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Nia class ~ image taken by David Fenner www.partialartist.com
By Tracey Fenner
So have you heard of Nia? If not, then I recommend you check out this video link here: Nia in Action
Intrigued to experience a Nia class for your self?
Here’s a few pointers as to what to expect from a Nia class experience as a beginner…
Doing something for the first can be a little daunting even if you have watched Nia on YouTube, or seen it advertised at your local fitness/health club or even heard your friends rave about it for ages! Embrace your beginner’s mind, an openness to a new and fresh experience. An opportunity for new growth is possible, embrace this stage.
Go bare footed and wear something that you can move freely in. Feeling great in what you wear can give you a real boost in confidence. Many people who dance Nia enjoy to wear funky flares, dresses and skirts. You can check out some Nia clothing ideas here NiaWear
Number one thing you will notice in any Nia class is that everyone is smiling, having a fabulous time, enjoying themselves.
A Nia class is typically an hour long and is a class dedicated to you, your body and to your body’s ability to heal.
The hour passes so fast. Nia routines are so rich in movement variety that before you realize you will be leaving feeling so much better about yourself. Energized yet calm in your body, mind, with your emotions and in spirit.
You may move out of your comfort zone. People who are new to Nia sometimes feel a little self conscious when they first start the class. An element of the ‘unknown’ can bring a nervousness. Nia is a unique movement practice. Be open minded, step into the unknown and sense it like an adventure!
The Nia Choreography (52 Moves) repeat many times, giving you the opportunity to ‘get it’, to be in your body and to be guided by your body sensations/signals. Remember to embrace your natural sense of timing when learning something for the first time and be kind to yourself.
Every class you will dance the 52 Moves, once you start to recognize these moves then you will quickly sense more ease and relaxation in your body & mind. Nia also has ‘Freedance’ sessions to stimulate your own movement creativity and the teacher will encourage you to move in your style.
In a Nia class you will notice that everyone is moving differently but at the same time moving together as a group. We call this moving in ‘your body’s way’. Nia recognizes that we are all unique and we all move differently, embrace your uniqueness.
Nia is designed for all levels, you’ll be guided by the teacher and will be given many choices throughout the class. Depending on how you feel on that particular day you can choose what level to move in. We work in different levels of intensity, level 1, 2 and 3. Level 1 being less intense more simple and 3 being more challenging. We also move in different planes low, middle and high. Empowering you to make choices for your body moment to moment.
Relax, begin small (range of motion) and focus on the base movements first. Feet, ankles, legs, knees and hips. Once the base (the foundation) gets stronger and stable then you will move with greater ease. Pick up your feet to place the movements and this will help to protect your knees and hips. Approaching anything new in your life with relaxation will calm your nervous system and result in more balance and harmony.
Find your rhythm. Find your own pace and speed. You will listen and dance to fabulous soul-stirring music. Express yourself and make the movements an expression of you. Be yourself and have fun. Remember if the teacher goes one way and you go the opposite direction, it’s absolutely no problem.
Strive for balance. Listen to your body signals, don’t strain and move within your comfort zone. Move comfortably and with pleasure. Moving with joy and pleasure is another number one priority in Nia.
About 20 minutes into any Nia class experience you will move into the ‘get moving’ cycle. This is where Nia promises to deliver cardiovascular conditioning. Keep doing body checks, check your breathing. Breath deeply from your belly, giving plenty of oxygen to your muscles.
The beauty of Nia is that every single part of your body will be used, from the tip of your fingers to the tip of your toes. A truly holistic approach to movement. Use your whole body, move all of your 13 main joints and 20 digits. Dancing Nia will build muscle strength and joint mobility.
Balance you fitness program with a good diet, drink plenty of H20, have enough sleep and proper nutrition.
Nia welcomes everyone, every shape, every age, every fitness level, every culture, every size, everyBODY. I invite you to step in and have the best hour’s fitness class your body-mind-spirit could wish for. The benefits of dancing Nia will positively shape the way you feel, look, live and move in your body. Love your body and love your life!
So I invite you to do something today that your future self will thank you for, the power is now. Don’t put off till tomorrow what you can achieve today. Check out where your nearest Nia class is today ~ Find a Nia Teacher
About Tracey Fenner
Dancing has been part of Tracey’s life since the age of 3 years. Tracey left home at 16 years to attend the Northern Ballet School in Manchester, England. After extensive classical training Tracey graduated & danced professionally for a number of years. Tracey now has almost 2 decades of teaching experience, traveling extensively worldwide. In 2007 Tracey discovered Nia, a path that would change her life forever. Tracey is trained by the Co-Creators of Nia, Debbie Rosas & Carlos Rosas as well as International Master Trainers Helen Terry & Ann Christiansen. Now based in Hong Kong, Tracey has been instrumental in introducing the Nia Technique to the city, and is currently the only Certified Nia Black Belt in Hong Kong. Tracey is the Founder and Artistic Director of Nia Hong Kong and facilitates transformational Nia class experiences, workshops, & retreats around the planet at renowned yoga conferences, academies for performing arts, multi award winning health resorts & destination spas, creating a sacred space for her knowledge & wisdom to inspire others.
Website: Nia Hong Kong
Facebook: Nia Hong Kong
Twitter: Tracey @ Niahongkong
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