What is it about?
'Moving to Heal' is an application of Nia dance technique which is designed to promote feelings of wellbeing for the dancer. It is gentle and not too physically challenging, while allowing scope for some freedom of expression. Above all, it is fun.
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Why is it important?
Nia is a holistic dance discipline. 'Moving to Heal' works through the whole body, as do the other Nia classes, but is less cardio-intensive, while still following the pattern of gradual warm-up, increasing the pace, and then cooling down. The paper gives a brief explanation of the neural and physiological benefits and the socio-emotional factors which help to promote feelings of wellbeing.
Perspectives
We, the authors, have offered the reader insight into what 'Moving to Heal' does for us, spiritually and emotionally, as well as physically. The dance teacher reveals what she derives from delivering the classes, and the dance participant expresses what she feels when she is dancing. Inevitably, the paper is positively biased toward Nia and 'Moving to Heal' because we enjoy it. That is our motivation for writing the paper and we offer no apology for that - it is an experiential account, not an analysis.
Sue Oliver
Queen Margaret University Edinburgh
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: ‘Moving to Heal’: A holistic approach to well-being through Nia dance, Dance Movement & Spiritualities, December 2021, Intellect,
DOI: 10.1386/dmas_00027_1.
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