This week I went to San Carlos to teach my Nia Class for the San Carlos Park and Recreation Department. Only a couple of people had signed up but I was hoping more would show up and sign up. As with most Park and Rec Departments and community classes, there needs to be a minimum amount of participants. Well, in this case the people that had thought were going to make it didn’t. I had just tweeted @JohnPruitt that I was going to be leaving in a few minutes when a woman came in. She said something about she guessed no one signed up and how that happens with Park and Rec classes. People don’t sign up and they get cancelled. She was hoping to just watch the class to see if she wanted to take it. Ha! I invited her to BE my class, she was game.
We did the warm up song, then the next one, and part way into the third song she said, “WAHOOOO! I like this.” After the song was over she said that was her favorite, she loved it and she could do it all night long. Made me happy. Nia is like that. She loved it. With only a couple of people signed up though, we cancelled the class, but we will try again when the next six week session starts in November (2nd, 2010).
The enthusiasm of this woman was fun and very contagious. I am confident that we have a new Nia participant in our midst. I believe that she will excitedly join in the other Nia events that happen around the San Francisco Bay Area and the South Bay Area. I love that. I love that I decided to drive up there from San Jose, to give the people that had signed up for Nia at least one class and explain in person that we need more participants. I love that even though they didn’t show up I was able to share Nia with a new person. I love that she loved it. I loved that even though it was her first time she was not worried about how she was doing—-she was just doing—and loving it.
I really enjoy working with the people in San Carlos Park and Recreation Department. They are very kind and supportive. I sense they feel sad when a class has to cancel, no one likes to see classes and programs cancelled. So maybe we can rally the troops and make the next session on Nia classes in San Carlos a huge success. I am certain my new student would love to be able to take a class with more people, more energy, more people shouting “Woohoooo!” Because Nia is like that.
Presently I live in San Jose and teach Nia Classes in San Jose. I have lived in the San Francisco Bay Area all my life. When I was growing up I used to tell people I lived in Santa Clara and they had no idea where that was. So I would say, “San Jose?” and if I still received that look then I would say “San Francisco?” and most of the time I would then see a spark of recognition.
When the dot com boom happened that kind of helped put “Silicon Valley” on the map and is comprised of a few places most notable cities are Cupertino, Santa Clara, San Jose, and Mountain View. A lot more people had heard of Santa Clara and San Jose after that. We weren’t known only in the shadow of San Francisco any longer. It was nice to not have to go through the entire San Francisco Bay Area to explain where I lived.
Now I find myself in that same exact “place” with Nia. I tell people I teach Nia and I get a look back. Most have not hear of it. So we go through the, “Is it like Zumba?” and I want to say:
Yes, Nia is EXACTLY LIKE Zumba: we get a workout via dance,we exercise to music, we sweat, we have fun, we work our muscles, we shimmy, shake, and gyrate, oh, except we do it in bare feet, to a variety of music, participants are encouraged to do it as their bodies allow, and there is a body-mind connection.
But most often say: It is sort of like a Zumba class and sort of like a Jazzercise class in that we move to music. Nia is a cardio workout with no impact. It is fun and unique because Nia incorporates moves and concepts from nine different movement forms a few being Tai Chi, Jazz Dance, and Yoga.
When they hear that, then they ask, “So it is Yoga?” 🙂
I was just reminded of the explaining-where-I-lived portion of my childhood when I was with a group of Nia Teachers recently. Made me laugh when I thought about the going through the same type of thing when talking about Nia. Yay, at least I am in a familiar place. 😮
Nia, at one point, was called NIA or Neuromuscular Integrative Action. Neuromuscular pertains to both nerves and muscles. Our movements involve both muscles and nerves. In a Nia cardio class, we stimulate and activate both during the workout. While leading a group of elder adults in a mobility-enhancement exercise (in a job unrelated to Nia) an observer commented, “It is like kindergarten.” My response was, “Yes, and isn’t it fun?” As I continued to watch these 90+ year olds toss around the ball, she said, “Yeeaaaahhhh!”
Adults just lose it. The stigma that comes with adults playing just to play is too great. Yes, there are competitive teams that adults can join, and those that do are exercising their inner child and having fun, but what about playing just to play.
