This Saturday our focus will be the hip joint and paying tribute to the one, the only, Ms Tina Turner. Helen is teaching both Nia 5 Stages at 8:45am and Nia “Improv’ Classic” at 10am. Both classes are available via Zoom with 24HR replay.
We explore:
Keeping the balls alive (feet, knees, hips, eyes)
How the ball and socket joint gives mobility in many directions
How the deep socket provides mobility
How the hip joint moves in 2 ways
1. Stabilize femur, move hip (Pelvic Circles)
2. Stabilize hip, move femur (Knee Sweeps)
Power and support from underneath and behind (activate back muscles)
Using imagery to open pelvis, sense energy flow, and outward spiral as walk forwards
“I am the classic ball and socket joint
and the deepest joint in your body.
I am formed by a large spherical ball
at the top of each of your thighbones
that nestles into a
deep, round socket
on either side of your pelvis”
Helen is teaching a creative Nia experience, adapting moves from several routines (ignite, earthsong, life, sanjana) to the music of the legendary Tina Turner this Saturday.
FOCUS: Awareness of Hip Joint
INTENT: Felt sense of energy flow, with an outward spiral as you walk forwards, out of class.
Like us all, Tina Turner had a unique way of walking, strutting and dancing, often elegantly in extremely high heels. Inspired by Tina as an artist, singer, performer, woman, survivor, thriver we will dance a Tribute to Tina, with the focus on the hip joint, swaying, rolling, lifting, lowering, kicking, strutting, moving with confidence, sassiness and full of heart.
““pain in the hips is a sign of being ‘stuck,’
unable to make a decision or
see clearly what needs to be done next…
Pain or discomfort advises you to
slow down or stop,
look around,
buy a map,
or ask someone for directions.””
Good news is we have an internal guidance system, our body talks and, like our body, our hips don’t lie! “Hip Hip Hooray for today” is what I think Tina Turner would be inviting us to play with. How no matter what happens to us in life, how we choose to respond, how we choose to live our life, is what defines us and also what has the potential to “save” us, bring us joy and vibrancy as we dance through life. Let’s dance through life and take the time to celebrate the amazing life of Tina Turner.
“Think about it. Because the hips thrust the leg forward, we are literally taking a risk every time we step forward. So it makes sense that on a deeper level, contraction in that area will prevent forward momentum.”
Beginning with the Nia 5 Stages class, which most often is described as a luxurious healing hour of setting the focus for the 10am movement experience that follows.
When you sign up for a class you are automatically sent the Zoom link for class.
You are welcome to attend either class.
And, when you’re able to attend both classes, something magic happens! The entire Nia 5 stages class is like a rich 60 minute introduction to the 10am Nia class, a beautiful compliment and super preparation.
In this gentle, self discovering, potentially healing Nia 5 stages experience
your body gets to settle into and taste the Nia class focus
your mind can learn new and novel information,
your heart may open to receive more with fascination up and frustration down
your spirit could be tickled and curious to experience more