Silence and Sound

The focus this month for all the belts is on the teaching technique of Silence and Sound. Using the technique of Silence and Sound means knowing when to consciously speak and/or create silence. Students need time and attention to process the information given to them. We use Sound to inform students to pay attention to a coming change, a focus detail, body awareness tool, musical details, etc. We use Silence to give students the opportunity to process and embody the information given to them. Therefore, it is important for all Nia teachers to learn the value of Silence and Sound. Silence and Sound compliment each other in the art of teaching. Too much Sound eventually becomes inefficient teaching, just like too much Silence does not make sense in a teaching environment.

White Belt

When to Say Something

Speak ahead of time to tell your students what they are going to do.
Speak in order to enhance what your students are already doing.

When Not to Say Something

Be Silent when you want your students to embody the information you have just shared, and to be one with their own experience.
Be Silent when you want your students to be connected to the music.

Principles

Integrate stages 3 and 4 of FreeDance, Principles 5, and 13

Blue Belt

When to Say Something

When you are consciously crafting your class.
When you notice a need to provide specific guidance to an individual or to the entire class.

When Not to Say Something

When you are observing your class.
When you are in the process of gaining clarity on what to communicate.

Principles

Integrate Principles 2, 3, 6, 8, 11, and 12.

Brown Belt

When to Say Something

When you want to infuse energy into your class.
When you want to use Sound as an energy tool.

When Not to Say Something

When you are being attentive and managing your own energy fields.
When you are using Silence as an energy tool.

Principles

Integrate Principles 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 11.

Black Belt

When to Say Something

When you’ve taken into consideration all of the elements in your class and are ready to create something.
When you want to take your students in to a place where language and movement come together to manifest art.

When Not to Say Something

When Silence is the one element your students need to create on their own.
When something other than you is actually communicating to the class.

Principles

Integrate Principles 2, 3, 6, 8, and 13 of the New Black Belt.

Top