Nia Retreats 2026
Special moments in special places
Moments that stay with you. Are you in?
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.
Experience Nia – vibrant, free & in a unique setting
You can find me at these festivals in summer 2025
🔸 Aktionstage im Münchner Nordosten – Daglfing:
Thu, June 26, 6:30–7:30 PM &
Fri, June 27, 7:30–8:30 PM –
Meadow between Burgauerstrasse and Rennbahnstrasse (south of EDEKA market), Co-teaching with Christine Weiand
🔸 Summer Festival Olympiapark – Body & Mind Weekend:
Sat, August 23, 1:00–2:30 PM &
Sun, August 24, 1:00–2:30 PM –
Olympic Hall East
Co-teaching with Christine Weiand
🔸 International Eressos Women Festival –
Lesvos, Greece: September 7–20
Nia & Freedance: Unleash the Joy of Movement
12.09.2025, 10:00-11:30 AM
16.09.2025, 12:30–02:00 PM
Feel free to stop by and dance with us!
If you’d like more information, just drop me a message.
Deepen your connection within – and step into your full power.
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
Nia Travels & Retreats
Joyful Movement Retreat –
Time for yourself, your body & new impulses
May 3–9, 2026
Joyful movement & deep connection.
Treat yourself to a break from everyday life with Nia, mindfulness, meditation, and joyful movement. To feel, recharge, and simply be.
In dance, in your rhythm, in mindful togetherness. Full of presence and aliveness.
At the wonderful SOAMI – a peaceful retreat with nourishing food.
Experience self-care that goes deep. ☀️🌿
Nia Travels & Retreats
Soul & Sun – Nia Retreat in Sicily
October 17–24, 2026
Movement, connection & Mediterranean joy of life.
Experience an unforgettable getaway amidst the beauty of Sicily – with inspiring people, delicious cuisine, dance, revitalizing movement, community, and true enjoyment.
Feel the essence of la dolce vita. 🤌 🇮🇹
Customer testimonials
Katharina, Munich
★★★★★
Nia is freeing, heart-refreshing, and a versatile full-body workout that adapts to your current energy level. Especially as a mom, I truly enjoy this one hour per week because I am doing something good for myself and giving space to my own needs. After Nia, I come home light-hearted, energized, and released from some of my tension. This positive mood immediately carries over to my family. I would not want to miss Chantal’s Nia classes anymore, because her enthusiasm and passion for Nia instantly spill over and draw you in.
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.
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.
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!
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.
