Nia, an internationally acclaimed practice for over 30 years.
Nia is now taught in 49 countries around the world. Awakening the senses, Nia teaches you to love your body and your life. Here in Australia, Nia is shared with enthusiasm by a lively community that has grown organically since 2004.
Check out the Events page for the latest workshops, gatherings, retreats and trainings Australia-wide. Explore the Blog below for community news and stories.
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20th June, 2025 in Uncategorized
Nia Joy Tribe Newsletter Winter 2025
Keeping our feet on the ground – both literally and metaphorically – feels more important than ever. In a world that often feels chaotic and disconnected, our Nia practice is medicine for the nervous system. Staying connected to our bodies, our breath and to one another isn’t just supportive right now… it’s deeply necessary. Nia Australia’s intention this year is to evolve and grow our community from the ground up. This means drawing on our collective embodied wisdom to support one another and to expand what’s possible – together.
You’ll begin to see these changes reflected in how we show up. Our website is being refreshed, we’re embracing a new colour palette inspired by the grounded hues of the Australian landscape and our social media presence is evolving with more depth, intention and connection.
There’s more to come – we’re preparing a series of inspiring conversations to share with you. So, stay connected… we’re just getting started.
With gratitude
JULY
19 July Nia Melbourne Community Dance Jam
DONCASTER EAST Vic 3109Let’s come together to move in community from 1.30-3 pm! Contact Angela for bookings and enquiries at
27 July Nia Nourish + Nurture Day Retreat
WAGSTAFFE NSW 2257Northern Beaches Nia teachers Mandy, Mel and Danielle will welcome you for a day of movement, meditation, creativity and nourishment. Click here for event information.
5 – 10 July Nia ART of SENSATION (White Belt) with Sophie Marsh
KERIKERI NZJoin Nia Trainer Sophie Marsh for six days of somatic exploration through Nia’s foundational principles – a nourishing and transformational journey of self-discovery, connection and embodied joy. Click here to register
SEPTEMBER
6 September – Melbourne Nia Art of Sensation Early bird Discount ends!
Register and pay by today to save USD200 off the October training.
Click here to register or contact
13 September-15 September – New Nia Routine Playshops
Don’t miss the opportunity to learn from Nia Trainer Laurie Bass, visiting from Portland! Experience the grounded groove of her new routine GRACE, being released in October
13 Sept BRISBANE, 14 Sept GOLD COAST, 15 Sept OCEAN SHORES
Check our Events page for updates (www.niaaustralia.com.au/events) or email your Expression of Interest to
16-21 September Nia ART of COMMUNICATION (Blue Belt) – OCEAN SHORES NSW 2483
Nia Trainers Laurie Bass + Sophie Marsh invite all Art of Sensation / White Belt grads to deepen their journey with the next level of Nia education, exploring body-centred communication to foster healthy relationships and deeper connection.
Click here to register
OCTOBER
21-26 October Nia ART of SENSATION TRAINING (White Belt) in MELBOURNE Vic 3078
Join Nia Trainer Sophie Marsh for six days of rich embodiment, daily Nia classes, and space to deepen your connection with yourself and others. No previous experience needed — just curiosity about increasing health, fitness and vitality.
Click here to register
Congratulations to Kingscliff Art of Sensation grads and retakers with Trainer Sophie Marsh
Why Join Nia Australia?
Becoming a member of Nia Australia is more than just joining a community – it’s about sharing the joy of movement, supporting each other’s growth, and helping Nia flourish across the country. Members enjoy professional support, event promotion, access to resources, and the opportunity to be part of something bigger. Let’s move, connect, and grow together.
Join or renew today and help spread the joy of Nia!
SPOTLIGHT ON
Nia in Melbourne and Regional Victoria
From Fish Creek to Brighton and Fairfield to Warrandyte there are Nia classes happening almost every day of the week! Whether you’re local or just visiting, step into joy and find a class near you. Your body will thank you!
Go to for individual teacher and class details, as well as Nia trainings, retreats and events.
Warm up this Winter – Dance the 13 Joints!
‘Winter is here and we may tense our muscles and pull our coats closer when outside. Winter may often feel like a time to draw in, relax in a warm heated space…and it may take sometime to let go of the tension and feeling of cold… but what happens to our bodies when we become more sedentary?
Have you ever watched “The Fuzz Speech” by Gil Hedley?
The fascia, or connective tissue, surrounds and holds every organ, blood vessel, bone, nerve fibre and muscle in place. Each night, as we sleep, ‘fuzz’ forms on the slippery surfaces between the fascia and muscles etc. This ‘fuzz’ melts away when we stretch and move our bodies at the beginning of our day. If we become more sedentary the ‘fuzz’ builds up and becomes harder to remove, ultimately resulting in restriction to our movement of muscles and bones.
