The Alternative Press

Northwest New Jersey is hosting the first area "Nia Jam", a free 90 minute intro to Nia Dance Movement exercise on Sunday February 24th at 3pm. 

The Nia Technique combines Dance Arts, Healing Arts and Martial Arts movement enjoyed with dance music.  Nia is practice worldwide and has grown in popularity in New Jersey over the last five years. For the first time, classes are happening in Sussex and Warren county including Blairstown at Chow & Zen. 

I first took a class in New York and knew it was something I would love to practice on a regular basis.  It doesn't feel like exercise to me, yet I get a great work out.  I love that Nia is adaptable to every type of body and ability.  Whether plus sized, senior, fit or wanna be fit, Nia is healing and strenthening to your body.  I find that Nia helps me move differently and gets me out of my winter creakiness.

Every Nia class moves through seven cycles: set focus and intent, step in, warm up, get moving, cool down, floor play and step out. Nia classes require no equipment, just clothing that allows free movement.  Classes are practiced barefoot, like martial arts for greater sense of awareness of motion.

The Nia Jam is a free event and any donations will benefit the Lone Star Paralysis Foundation a non profit with the goal of curing spinal cord paralysis through funding research, advanced recovery and community outreach.  Different Nia instructors will take turns leading the class mixing up the music, styles and intensity. RSVP for the Jam required to nwnjhappenings@gmail.com or 862-266-1754. 

For more info about Nia classes in New Jersey, log on to  http://www.nianow.com/niasite/new-jersey
Nia class takes place at Chow & Zen, 14 Bridge Street in Blairstown on alternating Sundays at 1pm. The cost is $10 for the one hour class. For more info on Chow & Zen classes, event and massage services,  http://www.chowandzen.com or 908-362-1900.