I fell madly and inexplicably (at that time) in love with Nia the first time I stepped into a class in 1995 at the tender age of 24. Halfway through class, I was shocked to receive the crystal clear message ‘You are going to teach this.’ I had never envisioned myself a fitness instructor, and next thing I knew, I was registering for the next White Belt Training. What I didn’t know then was that the term ‘fitness instructor’ barely skims the surface of what Nia offers.

The reasons I was so drawn to the work began to unfold for me during my 1996 White Belt. Nia had come into my life as a healer. I felt something in that first class that was foreign to me at the time: I felt at home in my body for the first time that I could recall. I felt joy. And I felt the promise of more. Of transformation. The profound power of Nia to heal brings me to my knees again and again and again. I began a journey of self-empowerment as I learned tools to navigate healing decades of paralyzing depression and anxiety. Seeds of self-empowerment, self-love and unapologetically loving my body were planted. The life-changing and magical practice of Nia coaxed me into a powerful journey of ever-evolving healing.

In 2002 I knew that it was time to share the Joy, and I began teaching. Now, as a Teacher and Trainer, I am deeply honored to create a space of exploration and empowerment through this rich movement and lifestyle practice. My heart needs to share this work. I want others to feel and be transformed by Nia’s gifts. I celebrate the opportunity to share with others Nia’s invitation to come home. I bring deep reverence and pure Love for the work, passion, playfulness, energy, enthusiasm, acceptance, and encouragement to my students and Trainees, with the intent to blend my gentle approach into rocking and rolling experiences of full throttle Nia Joy! I am madly passionate about co-creating commUNITY, and I get giddy smiley seeing students sink into their sensational bodies. I want Nia to invite you into a mad love affair with yourself and your miraculous body, mind, emotions and spirit. I want Nia to take you on a journey into a celebration of your beauteous body in motion. I am amazed at where my Nia practice has taken me and will continue to take me. I invite you to amaze yourself.

While not on the dance floor, I live in a home full of color, laughter, whimsy and love in St. Louis with my awesome son Max (who looked up at me wide-eyed after watching me teach Nia for the first time, telling me “Mom, you’re like a rockstar”…think microphone and hearing me sing while teaching...and please don’t blow my cover by telling him otherwise!) and my beloved husband Tom who is endlessly supportive, as he has witnessed the gifts I have received through Nia. I am home.
 

Read Tracy's Testimonial