blissful fitness

Make the sole to soul connection.
Nia is traditionally practiced with bare feet. This way you can experience the 7000 nerve endings in each of your feet that help you move in safe and efficient ways from the ground up. While you are invited to be barefoot during Nia class, please feel free to wear shoes if you prefer (clean, ‘indoor-only’ shoes are greatly appreciated).

Keep curiosity up & criticism down.
Nia is different. In Nia, we experience all types of music, movement, patterns, and sensations. It can sometimes be challenging – physically, mentally, and emotionally. It’s a catalyst for you learning about your body, thoughts, feelings, and soul. Be gentle and patient with yourself. Instead of judging, comparing, liking, disliking, succeeding, failing, blah blah blah… just play, explore, and go on an adventure! See what Nia can teach you today!

Explore levels of intensity.
Movements can be danced at any intensity level (smaller to larger ranges of motion). This allows you to get the workout you want as well as honor how your body is feeling on any given day. I invite you to play with a variety of levels. For Level 1, keep the movements small, detailed, and close to your core. For Level 3, dance your largest range of motion, seeking your physical “edge”!

Breathe and make some noise.
Use your voice to blend your body motions with your breathing. Inhale the moment and exhale with sound to condition and engage your core. Yawn, laugh, sigh, shout, Hooo!, Haaaa!, HiYaaaah!, Yessss!, Noooo! and giggle your way to a stronger core, as well as a more confident, and outspoken you! Find your voice! Let yourself be heard!

Relaaaaaaaaaaaaax.
Exhale. There is no wrong way to do Nia. Therefore there is no pressure to “get it all” right away. First, simply learn the basics of the move, and then (when you’re ready), add more details. Enjoy the opportunity to be a beginner each day… to learn… to explore. Capture the rhythm with the feet first, then slowly add on movement of the core, arms, hands, and fingers as you desire.

Express Yourself.
This is YOUR dance. Make the movements an expression of you. Let your own unique rhythm and body language come out. Be jazzy, hard-core, luscious, intense, lyrical, snappy, goofy, focused, powerful, playful, or sensually smooth. Most importantly, be yourself. Whether you are sad, frustrated, tired, stressed, or really pumped up, just get into it. Move through it. Be real. Be you. You have nothing to lose but your inhibitions!