What is Nia?

Nia is a movement practice that skillfully combines the power of Martial Arts with the grace of Dance Arts with the nurturing of the Healing Arts.  Nia is one of the first body/mind fusion movement practices and is now taught in over 60 countries.  At its foundation are: TaiChi, TaeKwonDo, Aikido, Jazz, Modern, Duncan Dance, Yoga, Feldenkrais and Alexander Technique, though no experience in these is necessary to dance Nia.  The music in Nia is carefully crafted to the moves of Nia to create a movement practice based on the science of the body and how it is designed to move. In addition, Nia can draw from in many different dance and music traditions, such as African Dance, Latin Dance, Bollywood and much more. The result is a playful, holistic, conditioning, stress-reducing and energizing hour of dance and so much more. Class can accommodate anybody from fit athletes to beginners since everyone goes at their own pace.

About the teacher: https://nianow.com/niachina

Jen Schwerin took her first Nia class with the founders of Nia at their headquarters in Portland, Oregon in 2001.  In 2003 she did her White Belt training with Nia’s founders, the first step to becoming a Nia teacher. She began the first Nia classes in China in 2004.

Jen’s style of teaching springs from her foundation as a creative artist, filmmaker, storyteller, yoga and mindfulness practitioner and dancer. Each class is an invitation for every Body of any fitness level to step into their bodies and be fully present to the joy of living and moving in a body, offering movement medicine for body and soul. Sharing the joy of movement, teaching the skills of dancing though life and watching students reap the benefits of discovery and health fuel her dedication to her students and the science, craft and art of Nia. Jen currently teaches classes and nurtures the community of Nia students and teachers in Beijing, China. Jen returns to Portland regularly for continued trainings and is currently a Nia Instructor at the Black Belt level.