Nia FAQs
Nia Training
Trainings at StudioNia
What can I expect?
When will I be in session?
Should I bring food or snacks?
How do I get to StudioNia from Portland International Airport (PDX)?
Where can I stay?
What do I bring?
Can I come to the public Nia Classes while I am there?
What happens if I have to cancel?
General Nia FAQ
What is Nia?
Nia is a workout, lifestyle and personal growth program. More than a physical fitness or weight loss program, Nia is a way to condition, heal and transform your body, mind, emotions and spirit. Nia is a system that blends Eastern and Western movements, concepts and philosophy derived from three main movement forms: Martial Arts (mindful precision), Dance Arts (personal expression) and Healing Arts (self-healing). The philosophy of Nia is based on the pleasure principle: If it feels good, keep doing it; if it hurts, stop and adapt what you do to feel better.
Who created Nia?
Nia was created in the early 1980’s by Debbie Rosas and Carlos Rosas, then fitness professionals in Marin County, California, searching for a smarter and less painful way to workout and stay fit.
What type of movement does Nia involve?
Nia movement integrates dynamic, expressive systemic movement. It is based on thirteen foundation principles, 52 basic moves, and the energy of three arts: Martial Arts, Dance Arts and Healing Arts. A variety of speeds and styles, ranges of motion and energy dynamics are included.
What is the science behind Nia?
Nia is based on The Body’s Way, which means, using the body’s design to improve function. The biochemistry, joint and muscle action are triggered using imagination, music, emotion and vocal sound. Movements work with and against gravity and include: abduction, adduction; flexion, extension; eversion, inversion; dorsal flexion, plantar flexion, pronation and supination; horizontal flexion, extension; rotation inward, outward, upward and downward, elevation, depression, and circumduction. Nia addresses the body’s five main sensations: flexibility, strength, mobility, agility and stability and focuses on conditioning the body and the nervous system.
How does Nia differ from other "mind-body" programs?
Everything in Nia is perceived, experienced and processed through the body. Nia uses the body to develop Sensory IQ wisdom. The mind is used to imagine, witness, focus and direct attention. The emotions are used to personally engage the individual with activity, thereby creating the coupling effect needed to trigger the mind-body connection. Spirit is used to honor the uniqueness of each individual. Nia uses emotion and sound to condition the body and nervous system. Nia’s teaching style emphasizes internally directed guidance, uses visual and sensory language, user-friendly choreography, that can be adapted to fit personal needs, and includes three stages of learning for all levels of ability.
Where can I find Nia?
Nia is taught in nearly every state of the United States, as well as in 37 other countries around the world. Nia is offered in a variety of settings - from gyms and fitness centers to the finest spas and resorts. You'll find Nia in: Fitness and Health Clubs, Yoga Centers, YWCA's, Pilates Studios, Non-Exercise Facilities, Healing and Wellness Centers, Senior Centers, Retreat Programs, Summer Camps, Personal Growth and Transformation Seminars and Conferences, HMO Programs, Corporate Wellness Programs, Sport Vacations, Teen and Inner City Youth Groups, University PE, Theater, and Pre-med Departments, Dance & Martial Arts Schools, Spas, Hospitals, Prisons, and Drug/Alcohol & Cardiac Rehabilitation Centers, to name a few!
Who takes Nia?
People of all ages, from all walks of life and with varied interests participate in Nia. People who love to move and are passionate about change, people who desire a conscious, artistic, fun, expressive and pleasurable way to get fit, to heal and to personally grow.
What are the benefits of taking Nia?
- Increase the pleasure of living in your body
- Facilitate weight loss and proper weight maintenance
- Strengthen muscles, improve muscle tone, and increase muscle definition
- Calm the mind and relieve stress
- Improve endurance
- Increase grace and flexibility
- Balance the autonomic nervous system
- Improve posture and even increase height
- Improve organ function, particularly that of the heart and lungs
- Enhance sensory awareness
- Heighten sexual function
- Build reservoirs of chi energy
- Alleviate emotional problems, including depression, anxiety, and stress
- Improve circulation of blood and improve lymphatic drainage
- Strengthen immunity
- Improve concentration and cognitive function
Does Nia require special equipment?
