Through movement we find health. That’s been Nia’s tag line for years. Every body loves to move – to sense energy, vitality and well-being. That’s part of being human. Nia started with simple steps. But, Debbie Rosas knew there had to be more. Through research, exploration and hands-on experience, the first fusion fitness program was created.
The Fusion Composition of Nia
Nia is made of 9 different movement forms. Why? To give diversity in movement and energy to the body. It’s a symphony. Think of the arms as the woodwind section. The feet are the percussion section. The core is the string section with first violinist the heart. The head is the conductor. This amazing physical body has so many different instruments and sounds. When it functions well, it’s a symphony. The Nia movement symphony uses a fusion of martial arts for attention, dance arts for expression and healing arts for wholeness. Let’s explore these.
Attention
I admit it. Sometimes my attention span is short. Especially if something is boring or I’m not connecting. Yet, if my curiosity is stimulated, I’m ready to explore and find out more.
Martial Arts call attention to the base, the feet, first. To be grounded before moving.
Tai Chi – the slow dance makes me pay attention when shifting my weight; am I stepping with my heel and whole foot. Am I balanced or ready to fall on my tush.
Tae Kwon Do – the dance of precision and agility. That punch needs to come from my core rather than throw my arm out. There is power and assertiveness when I pay attention.
Aikido – the dance of spirals gives me grace and elegance to handle situations into a win-win for all – especially all my body parts.
Expression
The music comes on and my hips say yeah! I love that sound and they move on their own. The dance arts are for fun and to express moves my way and my body’s way.
Jazz – the dance of fun and showing off. I love getting into the music and improvising moves that fit the different instruments. It’s a game, a fantasy, a story to tell in my own way.
Modern – the dance of shapes in space. Where is the floor? The sky? Using space and time to be emotional, light, balanced, unbalanced – oh, the shapes I can create.
Duncan – the dance of free-spirited honest movement – the most playful and innocent dancing through grass in bare feet. Thank you, Isadora.
Wholeness
Adding in 3 healing arts gives the body a sense of wholeness – the symphony working as one.
Feldenkrais Method® – the dance of sensation. Does this feel good, awkward or just plain hurts? Consciously sensing what my body wants and needs. A great way to improve awareness and break not-so-good habits.
Alexander Technique – the dance of movement from the top. Where am I in this space? Do I have room to move? My eyes look up, down, left and then right. The eyes directing my head and my spine says yes!
Yoga – the dance of bones and joints. Is that tension I’m holding in the middle of my back? I can stretch out and this feels so good. Breathing into each joint energizes me and I feel whole.
Movement Diversity
The body gets a great workout through the diversity of the 9 movement forms. Any body can do them. Whether you’re short, tall, skinny or stout, you get to choose what moves your body. Maybe it’s sitting, moving slower, moving more athletically – it’s up to you and your body. And that movement diversity leads to more vitality and health.
Join me online on Saturdays or explore movement diversity on Nia On Demand. Your body will thank you. Your mind will say you’ve got this. Your spirit will soar – at peace and happy.
