Try Nia at Soulshine Wellbeing Space

Check out this new space in Abingdon offering fitness-inspired dance classes and much more. Soulshine Wellbeing is owned by Vicky Rainbow, who’s been teaching dance and movement for over 10 years. Vicky has created this beautiful space to offer Nia dance classes, as well as monthly Dance, Art & Wellbeing Day Retreats and various art/craft workshops. She will soon be sharing her my music in various events! Keep in mind that the space also has a therapy room, which various therapists work from, and other practitioners offer workshops/retreats as well.

What is Nia dance?

Nia is a Barefoot Fusion-Fitness approach. More than just a workout, Nia is a non-impact, holistic, cardio-dance fitness class that conditions the body and transforms the mind, while increasing energy and emotional balance. Based on the intelligent design of the body, a Nia class is taken to beautiful, soul-stirring music, and its simple moves are rooted in a balanced combination of movement and body-mind practices, such as yoga. It is adaptable to all fitness levels.

Specifically, Nia is a dynamic blend of nine movement forms:

• Martial Arts: T’ai Chi, Tae Kwon Do, Aikido
• Dance Arts: Jazz, Modern, Duncan
• Healing Arts: Yoga, Alexander Technique, Feldenkrais

Don’t be intimidated by this long list! You don’t need prior knowledge of any of these disciplines. It’s an inclusive class where all ages and abilities are welcome and supported in class.

Wellness and fitness are a journey so you might as well have some fun along the way. Dancing to the beat of your own drum and expressing yourself creatively sounds like a fun way to get fit in 2019. We wanted to know more so we asked Vicky how long she has been on her own wellness journey and what inspired her to teach Nia dance. “I have been on the path of wellness for over 20 years, I have always loved dancing and I wanted something of my own I could practise and teach. Around 10 years ago, I saw a friend practice Nia and I just loved the music and the moves. I like the holistic aspect of Nia, and the movement variety it offers. I like that it encourages sound and self-expression. I like the music and the ethos.”

Similar to martial arts, Nia dance offers different levels of training. Teachers and students wear belts to showcase their levels of achievement.

The first level of training to become a Nia practitioner is the white belt, which focuses on physical sensation, body awareness and self-knowledge. Each successive belt-level training adds a new focus in developing your holistic knowledge of the body, enhancing your fitness practice and expanding your movement creativity.  

Check out Soulshine Wellbeing at FitFest Oxford. Explore moving at your own pace or level, listening to your body and doing what feels right. Watch how things get easier over time as we approach them with our own wellbeing in mind.