Nia is an expressive Body-Mind movement and lifestyle practice which integrates fitness and health and creatively blends movements, concepts, and philosophies from both Eastern and Western traditions. Nia integrates the energies of Dance Arts, such as jazz, Duncan Dance and modern dance, with elements of the Healing Arts (yoga, the work of Moshe Feldenkreis and the Alexander method) and the Martial Arts of tai chi, tae kwon do and aikido.

The Nia Technique was created in 1983 by Debbie and Carlos Rosas, aerobics instructors who revolutionized the fitness industry by taking off their shoes and designing a barefoot workout that actively seeks pleasure instead of pain. Concerned about student injuries from the high-impact, repetitive movements of traditional aerobics, they replaced the “no pain, no gain” slogan with “no pain, all gain.” A creative cardiovascular workout, Nia invites students to explore the multidimensional Mind-Body connection through pleasurable movement, imagery, and fantastic music – a powerful and fun combination!

Nia is based on the body’s natural design -- or “The Body’s Way”. By teaching students to embody the joy of movement, it helps them achieve physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Nia combines the form of easy steps, kicks, and stances with the freedom of each student’s inner dance. A variety of music adds fun to the magic. Over the past 21 years, Nia has evolved to become the fastest growing mind/body fusion fitness technique in the world, with more than 60,000 students taking classes in 50 U.S. states and 34 different countries, including Germany, South Africa, Sweden, Australia, and many others.

By embracing the gifts of the healing arts, Nia embodies sensation, the backdrop upon which all Nia practice takes place. Dance techniques teach students how to move with grace and fluidity. Martial arts and meditative techniques teach mindfulness, a powerful tool for self-discovery. Integrative body therapies and healing arts help individuals understand how to self-heal through awareness and alignment in order to improve physical function. Various psychological tools support the self-guided process, allowing students to become self-empowered and to take charge of personal growth and well-being – a transformational experience in and of itself!