“There are shortcuts to happiness and dancing is one of
them.” – Vicki Baum
In the increasingly popular field of fitness through dance there is a
sweet, body-friendly option that offers gradual, pain-free, gentle body
improvement through a dance form known as NIA.
NIA is actually more than just dance. Named originally
“Non-impact Aerobics”, NIA now stands for Neuromuscular Integrative Action and
combines elements of Jazz, Modern dance, and Duncan styles with movements drawn
from Tai Chi, TaeKwonDo and Aikido, as well as mindfulness, relaxation and
healing arts drawn from yoga and other practices.
The technique was developed by Debbie Rojas
who still oversees certification and training of all NIA teachers. Danced to
many different styles of music, NIA invites you to move in a way that feels
good to your body in 52 basic movements that are choreographed into routines.
Participants are guided to dance at levels one, two and three depending on individual condition and progress.
Each session starts with a focus or intention for the
class. The music starts slow and dance movements
are more tai chi, waking up the body and opening the energy flow from bare feet
to fingertips. Gradually, the music and
routine gain momentum with moves from jazz and modern dance, as well as
TaiKwonDo. There is an emphasis on
shifting direction from left to right side, back to front which supports
neuroplasticity and balance. Spaces in
the choreography give dancers an opportunity to explore what their own body
feels like doing with the music. Laughter, clapping, and audible breathing are
encouraged. Finally there is a cool down or relaxation period in which the
class may do stretches, guided meditation or easy yoga movements.
NIA dance increases body confidence, ease of movement,
balance, and rhythm. It also supports
stress reduction, and strengthens connections of the body, mind and spirit. This is an ideal form for a body that has
been years in a sedentary habit but wants to improve agility and function, even
late in life. The combination of music,
movement and the mind/body/spirit elements of NIA dance leave participants full
of whole body joy that all carries over into life beyond dance class.
Want to give this a try? Find a class at NiaNow.com.