Co-Founder of Nia, Debbie Rosas, describes joints as the spaces between bones that allow movement. When we sense ease and power in opening and closing our joints it is a sign they are healthy. Our bodies thrive on dynamic ease – dancing the 13 joints your way is a powerful way to ‘melt the fuzz’ and fuel your life-force.
What are you waiting for? Turn the music up and banish the ‘fuzz’ with your 13 joint dance!
References:
*Dailymotion: Gil Hedley: Fascia and stretching: The Fuzz
Speech – video
* The Nia Technique – Debbie Rosas and Carlos Rosas
* Language of Nia – Debbie Rosas
* bodynbrain.com~ Written by Lyn Symons, Nia Brown Belt Teacher
Check out this delicious Herbal Chamomile Health Tonic shared by Giulia Ponticello!
Share your favourite recipe with us to have it featured in our newsletter! Email it to
Many members of our Nia Australia community share a love for adventure, and they never travel far without bringing a little Nia along for the journey. Jenny and John Olson, based on the beautiful NSW South Coast, are well known for their vibrant presence and deep passion for Nia. In fact, no Nia gathering feels quite complete without this dynamic duo! I hope you enjoy the story about their Nia adventures abroad. Kerryn
“Dance up your overseas travel with some Nia! Go to classes to meet local Nia enthusiasts and get to know more about the area you are visiting. We’ve done this in Milan, Hong Kong or San Francisco and thoroughly recommend it.
We have also previously travelled to Bali for a number of wonderful Nia retreats with Sophie Marsh and Taryn Pallister. So when we saw another Nia retreat in Bali this year, we decided we needed it! 🥰 The retreat was organised by Alanna Wilson from Canada who was joined by Nia trainers, Debbie-Lee van Ginkel (Cambodia) and Kellie Chambers (USA).
Debbie-Lee and Kellie are the co-creators of the Alchemy routine, which we love. Alanna also introduced us to Journeydance, a form of Freedance. We met so many wonderful people, old friends and new from Malaysia, Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, South Africa and the USA. Nia people are so much fun 🥰💃🕺. The whole experience was awesome!
You can find retreats and workshops listed on Facebook – Nia Global Experiences. We say ‘go for it, you deserve it’!”
Jenny Bryant and John Olsen
Find a Nia Class
Click here to find an IN PERSON NIA class
Click here to find an ONLINE class
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2nd May, 2025 in Community News, Nia Community
Nia Dance Joy Tribe Autumn 2025
I want to share with you some exciting updates from the Nia Australia team! We’ve been having some thoughtful discussions on how we can grow our beautiful community and bring more people into the fold. We’re focusing on ways to engage with all of you more deeply, highlight our amazing teachers and their events. We’re also exploring new marketing ideas to help spread the word and improving our website to make it easier for you to find what you’re looking for. We are also planning interactive info sessions for grads and teachers so watch out for our emails.
This year, we’re excited to share that our theme is “Growing Our Nia Community from the Ground Up.” This means we’re dedicated to creating a warm, supportive space where everyone feels comfortable, seen and heard. As we grow, we want to bring you more of what you love – from special events to exciting workshops – all designed with you in mind.
We’re committed to listening to your needs so we can continue building a community that truly feels like home. Thank you for being part of this journey with us!
Blessings to you all
Nia ‘Art of Sensation’ – a Wellbeing Immersion
Kingscliff 8-13 April 2025 and Melbourne October 21-26 2025
🌊✨ Imagine six days by the ocean, immersed in somatic practices and nourishing movement. A chance to restore your nervous system, uplift your vibration, and step into greater aliveness, health, and wellbeing—all in beautiful Kingscliff.
Our last Nia Art of Sensation training in this coastal haven was in 2021, and we’re so excited for another nourishing immersion here. Whether you’re new to Nia or an experienced student, there’s space for you to join us.
💃 Art of Sensation explores Nia’s philosophy through 13 body-centred principles—a journey of self-discovery through music, movement, mindfulness, and joyful connection.
Come just as you are and be part of this sacred circle of freedom, healing, and growth. ✨ If this speaks to you, we’d love to share this experience with you.
Investment: USD1599 Register now with 50% deposit.
CLICK HERE to register!
Email Sophie for further information
The Role of Connective Tissue
‘The Language of Nia’ describes the connective tissue as the largest tissue in the body. Its job is to connect and support us in moving in adaptive ways. It is a fibrous fabric sheet that supports movement in all directions. The fabric, elastic in nature, controls the multi-dimensional wave of energy flow along our bones and through our muscles – it transmits movement through the whole body.
Connective tissue supports our entire skeleton. It varies in number and density of fibres and can be hard, soft, elastic or rigid. Without connective tissue our body structure could not function harmoniously.
