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Fast Clock - Jazz Triad or Square

Jazz Triad

 

This Nia move is a version of the Fast Clock  -  where you practice stepping on at least two numbers of an imaginary clock before returning to its "center."  The term "Jazz Triad" is an update from "Jazz Square" in the Nia system since 2009. It means that your feet step in a triangular sequence: from 12:00 (right foot) to 8:00 (left foot) to 4 (right foot) to center (left foot). The forward motion of stepping to "12:00" keeps your hips open and lower spine free.  For body balance, practice stepping with the left foot to 12:00, then - 4:00 (right foot) to 8:00 (left foot) and back to center (right foot).  Feel free to change sides with a "cha-cha-cha" at center. 

Play with slow and fast speeds, small or large range of motion as you develop movement skill. It helps to sound the numbers out loud to enhance body/mind connection.  Continue below for Tips and Video!

 

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Fast Clock

Fast Clock 1

In this Nia move, play with stepping on the numbers of an imaginary clock before returning to "center".  Fast clock is defined by stepping onto 2 or more numbers before returning to center.  Just like the slow clock, think of having two 12:00, 2 centers and two 6:00 --- one for each foot as you practice: 12-3-6-center + 12-9-6-center....

Feel free to play with any combination as you direct your body and sound the numbers out loud to enhance body/mind connection. Think: "number-number-center."  Keep your feet under your hips (and core) as you step, your hip joints mobile and engage your arms to integrate your core. Vary range of motion, speed and different combinations as your skill improves.  Continue below for Tip and Video!

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Cross Behind

 Cross Behind 1

Cross Behind is one of Nia's nine stepping techniques that offer self-healing and conditioning benefits to your body from the ground up. This move trains you to consciously step the ball of one foot behind the grounded foot of the other, making a small 'X" with the ankle joints. You may stay vertical with your spine, keeping your hips and shoulders facing front or play with sinking and rising. Reap the benefits of strong feet, agility in the ankles and powerful legs.  Continue below for tips and video.

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Cross Front

Cross Front 1

Cross Front is one of Nia's nine stepping techniques that offer self-healing and conditioning benefits to your body from the ground up. This move trains you to consciously move your whole body from corner to corner, crossing an imaginary center line in front of you. Explore your dance with a natural stepping motion from heel to the whole foot. Guide your feet, knees, hips, and shoulders in the same direction for comfort and ease.  Continue below for tips and video.

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Sink + Pivot Table Wipe

SPTW 1

Sink + Pivot Table Wipe is one of Nia's nine stepping techniques that offer self-healing and conditioning benefits to your body from the ground up. This move trains you to shift your body weight from side to side, rotating the core and 'wiping' off an imaginary table. Benefits include the integration of upper and lower body, increased stability and agility in the base of the body.  Learn to track the movement of your hands with your eyes to cultivate focus, integrate head and neck. Continue below for tips and video.

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