On November 4, in conjunction with the First Friday Art Walk, Nia Southern Oregon offers a free Nia class,“Dancing Through Life As Art.” The event takes place at The DanceSpace, 280 E. Hersey, #10, in Ashland, 5:30-6:45 pm. No previous dance or movement experience necessary.
Every First Friday, local Nia instructor Rachael R. Resch presents a free Nia class. “Nia is about creating community, and this is our way of giving back to the community,” says Resch.
“’Dancing Through Life,’ ‘Living Meditation’ and ‘Life As Art’ are three specific body-mind practices from the Nia Technique. “ Resch continues. “They teach us that from the moment we open our eyes and get out of bed to the moment we go back to sleep, every action and gesture can be a conscious act of pleasure, meditation and beauty.”
Nia co-creator, Debbie Rosas says, “ While most exercise programs end when you leave
the gym, this is when Nia really begins. The fact is, we live most of our lives outside the gym. One of the most important philosophies we teach in Nia is ‘Dancing Through Life.’ This means carrying all the healthy movement choices we practice in Nia classes into each moment of our day.”
The Nia Technique® is a sensory-based movement and lifestyle practice for all body types, from the desk-bound to the athletic. Developed in 1983 by Debbie Rosas and Carlos AyaRosas, Nia is based on the joy of movement. Nia blends nine specific movement forms from dance , martial arts and healing arts, such as modern dance, Tai Chi and yoga to integrate body, mind, emotions and spirit through movement. Today there are over 2300 Nia teachers in 49 countries.
Rachael Resch, MS PT, LMT, is a certified Nia Black Belt instructor, Nia Next Generation Trainer and owner of Synergy Physical Therapy in Ashland. She holds degrees in science, religion and dance, and since 1978 has studied with leading teachers in mythopoetics, somatics, energetics and the arts.
For information on Nia First Friday, contact Rachael Resch at (541)488-1192. You can also visit the Nia Southern Oregon web site, www.niasomoves.com, and the Nia international web site at www.nianow.com, to learn more.
