Yoga and Nia: The Joy of Movement
Deborah Shaw
28 June – 5 July 2009
The focus in the Joy of Movement Workshop is on relaxation and energy.
Nia is a holistic movement class that encourages students to relax and enjoy their bodies moving in new and exciting ways. Nia blends aspects from The Martial Arts (Tai Chi, Tae Kwondo and Aikido), the fluidity and fun of Dance (Jazz, Modern and Duncan) the alignment and awareness of Yoga, with wonderful music from around the world.
Nia is reasonably new to Australia but it’s been operating for 25 years in the USA, and is practised in many countries around the world. It is for absolutely everyone and is easily adapted for different levels of fitness, flexibility and mood. There is no wrong way to do Nia so there is no need for ‘co-ordination’ or dance experience. It is a fun and relaxed session to an eclectic range of music. The core concept of Nia is The Joy of Movement. When we move our bodies in a ways that feels good it naturally becomes stronger, fitter and healthier.
Nia is like Chocolate. You can’t describe it. You have to try it!
Teacher Deborah Shaw: Originally working in community development and justice, Deborah began taking Iyengar Yoga after a car accident in 1984 and after many years of practice trained as a teacher with the Ashtanga Yoga Centre of Melbourne and then completed the CAE – Diploma of Health Studies in 2001. She is a member of The Yoga Teachers Association of Australia and the Nia Teachers Association of Australia. She now runs movingworks teaching Nia and Yoga classes and workshops in Melbourne and interstate.
Deborah’s teaching style is warm and encouraging. Her Vinyasa Yoga classes have an emphasis on the Breath, focus and flowing transitions and are suitable for beginners and layered for those with yoga experience.
Programme
Both Yoga and Nia are centering and energising body-mind holistic practices that help to de-stress and nourish our sense of optimism and happiness. They build strength, confidence and sense of balance in the world. Nia is a perfect counterpart for the quiet development of the personal journey that is Yoga. Nia is fun and sometimes loud; laughing is almost mandatory. It can be hot and sweaty if you want to workout or it can be gentle and soothing. Either way Nia is a creative and expressive antidote to the modern lifestyle.
A fabulous group of Nia devotees. Deborah is seated in the middle.
The week’s retreat will cater for all levels; there’s a kids’ camp available ($250 for 6 days) during the morning sessions so you can enjoy your time away from them in confidence.
The program is based on an early morning session of yoga and a mid morning Nia session, afternoons exploring the island and the possibility of 2 candle lit evening Nia sessions. Deborah will offer optional journaling tasks that will explore ways to engage the body-mind-spirit for greater levels of joy in our lives.
If you would like to find out more about Nia visit www.niaaustralia.com.au or www.nianow.com
For questions about Nia or Yoga please contact Deborah at info@movingworks.com.au
Programme
Sun Jun 28
Arrive Nadi. 1500 Local flight to Savusavu.
6.00pm – Welcome to Daku
Mon Jun 29
6.30—8.15am – Morning Yoga
Breakfast
10.30—12.00am - Nia, sensation, the wisdom and communication of the body
Afternoon - Optional visit to Savusavu town
Tue Jun 30
6.30—8.15am – Morning Yoga
10.30—11.30am -Nia
After lunch you will have some free time for snorkeling, swimming and relaxing. Or there’s an optional visit to town, visiting the geothermal hot springs, local market and shops. Boat / beach outing
After Dinner an informal discussion on some of the concepts of Nia and Yoga with a relaxation session
Wed Jul 1
6.30—8.15am – Morning Yoga
10.30—11.30am - Nia
After lunch we will visit the village to experience the church choir.
Enjoy an evening candle-lit session of Nia and the 5 stages of Healing.
Thur Jul 2
6.30—8.15am – Morning Yoga
10.30—11.30am – Nia
Coconut demonstration or Afternoon free for optional visits to waterfalls (good level of fitness required), pearl farm or snorkeling: cost not included in program. In the evening we will go into Savusavu for drinks at the Yacht Club and dinner in town.
Fri Jul 3
6.30—8.15am – Morning Yoga
10.30—11.30am – Nia
3.30—5.30pm – Village visit and Traditional Fijian meke (dance)
Sat Jul 4
6.30—8.15am – Morning Yoga
10.30—11.30am – Nia
Afternoon - Free time
Enjoy an evening candle-lit session of Nia and party
Sun Jul 5 - Return to Nadi and then on home feeling fabulous.
All the listed activities are part of the course and are covered by your fees. You will also receive a free half hour massage. If you want to add on extra excursions eg diving / special snorkelling trips, we are delighted to help arrange them: they will be added to your room bill.
