Liz Adamson, Brevard, NC Nia Blue Belt. I fell in love with Nia at first sight when I walked into Denise Medved's Nia class; bare feet (ahhh) and African music pulsating, energized bodies moving with joy and freedom to simple steps. To my surprise ( I was shy, dyslexic and used to hiding!) I became a teacher, amazed at the transformations possible in body, mind, emotions and spirit that take place daily in Nia classes. Over six years have passed and I still am in awe of this technique and continue to learn of its deep healing gifts. Nia has kept me and so many others alive and well and I am most grateful! Contact Liz at 828-877-5432 or email to adamsonwells@citcom.net

Tamara (rhymes w/ sara) Albright was first introduced to the bliss of personal, 
creative movement at a Grateful Dead concert in 1990. The comfort,
ease and individuality surrounding Tamara inspired within her the understanding that she too could allow her body to dance in it's own way. And that way was nothing less than beautiful. This experience of creativity, joy, unity, music and movement opened a profound pathway to continuing personal expression.

Over the years, spiritual discovery, art, natural foods, yoga and aromatherapy created a synergy of well-being practices that became a cornerstone in Tamara's personal development. Yet, she still craved to connect with others in music, dance and freedom. Traveling the east coast, she attended countless music festivals and concerts seeking and living moments of pure bliss.

Landing in Asheville to be closer to her niece, Tamara discovered Nia at the downtown YMCA in 2006. Nia provided her with an incredible, consistent and reliable outlet for connecting to spirit, self and community all while shakin' her booty! YAY! She received her Nia white belt in September 2007 and is looking forward to dancing with you soon! Contact Tamara at 828.551.5017 or albrightcreative@yahoodotcom .

Connie Byrne has always had a passion for exercise. From the time she was a little girl, Connie's favorite place to be was outside climbing trees, riding her bike, skiing, hiking, or otherwise enjoying the wondrous feeling that comes from joyously interacting with nature.

A car accident in 2000 and years of painful recovery forced Connie to make significant changes in her life. She retired from her successful corporate career in IT management and consulting, and retreated to the mountains of North Carolina. The forced retirement was a blessing in disguise. Connie finally had the opportunity to truly begin the process of healing.

The one thing that had helped her in her three year quest for relief from constant pain was a movement class she took in Charlotte. Upon her arrival in Brevard, Connie searched for a similar class. She knew that organic systemic movement was the key that unlocked the door to her healing. She heard about this class called Nia, and decided to give it a try. After the first class she drove home ecstatic - she knew she had found her way back to health.

Over a period of six months the improvement in Connie's physical and emotional health was dramatic. This improvement was the catalyst to becoming a Nia instructor. The pain and fibromyalgia that had forced her into retirement was now almost gone. The Joy she felt when doing Nia lifted her spirits. Connie could not wait to share this with others. In April of 2005, Connie became a certified Nia instructor and is currently teaching Nia in several locations in Brevard, North Carolina. Contact Connie at 828-883-8972 or by email at nia@citcom.net.

  Lia Collman is an enthusiastic Nia instructor, who was introduced to Nia in 1997 when searching for an exercise class that would help her lower back pain. The idea of a whole body workout coupled with fun was very appealing. She brings elements of play and fun to each class, healing through awareness and the joy of movement.

Lia received her White Belt training in 2000 with Denise Medved in Hendersonville, NC and her Blue Belt with Nia creators, Debbie Rosas and Carlos Rosas, in October 2006. She teaches Nia classes locally and enjoys co-creating special group events with other local Nia instructors.

Around the same time, I lost my job and began seeking clues as to my next move. Inspired by a question in Wish Craft, I asked myself, Where do you find joy? The answer came clearly: DANCE!

Shortly after, I was certified to teach Nia, training with Holly Curtis in Austin, October 1998. I trained further with co-creators Debbie and Carlos Rosas in October 2000. I completed Brown Belt training in 2006.

Before leaving Austin, I thoroughly explored her rich dance community, enjoying Nia classes, workshops, playshops, as well as yoga, Trance and African dance, Soul Motion, Five Rhythms, Body Choir, toning, and other practices. Vibrational healing especially resonates with me.