Connective tissue loses flexibility if we are sedentary for long periods of time or if our alignment causes one part of the body to continually do more than it is designed to do. If we hold tension in our body for too long, the connective tissue can get tough and limit ability to lengthen and move freely. Moving with dynamic ease and systemic sensation keeps the support elastic. (Adapted from Language of Nia – Debbie Rosas)
Nia Australia acts as the ‘connective tissue’ of Nia communities throughout Australia. Its role is to support teachers and community members connect and grow in their knowledge and love of Nia – listening and responding to what our community desires, supporting ways to grow our Nia Community from the ground up.
Let’s welcome the wave of energy ready to flow through our entire Body!
~ Written by Lyn Symons, Nia Brown Belt Teacher
Check out this delicious Sticky Chai Tea shared by Giulia Ponticello!
Tash Joy Stanley joined my Nia classes on the NSW South Coast in early 2024 and was instantly captivated by Nia movement magic.
During class, I spoke about the global Nia community—how attending a Nia class anywhere, whether in Australia or abroad, feels like joining a family. I shared my experience at a Nia retreat in Cambodia, emphasising the warmth and connection these events provide. A few days later, inspired by our discussion, Tash signed up for a retreat in January 2025. It’s amazing how a moment of inspiration can lead to bold, life-changing decisions that push us beyond our comfort zones into new possibilities!
~ Written by Kerryn Peisley, Nia Brown Belt Teacher
Tash has shared the following about her Cambodia experience:
“Tuning into My New Potential” by Tash Joy Stanley
Imagine dancing in the jungle, energising, revitalising and healing your body with kindred spirits. Visit the most beautiful rock gardens in the world with magnificent ancient temples and forests. Indulge in traditional cuisine. Enjoy staying in a boutique tropical resort. Take cooking classes, visit a lotus farm, a circus and artisans villages. Appreciate the generosity of local people.
This was my reality in January 2025 in Siem Reap, Cambodia thanks to retreat facilitators and Nia trainers Debbie-Lee Van Ginkel and Kellie Chambers and my Australian teacher Kerryn Peisley. How blessed you may be.
Find a Class
Click here to find an IN PERSON NIA class
Click here to find an ONLINE class
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4th October, 2021 in Body-Mind, Mental Health
A HEALTHY DIET OF HAPPINESS by Noël Boycott
One of the perks of being a psychologist is that I learn ways to improve and maintain mental health. As a teacher of Nia I know that it plays a big part in keeping me both mentally and physically well.
To understand how participating in a Nia class creates mental wellness and happiness, let’s look to research from Positive Psychology.
This tells us that there are three sources of happiness – pleasure, flow and meaning (Seligman, 2002)
A healthy diet of happiness includes all three sources . In my experience, being a Nia participant taps all three (and even more so as a teacher of Nia).
The first source of happiness is a PLEASANT LIFE – one where we engage in doing things that give us pleasure. We get a quick hit of happiness by doing things such as eating a favourite food, drinking a favourite drink, watching a movie, shopping, gaming and, of course, moving to music in a Nia class. All these actions make us feel good at the time. However, the happy feelings may not last for long.
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5th September, 2021 in Body-Mind, Mental Health
5 WAYS TO BOOST YOUR BODY AND BRAIN by Sophie Marsh
Science affirms what we intuitively know – that feeling connected is essential for our physical health and mental wellbeing. In this time of lockdowns, social isolation and physical distancing take time to tune in and ask yourself “what do I need?” Allowing whatever you feel to be moved and expressed is medicine for body mind and spirit.
Go gently on yourself… remember you’re doing the best you can!
Here are 5 simple science-backed self-care strategies to give your body, brain and mood a boost!
1. Move your body! Exercise improves memory, learning and concentration. Moderate intensity movement, sustained over time, promotes the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, which causes nerve cells to grow and make new connections. It also helps improve your mood, boost your energy, and reduce stress in your body and mind. Read More >
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CHANGE BEGINS WITH AWARENESS by Erica Kostiuk
We all have different opinions, beliefs and fears about what is going on in in our country and the world, but one thing I’m sure we can all agree on is that it has certainly taken its toll on our body, mind, emotions and spirits.
Financial stress, being socially isolated, feeling like I can’t express myself authentically and anxiety around what the future may hold, have all had a significant impact on my own physical and mental health over the past 18 months. I have personally gained 30kg since January 2020, putting me at the heaviest I’ve ever been. I have judged and beat myself up for this, telling myself “Erica, you know better. What are you doing to yourself?” I have set the intention to “start the diet” every Monday for the past 18 months and every time I don’t follow through, I judge myself more which just makes it worse.
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4th July, 2021 in Body-Mind, Nia Community
REGULATING YOUR NERVOUS SYSTEM
Have you been thinking about your body’s immune system and what it needs to stay balanced in order to do its job most efficiently?
