Day 16 of 52 Nia dance challenge
This practice calls for vocalizing, often when throwing a punch or a kick; it’s a guttural “Hah!” or “Hey!” an enthusiastic “Yes!” or “No!”
I couldn’t do this — call out in a group — at first. It just seemed embarrassing. I chalk it up to school and church requirements that kids keep a lid on the noise. Necessary for order, of course, but some of us might have over-internalized the message. Eventually, with much encouragement, I got over it. Now I can hardly throw a punch without an accompanying “Hah!” Nia teaches that there’s power in the breath and the voice. And Nia is all about power.
I found a great online video of an 8-minute Nia dance break lead by Debbie-Lee van Ginkel, who I’ve had the pleasure of dancing with. She’s a great teacher. This brief routine is a fine Nia sampler, demonstrating vocalizing, among other things, while dancing. I like that it shows people moving, not in lock step, following Debbie’s lead but in their own way. It’s one of three short routines I’ve done today. Giving myself permission to have a light dance day. But not a quiet one.
Susan Palmer's Exquisite Now 