Heel pain? Dance barefoot!
Why would I ever want to take off my shoes? Before I started Nia, I guffawed at the idea of shoe-less fitness. In fact, after my first Nia class (with the fabulous Martha Randall), when she asked for feedback, I distinctly remember my (admittedly) stuck up reply. “It just seems strange to work out without…
Read MoreMy experience of grieving… so far
How am I supposed to be able to describe what feels like a dream and make you understand that it is real? At the best of times I have difficulty really expressing my feelings. Now I am describing them when I’m not only in the midst of a depression, but also while I’m grieving. My…
Read MoreReflections on my mood
It’s been some time since I’ve written about my mood. I guess that’s mostly because it’s been fairly stable for awhile. Up even, at times. For the last several weeks* I’ve felt dread deep in the pit of my stomach. It’s a black, empty, never-ending universe of nothingness. It affects my ability to smile.…
Read MoreThich Nhat Hanh August 16, 2013
I had the unique privilege of seeing Thich Nhat Hanh (Zen Buddhist Monk) talk in Toronto on August 16, 2013. My good friend, Paula Pyne of Uplift Consulting, gifted me with this experience (she wrote a gorgeous account of her experience here). I summarized my learning from Thich Nhat Hanh via the infographic below. While…
Read MoreHow I Create a Perfect Workout Playlist
My Nia playlists are created using the 7 cycles of Nia. Following these cycles creates a magical workout experience! We use these 7 cycles in a Nia class to create a dynamic fitness experience that has a clear beginning, middle and end. You can do the same when you create your own workout playlist! …
Read MoreNia at PrideTO 2013
It was my unique pleasure to share the stage with Barb Ades and Martha Randall as we taught Nia to a crowd of very enthusiastic dancers a couple of weeks back at PrideTO! We created some sweet magic! See for yourself… Nia at Pride 2013 from jennifer hicks on Vimeo.
Read MoreGrail Lady Faire June 24-June 28, 2013
I had a marvelous time sharing Nia last week at Grail Lady Faire, a very special annual event held at Grail Springs Spa in Bancroft, Ontario. This was my third year at this delightful women’s festival which always gives me the time and space to turn inwards and listen to my soul. On the drive…
Read MoreJill Hewlett's Women's Wellness Circle
Last night, on the summer solstice, I had the pleasure of leading a lovely group of women in a Nia class on the beach at Ashbridges Bay. Jill Hewlett hosts monthly Women’s Wellness Circles in Toronto, and this month, I was fortunate to be able to present my passion, Nia. (Learn more about Jill’s Women’s…
Read MoreAlly grows up!
Ally grows up from jennifer hicks on Vimeo.
Read MoreNia Niagara: 2nd Annual Jam Benefiting One Billion Rising
This Victoria Day weekend, I was so honoured to teach at a Nia dance jam held in Niagara on the Lake (May 18, 2013). This event was hosted by my dear friend and (lifelong idol) Didi Wilson, a local Niagara area Nia teacher. So special was the fact that this benefit event featured music by…
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