13 Principles of Nia
The thirteen primary principles of Nia are the foundation of the
practice and provide a framework for experiencing fitness as personal
growth. They are the tools you use to get fit, stay healthy, and make
lifestyle changes. Take the time to become physically intimate with
each principle, and your Nia practice will soar to new heights!
Principle 1: The Joy of Movement
Joy is the primary sensation to seek from all movement. If you
momentarily lose joy, tweak your movement until joy arises again.
Principle 2: Natural Time and The Movement Forms
All of your Nia movements are done in your own personal, natural sense
of time and include movements and energy from nine classic movement
forms.
Principle 3: Music and the 8-BC System
Nia is practiced to the silence and sound of music, using an 8-beat
counting system to organize the movements and connect to the resonance
of a variety of musical landscapes.
Principle 4: FreeDance
Anything goes, movement-wise, freedance allows us to let go of
structure. The FreeDance system is an eight-stage movement process that
stimulates creativity.
Principle 5: Awareness and Dancing Through Life
In Nia, you become aware that every movement in life is a part of your
dance and that each and every movement can be used to self-heal.
Principle 6: The Base – The Feet and Legs
Your feet are the hands that touch the earth, and through your legs
they carry the energy of the earth to your whole body. The Base is the
foundation of all movement.
Principle 7: The Three Planes and Three Levels
Every movement can be done within three planes – low, middle, and high
– and can be done in three different levels of intensity. Mixing the
three levels and three planes creates a wide repertoire of movement
choices.
Principle 8: The Core – Pelvis, Chest, and Head
These three body weights are the home of your emotions and energy
centers. The pelvis is a container of energy, the chest transmits and
receives energy, and the head processes energy. Connection to the core
of the body enables you to consciously circulate and increase energy.
Principle 9: The Upper Extremities – The Arms, Hands, and Fingers
The upper extremities are tools used to heal, touch, direct energy, and
create connections. They are extensions of your feelings and thoughts,
and allow you to express yourself in personal and purposeful ways.
Principle 10: X-ray Anatomy
X-Ray Anatomy is the practice of using your eyes, other sensory organs,
and intuition to “see” within. You can penetrate the veil of your flesh
to reveal the proper placement of your bones, tendons, ligaments, and
muscles, and then use this information to self-heal.
Principle 11: Fitness is the Business of the Body
Fitness can be achieved by listening to the voices of the body by
setting goals, creating plans, and attaining results. Achieving success
is a process of conscious change.
Principle 12: Continuing Your Body-Mind-Spirit Education
Healing the body is a practice that never ends. Every new workout is an
opportunity to re-educate your body, mind, and spirit.
Principle 13: Dance What You Sense
When you experience the primary lesson of Nia – that life should be lived through sensation – you become connected.