Dance for Joy

The acronym NIA officially means Neuromuscular Integrative Action but it is commonly interpreted as Non Impact Aerobics. Neither of these terms convey what it really is and what it really does.

I started taking NIA classes because they looked like fun and were easy on my knees (ha-ha). In a broad sense they offer dancing for non-dancers so there is no criticism and no shame. You can follow the instructors moves or move to your own interpretation of the music or mix the two as you like. Barefoot is best; this is also traditional for the tai chi moves and yoga positions that are a part of NIA

NIA has 3 levels of movement for any given "routine". Level 1 is small and intrinsic; Level 2 is bigger; Level 3 is the most expansive - deepest bends and highest kicks. Even these are controlled by one's personal range of motion. Even after years of NIA, I still do most dances at Levels 1 & 2 - but sometimes I surprise myself and do a favorite dance fairly close to Level 3. And breathing is part of it too!

My instructors vary each class with music and choreography from Debbie and Carlos (the NIA founders) with their own. New music, movements and choreograpy are added all the time. When old favorites return, my body, arms, feet remember their places; I sometimes close my eyes and just feel; and just dance.

Doing NIA has probably kept my body in better shape than without it, but for me it is so much more than exercise. See if it is offered at your local Y or Rec Center or private studio and try it
For The Joy of it!

Dance for joy is so refreshing
Dancing lets my feet be free
Nia is a way of movement
Nia lets myself be me

And the music is inspiring
Whether pop or jungle beat
Keep the lights low, keep on moving
Dance for joy and cool the heat

Dance and let my heart go quiet
Ease the pain of everyday
Work the body without notice
Cares and thoughts just melt away

And the music is inspiring
Whether pop or jungle beat
Keep the lights low, keep on moving
Dance for joy and cool the heat

Nia now is twenty five
I've been stepping about 6 years
Not a dancer by any means
Just found the dance, escaped the fears

And the music is inspiring
Whether pop or jungle beat
Keep the lights low, keep on moving
Dance for joy and cool the heat

Enjoy the lastest MyFairLadyah Dance poetry --- Close Your Eyes and Warm to the Dance