NIA® is a mind-body-spirit fitness programme created by Debbie and Carlos Rosas in 1983. It is based on three movement arts: martial, dance and healing movement art forms.
It combines nine movement forms and concepts from Yoga, Tai Chi, Tae Kwon Do, Aikido, Jazz, Modern Dance, Duncan Dance, Feldenkrais, Alexander Technique to offer a total-body cardiovascular conditioning workout. It is suitable for cross-training for any sport or activity. All Nia movements are adaptable, and can be personalised for any level of fitness and agility.
Nia is designed to guide you to move your body the way it is intended to move. This is why it is suitable to work with everybody, and in my fields of interest: eating disorders, addiction, and other mental health issues. What I love is I get to dance and play barefoot – pure pleasure to ground and connect with our source – Mother Nature.
It is a way to discover your unique way to move, and discover health. This video was filmed in Cape Town when we (Nia teachers) danced at the Women’s Show with founder Debbie Rosas.
In Swahili, Nia translates to ‘with purpose’, and through the moves people benefit through the conscious application of practicing concentration and mindfulness. Through the use of music, people get to engage with their own playfulness, and learn to be more intimate with themselves. This is the pleasure principle-if the body feels good, accepted, and loved; it will naturally become stronger and heal.
