Dance | Nia
in Munich
For me, dance is the direct expression of my own being.
Chantal Gagnebin
Be who you are.
Move as you are.
In our fast-paced and demanding times, we often lose touch with ourselves and our bodies. It is particularly important to me to encourage people to be aware of themselves, to move joyfully to music and to find joy in themselves through dancing.
Is dance and movement to music your element?
Let me introduce you to something very special: It’s called Nia.
Nia is pure joy in movement and a holistic fusion fitness concept.
Nia means Neuromuscular Integrative Action. All movements follow the feel-good principle. Nia combines elements from nine different types of movement - Jazz Dance, Modern Dance, Duncan Dance, Tai Chi, Taekwondo, Aikido, Yoga, Feldenkrais and Alexander Technique - and comprises 52 basic movements, the Nia ABC. With flowing, powerful and playful movements, Nia promotes the joy of movement, mindfulness and well-being.
Short, repetitive step sequences that arise from the music alternate with guided, free parts. As a Nia teacher, I lead the class and dance along.
You will be supported in adapting the training to your own fitness level and needs in a playful way, with plenty of creative freedom.
My first Nia class in 2009 felt like “coming home to my dance and my body”. After this experience, I did some research on the internet and discovered that a workshop by Carlos Rosas from the USA, one of the two founders of Nia, was taking place in Hamburg.
Excited by this opportunity, I was determined to take part. Inspired and full of energy, I then decided to complete the first stage of the Nia training, which also took place in Hamburg a week later.
With my regular Nia courses in Munich, workshops and retreats, I offer a wide range of opportunities to come into full strength, train the body without pressure to perform and develop your own expressive potential.
Connect with your body.
Your body is your home!
Chantal Gagnebin
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Nia trains physical and mental fitness without pressure to perform.
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The contact with the body and one’s own expressive potential is strengthened and explored.
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Harmonious movements sensitize perception and stimulate the body’s own self-healing powers.
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The entire organism is activated.
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Endurance is trained.
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Vitality, health and joy of life are promoted.
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Stress is reduced so that relaxation can set in.
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Nia is a lot of fun!
Nia - The pure joy of movement
Ria, Munich
★★★★★
It was such a wonderful heart dance workshop today. So sensitive and loving, powerful and centered. Thank you so much for that. 🥳✨✨✨✨ I got to know and love Nia through you and your teaching style. A new life began for me then and continues to this day. 🌞 Now I can continue dancing with you. You can't imagine how happy it makes me. 🩷💓🩷💓
Margit, Munich
★★★★★
Nia is unique - and perhaps that is why it is still far too little known. Nia is flowing movement that gives energy and at the same time offers space to release your own - even superfluous - energy. For me, Nia is inextricably linked with Chantal, who not only dances Nia with temperament, great sensitivity and enthusiasm, but lives it. One lesson with her - and you have let go of what you no longer need and taken in what nourishes your soul and your body. A wonderful experience that I wouldn't want to miss.
Karin, Munich
★★★★★
A Nia class with Chantal is pure relaxation. Afterwards, I always feel like I've had a short vacation. The choreography is good for the brain and its flexibility. When I dance freely, I can “let it all out” and that's so good for me and my heart! Since I've been dancing Nia, I'm much more relaxed and at ease.
Stephanie, Munich
★★★★★
Chantal is a fantastic and motivating trainer, Nia with her is great fun. The dancing is seemingly effortless and playful, strength and stretching go hand in hand, and only afterwards do you realize that you've had a complete workout for the whole body. The joy of movement is back and your somewhat dusty motor skills improve from time to time!
Jasmine, Munich
★★★★★
I look forward to every Wednesday with Nia with you, dear Chantal, since then I am as good as pain-free. I leave the class with positive life energy. Thank you ❣️
Anna, Munich
★★★★★
For me, Nia is a holistic workout that is good for the body, mind and soul. It relaxes and strengthens at the same time. Despite the specific instructions, there is still room for individual expression. And Chantal is a wonderful, motivating trainer who makes everyone feel comfortable, no matter how fit or advanced they are! I enjoy every lesson!
Come, let's dance Nia together!
Discover Nia classes near you and find the perfect opportunity to exercise, relax and do something for your physical vitality.
Here you can find an overview of my current Nia courses.
Find the right course for you and join in - whether you're new to Nia or have danced it before!
Nia Classes & Nia Courses
Nia gets you moving and sweating - without corrections or drills. Under guidance, you move joyfully and in harmony with your body. You will feel yourself more intensely and discover new aspects of yourself. Playfully gain calm, strength and recharge your batteries. You express yourself - the way you are and the way it feels good for you.
I offer Nia classes on site and online - as course blocks or as individual drop-in lessons. You will get the most benefit if you attend regularly.
In my Nia classes, you experience a holistic workout that strengthens you physically and inspires you mentally.
After a Nia Class you will feel alive and balanced.
References
Nia Workshops
from 2023: Kult9 // VfV - Verein für Volkswohnungen eG // Tanztendenz München e.V. // Orange Room // 2009-2015: Youth center “Treff 21” in the Blumenau, at the girls' festival // 6th course instructor day in Nuremberg and further education seminar in Augsburg for the bvv Bayerischer Volkshochschulverband e.V. // Freelance teaching assistant at the MVHS Münchner Volkshochschule, Munich East area: Giesing, Bogenhausen, Gasteig headquarters // Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München company medical service // body + soul Center Lenbachpalais and Center Trudering // 4th course instructor day in Nuremberg and introductory day in Erlangen for the bvv Bayerischer Volkshochschulverband e.V. // SportScheck all-weather facility at the Englischer Garten // Freizeit-Clubs.de
Nia Courses
from 2023: Kult9 // VfV - Verein für Volkswohnungen eG // My Sportlady Fitness for women // Dojo SEIN // 2009-2015: Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München Betriebsärztlicher Dienst // Studio Ben // CITA Centrum für Integrale Tanz- und Ausdruckstherapie | Coaching // Dance & Soul Ballettschule // Lecturer at Hasting Studio für zeitgenössischen Tanz // doin - Privatpraxis für Krankengymnastik & asiatische Heilmethoden // Tanz-Studio Urte Gudian // La Danse Schule für Tanz und Bewegung
Nia Videos
The day is lost when we haven't danced once!
Friedrich Nietzsche
#münchentanztnia mit Ann
am 9. Februar 2025
Customer testimonials
Nia Playshops:
Discover, experience, explore
“Play” stands for lightness, curiosity and the joy of trying things out. In my Playshops, you dive deep into the world of Nia, explore new movement qualities, play with different movement dynamics and find space for your personal expression - with valuable impulses for everyday life.
You will experience how Nia strengthens you - physically, mentally and emotionally. Your body awareness deepens, your sensitivity is sharpened and your mindfulness grows. Relaxation and balance come naturally.
Whether you are a beginner or experienced - the playshops (1.5 to 3 hours) are designed so that you can join in effortlessly.
After a Playshop you are centered and full of lightness.