Read on and find out how Nia has changed people's lives...

Here is a selection of testimonials from people who believe that Nia makes a profound difference to their lives.

‘Wonderful to lose myself in the music - to disengage my head and let my body lead - to follow my hands, my arms, my hips; to feel the music, to know there is no right or wrong - just the freedom to move in the way my body desires; to feel the joy of joining with the music, of welcoming it and celebrating it with my body.’
Thanks, Linda

Hi Isabelle,
I would like to say that since I started attending NIA class I have had a great feeling of well being and happiness. I have always enjoyed exercise, particular dance & its so good learning all your choreography. I recently turned 60years old & have so many complements on how well I look, I’m sure its down to doing things like NIA. I hope I feel like this at 70yrs.
I’m glad I discovered NIA.
Thank you. Kate.

I came along to Isabelle’s NIA dance class not really knowing what to expect, and have been pleasantly surprised at how much fun can be had whilst having a good workout at the same time. Isabelle is very inspiring and energetic and encourages us to feel the music and express ourselves in whatever way takes us. I really enjoy my NIA dance class and although I can’t do everything, that doesn’t matter at all, as we are there to have FUN.
Hebden Bridge NIA class
Love from Jeanx

The Pleasure Principle in Action
Stacey Hall  Nia Brown Belt Teacher

“That was the day I actually experienced Nia’s first principle, The Joy of Movement, by retraining myself to concentrate on pleasure rather than pain. I started to apply this awareness to other aspects of my life and I have kept this focus as a daily practice in all my activities.”

I was kicked out of dance class at the age of three. The teacher said that I would never be graceful enough to dance based on my performance of “I’m a little teacup.” So, it was tremendously rewarding to learn that the Nia demonstration and workshop I facilitated was one of the top ten highest rated workshops of the hundreds presented at the Prevent Child Abuse National Conference this past May of 2008.

I owe this success and ability to facilitate this workshop to the very first Nia principle I learned 11 years ago. My relationship with Nia began in Houston, Texas where I was fortunate enough to be introduced to Helen Terry. I was 40 years old. I had asthma symptoms as soon as I started to move. I could only move to the first two songs of the routine before the shin splints in my legs were so painful that I could barely hobble over to the wall where I sat for the rest of the routine. My first three classes with Helen went exactly this way. At the end of my third class, I decided Nia was not for me. On my way out the door, I thanked Helen and explained why I would not be back. Having heard me share about the pains in my left leg, Helen replied by asking me “How does your right leg feel?” I was taken aback by the question, and my first (unspoken) reply was to say “What difference does that make? My left leg hurts. Didn’t you hear me?” Instead, doing my best to be polite and finish the conversation as quickly as possible, I said instead “It feels just fine, thank you.” To which Helen replied, “Then, why not dance with just your right leg?” That comment stopped me in my tracks. I thought it was either the dumbest or the smartest question I had ever heard. I decided then and there that it was the smartest, so, I asked, “Do you mean, just move to the right? What do I do when the class moves to the left?” And, Helen said, “Just stop and wait. In Nia, we don’t go for the pain, only for pleasure. So, if your left leg gives you pain, wait to dance with the right leg and feel the pleasure. At least you will be able to dance through the whole class rather than just two songs.”

I decided to play with her suggestion. During the next class, I did exactly what she recommended. I moved on my right leg and stopped when the class moved to the left. I made it through the entire routine standing up - until FloorPlay, of course.

The second class, I did the same. At the end of the third class, I was stunned to realize that I had actually moved both right and left without pain through the entire class and without any asthma symptoms! That was the day I actually experienced Nia’s first principle, The Joy of Movement, by retraining myself to concentrate on pleasure rather than pain. I started to apply this awareness to other aspects of my life and I have kept this focus as a daily practice in all my activities. Today, 11 years later, as soon as something begins to feel uncomfortable or uneasy, I stop and wait for the pleasure to return, and often, I realize the pleasure lies in stopping that activity completely. I believe that this focus on pleasure is what produced such high scores for the workshop I facilitated. It produced comments like, “This was somewhat scary at first, but ultimately very freeing” and “Thank you for this relevant, enjoyable and far-reaching class” by the 90+ participants of social workers, child advocates, and representatives of government offices who are working to protect our children.

I am also grateful to Milwaukee Nia teachers Black Belt Barb Wesson, Sherri Ohly, and Denise Feast for participating in the workshop and lending their intention, energy and support to ensuring that all participants had a joyful movement experience.

This is only one story! Each one is as amazing as the others, click link for more…
http://www.nianow.com/testimonials

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