Like many of us, you may be navigating through both emotional and physical hurdles. What about taking time to tend to your well-being with a spotlight on your nervous system? The sensations of a state of ‘fight – flight – freeze’ (governed by the sympathetic nervous system) might be tightness in the chest, shallow breath, increased heart rate, joint pain, fear, sadness or anger. These are signs to reach into your Nia bag of energetic movement tools and utilise what is needed in order to return to a place of balance, and back to a state of ‘rest and digest’ (parasympathetic nervous system).
The variety of offerings, whether they be online Nia classes, NiaTV.fit offerings or the tools learned in any and all belt trainings, allow for the return of balance, health, peace and feeling good. Read More >
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30th May, 2021 in Nia Community, Nia White Belt Training
My White Belt Experience – by Giulia Ponticello
What was your biggest takeaway from this training?
There have been so many takeaways, where do I start! Being able to attend the unique experience of the White Belt ‘in person’ training was extraordinary in these times. I gained a new awareness of my body and my body’s way in moving. I was able to relax into awareness of my body and appreciated connecting to sensation gained through the repetition of movement katas (movement patterns). I learned to trust my body, to listen and feel the movements, giving myself permission to stay longer in the movement to open to potential and possibility.
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15th April, 2021 in Nia Community
Let’s Make the Most of Every Chance to Dance Together
Three new routines are produced by Nia Headquarters each year. One of those routines is released to the Nia Teacher Membership on the very last day of the year, and it’s like receiving a Christmas present! The most recent one is called 2GETHER.
The name 2GETHER came from Debbie Rosas’s daughter who suggested how in this time of separation, people are hungry to be together again. A reminder that we are all connected.
Being able to get together in person and in class is something I am deeply grateful for, knowing that others may still not be able to, and also knowing that things can change very quickly and one day we may not be able to.
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9th February, 2021 in Nia Community, Our Stories
NIA IS FOR EVERYBODY
That’s what they say…and it is true.
Even Nia’s own commitment statement supports that line:
“Our focus and intent has always been for Nia to be a rich, diverse and inclusive community for every age, size, shape, gender, ability, race and ethnicity, nationality, sexual orientation, faith, belief system and all of the other beautiful qualities that make each individual body and spirit unique.” (www.nianow.com)
That being said, not everybody is ready for Nia! That is something as a Nia teacher I recognise.
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4th September, 2020 in Nia Community
THE STORY BEHIND THE DESIGN
An Interview with artist, Annica Malmkvist who designed the Nia Swish on our apparel collection
In 2018 Nia Australia commissioned Brisbane artist Annica Malmkvist to design the artwork for our first apparel collection. That was such a success we again commissioned her late last year for our Spring design also. Below you will learn about Annica’s story and the inspiration behind her artwork.
Please share with us a little of your story?
I was born in Sweden but since 2005 I have called Brisbane home. I recently celebrated my 15th anniversary of living in Australia – that was on the 19th August. It is a very special date for me, as it is also my sister’s birthday.
Moving here 15 years ago with my partner, the intention was for us to only stay one year, as he had secured employment here. Through sponsorship, I was able to join him in Australia. It wasn’t long before I started on my own next life chapter and began training in Kahuna Massage on the Sunshine Coast and continued training there for many years.
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28th August, 2020 in Nia Belt Trainings, Nia White Belt Training
SEVEN SUPER REASONS TO SIGN UP FOR NIA WHITE BELT TRAINING – ONLINE
With many classes moving to an online platform, we have now moved our Nia White Belt Training online too for the foreseeable future. In this Blog Post, we want to share with you seven reasons why being part of this immersion is a wonderful way to experience this popular training.
1. There’s no place like home.
Receive the magic and connection of a Nia Training, with comfort, privacy and convenience. Participants have reported that it helps deepen their existing practice and supports establishing a new routine when they are guided in their own home (or wherever you feel safe to come as you are).
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14th March, 2020 in Body-Mind
PRACTICAL & LOVING WAYS TO BOOST YOUR IMMUNITY & STAY HEALTHY
Every little cell in my body is healthy…every little cell…
We are facing unprecedented health challenges on a global scale, over which we have very little control. A lack of control can generate fear. Fear generates physiological and psychological stress responses. And prolonged stress lowers your immune system effectiveness, making you more susceptible to viral infections.
One way to temporarily feel more in control is to act out of the fear… to panic-buy toilet paper or tuna (the man in front of me at Woolworths yesterday had 50 tins)… but on the other side of that, you probably will still feel stressed… only with a very full pantry. Research suggests that while stress can drive materialism, shopping as a coping mechanism does not release stress.
