Nia in Munich
Fitness. Dance. Health.
For me, dance is the direct expression of my own being.
Chantal Gagnebin
Be who you are.
Move how 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.
Nia 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. ☀️🌿
Take responsibility for yourself and step into your 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 and suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
Nia - The pure joy of movement
The day is lost when we haven't danced once!
Friedrich Nietzsche
Wednesdays: Nia at Team München
At Sendlinger Tor:
For queer people & allies
Not a member yet?
Max. 2 free trial classes.
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 at f.re.e – Germany’s most active travel and leisure fair
Friday, February 20, 2026
4x 15 Min., 9:00–17:00
📍 Fitness participation area, Hall A6
🤝 Nia Co-Teaching
Christine & Chantal
Save the date
Sunday, March 22, 2026
15:30–17:00
📍 My Sportlady
Klenzestraße 57B
80469 München
Nia 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 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.
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.
References
Festivals, Trade Shows & Retreats
f.re.e – Bavaria’s largest travel and leisure fair // Hotel Kalura – Sicily, Italy // SOAMI – Carinthia, Austria // International Eressos Women Festival – Lesbos, Greece // Summer festival in the Olympic Park: Body & Mind Days – Munich // Action Days in Munich’s Northeast – Daglfing
Nia Workshops
from 2023: Team München // Kult9 // MVHS Munich Adult Education Center // VfV Housing Association // Studio Hemma // Tanztendenz Munich // 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
since 2023: Team München // Kult9 // MVHS Munich Adult Education Center // VfV Housing Association // Kolibri // 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
#münchentanztnia mit Ann
am 9. Februar 2025
