Have you recently suffered a physical injury and are in the process of finding the right recovery program for you and your body? Maybe you’ve had a consistent injury that you might perceive as very minor, like muscle aches or back pains, and you haven’t received support for yet or found anything that helps you.
In this blog, we’ll cover what Nia Dance is, how it can help you recover from a specific injury or ailment, and where and how you can attend classes.

How Does Nia Dance Help My Specific Recovery Process?
The Nia Technique (also known as Nia Dance) is a holistic dance practice that focuses on learning to listen to the complex design of your body and perform movements based on what your body says, rather than forcing unnatural actions. As well as this, Nia Dance also involves becoming in-tune with your energy, and learning how to harness and increase positive, calm energy, and discard negative energy.
So, not only is Nia Dance designed to aid your physical body but your mental and spiritual body too. Nia Dance is comprised of 3 different art forms, namely martial, healing and dance arts, and within each of those, there are another 3 forms by which Nia Dance is inspired. Some of these forms include Tai-Chi, Yoga, Aikido, and Jazz to name a few. The blend of all these different movements and practices is what makes Nia Dance so unique, easily adjustable and adaptable, and able to target and provide benefits to many areas of your life.
Because of its adaptability, Nia Dance can be a specific recovery program for your specific injury or ailment. Alongside the fact that all movements can be as gentle or intense as you feel is best for your body, there are also numerous mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health and lifestyle benefits that can come with the practice of Nia Dance.
Some of these benefits include, but are not limited to, pain relief, improved muscle strength, increased cognitive functioning and coordination, higher levels of mobility and flexibility between joints, better balance, higher mood levels, decreased symptoms within depression and anxiety, calmer moods with diminished tension or stress levels, and more which you can read about here.


Nia Dance Move to Heal at Dance NZ
Dance NZ is a Nia Dance company that has 5 classes based in either the Hamilton or Raglan area. Belinda Goodwin runs all 5 classes, and is a highly experienced and well-trained teacher in the Nia Technique, having obtained her white, blue, and green belts in the practice and currently progressing through her brown belt training.
Nia Dance Move to Heal is a class specialising in aiding injury recovery, whether it be muscle-related issues, chronic illness, or other ailments. This class is a part of the ACC Recovery Programmes and is also an approved Waikato Strength and Balance class, so you can feel assured that you’re receiving the best care and support while progressing through your recovery journey.
Belinda has specifically designed Nia Dance Move to Heal to be a far more adaptable and gentle version of the Nia Technique movements to cater to every individual’s particular needs and type of injury. Just like her other classes, Belinda provides different levels of difficulty to each movement so you can work at a comfortable level or try something to push your body.
If you’re recovering from a serious injury, it might be likely that you’re unable to transport yourself from home to a class. Luckily, this isn’t something you need to worry about at Dance NZ, as all classes are held over Zoom too as well as in-person. The online Zoom sessions are held live at the same time as physical classes, so you can still feel that level of connection to your peers and teacher.
Book Now
If you’re still in the decision-making process or have tried other recovery programs before with not much luck, consider Nia Dance at Dance NZ! The Nia Technique is already a gentle, free-flowing group of movements, so, with the way Nia Dance Move to Heal is designed, it’s able to be accessible to nearly anyone while still providing the amazing benefits of the Nia Technique.
If you’re still having trouble deciding or have any other concerns, contact your recovery support member or team, or feel free to reach out to us with any queries using our submission box which can be found below this blog.
Weekly Dance classes to choose from , dancing Live Online or In person at our Dance Venues
• Nia Dance Move to Heal classes occur at Saint Aidan’s Hall, on Tuesdays at 11:15 am (corner of Thames Street and Heaphy Terrace, Hamilton). Physical classes and Zoom sessions are available for booking here.
• Classic Nia classes are at Waikato Sports & Fishing Club, Tuesday at 5:30 pm (Grantham Street, Hamilton). Physical classes and Zoom sessions are open for booking here.
• Gentle Nia classes are at Raglan Town Hall, Wednesday at 9:30 am (located on 41 Bow Street, Raglan). Physical classes and Zoom sessions are open for booking here.
• Classic Nia classes are at Saint John’s Hall, Friday at 9:30 am (20 Wellington Street, Hamilton). Physical classes and Zoom sessions are open for booking here.
• Nia for Parkinson’s Freedom Dance classes occur at Saint John’s Hall, Friday at 12:00 pm (20 Wellington Street, Hamilton). Physical classes and Zoom sessions are open for booking here.
More information about the Nia Technique can be located at nianow.com.