Fusion holistic fitness based on the "pleasure principle"
SERVICES
Welcome to Nia® Nia (pronounced “Nee-uh”) is a transformative movement practise created through the combined focus and exploration of Debbie Rosas Stewart and Carlos AyaRosas in 1983. Originally an acronym for Non-Impact Aerobics, it later evolved to stand for Neuromuscular Integrative Action. Now however, it is simply Nia, which in Swahili means, “with purpose”.
The purpose behind the practise of Nia is to integrate the realms of body, mind, emotions and spirit through the awareness and joy of movement. Nia is a body-centered practise comprising the energy of nine movement forms. It blends the power and precision of the Martial Arts (Tai Chi, Tae Kwon Do and Aikido), the joy and expression of the Dance Arts (Jazz, Modern and Duncan Dance) and the awareness and alignment of the Healing Arts (Feldenkrais, Alexander Technique and Yoga). This holistic combination creates a powerful yet mindful practise based upon the science of The Body’s Way.
The Body’s Way provides a road map to health and wellness and Nia routines are crafted such that the The Body’s Way is enhanced, restored, honoured. What this means for students is that they know every Nia class can be personally “tweaked” to suit anybody regardless of age or health. The health and fitness industry is full of classes encouraging students to “follow the leader” and aspire to move like the teacher. The difference with Nia is that trained teachers act as movement guides, empowering the student to find his or her Own Body’s Way through listening to the voice of the body (sensation) while they move through choreographed sequences (katas) and guided freedance.
The benefits of Nia move way beyond the physical. The healing qualities inherent in rediscovering the joy in movement, in rediscovering the guiding power of sensation and ultimately in rediscovering self lie at the heart of this sacred practise that is steadily growing here in New Zealand.
Classes
Nia® classes are designed as an hour-long practice skillfully weaving movement, music and magic into a dance enhancing the individual and group spirit. Choreography is based upon ‘The Body’s Way’, expressed through a trained Nia teacher as ‘their body’s way’ and combined with clear direction to encourage you, the student, to discover and move in ‘your body’s way’.
Experience for yourself the Nia Promise: treat your body, mind, emotions and spirit to a dose of Nia on a regular basis and incorporate the principles into your life.
Freedom is inherent in every Nia class, allowing your unique ‘way’ to shine through. However, just as with yang, there is yin, so with freedom, there must also be form. The balance provided by form appears in many ways throughout a Nia class, one of which is through the structure of the class experiences. All Nia teachers and Nia classes follow the format below made up of seven cycles:- Setting the Focus
- Stepping In
- Warming Up
- Get Moving
- Cooling Down
- Floor Play
- Stepping Out
Your teacher will demonstrate levels of intensity, called levels 1, 2 and 3. Level 1 is where you, the student choose to move at low intensity. Level 2 represents an opportunity to move at medium intensity, and level 3 is movement at high intensity. Level 3 may also be where the teacher demonstrates how a step, or kata, may be altered to introduce a more athletic quality, meaning both feet leave the ground at once. The decision rests with you, the student, as to which intensity level suits you in the present moment. These levels allow anybody, regardless of individual state of health or fitness, to participate safely and enjoy the Nia experience.
Every Nia class will give the student an opportunity to move through all intensity levels. The difference is in the length of time a teacher encourages students to remain at any one level. The traditional class experience suitable for everyBODY is called Classic Nia, however, many teachers may also offer variations on the classic Nia class.
QUALIFICATION DETAILS
Nia Blue Belt
First Aid Certified
Service Categories
Alexander Technique, Feldenkrais, Meditation, Spiritual Healing, Tai Chi, Weight Loss, Womens Health, Yoga
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