About Nia Nectar
In Native American medicine tradition, the hummingbird sings a vibration of pure joy. It is said that hummingbird feathers open the heart, and that without an open and loving heart, you can never taste the nectar and pure bliss of life.
- My story
- Credentials
- Clients
- Experience
My Story
The minute I stepped into my first Nia class in May 2001, I knew I wanted to teach it. The week I completed my Nia White Belt training with Carlos Rosas, Nia's co-founder, in January 2003, I knew I wanted to bring this amazing practice back to the UK and my home in London.
I didn't know then how much Nia was to profoundly change me and my life!
A former business consultant and postgraduate social anthropologist, (but passionate social dancer and fitness enthusiast) I was delighted to discover Nia during a 6-year stint in the US. It captured my body, my heart and my spirit. I felt so happy and free - so totally ME!
Over time, my Nia practice opened up a totally new path for me. Nia introduced me to concepts of holistic health, mind-body healing, awareness, truth-telling, community, energy and so much more. What was initially a delightful exercise class became a vehicle for spiritual and personal growth and a more authentic, fulfilling life.
Several years later, I am now back in London, not only teaching Nia but also Kundalini Yoga, as well as offering Reiki healing and therapeutic massage. The path of holistic well-being, spiritual and personal growth is one of continual expansion and learning for me.
The hummingbird is an image that came to me as I was about to leave the US to return to London in 2006. It encapsulates for me the joy I feel when I dance, the open-hearted approach I bring to life and my relationships and the sensation of bliss I love to cultivate in my self and others.
Credentials
Reiki Master, 2011
Thai Yoga Massage Part I, 2011
Foundation 66 Internal Training: Crack Cocaine
SKY Kundalini Yoga Teaching, Level 1, & Level 2 Trainee
Certificate in Hand Drumming & Percussion Facilitation
Gateway Certificates in Deep Tissue, Indian Head & Seated Acupressure Massage
ITEC Diploma in Holistic Massage
Seated & Adapted Nia
St John Ambulance, Appointed Persons Emergency Aid
Nia Brown Belt, 2006
Nia Blue Belt, 2005
Nia White Belt, 2003
American Council on Exercise Group Fitness Instructor
Clients
Clients I have worked with include:
- Alchemy
- Skyros Holistic Holidays
- Champneys Henlow Grange
- One World Festival
- Central YMCA
- The Laboratory, Muswell Hill
- Foundation 66, The Alcohol & Drug Service
- The Bromley By Bow Centre
- The Recovery Centre
- Spring Health
- Fitness Fiesta
- The Grange, Isle of Wight
- Eastern Michigan University
- CancerKin
Experience
Since 2004, I have been teaching Nia classes and workshops in gyms, retreats and colleges in the US, Greece & UK, as well as in a voluntary capacity with youth and drug rehabilitation groups. Career highlights include:
- Creating & delivering an undergraduate course in The Nia Technique at Eastern Michigan University within the College for Health & Human Services
- Presenting Nia workshops & Master Classes at: The One World Festival, The Festival of Life, The Sunrise Festival, The Urban Green Fair & The Ann Arbor Art Fair, as well as at leading gyms, retreats & health spas including Skyros Holistic Holidays, Champneys Spas & The Reebok Centre
- Teaching classes to teens & their mentors in the Big Brothers & Sisters of Washtenaw County, to adults in recovery from addiction at a residential rehab centre in London, and to women with breast cancer based at the Royal Free Hospital
- Co-producing Master Classes with Nia's founders, Debbie & Carlos Rosas, and with the Nia Black Belt & Trainer, Winalee Zeeb
- Playing a pivotal role in building, uniting and marketing my local Nia community in the US
- Initiating a highly successful monthly Funky Freedance Friday event in the US
My work has been featured in Time Out, Natural Health magazine, The Ann Arbor News & Green Events.