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5th December, 2019 in Community News, Nia Practice
COMMUNITY MEMBER SPOTLIGHT SERIES: DEB CANTRILL – SA
Name of Nia teacher/community you dance with most regularly:
Tracy Bastian Adelaide Hills/ Bridgewater & Mt BarkerOccupation/profession:
Self employed biodynamic Orchardist /educator and Natural fibre artist. Trying to retire may have reached sort of semi retired state at present.If you were to describe yourself in one word, what would that word be?
Resilient -
STALKING WHAT STEALS YOUR JOY & HOW TO GET IT BACK
Find out what brings you Joy and do it more often…
Stalk what steals your Joy and give it less attention.
Sounds simple enough. But the way our brains are wired… we tend to focus on the negative. Our “fight or flight” sympathetic nervous systems are being flooded daily by external and internal stressors, real and imagined. There’s so much going on in the world that is beyond our control and these are troubling times for our planet and many who are suffering and struggling.
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1st November, 2019 in Nia Practice, Nia White Belt Training
REFLECTIONS FROM A Nia WHITE BELT GRADUATE
I was introduced to Nia less than two years ago. I have the pleasure of both practicing Nia as a student and also representing Nia as a client. My role is to manage Nia Australia’s social media and email marketing and assist in their overall marketing strategy.
I knew that I wanted to attend the White Belt Training quite quickly into my journey with Nia, but I was also conscious not to rush into it.
For me, it was important that the time was right.
This simply meant that I was ready to immerse myself fully into the training so I could receive what I needed to receive.
Today I want to take you on my journey.
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4th September, 2019 in Nia Practice, Nia White Belt Training
IS FEAR STOPPING YOU FROM TEACHING Nia?
I know you! I know who you are.
You’re the student in class who teaches in your mind. You already have a class behind you. And in your imagination, you are there teaching them.
And you love to dance! “I could do this”, you think.
Then that other little voice comes in. It plants a seed of doubt.
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5th August, 2019 in Body-Mind, Nia Practice
WONDERING IF Nia IS FOR YOU?
In a society that generally promotes an image of health, fitness, beauty and power that is air-brushed, ageless, homogenous and unattainable, Nia says, ‘Come as you are, in your glorious wholeness and imperfection, learn to listen to your body’s wisdom, be kind to yourself, and dance like no one’s watching.
No more apologies, guilt, comparison or shame.
What if ‘Health’ was about choosing Joy and expansive self-love…
What if ‘Fitness’ was measured as your capacity for pleasure playfully expressed…
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1st July, 2019 in Body-Mind, Nia Practice
Nia welcomes us at the door and says come as you are…
We all know, pretty much, what it takes to be healthy.
Good food, exercise, plenty of sleep, meaningful connections – bonus points for happiness, fulfilment and joy.
But in our modern world, it takes a gargantuan effort to keep up with all these ‘to do’s’ especially with so many other things blaring at us for attention.
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5th June, 2019 in Nia Community, Our Stories
A TRIBUTE TO ROSE MILTON
“Rose Milton
16 August 1948 – 13 April 2019
Rose was a much loved member of the Nia community on the NSW South Coast.
You may have danced with her at one of the many Nia events she enjoyed – the most recent being the Nia Australia Gathering in Berry in March this year.
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5th June, 2019 in Nia Community
#dance4dignity 2019
Earlier this year we saw the power of our Nia Australia commUNITY and this was demonstrated once again with grace and generosity as 26 community classes came together to #dance4dignity to raise much-needed funds for Share the Dignity.
Every day, 48,000 Australian women face another night with nowhere to call home.
Not only did this wonderful event raise money it also raised awareness of the issues faced by women and girls experiencing homelessness, domestic violence and period poverty.
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MUSIC – Nia PRINCIPLE #3
“If music be the food of love, play on.” Willliam Shakespeare
I can’t imagine life without music.
Music can make your heart sing or make your heart cry. Music has the power to bring back such strong memories you feel like you are reliving the moment. Music is primal, emotive, sensual – it can energise and excite or relax and soothe.
And above all … it can make you want to dance!!
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2nd April, 2019 in Nia Community
THE POWER OF COMMUNITY
One of the most wonderful benefits of practising Nia is the commUNITY of beautiful souls you meet along the way.
It could be your teacher, your class members, other teachers, your students or even the many trainers who visit us from all over the world.
The heart of Nia is JOY.
This is the strongest when we come together.
This happened in March when 42 people came together for The Gathering, in Berry NSW.
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LOVE THE SKIN YOU ARE IN
Love the skin you are in!
It’s a simple statement filled with gratitude for the body that you have now. Yet as simple as it may seem, the embodiment of this statement is sometimes easier said
then done.For as long as I can remember, I have been experiencing the ups and downs of the relationship I have with my body. On some days I feel confident and completely at ease with my body. While other days I look down at my body with displeasure and frustration, spending the day avoiding mirrors, for I know I will not like what I see.