No, Nia requires no equipment at all. In fact, Nia was designed to be performed in bare feet. If you choose to dance with shoes, we suggest a thin, soft soled shoe.
Has Nia received industry recognition?
Over the past 25 years, Nia has been presented at Health, Fitness, and Wellness Industry conventions such as: IDEA, IRHSA, Science and Consciousness, National Wellness, Health Magazine-Women’s Wellness Weekend, and Sound Healers Conferences. Nia has been recognized as a pioneering leader in the Fitness, Health and Wellness Industries.
Nia Training FAQ
What is the Nia White Belt Intensive Training?
This is the first level of Nia Training for Nia students interested in diving deeper into the Nia Education. It is a 7 day, 40+ hour, hands-on Training that is offered throughout the world by Certified Nia Trainers.
Where do White Belt Trainings take place?
Trainings take place internationally. For a list of current Trainings, visit "Trainings" under "Classes & Events" from the home page and begin your search for locations or other key words.
How do I choose a Trainer?
You can find a Nia Trainer with the NiaFinder. Get there by clicking "Trainer" under "Classes & Events" in the navigation bar and review the biographies of Trainers who offer Nia Trainings to find the ones you resonate with most, and use that information, in conjunction with location to find the best fit for you.
What do the Trainings include?
- Study of anatomy, movement, music, methodology, and Nia philosophy, including Principles relating to each level of Training
- 40+ hours hands-on cognitive and experiential instruction including participation in daily Nia classes
- Nia Intensive Workbook
- Nia Intensive Manual, including step-by-step Post-Training for Continuing Education (optional for those not interested in Teaching Nia)
- Graduation Certificate
What is the daily schedule?
White, Blue, Brown, Black, 1st Degree
All Belts, except Green Belt (Teachers only), are 7 days. Most Trainings (dependent upon Trainer and location) start at 5:00 PM on Saturday, and ends Friday evening. Days begin as early as 7:00 AM and generally end by 7:00 PM.
Green Belt
This Training is for Nia Teachers only and follows the White Belt. Green Belt is 5 days, and generally begins at 7:00 AM on Friday and ends by 7:00 PM Tuesday. Lunches are typically 90 minutes.
See schedule for more specific details on dates. Students are required to attend all sessions to receive a Graduation Certificate.
How active is the White Belt Training?
All Trainings involve approximately 60% movement participation and 40% lecture. Self-paced, everybody is encouraged to do their best.
Is there anything that would limit me from participating in a Nia Intensive Training?
Only illness, mental or physical, that gets in the way of full participation. Nia does not discriminate for any reason. All Nia experience levels are welcome.
Can I teach Nia once I have completed the Training?
Yes, with the additional purchase of the Nia Continuing Education and Licensing packages. The purchase of the Continuing Education package ensures a White Belt Graduates commitment to developing their knowledge and Teaching skills. The purchase of the Nia Teacher's License provides the legal right to represent the work and mark of Nia Technique, Inc.
How do I register for my Training?
Navigate to the Training you wish to participate and click on the purple Register Now button, then follow the steps through our online registration system.
Can you help me with accommodations when visiting StudioNia?
We have a list of recommended hotels in the area, you can view this list by visiting the StudioNia page www.nianow.com/studio
Can you help me find a roommate when visiting StudioNia for an Intensive Training?
We suggest you go to the Nia Teacher's Forum and post or respond to requests under the "Looking for a Roommate" section
What is the maximum number of students that can attend an Intensive?
Each Intensive capacity is determined by the size of the room. Generally, Intensives vary from 10-50 people
When is the cutoff date for Registration?
There is no cutoff date, however, all paperwork and fees must be received before participation and there is a 13 week Pre Training that we recommend you complete prior to attending. The Pre Training materials must be completed for participation in the Nia Green Belt and the Nia 5 Stages Trainings.
Why should I take the Nia White Belt?
