Hi, I’m Amanda and I am so glad you are here!

I love Nia and the way this practice enriches my life both on and off the dance floor: from dancing in the community, connecting with myself, and bringing mindfulness to all of my interactions, as a mother, grandmother, wife, friend, and an early childhood educator.

I love being in nature, dancing, eating nourishing food, and connecting with people. I believe every person should be seen and heard and I delight in holding a safe, inclusive space for people to joyfully move in a manner that honours the design and uniqueness of their body, mind and spirit.

The first memory I have of moving joyfully in my body is when I was 3 years old running barefoot on a dirt road in the rain with my musical skipping rope.

Somewhere in my life as an Early Childhood Educator, marrying Maurice and raising a blended family of 5 children, the joy of moving in my body disappeared from my life, it became a chore. As the years passed I took less time for myself and caring for my body became sporadic. I tried a variety of movement modalities although none led to a consistent practice. It was another “job” to fit into an already busy schedule.

I reached crisis point in 2011 and Nia came into my life. I remember how cared for I felt when I danced during my first class in New Zealand. I couldn’t believe I was invited to listen to my body and move in my body’s way. I wasn’t told to push harder and not once did I hear the words, “NO PAIN, NO GAIN”. In fact, the reverse was true. I remember tears of joy being expressed as I was reconnected to the joyous feeling of the 3-year-old  girl running barefoot in the rain.

My passion was lit.  I continued and now share Nia as a certified Blackbelt Nia Teacher and have taken a range of Nia Belts which are listed below.

I would love it if you joined me.

Amanda xx