Monday, July 28, 2008

Nia's 25th Anniversary



Nia has been a great gift in my life. I still remember the moment I first encountered Nia. Along with some other coaches I had rented a booth at the Yoga Show. Someone came to tell me that they thought I would like the demo that was going on and should check it out. I snuck a peak and instantly felt tears spring to my eyes. I knew this was for me. I was in class the next week and in my White Belt training the next month.

This summer marks the 1-year anniversary of my beginning to teach Nia. I was inspired to teach one day while volunteering at a Nia demo. While the demonstration was going on, I was handing out flyers. I watched as women stopped in their tracks and were mesmerized. The yearning in the room was palpable. I watched as a woman in a wheelchair started to dance along with the entire upper part of her body, grinning ear to ear. I knew that there had to be more opportunities for people to experience this, and I began teaching right away.

There are many words to describe Nia: joy, pleasure, health, movement, magic... I hope that the video will help you imagine what it would be like to be in a Nia class. When I watch this particular video from India, I recognize my own experience in class. This feels like home to me.

  • If you're in Canada, you can find a class near you by visiting NIAC.
  • For all other locations (and Canada too), you can go to Nia HQ. They also have great resources ranging from a terrific newsletter to monthly teleclasses.
  • If you don't have a class near you, Nia now has a DVD workout called Unplugged.

Thank you, Nia, Debbie & Carlos for sharing 25 years of pleasure and joy with the world.

5 comments:

Suzie Ridler said...

Oh how I remember you talking about Nia the first time you saw it, definitely love at first sight. This is a beautiful video to really demonstrate the fun and play and power of Nia Jamie. Wonderful!

daisies said...

you know ... i wasn't optimistic that there was a class here in edmonton but apparently, in all of alberta, there is one class and it is here :) i think i may call the teacher and try and class ~ you have inspired me ... thank you! xo

Shannon said...

Wow, has it really been a year since you started teaching? That's amazing. It's made such an impact, what a wonderful movement form.

Anonymous said...

I totally share your memory meeting Nia. I heard about it at a party and longed to be a teacher before I'd even taken my first class! It seemed so silly, but it always felt true.

I can't believe Nia is 25, and still so new to so many people. I remember that glow you had when you came to my art show right after (or during?) your white belt training.

Congratulations on your first year of sharing Nia with the world!

Anonymous said...

I've never heard of it before but after exploring the website I bought the Unplugged DVD and the Global Unity DVD. Thanks for introducing them to me and congratulations on your 1st year anniversary. I hope there are many more years of you teaching.