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11th February, 2019 in Community News, Nia Community
THE GATHERING 22-24 MARCH 2019
It has been a number of years since Nia Australia has hosted its annual Gathering and as our community grows we wanted to offer the opportunity for us to come together to connect, learn and grow.
The Gathering is a two-night, two-day experience for our Nia Australia Community Member or Teacher Members. It will be held in Berry NSW on the 22nd-24th March 2019.
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4th February, 2019 in Body-Mind, Nia Practice
Nia IS CREATIVE EXPRESSION
The term creativity refers to the ability to produce something both new and valuable in an innovative way. Related to this is self-expression where you infuse your personality, feelings, and opinions even down to clothing and how you “wear yourself!”
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19th December, 2018 in Nia Belt Trainings
MORE ABOUT Nia WHITE BELT TRAINING
In this Blog Post, our President Helen Suchting, interviews Australia’s White Belt Trainer, Sophie Marsh on all things White Belt.
Read More >
You can watch the video interview here, or read about it below the video. -
Nia WHITE BELT TRAINING – A TIME FOR CONNECTION TO YOUR BODY
Nia White Belt offers a 7-day immersion into the Art of Sensation for self-discovery, self-healing and self-mastery.
The Training is an internationally recognised course of somatic (meaning body-centred) education. Yes, you will move a lot but it’s not all high energy cardio dance class. This is embodied learning, a well-crafted balance between cognitive and experiential journeying … Listening to your body … learning from it … consciously tracking pain and pleasure and then choosing to be kind to your body, to move with the joy of movement and feel the power of your aliveness.
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FROM SELF-DOUBT TO CONFIDENCE & CLARITY – A Nia TRANSFORMATION
How to transform your body and life in a pleasurable way that just gets better …
I fell in love with Nia straight away, the music and moves got under my skin and my teacher’s vivacity drew me in. Back then I had no inkling of the changes to come, even if someone had told me I wouldn’t have believed. Lucky for me, Nia has worked its magic softening edges and removing inhibitions until confidence and clarity quietly replace self-doubt.
All this from a movement practice you ask? Yes!
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1st October, 2018 in Body-Mind, Nia Practice
TODAY I CHOOSE JOY!
“Turbulence and divisiveness can distort our minds, leaving us susceptible to the contagion of fear. Like the common cold virus, fear is all around us….and none of us is immune.”
The easiest way I know to build immunity against fear (and the cold virus!) is to raise our vibration with Joy, individually and collectively. Nia’s foundational principle, Joy of Movement, is more than just feeling happy. This Joy is an expansive life-affirming energy that can sit beside any emotion.
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4th September, 2018 in Body-Mind
NATURAL TIME & MOVEMENT FORMS
I take a deep breath, feel the space around me, take my time there is no rush, it is in, my time in Natural Time.
Exhale enjoy the movement, the sensation of living in a body that moves, senses and is there for me.
Take a deep breath, sense how my body is feeling, how the energy is flowing around. Is there resistance? comfort? ease?
Tune in to these sensations as it is my body my awareness of my sensory being.
These sensations are the teachers on how I will move today. To be in my body and trust my body. Exhale, feel the fluidity in my body, the juices running into all my joints and digits exploring high, median and low, taking my body around my body feeling back and front.
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2nd August, 2018 in Body-Mind, Nia Practice
MOVEMENT IS MEDICINE – WHAT DOES THIS MEAN TO YOU?
When we think about Medicine we often conjure up thoughts of bottles of pills, prescriptions, potions and many other things prescribed to us to make us feel better, to heal from an illness or prevent us from getting sick.
What about if we switched the concept of medicine as we know it and think about how movement can heal our bodies, mind and spirit.
This is precisely why the theme for this year’s National Playshop – Movement is Medicine. At this Australia-wide event we will be guiding those participating to sense “movement as medicine”, experiencing the healing and conditioning power of moving your body in ways that feel good to you.
To explore this concept a little deeper we asked our teacher community what Movement is Medicine means to them. We have broken their thoughts into a few key areas:
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30th June, 2018 in Nia Community
Nia is more than a practice, it’s a community
If you are on Facebook you may have noticed a few people sharing a video about community. It is titled – ‘What we do together matters’ – a video celebrating community.
It pulls up your photos and has this text overlay over the video;
What we do together matters
Community means a lot
but it’s different all over the world
whoever you ask,
one things is always the same.
It’s what we do for each other
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4th March, 2018 in Nia Practice, Our Stories
This is for YOU – Nia is for Everybody
It’s Fun.
It’s Fitness.
It’s unwinding from the day and simply moving to beautiful music.
It’s Exercise without Pain.
It makes you feel grounded, relaxed, free, joyous, refreshed, happy, energised, centred, connected, feminine, strong, confident and inspired.