If a suited adult were to skip down the cubbed corridor they probably would be put on leave of absence. If an adult were to be alone, without children, and were to walk down the street balancing on the curb, they would receive stares from others. Breaking out in song is only acceptable for children and actors in musicals. As adults society does not generally allow us to let out our inner child in everyday life without thinking we are a little off balance.
That is where Nia comes in. In a Nia class we get to play. Also our dance is something that allows you to release that inner child. Nia invites and encourages you to skip, jump, run, walk, shout out, crawl, and move as you did when you were a child. In a non-judgmental freely accepting atmosphere we get to play.
Does that sound like something you could enjoy? Doesn’t it sound like something your body longs to participate in again? Come to a Nia class and find out.
People can contact me about Nia through my website at HelpYouWell.com. Here is a communication that transpired:
(click for CURRENT schedule! Thanks!)
A consumer has submitted the Contact Terre Pruitt form on your website.
The details are given below:
I am looking to: obtain information about Nia classes
[Personal information deleted for privacy]
Comments: How does one learn Nia? If the classes are drop in but if I have never done this before how will I know the moves? Do you have classes for beginners? If so, when do they start? How many classes must one attend in order to learn all of the moves? What is the nearest cross street to your location on Lincoln Ave.?
My reply:
Dear Lovely Spirit Interested in Nia:
Do you like to move? Do you like to dance? Do you care what others think of you? You are a Lovely Being and I invite you to let go of caring about that.
Nia is not about “the moves”, Nia is about fun. And moving and learning and not caring what others think. Do you think you might like something like that? Do you think you might like to remove your shoes and just get down and shake your groove thing? What makes Nia different than other exercise classes (well, ONE of the things that makes it different) is that we don’t judge. If you are not causing yourself or others harm then it is ok.
If one person goes left, and the other person goes right—as long as there is not a collision—it really does not matter. We are not performing. Nigel, Mia, and Adam are not there. It is just us. Those who want to move. We have fun. We don’t mind if and when we don’t do it “right”.
You, Lovely Spirit, will know the moves because you will be listening to the best, most perfect, most honest teacher there is—-YOU! YOU will be in charge. You will be the one that tells you what to do and how much to do. I might say, “raise your arm” and your arm might say, “No Lovely Spirit, not today.” And you will be moving PERFECTLY because you will have listened, and I and everyone in the class will know that you respected yourself and did what YOUR body needed. That is part of what makes Nia great.
ALL of my classes are for beginners. All of my classes are for experts. Because all of us are beginners and experts. Nia is about YOUR BODY’S WAY!
Come and see. Try not to be concerned about learning the moves. If you have looked at Nia’s 52 Moves, and are thinking about having to know all of them—don’t! We move as the body was designed to move so when you come you will be amazed at how your body just moves on its own. And because of that,
it will feel fabulous!
The NEAREST cross street is Garfield (it is where Rotten Robbies is), the “biggest one” with a light is Coe. The studio is between Coe and Willow in Willow Glen. Does that help?
I want you to come and feel comfortable. Nia is about JOY and comfort and feeling good. It is not about “moves” and “perfection” and performing. We listen to the music and I lead a routine, but you are not required to do exactly what I do. You are encouraged to move as YOUR BODY WANTS TO MOVE!
Sorry, my reply was so lengthy, but I was hoping to help you understand that it is more fun than form. Our bodies were designed to move, in society we sometimes restrict movement, so when you participant in Nia . . . it is
fun!
In Nia there are five basic principles of the body’s way that we like to keep in mind. Listed here are just the highlights, for the details on each point you can visit the page on my website.
1—The Body Thrives on Dynamic Ease. Dynamic ease is somewhat comparable to muscle memory. When you are first learning a movement the challenge of doing so generally keeps you from being creative.
2—The Body Demands Balance. The body was built with balance in mind with body parts on each side.
3—The Body is Balanced in Yin and Yang. Both have a place in the body.
4—The Body’s Way Demands Simultaneous Mobility and Stability. The body’s joints allow for mobility and the muscles for stability.
