What does the name Nia mean? 
I hear this all the time. Sometimes I laugh and give the long answer, and sometimes I just say, “Dancing with Purpose.”
When Nia was birthed, it was an acronym for Non-Impact Aerobics. Hmmm… that didn’t work. Nia does have impactful pressure on the body, specifically the bones (as does walking itself,) and gentle stress on the bones keep them stronger.
Then Nia was known as Neuromuscular Integrative Action… wow. A mouthful. While Nia does access neurons, muscles, and many other processes of the body in an integrative way, the LONG name brought some raised eyebrows.
Nia in Swahili means ‘with purpose.’ In Hebrew, Nia means ‘to move.’ While there 
are many ways of describing Nia, (9 Movement Forms, 7 Cycles, 52 Moves, FreeDance, etc.) I love to say, “We move with purpose.”
As Madisyn Taylor writes below, nothing happens in our lives and in the world without purpose.
Everyday, I purposefully move my body to feel better, for health of my emotions, mind, and spirit. It is a choice as human beings that we make everyday.
What do you choose?
Now I Am… moving with purpose. Join me in class this week!
Check out the MANY special events, classes, trainings and loads of FUN that are on the horizon! CLICK HERE!
Love, Adelle
Nia: Tuesday 7:30am, Wednesday 9:15am, Friday 9:15am
Nia FreeDance: Thursday 9:15am
Read more from Madisyn Taylor…
The path that speeds us toward our dreams can be a challenging and complex one, so it’s easy to get bogged down in confusion and insecurities. We often hesitate at the start of that path, questioning our purpose or our capabilities. Yet we should be moving forward joyously, eager to discover what destiny has in store for us. The universe has plans for us that eclipse anything we have dreamed of thus far. Though we must work diligently to fulfill our potential and to accomplish our individual missions, the universe is aware of both the quests we chose before birth and the goals we have formulated in adulthood. If we accept that it us watching over us and believe that it will facilitate our eventual success, the universe will provide us with the assistance and opportunities that enable us to make significant progress on our journeys of ambition.
Nothing happens without a purpose. Whether we attract success or repel it depends on our willingness to stay open to a wide range of possibilities and to embrace concepts like synchronicity. The universe is always ready to care for our needs, but we must not write off its loving attention as mere circumstance or chance. Likewise, we must endeavor to ensure that our egos do not become a barrier that prevents us from recognizing that even perceived mistakes and strife can be profound lessons that smooth the progress of personal evolution. When we understand that we only need to enthusiastically try our best to realize our objectives, the universe will take care of the details, propelling us forward in its unstoppable current. We may not always immediately understand the significance of certain experiences, but our trust will help us choose wisely at each crossroads.
The universe wants to see you accomplish your goals. No matter how long you’ve dallied or hesitated, it will always be there to put its plan for you in motion at the first sign of your faith. You can make the most of this aid by acquiescing to it rather than fighting it–nurture your dreams but do not attempt to micromanage every detail along the way. The universe will provide you with guidance and, if you heed that guidance, you will find your formerly stressful quest for success will become a journey of great joy. ~Madisyn Taylor, Daily Om