Nia students who are passionate about change, and are drawn to expressive movement as a way to transform, take the Nia White Belt Intensive Training as a way to go deeper into the personal practice of Nia. Individuals who are looking to teach Nia or complement their existing profession with movement techniques, take the Nia White Belt Intensive, to learn how to integrate Nia movement and theory into their practice or to teach Nia as a professional.
How much time must pass before I can take my next belt?
One year is required between belts. Green Belt (for Licensed Nia Teachers) is the exception, and is recommended 3-8 months after completing the Nia White Belt. Graduates are welcome to take the Nia 5 Stages Training at any time.
Can I audit sessions after I graduate a Nia Intensive?
As a graduate of any Intensive, you are eligible to audit, meaning attend, up to four full sessions, defined by time slots in the schedule, as long as there is room to accommodate your participation.
Licensing
How do I become a Nia Teacher?
The requirements to become a Nia Teacher are to attend and graduate from a Nia White Belt Intensive and also purchase a Nia Teacher’s License.
Why do I need to purchase a Nia Teacher’s License?
You need to purchase a Nia Teacher’s License in order to legally teach Nia classes. When purchasing a Nia Teacher’s License, you are not only purchasing the right to promote yourself as a Nia Teacher, but also the rights to use all copyrighted materials, The Nia Name, Logo, Technique, marketing materials and many other benefits. Please review our list of Teacher benefits to see all that’s included!
How much does a License cost?
- US Teachers pay $520 a year or $50 a month.
- International Teachers pay $420 a year or $40 a month.
- South Africa Teachers pay $200 a year.
- Black Belt Teachers (world-wide) pay $370 a year.
Do I get any special deals as a first time Teacher?
We offer our first time Teachers an additional 3 months for the price of 12! Three extra months to build your community, classes and skills.
How do I know what to teach? Do I just make up a routine?
As part of your Nia License, you will receive 4 Nia Routines annually to learn and share with your students. First time Teachers receive the Nia White Belt routine package which consists of 4 routines hand picked by the founders of Nia. Upon renewal of your license you may choose your next four.
What are the Nia Routines?
These are videotaped classes featuring Nia creators Debbie Rosas and Carlos Rosas. Each one is the choreography for a full Nia class, and you may learn them and teach them in your own classes. Each is also designed to help you deepen your understanding and practice of a certain aspect of the Nia Technique, continuing the education of the intensive and honing your teaching skills.
Do I have to teach Nia routines, or can I make up my own stuff?
It is recommended, for your own benefit as well as that of your students, that you begin by teaching Nia routines as they are presented. Then, once you are more familiar with teaching Nia, you can begin to explore the built-in flexibility of each routine, changing the focus of the workouts, substituting your own musical selections, etc. Wholesale creation of a complete Nia routine should be attempted only after much experience and completion of at least the Blue Belt.
What if I want more than four routines?
As a Licensed Nia Teacher you may purchase additional routines for the price of $37.50.
Can I purchase routines if I’m not a Teacher?
No. But we do offer home workout DVD’s for the public.
When can I sign up to become a teacher?
You will have an opportunity to become a Licensed Nia Teacher at your White Belt Intensive. Your Trainer will be able to assist you with your paperwork. You can also choose to license at any time after your White Belt Intensive. Simply contact us at Nia Headquarters
Can I start teaching right away, after I finish my intensive?
Yes. However, most people who intend to teach require at least a few weeks of additional preparation before they offer their first class. Ask your trainer for his or her estimation of when you can realistically expect to start.
What is the Teacher’s Terms of Agreement?
These are the conditions under which you are given permission to use the proprietary material of the Nia Technique®, Inc. Review this document here.
What if I don’t want to adhere to these conditions?
Then you may not be a Nia Instructor. You are welcome to take the intensive for personal and professional growth, but in order to legally offer Nia classes, you must agree to the Teacher’s Terms of Agreement.
When is my license up for renewal?
If you are a first time White Belt, your license period is 15 months for the price of 12. So your renewal date will be 15 months from your start date. All other license periods are 12 months. You can access your license end date by logging into our online store and and clicking on “My Account.”
