Nia Santa Monica, Santa Monica

The class stands barefoot in the studio, engulfed by music. Inhibitions disappear and mental chatter melts away as the class begins to move together, flowing through motions that draw from martial arts, dance, and healing arts. The instructors use Nia as an attempt to improve physical, emotional, and mental well-being through joyful self-expression that, much like showing up to class in a cape and goggles, makes students feel like kids again.