5—The Body Itself Reveals the Body’s Way. Its very design instructs us on its use.
Also our bodies give us feedback both negative and positive. Both can be used to help guide our movements. Which ever is necessary Nia can help achieve the balance. Nia respects the body’s way and can successful assist in achieve balance in the body.
So today (July 31, 2010) was the Nia Jam and it was the third one that I have taught in. Cool. It was awesome. I just have to say, “Ahhhhhhhhhhh!” I know many of you feel this way because I see you post it in blogs, on Facebook, and in tweets. Just “Ahhhhhhhhhhh!” When you are with people doing what you love and they are doing it too! The Nia Jam was so beautiful and awesome. There were teachers from all over and we just danced—-and our students let us and they followed along. It was magical.
One of the creators of Nia is retiring at the end of this year. I must admit that I don’t really believe it (yes, probably denial). I mean, I believe he is leaving and I understand that, but I don’t believe that he will not be pulled back—by his own heart—into being involved somehow. I can understand that he is ready to move away from the day-to-day and all that it must involve, but I have hope that he will be doing it somehow. I picture him teaching in the city to which he is moving. I guess I will see.
The focus of the Nia Jam today was a celebration of Carlos AyaRosas. We did a jam using katas from his routines. Our intent was a thank you and a gathering of “Carlos” energy. I felt that we did a great job. I felt that our hearts were alive with gratitude for the dances he has created for us and for Nia. I felt there was a lot of “Carlos” energy! I have a feeling that he would have been honored and he would have been proud of us for sharing our love of Nia using his katas.
A Nia Jam is a great way to experience Nia. Teachers gather to co-teach. Once the music starts we just go. There is a trick sometimes to doing the microphone handoff, but it all works out in the end. Today is was joy, it was magic, it was fun, it was Nia. It was exactly what a jam should be. I like to think it is what Carlos had in mind when he created the katas we danced today.
Thank you, my Fabulous Nia Teachers. And thank you, Carlos for all that you have given to Nia.
Here is one song, this is not an example of Carlos’ choeography, because it is a Free Dance. I didn’t want to miss one minute of his dances. I could only bring myself to record a Free Dance. 🙂
The 10th Principle of the Nia White Belt is X-Ray Anatomy. When I first heard this I thought, “What? Do the people that do Nia think they have X-Ray Vision?” But that is not the case at all. (Whew!) To put it in its simplest form it is a way to see the body.
In Nia we study anatomy. We do not study it to the extent of doctors, but we read books and use tools to help us learn how the bones act as the frame and support of the body; how the bones protect organs, and how the bones connect. We examine the joints and how they move. Each type of joint: the hinged joints, the ball and sockets, etc. moves differently We notice how they move and how they allow movement. We also look at how the muscles move the bones, with contractions. In addition, we think about the connective tissue, believing that in order for it to be healthy it must move and be supple.
Focusing on how the body was designed to move and appear allows us to “x-ray” beneath the skin using our intuition, our knowledge, and our eyes to possibly see areas that could use attention. For example shoulders in general should be level. Rounded shoulders could be weak muscles in the back not holding the back up and shoulders back, or tightness in the muscles in the front. Level hips is the original design, barring injury, hips off kilter could be a matter of weak leg muscles on one side. See how that can work?
Looking at our bodies using our X-ray Anatomy can assist us in seeing and learning what our bodies need. Seeing what our bodies need give us the opportunity to give them what they need. When we have an idea of what our bodies need it enables us to practice Nia in the way that best suits our needs. Working out in a way that our bodies actually need makes working out enjoyable and makes you feel great.
In Nia our sixth principle for the White Belt is the base. #6 The Base; Feet and legs. I sat down to write and as I was searching for something to post about it dawned on me that base came up yesterday and today. It is a different type of base yet a base is a base so there can be a connection, but in this post I am just going to share the things that came up and later write more on the Nia White Belt Principle #6 in another post.
