Workshop Series: Going Deeper with Nia
Four workshops, taught over one per month by various JoyMoves Nia Instructors
See Dates and Times below
Ready to deepen your Nia practice and get more our of your class experience? Join our wonderful Nia instructors for one or more of the “Going Deeper” workshops described below. They focus on the 52 moves that form the physical structure of the Nia technique. You will learn safe ways to tweak moves, increase sensation and heighten both the athletic and the healing aspects of your practice. These workshops can be taken individually – cherry-picked – or you can take all of them. They are not pre-requisites for one another. Some Nia experience is obviously required.
To pre-register, either call JoyMoves at 328-4440 or click on the button below. Space is limited so register early.
$30 for JoyMoves class card holders, and for JoyMoves’ monthly unlimited members ($15 for JoyMoves’ yearly unlimited members). $35 for others.
Refunds will be permitted if requested 8 days or prior to a particular workshop.
Here are the details:
May 31, 2008, 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Core. We will work with the anatomy and function of the pelvis, chest and head. You will learn and practice movement in the core, sense the three body weights, and review form and moves (rolls, shimmy, etc) in the core. This workshop will be led by JoyMoves Nia instructor Ursula Parks.
June 28, 2008, 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Upper Extremities. We will discuss anatomy and function of the arms and hands. We will review and practice the moves of the upper extremities such as blocks, punches, finger movement. You will go deeper into playing with creative expression. This workshop will be led by JoyMoves Nia instructor Cambrey Lindsay Baccus.
July 26, 2008, 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Integration/Isolation. We will practice sensing certain body parts while the whole body is in motion, practice full-body integration, and refine the art of choosing certain movements and sensations to explore. The Nia instructor for this workshop is TBD.
FREE WORKSHOP: Introduction to The Nia Technique® at JoyMoves
Taught by Ursula Parks
Saturday, May 17, 1:00pm – 2:30pm
Nia is a joyful transformational fitness practice that blends movements from the dance arts, martial arts and healing arts. Nia offers cardiovascular whole-body conditioning, stress reduction, increased strength, flexibility and greater balance. It is done barefoot to eclectic music and is instructor-led.
In this introductory workshop, we will experience the physical benefits of the various movement forms that Nia draws from to create a unique synergistic blend of movement and energy. We will identify each movement form, move our bodies with the chemistry of each form, then integrate all of the forms into an hour long Nia class with music that will inspire you to go even deeper into the practice of moving with Nia.
This workshop is for those new to Nia or those who have already begun their Nia practice. No experience with Nia or any other movement form is required. Come prepared to enjoy great music, playful movement and heart centered facilitation.
Please pre-register. Participation will be limited to 35 participants.
This is a free workshop for Austin area residents, however a $15 no-show fee will be charged. No charge will occur if cancellations are requested at least 48 hours prior to workshop.
To pre-register, call JoyMoves at 328-4440, email info@joymoves.com or click on the button below.
5th Annual Free Pilates Day in Austin
at JoyMoves and various Pilates Studios around town
Saturday May 17, 2008, throughout the day (see below)
JoyMoves is excited to be participating in the 5th annual Free Pilates Day in Austin. If you’re not familiar with it, basically Pilates studios around town offer one or more free Pilates classes or sessions during the day. Here is JoyMoves’ plan for that day.
- JoyMoves’ regularly scheduled Saturday Pilates Mat class (9:30am – Level 1) on May 17th will be free.
- The regularly scheduled 11:45am Pilates MVe Chair class will also be free that day.
In addition, we’re adding the following classes that will be free (and will only be held) on May 17th:
- 8:30am – 9:15am – Pilates MVe™ Chair – All Levels
- 1:00pm – 1:50pm – Pilates Mat – True Beginner Level
- 2:00pm – 2:45pm – Pilates Mat – True Beginner Level
All classes will be taught by JoyMoves’ extensively trained and certified Pilates trainers.
Note: We are not offering free Pilates Reformer sessions on this day.
Please tell your friends about this. One does not have to be a member or class card holder of JoyMoves to participate. Pre-registration is optional.
Everyday Sensuality for Women: Meditation, Movement, Magic and Laughter!
Led by Dr. Deborah Kern
Sunday, May 18, 2008 1:00 – 3:00 pm

In this introductory workshop Dr. Deborah Kern takes you on a meditative journey to connect with your sacred sensual self using Qi Qong and Yoga. From this empowered place, you will learn how to move more sensually and experience the magic, laughter, joy and power of embodying the fullness of your sensuality. Although many women will want to share their new dance with a partner, the focus of this workshop is not performance. Instead, the focus is learning how to fully embody your divine feminine power.
No previous experience necessary. All ages, level, sizes and physical capabilities welcome.
Deborah Kern is a certified Black Belt Nia Teacher, certified Integral Hatha Yoga Instructor, certified Pre-Natal Hatha Yoga Instructor, certified Pilates Mat Instructor, Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapist and Mindful Change Coach. She is the author of the book “Everyday Wellness for Women” and co-author of “Create the Body Your Soul Desires: The Friendship Solution to Weight, Energy and Sexuality.” Dr. Kern studied Nursing at Vanderbilt University and received a B.A. and an M.B.A. from the University of Texas at Austin. She received a Ph.D. in Health Sciences from Texas Woman’s University in Denton, TX. Deborah currently guides classes, events, and retreats locally, nationally and abroad.
To pre-register, either call JoyMoves at 328-4440 or click on the button below. Space is limited to 20 participants so register early. Payment is required at time of pre-registration. Refunds will be permitted if requested May 10th or prior.
$39 for JoyMoves class card holders, and for JoyMoves’ monthly unlimited members ($19.50 for JoyMoves yearly unlimited members). $49 for others.
LIVING YOGA: Taking Your Yoga Practice Deeper
with Deborah York and Lauran Janes (see bio’s below)
Saturday May 24, 2008, 2:00 – 4:00pm
This workshop is designed to help students LIVE what they practice on the mat.
Throughout this two hour workshop you will:
- Explore how yoga (asana) helps you recognize mental, physical and emotional patterns.
- Practice witnessing your thoughts without judgment (and laugh at the often impossibility of this!).
- Learn to tune into the specific guidance of each unique breath (and laugh at the often impossibility of this!).
- Better understand the language and wisdom of your emotional body.
- Learn simple partner yoga poses to practice with your friends/lovers.
- Examine how your diet affects your yoga practice and vise versa.
- Develop a five minute daily home practice.
- Listen to stories and poems to awaken the heart.
- Share your experiences, ask questions and connect with others.
Bring a journal and a pen. This workshop is for experienced beginner, intermediate and advanced yoga students. It will encourage deep introspection and authentic self-reflection.
To pre-register, either call JoyMoves at 328-4440 or click on the button below. Space is limited to 35 participants so please register early.
$30 for JoyMoves class card holders, and for JoyMoves’ monthly unlimited members. $15 for JoyMoves’ yearly unlimited members. $35 for others.
Refunds will be permitted if requested by May 16th.
Instructor bio’s:
Deborah York has been a passionate practitioner and instructor for over 23 years. Her yoga instruction focuses on slow, meditative, stretching and gentle holding – with special focus on awareness of the body, mind, breath, relaxation and nurturing the self.
Lauran Janes’ study of yoga, the Self and meditation began in her early childhood. Today Lauran teaches yoga from a place of healing and child-like wonder, encouraging her students to follow the guidance of their breath and to open to their inherent compassion. Lauran received her 200 hour yoga certification at the Mount Madonna Center in Santa Cruz, California.