‘Moving to Heal’: A holistic approach to well-being through Nia dance

Abstract

This narrative account of a Nia dance class describes its origin and application, highlighting the teacher’s experience of giving and receiving in the course of delivering a class and the participant’s perception of its effect on mind and body.Firstly, the authors consider the neurological and physiological aspects of Nia and the link to social and emotional factors which constitute well-being. The teacher then explains how she became involved with Nia and the motivation behind her teaching ‐ what she gives and what, in turn, she feels she gains. She then describes one application of Nia, ‘Moving to Heal’, explaining how it can increase dancers’ awareness of their own bodies and thoughts, and gives them permission to let go of these thoughts, which bind them and inhibit the exploration of movement in a guided and safe manner.Following on from that, one dancer explores her experience of ‘Moving to Heal’. She explains how this holistic practice generates for her, feelings of well-being through physical, mental and spiritual engagement with the movement and music.The article concludes by reflecting on how the practice of Nia links with the theory as it is experienced through ‘Moving to Heal’.