Yesterday I was out with a friend and we were eating something that she just found divine. She is one of those creative-in-the-kitchen-people and also trained in the kitchen. She was breaking down this item. She was tasting it and eating and trying to discover what it was. She came up with what she thought it was and then we both lit up when we realized that once she had that—the base, we could do whatever we want with it. We could make any flavor we want. It could become the condiment to end all condiments. It was awesome. Something you know but when you come across it and see how it can blossom into something or so many other things it is fun to be reminded that things start with a base.
Today, I joined a small group of Nia White Belts to learn some music and work on a routine. There are not as many Nia teachers down in my part of the Bay, the South Bay as there are in the North Bay and the East Bay so whenever I get to meet with them I get very excited. We went through the steps that we were taught to go through when learning a routine. We did the first step in the process. Then after a couple of times of dancing the song it was clear we pretty much had the base down. The person leading the group started to say, “Or you could . . . .” “Have the class do this . . . . ” so there is was again . . . the base. In this case we had the base steps down and once we had that we are free to play a little more. We can play with speed, levels, or even changing the moves.
I just think it is so interesting that I have had two very strong reminders of the importance of the base. It is important to have a strong base. It give your strength and security which will allow you room to grow. Cool. Fun. I love it.
That was my day. How about you? Any “base” examples you can thing of? Anything else you want to share? Do you have any stories of a “base”? Maybe a weak base story to help support the idea of how important a strong one is?
We often step on the ball of our foot. We often call it the toe. The Ball of the foot is one of the 52 Moves of Nia. Ballerinas are actually on their toes and they do it in special shoes that have a support in them where their toes are. We usually are stepping onto the BALL of our foot when we step on the “toe”. It is the ball portion of the foot that supports the weight when we are “on our toes”.
This is plantar flexion and assists with keeping the ankle joint flexible. If you are standing on the foot you are flexing it can also assist with strength.
In a Niaworkout class we do all types of movement and sometimes we are using the ball of our foot. We could be stepping or standing. The moment might call for us stepping ONTO the ball either forward, back, or even laterally. Or it could be that we are standing and just rising up. This could be a position where we stay either in a display of balance or it could be a display of agility, a temporary place where we quickly move onto another move. Either way it is all part of how the body was designed to be moved.
It might be a nice idea to keep in mind that moving and working the foot in different ways than it is used to being worked might cause some muscle soreness or tenderness through the entire leg. If you are never on your the ball of your feet and suddenly your dancing a few moments on them, your calves might remind you of it later that day or even the next day. Same goes for the whole foot, if you are not in the habit of moving on the whole foot your ENTIRE leg could end up letting you know you worked some leg muscles.
As with the whole foot, the ball of the foot can be used in the stances of Nia.
Just as I have done with the heel lead and the whole foot, I am going to suggest that you take note of this foot position. As you walk notice when your stride gets to the point of the ball of your foot. As you reach for something on the top shelf and you balance on your toes, notice the flex of your foot and the muscles in your calves. As you walk through your day notice the ball of your foot.
Using the whole foot is another one of Nia’s 52 Moves. The whole foot is used for secure stability. It is a powerful base.
Moving on the whole foot or just standing on the whole foot–either on both feet or just one foot allows for the bones in the feet to act as support for the entire body. Stepping or standing on the whole foot can bring rest to either the heel or the ball of the foot. The whole foot stance or movement calls different muscles in the foot and the leg into play. If you are accustomed to standing and/or walking on the balls of your feet, this technique might be a challenge to your leg muscles.
Stepping onto the whole foot encourages a gentle flex in the knee so as to help absorb any shock that might be felt as the whole foot touches the ground.
There are times in a Nia class when we actually dance on the whole foot—you might recognize the whole foot dancing as what Carlos (Rosas now known as AyaRosas) called micro dancing. We use the whole foot to gently slap the earth. Moving around the space. We might stomp, bringing the foot to rest gently on the ground.
The whole foot is the middle of a stride in the heel lead walk. We sometimes will step onto the whole foot instead of the heel or the ball, this as I mentioned, can be a restful for the heel or ball if you normally step on it either. The whole foot can be used in all of the stances.
While you move through your day, be aware of your feet. Notice when you are on your whole foot. Take a moment to shift your weight from foot to foot. Sense the stability and power in your base, in your whole foot.
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