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# 1 Heel Lead

You Walk Wrong

Creator: Adam Sternbergh

Click to visit: New York Magazine

Thought provoking article on the benefits of going barefoot and/or adopting footwear that simulates the barefoot experience. Anecdotal evidence mixes with scientific study in this article. One of the keys is learning how to walk in a manner consistent with Nia move #1 - the heel lead. You'll get more info on why by reading the article. There is even mention of the Alexander Technique in the text!
The author does a good job of pointing out that switching to barefoot may not go smoothly at first as the body initially continues to pursue bad habits developed from years of wearing shoes. It can take time to develop ones barefoot 'sensory IQ' and learn to remember to do the 'heel lead'.
NPR glossed this article. Read their take on it. and while you're there, you can also listen to an interview with the author.

 

Body Talk - Nia Student Handout

Click here to download: Body Talk - Nia Student Handout
Source: NiaNY.com File Info: 76kb/pdf
A listing of the 9 movement forms, the 52 moves and a few other aspects of the Nia Technique. The moves aren't numbered in this listing, but the names should be useful for searching for more info. Those moves with available online info are listed below.

 

Sultry Sensuous (yet STRONG) Moodfood Routine

By Lesley Tinker on Jan 13 2008 - 1:17pm

In today's Nia, we did the routine, Moodfood.  With the focus on the feet, and all those sensuous sultry lyrics, WOW!  We started with rolling our feet back and forth and "rocking around the clock", we drew our attention to sensing our feet and letting the sensation travel up through our bodies and 13 main joints.  This routine brings us several Nia moves, cross-behind, cross-front, cha-cha-cha, kicks, stances, blocks energized with Tae Kwon Do, Aikido-like harmonizing spirals, soul-based Duncan dance, and shape-based modern dance. 

Along the way, the lyrics to two of the songs vied for our attention!  Rainsong and Spiritual High.  Click Lyrics If you'd like to see the lyrics.   Click Moodfood by the MoodSwings to see more about the music CD. 

More about the moves used during the routine can be found in The Nia Technique book, available for purchase before or after NiaDivas classes at Youngstown Arts Center.EnJoy!  Lesley


 

Nia: Foot Sensation


Source: YouTube.com File Info: flash/video
At the very end of this clip, Nia trainer, Helen Terry, briefly demonstrates the Heel Lead, move #1 of the 52 moves of Nia. First, she talks a bit about the benefits of exercising in bare feet. You'll find more about the Heel Lead in this video.
For more info about some of the other 51 moves of Nia, check out the book The Nia Technique.

 

Nia: Heel Lead


Source: YouTube File Info: flash/video
The Heel Lead. Movement #1 of the Nia Technique. Demonstrated nicely by Helen Terry (black belt and trainer).
For more info about this or any of the other 51 moves of Nia, check out the definitive resource, The Nia Technique.

 
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