It’s Nia and it’s for Everybody.. Read More > -
27th January, 2018 in Body-Mind, Our Stories
Nia Dance – ‘Feel the Fear & Do it Anyway’
Whenever I’m about to do something that makes me feel nervous, I remember the quote from Susan Jeffers – “Feel the Fear & Do it Anyway”.
Fear itself is not the enemy, sometimes it protects us from real danger. Sometimes we give fear the power to make us much smaller than we are destined to be. We need to feel our fear and then decide if it’s based in reality.
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17th December, 2017 in Community News, Nia Belt Trainings
The Power of Two: Open Nia classes with Sophie Marsh + Laurie Bass
Are you ready to start 2018 feeling inspired to BE the best version of yourself, to listen more to your own inner wisdom, to understand your body’s voice and learn how to move and live with more awareness, pleasure and purpose? For the first time in nearly 6 years, the Nia White Belt training in Brisbane 5-11 January will be led by two members of the International Nia Training Faculty – Laurie Bass from Portland Oregon and Nia Australia Trainer, Sophie Marsh. Read More >
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23rd November, 2017 in Nia Belt Trainings, Our Stories
What does it feel like in a Nia training?
“So many of my Nia friends from far and wide are gathering and bubbling with excitement at the prospect of stepping into the third level of Nia training, the Brown Belt with International Nia Trainer Ann Christiansen. And their excitement and anticipation comes from knowing what it’s like in a Nia training.
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1st November, 2017 in Body-Mind, Our Stories
Medicine for my whole being.
I discovered Nia . . .
at a farmers market in Eugene, Oregon where Nia was being shared on a grassy patch. I happily danced along with the group and was given a pass for a free class. I can’t remember who it was or what they looked like but that person changed my life! Read More >
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Fitness Pioneer Debbie Rosas to Tour Australia in April 2017
Fitness pioneer and thought leader Debbie Rosas is embarking on a tour of Australian Nia communities starting April 15th. Debbie will be teaching in Melbourne, Brisbane, and Mullumbimby, to audiences of both Nia veterans and new dancers. Read More >
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Universal Joy connects our global Nia community
Imagine finding a movement practice that spans the whole world and connects you to a global community. A fitness class that speaks not one singular language, rather a universal dialogue of the body. A mindful workout that opens your eyes to each moment as a possibility of seeing new aspects of yourself. For me the image of an exercise class that encompasses all those qualities became a reality in the form of Nia. And it continues to expand as I travel the world taking classes, connecting with communities and experiencing the ever present Joy of Nia.
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Dancing together to create something great!
Collaboration means to work (or play) together to produce something and that’s exactly what we did in Ulladulla. Together with the Canberra Nia community, our NSW South Coast Nia community came together to deliver a doozy of a Dance Jam on 6 August this year.
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14th September, 2016 in Body-Mind, Our Stories
Go There! Embracing change …
When Nia student ‘Cosima’ experienced a sudden change in circumstances, her first response was panic. But thanks to Nia’s practice of listening to the body’s voice, she found a way to embrace the change. “The beauty, the simplicity of it was uplifting”
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Blue Belt – Art of Communication
Blue Belt, the second level of Nia education, explores how to create healthy relationships through body-centred communication. This intensive introduces the 13 Nia principles (that follow the White Belt’s 13 Nia Principles), which focus on the 4 realms of body, mind, emotions and spirit. While the White Belt curriculum focuses entirely on awareness of physical sensation, Blue Belt applies these skills to explore internal sensations as perceived through – but distinct from – physical sensations in the body.
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Nia White Belt in Perth
My journey with Nia began in 2003 in South Africa when I took the White Belt with dear Kathy Wolstenholme. I had taken one class and was sold! Since then I have learnt so much and had Nia by my side to express the continuum of emotions through life’s many transitions and undulations! I have travelled to Germany and Portland with my Nia friends and left with many more friends and aha’s.
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16th August, 2016 in Body-Mind, Nia Practice
Health, fitness, beauty + power
In a society that generally promotes an image of health, fitness, beauty and power that is air-brushed, ageless, homogenous and unattainable, Nia says, ‘Come as you are, in your glorious wholeness and imperfection, learn to listen to your body’s wisdom, be kind to yourself, and dance like no one’s watching.
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5th August, 2016 in Community News, Our Stories
Our Community In Our Words
The most rewarding part of having a Nia community ..
“I feel deep passion when I dance with my Nia tribe.
The energy in the room sometimes brings me to tears of joy.
Thank you Nia x” Mandy Loveday
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5th August, 2016 in Community News, Our Stories
From Little Things Big Things Grow
Communities thrive when they share a common purpose and sense an ability to connect and contribute. A seed was sewn in 2007 when four Nia teachers formed the Nia Australia Association with the intention to support and grow an Australian Nia community.
