12/06/2024
Dr. Jennifer Nikolai
Qualifications:
PhD, MFA, BA
Certificate in University Teaching (AUT University)
International Fitness Instruction (AUT University Certificate)
Dr. Jennifer Nikolai is a dancer, choreographer, International Fitness Instructor and Associate Professor with a long history of teaching Bachelor of Sport and Recreation and Bachelor of Dance students.
Jennifer and her family have recently returned to Canada after living and working in Auckland, New Zealand for 22 years. Jennifer’s Grandparents from Saskatchewan raised their babies in Saskatoon in the 1940s. They then moved to Edmonton Alberta, where Jennifer was born and raised and studied dance with The Alberta Ballet School’s pre-professional training program. She dances with a contemporary dance company of older adults associated with The University of Alberta.
Jennifer’s research is applied to dance with youth and recreational dance, physical activity and health approaches with adults. Her position is that ageing is an advantage and that connecting to one’s health, well-being, and having fun moving with peers as we age supports affirmative, positive approaches to improving with age. The insight and life experiences that we, as older adults bring to our communities should be celebrated with healthy activities and approaches to moving well all of our lives.
Jennifer loves to travel, run, swim, dance, downhill ski, cross-country ski and chill out watching movies.