What are my renewal options?
- Renew early by purchasing your next year's Nia License in our online store! www.nianow.com/store
- Download your Renewal Forms on www.nianow.com and mail them to Nia Headquarters along with your payment details.
Can I renew early?
Yes. If renewing online, you can pay now and post-date the start of your license to any day. If mailing in renewal paperwork we will take payment now and post-date the start of your license to your current renewal date.
What if my license is expired?
If your license is expired you will not be able to renew online. Our database will no longer recognize you as a Teacher. Please download the renewal paperwork from www.nianow.com/renew and either mail, fax or email to Nia Headquarters.
How do I renew online?
Navigate to our online store and log in using your Nia Shopping Account information. Once logged in, click “Contracts” on the top toolbar. Select your desired license from the drop down menu. Then select the start date of your license. Read and agree to the Teacher License Agreement and then proceed to checkout.
Where do I download renewal forms?
http://nianow.com/renew You may mail forms along with payment to The Nia Technique, Inc. 918 SW Yamhill St. 3rd Floor Portland, OR 97205.
What if I don’t have access to a computer?
We will gladly mail you a hard copy of your renewal paperwork. Feel free to call us with your request and provide your current mailing address.
Why can I not renew online?
The first thing to do is to make sure you are logged into your Nia Shopping Account. If not, log in and try again. Or you may need to create an account. If you are logged in and still not able to view your licensing options your license may have already expired. Please download the forms and submit to Headquarters via fax, mail or email.
Do I need to mail anything in if I renew online?
No. The electronic contract you agree to is securely stored on your account.
When do I get my routines?
You may order your 4 continuing education routines at any time during your license period. You may include them with your renewal paperwork, call, or email your order to us. At this time we cannot facilitate the 4 free routine orders in our online store.
How can I pay for my renewal?
Online renewal offers payment options of Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover, and direct automated checking (requiring a routing and account number).
Renewal by mail offers payment options of Check, Cash, Money Order, Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover, and direct automated checking (requiring a routing and account number).
Training at StudioNia
What can I expect?
Each day of the Nia Intensive includes a Nia class, along with movement exercises, journaling, and some lecture. Please expect that you will be moving a lot -- Expect to be challenged and have fun! You will learn to pay attention to managing your energy level as part of the process.
When will I be in session?
During the week, we expect that you will be in session from about 8AM to 7PM with a 90-minute break for lunch at midday. An optional Graduation Celebration is typically offered from 7-9PM on the final evening for those whose travel plans permit. A detailed schedule for the week will be handed out at the Training. To get the most out of your experience, and to successfully graduate from the Nia Intensive, full participation in all sessions is expected.
Should I bring food or snacks?
Please feel free to bring your own snacks and drinks into the NiaLounge and use our bistro table and plush couches. There is a full-size refrigerator, a microwave, and a toaster oven in the kitchen available for you to use throughout your stay. There is also a variety of restraunts and grocery stores in the area, including a Whole Foods within walking distance.
How do I get to StudioNia from Portland International Airport (PDX)?
Portland’s public transportation MAX Red Line light rail train is available to take you to downtown Portland (frequent location stops). The cost is $2.00 and has many stops as it goes through downtown. The Galleria/SW 10th stop is one block North of StudioNia. Please visit www.trimet.org for MAX scheduling information. Taxi and town car services are also available from the airport. Plan about an hour for transportation from the airport to StudioNia.
Where can I stay?
We recommend The Nines and The Paramount, both within walking distance from StudioNia. More information, and additional accomodation options ~ www.nianow.com/studio
What do I bring?
Comfortable movement clothing, layers are often favorable for Portland's changing weather. Sometimes a cozy scarf can make all the difference! NiaWear fashion dancewear is for sale at the studio, or visit our store
Can I come to the public Nia Classes while I am there?
Nia Teachers and Training participants dance for free at StudioNia. View the complete StudioNia schedule online at NiaNow.com/studio
What happens if I have to cancel?
Space in the training is limited and cancelation and transfer fees are applicable. If you need to cancel your registration, please notify us immediately by phone and by email.