Integrated World Arts Inc.

Totem Animal Lecture/Discussion

Indigenous people believe that at one time we were very close to nature and the animals around us. Discover the qualities of several animals and learn what they have to teach us about ourselves. You will soon see why you relate to certain animals more than others. This is a very powerful and popular lecture. When offered previously, it sold out twice and was repeatedly requested afterwards. Don’t miss it!

Introduction to Gemstone Balancing

Native people believe that we are from the Earth mother and are related to everything that is of her, including rocks. We believe that every rock has its own quality conducive to healing. Dennis has combined the traditional Chinese art of Acupressure with his Native use of quartz crystals. He has used these techniques on a broad spectrum of people from seniors with arthritis, MS sufferers, to people with low back pain and neck injuries. Used as a tool for pain management and reduction of inflammation, Gemstone Balancing helps achieve proper circulation and energy flow resulting in great success for the individual.

Native American Wisdom & Spirituality

Join Dennis in an open forum discussion on Native traditions, stories, beliefs, etc. This is a great opportunity to dispel myths and pose your questions.

A Little Light in a Dark Night

Learn about one man’s journey through broken promises, addiction, incarceration and finally, new hope. He will share his story from a framework of the institutions of family, community, church, school, social agencies and government. What risk and protective factors did these agencies afford him on his life’s journey?

Life Stories of Resilience

Come and hear Dennis share his life story of resilience, and the factors that made him recover against all odds. A story of abuse and abandonment, it is a story of pain and suffering, but also one of hope in times of despair. This is a session you won’t want to miss.

Drumming Circle and Discussion

Dennis will dispel myths and educate participants on the true meaning and usage of the Dream Catcher. Participants will design, construct and decorate their own dream catchers in hopes that they will use this workable medicine for years to come. As a special feature to this program, attention will also be given to interpreting dreams.

The Medicine Wheel. What is it? How to make and use one…Hands on lecture/demonstration

Join us as we design, plan and construct an actual medicine wheel. The medicine wheel represents cycles in life and in nature. We believe that we too are people of cycles. By living in harmony with these cycles we understand more about how we function and what our needs are at any given time in our lives. So the medicine wheel can be a very sacred space to meditate in or just to relax and give honor to where we are and where we’ve been.

Coup Feather Workshop/Discussion on Recognizing Victories

Dennis will lead participants through a guided meditation encouraging them to triumph over hard times and past experiences. With these personal victories, each participant will be awarded a coup feather, which they will then wrap in the traditional Native American way.

Introduction to the Sweat Lodge…what it is, why it’s used

A traditional Native American Ceremony that is both purifying and uplifting. The Sweat lodge is the perfect place to detoxify and enjoy the benefits of the earth’s natural aromatherapy. Share thoughts and emotions while participating in an experience that is both musical and celebratory. This could be followed by an actual sweat lodge ceremony given for love offerings.

Drum Making Workshop

Join us as we design and construct drums from maple hoops and cow rawhide heads. These drums have a very deep, throaty tone and stay very tight, even in cool weather. We have had great success with these materials and are happy with the drums.

Acupressure Class

Acupressure is an ancient art of Chinese Medicine based on the premise that every organ has an energy channel through which it travels through the body communicating balances or imbalances to the brain. Along these channels are certain points and by manipulating these points, or gates, we open up energy flow and oxygen to all areas of the body. Acupressure puts you in charge of your own healing as it enables you to diagnose imbalances in your body and gives you the tools to correct them. Everything from headaches, hiccups and cramping will be addressed. Dennis will teach 20 of the most often used pressure points. Special attention will be given to proper placement of the fingers and the correct amount of pressure needed to be effective. Emphasis will be placed on repetition and practice both on yourself, the instructor and each other. This 8 week session will culminate in a testing and award ceremony, which will have you feeling very accomplished!

Tai Ji

Tai Ji is an ancient art form of Chinese descent. It is accessible to anyone, regardless of differing abilities. Tai Ji Chuan is non-violent and without ranks, sparring or competitions. It is an art form that has been passed down through families for centuries. Tai Ji takes many forms, each given the surnames of their founders. The style that Instructor Dennis Bussell of Integrated World Arts Inc. (IWA) shares, is known as Ting Family Tai Ji. The movements in the art of Tai Ji Chuan are subtle and are done in coordination with focused breathing. The entire process of Tai Ji Chuan is relaxed and flows beautifully. It is easy to lose yourself in the class, or catch your mind drifting to a calmer, more inward place. Because it is an individual art form as opposed to a team sport, beginners can join the class at any time without feeling anxiety.

Chi Gung (Qui Gong)

Chi Gung is an ancient Chinese form of exercise practiced both morning and evening in China. It is great to begin and end each day focusing on matching your breath to your movement and releasing stiffness and tension. Chi Gung is a set of exercises that loosen the tendons and muscles in the body and manipulates all the joints, thereby increasing flexibility, oxygen and blood flow. These exercises start very simply and work up to more advanced levels. Come join us as we practice both stationary and walking Chi Gung.

Tae Kwon Do

This Korean art form teaches focus, control, self restraint and limits stimulation, which has been suggested to benefit people with ADHD. Tae Kwon Do teaches us to control that within us which is out of control. It is great physical training and a wonderful way to release pent up tension. Tae Kwon Do makes a great after school/work activity for all ages and genders.

$35.00 per 30-minute session

Gemstone Balancing Sessions (available by appointment)