Nia – dancing for body, mind and soul

Imagine doing the type of dancing that blends the fiery kicks and punches of martial arts, the passion of flamenco, the flow of yoga and the fun of freestyle. That, in essence, is Nia: a holistic movement practice that combines fitness, dance, mindfulness and self-expression in a way that is really fun! People who do classes regularly say that it feels joyful, freeing and deeply restorative. It is structured, but never rigid, drawing from nine movement forms across the martial arts, dance arts and healing arts to create an experience that works on body, mind and mood all at once.

Susan Sloan is a Nia Technique and movement art educator and trainer. When she first encountered Nia in 2003, it was an instant yes. She signed up, stepped into the class, and something clicked immediately. Within weeks, she had attended a workshop and enrolled for the seven-day White Belt Intensive to become an instructor.

“What drew me in was how naturally Nia seemed to bring together so many parts of my movement background: ballet, modern dance, jazz, yoga, Tai Chi, Qi Gong and healing practices such as Reiki. It felt like a meeting point between discipline and freedom, where movement could be expressive, energising and healing at the same time,” says Sloan.

Today, Sloan’s Nia practice has grown to include 14 classes per week with 8 teachers. The popularity of Nia is growing because people see, feel and experience the benefits long after a class has finished, to the extent that family members encourage them to attend classes because they get the best of that person.

How does Nia work?

At the heart of Nia are 52 foundational moves designed to teach the body to move in what practitioners call “the body’s way”. Over time, these movements can help unlock tension, build strength and flexibility, improve posture and deepen body awareness. But Nia is not only about technique. It is also about learning to listen with the whole body: to music, sensation, breath and emotion.

For Sloan, one of the most transformative aspects was discovering strength and fire through the Tae Kwon Do-inspired elements of Nia. Alongside the gentler, more intuitive parts of herself, she found a new confidence in powerful movement. The practice also helped her in a very practical way. Concerned about her knees, she found that Nia helped her improve alignment, posture and coordination. Over time, she developed a healthier relationship with the way she stood, walked and moved.

Expression and joy

And then there is the joy. Nia is fun in the truest sense: uplifting, energising and full of that dancer’s glow that lingers long after class ends. “I’ve seen amazing transformation in my students, from improved posture and mobility to clearer minds, lighter moods and confidence. I’ve seen people lose weight, improve muscle tone and have a more positive outlook,” concludes Sloan.

Nia is for every age, every stage and every body. You do not need to be a dancer or especially fit. You simply need to be willing to begin.

For more information on Nia and classes, visit www.lifeasartwithsusan.co.za and follow @susansloan_nia