What is Nia? 

Instructor: Sarah Longhi, certified Nia instructor.

Nia (Neuromuscular Integrative Action) is a holistic movement technique that is unique in the fitness industry.  Nia fits all bodies, works for all ages, and challenges each student at his or her own individual level.  Nia can be adjusted to fit the needs of both the professional athlete and a person who is just beginning his or her fitness work.  Because Nia blends Jazz, Duncan and Modern Dance, along with Akido, Tai Chi, Tai Kwon Do, and Yoga, Nia provides an exciting and challenging way to work out.  Nia also incorporates an eclectic variety of music, using rhythms, patterns, sounds and moods to enhance the movement experience. 

Come to class and discover how your body can stay fit and healthy while having fun!

Class Focus
Here's a new strategy for balancing your physical, mental, emotional bodies:

Directing Energy:
Focus on opposing energies. Physically, we can support our body in a balanced way by consciously moving energy in more than one direction. When you step left, also project energy out the right. When you sink down, direct energy up. When you rise, direct energy down. You can achieve maximum efficiency and power in your movements by directing energy in the opposite direction your body is moving. You can also direct energy 360 degrees, connecting your body to all parts in space from every cell. Directing energy in an expansive and fluid way makes moving the body a lighter and easier experience.

Tip:

See yourself as a star whose light shines radiantly in all directions. As you dance and move, shine this light on all parts of the room - above, below, left, right, and into every nook and cranny.

Here’s What Students Say About Nia:

For me, the spirit of the instructor is what makes the class inspiring to me, and Sarah exudes a lovely spirit that I have found very special over three years of taking her classes.

~Beth Anne

What I love about Nia is that I never feel like I'm working out--I'm just having fun. Now, because of Nia, exercise isn't something I feel like I HAVE to do, but something that I look forward to that makes me happy.

~Amy

Having been told that Nia is a combination of modern dance, martial arts, and yoga, I was both excited and a little confused.  After one class, I understood--and I understood why it's so hard to define.  Nia is a little of all those things, and more.  The freedom and grace of dance, the precision of martial arts, the body-mind-spirit connections of yoga combined with whatever you, the instructor, and the rest of the class bring along.  I've found classes to be informative--teaching me about my body, how it moves and works--and just outright playful, child-like FUN!

~Liz

Though every class is different, Nia is always challenging and good exercise and, more importantly, a small oasis from the rest of busy New York life--a time spent focused inward in joyful celebration of our selves--whatever shape, capability, or mood we're in that day…if you haven't experienced it yet, you're in for a treat!

~Lynne

Someone recently said to me, 'there is no pure joy in life' – perhaps that is true, but as I give over to the child in me that twirls and jumps and rolls on the floor with complete abandon, I may be experiencing the purest form of joy that does exist: being alive - in my body - in the moment--and absolutely loving it!

~Patrick

I very much look forward to Nia after a long day at work. It is a great stress-reducer, my spirits lighten, and I really enjoy the self-expression allowed through the movements. Sarah is very encouraging and instructs at different levels so people can find their own pace.

I’ve made many friendships over the course of my attending Nia classes. Come and enjoy!

~Abby