Arts & Entertainment

The Art of Movement at the Workhouse Arts Center

Everything from Nia to ballroom dancing

Have you heard about NIA (Neuromuscular Integrative Action)? If not, then imagine what it would be like to dance to smooth music in a flowy outfit at the beach. Your hands and arms are above your head, and all of your movements are gracefully aligned with the wind.

Now, forget about the beach and enter the  building 11 in your gym clothes with those same moves fixed in your mind. 

"NIA is what makes me happy," said Workhouse instructor Cami St. Germain to Patch after the 7 p.m. class on Monday. "It's inspired by dance and martial arts and healing arts like yoga." 

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More than a dozen NIA students danced/worked out on Monday, including Herb Ruplinger.

"I was doing ballroom dancing here, and was having problems stepping on the girl's toes and where to put my hands," said the 57-year-old Ruplinger. "I liked the music next door and decided I was going to go there to dance. I love it... I'm not the Adonis type, but I'm now comfortable with my body." 

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A Different Kind of Art

The Workhouse Arts Center offers one of the most comprehensive movement programs in the region. Classes are given over the course of eight weeks, and cost $100-$110. 

"Our program is definitely off the beaten path of what you would find at a local gym or health club," said Workhouse Art of Movement Director Lesley Spalding. "I will never turn any student away, and we're very much known for having a rehabilitative environment. All of our teachers are experts, and no one will get injured in our programs." 

The weekly classes include:

  • Zumba
  • Ballroom dancing (beginner, intermediate and advanced)
  • Yoga
  • Meditation Through Yoga
  • Gentle Yoga (Low impact)
  • Yogalates
  • Mat Pilates
  • Gentle Pilates
  • Ballet Body
  • Adult Ballet
  • Teen Ballet
  • Hip Hop Dance
  • NiaBeginner & Intermediate 
  • Tai Chi
  • Qigong
  • Teen Broadway Dance
  • Hula Beginner

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