I hope you all had a lovely weekend and very excited see you all (hopefully) attend our first classes of 2022 this week! With this said, I would love to take this opportunity to introduce our new dance teacher in Hamilton and joining Belinda in leading Classic Nia at 9.30am at our Hamilton Location, 20 Wellington Street, Hamilton East.
Hilda Mali will be taking Friday morning classes. Hilda will be a fantastic addition to Dance NZ. Hilda offers a versatile dance teaching style, rooted in her passion for creative dance movement and healing arts. She weaves indigenous and western practices with healing wisdom. I encourage you all, if given the opportunity to come along to Hilda’s class and enjoy what she has to offer!
Nia Outdoors
Nia outdoors is a fantastic way to incorporate moving your body and getting some fresh air and getting some lovely sunshine onto your body! Nia Dance itself offers your body so many benefits and being outdoors offers so many more! Studies show that exposure to nature and the outdoors is linked to induce benefits such as improved attention, decline in stress levels, improved moods and can help manage or prevent psychiatric and mood disorders such as anxiety and depression. Make sure you watch out for our pop up outdoor classes which run in February and March 2022!
Beginning Nia For The First Time
Are you thinking about attending a Nia Dance class for the first time? Nervous for what to expect or just general anxieties about doing something new for the first time? Well I have arranged what I believe are 7 tips and tricks to ensure you’re not only prepared for the class, but you are making the most of your Nia Dance experience!
- Firstly, relax and breathe. Hello and welcome to your new practice. Take advantage of the opportunity to learn something new. Begin with modest motions to help your body to acclimatize to Nia-style movement. Allow yourself to be supported by your breathing. When you feel ready, increase the range of motion and intensity as you learn the steps.
- Secondly, be present in the moment. Nia means “purposeful movement” in Swahili. Dedicate each minute to moving with the strength, pleasure, and purpose that comes with being in your body – in the NOW. Reduce the influence of your inner critic, judge, or saboteur while increasing your sense of adventure.
- Third, pay attention. Always pay attention to your body’s signals. Allow Nia to guide you towards pleasurable, “body-based” feelings from the inside out. If a move doesn’t feel correct, adjust it by going smaller, slower, or taking fewer steps. Always move away from the source of suffering. Movement is a form of treatment.
- Fourth, begin with your toes. Begin by capturing the beat of the feet and legs, then gradually incorporate the core, arms, and hand gestures. To relieve your knees, keep your feet under your hips and your joints “spring-loaded.” Your body will eventually acquire Nia’s language, the language of the body, and fall in love with the dynamics incorporated into the movement.
- Fifth, barefoot is the way to go. Discover how your feet’s 7000 nerve endings may help you walk safely and efficiently from the ground up. While it is recommended to be barefoot, you can wear shoes with a soft flexible sole for comfort or medical reasons. Moving barefoot strengthens your feet and improves your overall balance.
- Sixth, look for the phrase “Dynamic Ease.” Never make a motion that you don’t want to happen. Avoid becoming out of breath or exhausted. Keep moving within your comfort zone. Make your moves in an energy-efficient manner.
- Lastly, make a statement. This is your moment to shine. Within the exercises, express your own distinctive rhythm and body language. Jazzy, lush, poetic, quick, or seductive are all good choices. Above all, be yourself and enjoy yourself.
Book Now
Make your fitness routine sustainable by doing something fun, gentle yet powerful, and that you love. Try Nia Dance today; no matter where you are, there’s an option for you to attend and the perfect class style to suit you and your needs. Make 2022 your year with Dance NZ.
Have a question? You can make it with CONTACT Dance NZ here and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.
Kind regards, Belinda.
Brown Belt in the Nia Technique. A Certified Parkinson Dance Teacher.
Nia Dance Weekly Term One 2022 Dance NZ Classes: Physical and Online HYBRID-Style Nia Dance Sessions
New to Dance NZ? Not a member yet? Click here to sign up as a Dance NZ member to be able to book classes.
• Nia Dance Move to Heal, Term One 2022: 11:15 a.m, Tuesdays mornings. 499 Grantham Street in Hamilton CBD, Waikato Sports Fishing Club. Click here to book here.
• Classic Nia, Term One 2022: 5:30 p.m, Tuesdays evenings. 499 Grantham Street in Hamilton CBD, Waikato Sports Fishing Club. Click here to book here.
• Gentle Nia, Term One 2022: 9:30 a.m, Wednesday mornings. 41 Bow Street, Raglan Townhall. Click here to book here.
• Classic Nia, Term One 2022: 9:30 a.m, Friday mornings. 20 Wellington Street in Hamilton, Saint John’s Hall. Click here to book here.
• Nia for Parkinson’s Freedom Dance, Term One 2022: 12:00 p.m, Friday afternoons. 20 Wellington Street in Hamilton CBD, Saint John’s Hall. Click here to book here.
Explore the Nia Technique at nianow.com.