Congratulations on your decision to attend a Nia Class!
You are about to step into a fresh and exciting way of staying fit. The Pleasure Principle guides Nia, promising to deliver a workout that is fun, adaptable, mindful, and healing. Allow yourself to be a novice and experience your body moving with love and pleasure!
When you arrive for class, you'll be welcomed warmly. You'll be asked to sign a waiver, leave some contact information, and pay for the class, if that is required. Many times the first class is offered free. This is the best time to share information that might be important about injuries or limitations. Regardless of your circumstances, Nia is designed to deliver pleasure as you move. No matter where you begin, the class can be done at a comfortable pace!
Nia is done barefooted, so you'll be invited to take your shoes off. If for any reason you prefer to wear shoes, be sure they are clean and lightweight. Running shoes or heavy athletic shoes are not the best choices for Nia as they may limit the range of motion of your ankles. Many people take their first few classes wearing shoes and then choose to take them off at a later time. Others dive right in to the freedom of being barefooted!
The class will begine with a welcome, followed by the Teacher setting the focus and intent. Setting a focus helps direct our attention to our bodies and take the class with a purpose in mind. The focus can be anything from the base, to fluid movement, creativity, or even self-expression. The focus and intent of each Nia class is different depending on the routine that is used or the mood of the day! As the music starts, you'll begin your journey of Nia.
The Teacher will guide you through a warm up, into more vigourous movement that includes structured patterns as well as free-form interpretation called FreeDance. Before you know it, you will have been moving for 45 minutes! The class finishes with a cool down, and movement on the floor for strengthening and stretching. Classes are generally and hour long and end with a mindful closing.
You will notice that Nia movement can be easily scaled up or down depending on your needs. Even though it may feel awkward at first, before long you will have a smile on your face and excitement about moving the Nia way. Many people report remarkable results, including weight loss, recovery from injury or chronic pain, new friends, and personal transformation.
Everyone's experience of Nia is unique, and we all begin with our first class! Step into the way of Nia, Dancing Through Life. Look forward to your first class with anticipation. What will the Magic of Nia be for you?
Click here for Holly's class schedule.