Nia

Nia (previously known as Non-Impact Aerobics and Neuromuscular Integrative Action, now referred to simply as "Nia"), pronounced "nee-ya", blends three dance arts (Isadora Duncan dance, modern dance, and jazz dance), three martial arts (aikido, tae kwon do, and tai chi) and three healing arts (Alexander Technique, yoga, and Feldenkrais). It is a form of aerobic exercise.

Nia classes are choreographed and accompanied by a wide variety of music styles. Nia teachers lead students through a series of 52 basic moves, each of which can be performed at three levels of intensity (high, medium, and low) and planes of movement (high, medium, and low).

Created in 1983 by Debbie Rosas and Carlos Rosas in California^[1] , Nia moved its headquarters to Portland, Oregon. As of 2007, there are more than 1,750 Nia teachers in 40 countries.

As in the martial arts, Nia practitioners can choose to progress through levels of training called "Belts." A White Belt, the first level of Nia practice, is required to teach Nia. Additional levels are Blue Belt, Brown Belt, Black Belt, and Red Belt (Trainers).

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