Hi, I’m Sophie.

I’m passionate about using movement as a transformative pathway to self-discovery, joyful living, and meaningful connection. Like many women, you may struggle to prioritise physical activity—especially when stress, fatigue, or feeling disconnected from your body gets in the way.

That’s where Nia comes in. This gentle yet energising dance-fitness practice is designed to:

  • Rekindle your joy
  • Enhance your well-being
  • Strengthen your mind-body connection

Nia is easy on your joints and accessible to all fitness levels, helping you build strength, elevate your mood, and feel good from the inside out.

No matter your age or stage of life, Nia meets you where you are, empowering you to achieve your fitness and wellness goals. With over 25 years of experience as a Nia practitioner and teacher, I’ve guided hundreds of women to rediscover their senses and embrace life with renewed pleasure, confidence, and vitality.

“This exercise style delivers real body benefits – cardiovascular fitness, balance, strength, and agility – but you could practise Nia just for the sheer joy of it.” Liz Cantor, TV Presenter

 WHAT IS NIA?

Nia is a holistic movement practice that combines elements of dance, martial arts, and mindfulness to promote overall wellness. It invites you to move every part of your body to an eclectic mix of music – naturally, at your own pace, and in your own way.

More than just a fitness class, Nia is a journey of self-discovery that evolves with you. It integrates the mind, body, and spirit, infusing your life with joy and vitality. Through Nia, you’ll learn to:

  • Rediscover your joy in movement
  • Enhance your body-brain health
  • Cultivate creativity and curiosity

Nia is:

  • Stress-busting fun: Feel-good movement as medicine
  • Low-impact and inclusive: Suitable for all ages, fitness levels, and abilities
  • Supportive and healing: Be yourself in a kind, encouraging community

Nia isn’t about:

  • Memorising steps or ‘getting it right’
  • Keeping up with others
  • Pushing your body to uncomfortable limits

“With joy and self-expression at its heart, the dance practice of Nia will revitalise your outlook on life.” ~ Australian Yoga Journal

WHY MOVE WITH SOPHIE?

Sophie creates a supportive and inspiring space for you to:

  • Discover your strengths
  • Embrace your essence
  • Dance with the rhythm of your heart

Blending her love of music and movement with decades of experience in holistic, evidence-based practices, Sophie leads classes with clarity, compassion, and contagious enthusiasm. Nia with Sophie is more than exercise – it’s a powerful antidote to stress, promoting deeper connections with yourself and the world around you.

In-Person Nia Classes in Brisbane

Join Sophie’s welcoming community at:

Come play in a friendly, inclusive environment with free parking on side streets or at Paddington Central or Montague Markets.

Online Nia Classes

Experience the joy of movement from anywhere in the world. Class times are listed in AEST.

  • Live Classes: Join in real-time with your camera on or off.
  • Recorded Replays: Access classes on your schedule for ultimate flexibility.

Dance like no one’s watching in the comfort of your own space.

Somatic Education and Specialised Programs

Learn, move and connect through trauma-sensitive embodiment experiences:

  • Nia Training Retreats:
    • Nia Art of Sensation (White Belt)
    • Nia Art of Communication (Blue Belt)
  • Mindfulness and Movement Coaching: Personalised one-on-one support.
  • Professional Development Workshops: Custom programs for individuals and teams.
  • Community and Specialized Classes: Tailored sessions for diverse and vulnerable groups.

Australia’s only Nia Trainer and the most experienced Nia and Nia 5 Stages teacher, Sophie is dedicated to helping women cultivate an intuitive, responsive relationship with their bodies. Her work inspires greater self-awareness, vibrant joy, and wholehearted presence.

CONTACT SOPHIE TODAY  Ready to step in? All you need to begin is to begin!

Nia 1st Degree Black Belt teacher + International Nia Faculty Trainer

Nia Australia community association co-founder

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Mindful Leader

Trauma sensitive mindfulness and movement practitioner

I have danced with Sophie each week for the past 12 years. As a GP, I know just how hard it can be to keep active when our workdays are sedentary or dominated by computer use. Nia with Sophie brings me soulful movement. We dance together just for the joy of it. Nia brings me mind-body-spirit connection and self-expression. Nia brings me friendship and community. I am so grateful to have Nia in my life!

Pam Douglas

GP, Researcher, Author

From the moment I entered the sacred space of Nia over 10 years ago led by Sophie, I knew I had found a special place where movement, music and the spaces in between aligned. Grateful to Sophie for the creative, joyful and passionate energies she brings to the practice of Nia which she exudes each time I enter this space.

Jeanette Kennelly

Music Therapist at Inspiravision

Sophie holds a sacred space where I come alive and truly be myself, fully expressed!
Even though my body gets a fitness workout her classes feel more like energy medicine meets dance party. I’m addicted for life.
Maria Golding

Intuitive Motherhood + Mental Health professional

At my first Nia class I was in awe of Sophie’s expertise in crafting a wide range of safe and personal (your body’s way) patterns of movement to create a fun and full body class. Sophie’s experience and skill as a teacher of Nia, her professionalism, and her dedication to her Nia community is outstanding. That’s why 7 years on, I’m still attending her online and in person classes, and loving it!

Kirsti Doessel

Physiotherapist

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