her passion of Nia profoundly touches the girls and adults who participates in her classes”

    ~ Claudia Copley, Long Beach/ CEO of 4Girls.