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22nd July, 2016 in FAQ and Tips, Nia Belt Trainings
What IS the Nia White Belt?
Imagine a week of tuning into your own body and moving in a way that feels good. In the Nia ‘training bubble’, you’re invited to leave distractions behind and connect with other like-minded people of all ages and experience, as you explore ‘The Body’s Way’ and ‘Your Body’s Way’. Learn to let go of the ‘have to’ voice of your mind and drop into authentic being, guided by the voice of your body.
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17th May, 2016 in Body-Mind
Remember the floor is your friend: Maintaining Mobility as We Grow Old
‘Are you comfortable down there on the floor?’ my sister, who is younger than me by several years, asked while we sat around with Mum, Dad, our other sisters and their husbands. We were talking about the physical ‘woes’ of getting old. I was sitting on the floor, as I often do and always have and looked up at her and answered truthfully with a ‘YES’.
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3rd December, 2015 in Our Stories
Pieta ~ our International Nia Student of the Year!
This year, one of our Nia students and members of Nia Australia, was honoured by the Nia community globally, receiving the International Student of the year award by Nia HQ in Portland. We are so proud of Pieta as she truly embodies and walks the path of a wise woman intuitively following the signs that are leading her to a life filled with Joy and wellness. As is Pieta’s style, with her overflowing kindness, Pieta’s response to the award was to send a gratitude hit and love bomb to the Nia Community. Here are Pieta’s beautiful words of thanks and story for you.
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14th November, 2015 in Our Stories
Nia Conditioning and Cycling
Nia, as a whole body conditioning practice, is a powerful addition to any exercise program and can be used effectively and efficiently to improve all-round athletic performance and expand body awareness. A Nia student in Brisbane, Paul, shares his experience of incorporating Nia into his weekly routine to enhance his speed and strength in the sport of cycling.
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16th October, 2015 in Nia Practice
Music, Movement, Magic
Many of our Nia students come from the medical and physiotherapy professions. As a barefoot practice, grounded in increasing the movement options available to the body, Nia creates pathways to optimal well-being and is adaptable for all. Mandi Cavallaro, was recently interviewed by one of her students, a Pelvic Health Physiotherapist, to explain a little bit more about Nia for the new student…
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13th October, 2015 in Community News
Embrace your Uniqueness within Community
Nia Australia is offering three playshops, in three States, on one day! On Sunday the 25th of October, we will be coming together to move, receive and share Nia, as we weave our magic across the land, in Sydney, Melbourne and the Gold Coast. Each playshop creating the space for you to share, explore, play, collaborate, connect and dance with community.
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30th August, 2015 in Nia Practice
Awareness – A Parable
Once upon a time …
there was a little girl who loved to sing, dance and frolic through the fields gathering brightly coloured flowers, warm stones that twinkled in the sun, and any other treasures that interested her curious little mind.
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24th July, 2015 in Music & Videos
Feel Good, Look Good
“I feel fantastic, I feel really in my body and I feel my body is alive. I can sense my skin and my muscles and my bones, tingling, feeling. It’s always important to feel good first. The body wants to feel good and when the body feels good it looks so good; it brings a smile to my face.” Fantastic!
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22nd July, 2015 in Our Stories
An Inner Connection and Sense of Being
Ann Boon teaches in Morningside, Brisbane. One of her students, Glenys Gibson, shares her experience of Nia, describing what drew her to a Nia class and why she keeps coming back!
“I feel I have benefited so much from Nia and I want others to have the opportunity to experience Nia, so I share my experience and encourage others to attend.”
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22nd July, 2015 in FAQ and Tips
Tips for Beginners
Here are our Tips for Beginners, to help you get the most out of your Nia movement experience.
- Bring a water bottle and dress to move. When you dance, wear anything that makes you feel free, comfortable and excited to move. Yoga clothing, dance or exercise wear or even a skirt changes the way you move, feel and workout.
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22nd July, 2015 in FAQ and Tips, Nia Belt Trainings
The White Belt – Nia’s Foundational Training
The White Belt is open to everybody: no Nia experience necessary.
Learn how to access your body’s innate wisdom and power through Nia’s 13 foundational principles. This training focuses on the ‘Art of Sensation’ with techniques, information and inspiration for you to feel deliciously embodied and more vitality, connection and Joy every day.
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20th July, 2015 in FAQ and Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are our FAQ. Feel free to email or call a teacher directly or Contact us if you have any more questions. Nia classes are adaptable for all ages, body types and fitness abilities. Everybody is welcome!
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15th July, 2015 in Nia Practice
The 7 Cycles of a Nia Class
All Nia workouts use seven cycles. Each cycle has a unique purpose, and each is designed to fulfill specific student needs to ultimately deliver holistic conditioning. The Body’s Way reminds us that to maintain harmony and balance, we must move through these cycles.