Nia (pronounced nee'uh) is a unique body/mind/spirit fitness and lifestyle program. “Nia” stands for Neuromuscular Integrative Action, a somewhat cumbersome, but accurate description for this exciting kinesthetic dance/move-
ment experience. Designed to stimulate the flow of energy throughout the body, Nia stretches and strengthens from the inside out while facilitating emotional expression and healing. With Nia, exercise becomes a mindful, spirited, joyous activity. Each class is taught with a focus: physical (for example, experiencing the feet), conceptual (such as a focus on expanding boundaries) or spiritual (such as sensing uniqueness). With regular practice, Nia can promote growth and change in many areas of a participant's life.

   Nia is a fusion of three movement arts: martial arts, dance arts and healing arts. Nia choreography is inspired by the dynamics of tai chi, tae kwon do, aikido, jazz dance, modern dance and Duncan dance, as well as the Alexander technique, yoga and the teachings of Moshe Feldenkrais. Fitness training guidelines from the exercise sciences are adhered to throughout to ensure cardiovascular health benefits, muscle toning and enhanced flexibility and agility.

   Nia is a fusion of three movement arts: martial arts, dance arts and healing arts. Nia choreography is inspired by the dynamics of tai chi, tae kwon do, aikido, jazz dance, modern dance and Duncan dance, as well as the Alexander technique, yoga and the teachings of Moshe Feldenkrais. Fitness training guidelines from the exercise sciences are adhered to throughout to ensure cardiovascular health benefits, muscle toning and enhanced flexibility and agility.

   Nia invites people to move in a relaxed way in order to allow a freedom and fluidity of movement, called “dynamic ease.” Practiced barefooted, Nia pays special attention to the grounding and awareness of the feet, ankles and knees and often results in reduced pain and discomfort for people with musculoskeletal injuries. Nia's movements are easily adapted to all levels of fitness and body types. While doing Nia, the core (torso) of the body is very active, encouraging movement of the pelvis, chest, head and spine. In addition to its instructor-led choreography, participants are encouraged to create movements on their own during a “freedance” intended to honor the beauty and uniqueness of each individual.

    Developed by Debbie and Carlos Rosas of Portland, Oregon, Nia has been practiced since the early 1980s and continues to evolve with each class that is taught. The movements are not difficult, although one's first experience of Nia may seem unfamiliar. Nia classes include full-body movements such as punching and kicking, as well as imagination-inspired ones such as reaching for the stars, painting rainbows, chopping wood, blowing with the wind, rooting into the earth and surrendering to gravity. Moving through space, turning, sinking, rising and vibrating are just some of the dynamics present in an hour-long class. Participants are guided to connect with their thoughts, emotions and bodies through imagery and expression. The eclectic selection of music, from Latin and African rhythms to classical and ethereal sounds, contributes largely to the magic of the Nia experience. The artistry of the music is translated by each individual into the creativity of their own dance.

   There is a spiritual component to Nia as well. Both the imagery and the quality of particular movements lead the participant to sense the flow of energy (also called “prana” or “chi”). The sensing of energy through and around one's body develops a felt experience of “something” beyond oneself, whether it be the Earth's energy, the continuing cycles of nature or a sense of unity, belonging and the divine. The metaphor of the body and all its parts in motion is used to access deep beliefs and understandings, often leading to emotional release and spiritual growth.

    Many people choose to progress through the levels of Nia for benefits to their body, mind and spirit, while others become teachers in diverse settings that include gyms, hospitals, universities, prisons, healing centers and schools. Nia instructor training is modeled after the martial arts with four levels of training: white belt, blue belt, brown belt and black belt. Each level consists of a week-long intensive training session and one year of practice. All Nia teachers are licensed and certified by the Nia Technique, Inc.

   There are now over 1,300 certified Nia instructors and 18 Nia trainers in the United States and other countries. Nia is on the brink of a large expansion with the publication of a new book, The Nia Technique, The High-Powered Energizing Workout That Gives You a New Body and a New Life. Authored by Debbie and Carlos Rosas, the book is scheduled to be released in January of 2005. Published by Broadway Books, this book promises to share the message of Nia with people around the world.

Holly Curtis, MEd, is an inspiring master instructor and trainer of the Nia Technique. She began teaching Nia in 1993, following 13 years of traditional fitness training. She holds a BS in Kinesiology and a MEd in Health Promotion from the University of Texas in Austin. Holly loves to share the rich body-learning experience and the excitement and joy of Nia through her classes, workshops and instructor trainings. She currently resides in Santa Fe, New Mexico. For more about Holly, visit www.niaeducation.com.

    For more information about Nia, and to find instructors in your area, visit www.nia-nia.com or call (800) 762-5762.

Photos taken at the Winds of Change Studio in Moreland Hills by Bob Perkoski