Ann Boon teaches in Morningside, Brisbane. One of her students, Glenys Gibson, shares her experience of Nia, describing what drew her to a Nia class and why she keeps coming back!
“I feel I have benefited so much from Nia and I want others to have the opportunity to experience Nia, so I share my experience and encourage others to attend.”
What first drew you to Nia?
A past colleague told me about Nia, he had attended a class in Byron Bay. His descriptions of feeling uplifted and joyful from the experience lead me to explore possibilities in Brisbane and then I found Ann’s class.
Was it anything like you expected?
Yes and no. I think it is very difficult to accurately describe Nia to someone who hasn’t been. I say to others that it is a mixture of forms of dance like jazz, ballet, freeform-dance, yoga and martial arts and yet this doesn’t even begin to cover it. I was open to the experience and I was delighted.
What is it about Nia that keeps you coming back?
There is an inner connection and sense of being that brings me back and back and back. I feel better in my body which is amazing for me as I have a history of not feeling that I fit in my body and of not liking myself internally and externally. It is the connection to self and to others, the feeling of joyfulness in my heart, feeling better in my body, having fun. I can arrive to Nia feeling tired and achy in my body and I leave feeling refreshed, connected and better. It something that is difficult to put into words because it is so feeling/spirit based.
I love that we dance by fairy light and I love that there is no judgment in the space only love.
If someone asked you what you most love about Nia, what would it be?
I love the sense of connection to myself, that I find the courage to express myself. It is so much more than exercise, than dance, it is a healing of body and mind and heart. I feel I have benefited so much from Nia and I want others to have the opportunity to experience Nia, so I share my experience and encourage others to attend.
What’s the biggest ‘get’ or thing you receive (whether in the physical body, or the mind, emotions or spirit) from Nia?
Again I feel it is the connection, a sense of being – which is huge for me. I feel the Nia is the perfect blend for me in bringing together the physical body, mind, emotions and spirit. I get a physical buzz from attending exercise classes like zumba but it is only Nia that gives me the whole package.