I don’t want to give away the ending…but I have to tell you that I left my first Nia class absolutely energized and excited about my new adventure.

Nia

It was a hot evening, hotter than is usual for Coronado as I walked over to the Coronado High School for my first Nia class. I arrived already “glowing” and as I made my way up to the dance studios on the second floor, the sound of pounding feet keeping time to a rhythmic beat assaulted my ears. “What the?”

Then I remembered that the Cardio and Conditioning class had started at 5:30 and it happened to be held in the dance studio next to where Nia was slated to start at 6:00.

I looked into the dim light of the dance studio and saw Audrey Dill, my Nia instructor. Audrey is a certified NIA Brown Belt and has been dancing Nia for about 15 years and teaching it since 2003.

She is tall and slender as is expected of a dancer and is quite lovely with long auburn hair Audrey is at once both energetic and serene and fills the space with a positive energy and to watch her move and dance is quite magical.

At the start of Nia we sit in a circle in the middle of the dance floor and Audrey asks a question. That first night we introduced ourselves and answered the question, “What inspires you?”

Funny how when you’re put on the spot you can suddenly be at a loss for words. I had no idea what I would say when my turn came.

But then it was my turn. “Hi, my name is Corinne. Let’s see, what inspires me…” Suddenly the answer came to me. “Nature, nature inspires me.” In my minds eye I saw the waves crashing on Coronado Beach, palm fronds dancing in the wind, a glorious sunset over Point Loma, a full moon rising over the Coronado Bridge…

After going around the circle, we stood up and so began my initiation into Nia.

At first I thought it wasn’t going to be much of a workout. But I soon realized that Audrey was being kind to us and easing us in slowly as this was the first night of class.

It turns out that Nia is a great work out alternating slow actions with quick cardio actions. It involves a series of movements that create a routine that is done to music. There is structure in some of the steps and arm movements interspersed with free form moves. Immersing yourself in the music, you gain an awareness of your body and its existence in the space around you; your mind becomes more focused, and your spirit soars.

The hour passes quickly and soon it is time to come together again in a circle, this time allowing your body to tell you what it wants. For me, that includes a few stretches, some yoga movements followed by a total relaxation pose. Audrey then asks us to sit up, eyes closed and do some cleansing breaths and salutations to the air and to the earth.

I am drenched in sweat, my muscles are warm and rubbery, and I feel very calm and peaceful. On my walk home I feel energized and lively as the warm evening breeze washes over me. I turn the corner onto Olive Avenue and am amazed at the spectacular sunset. I am glad I chose to try Nia.