Classes are available only to Sanctuary guests and are included in retreat fees. 

Be present, free your mind, inspire your body and express your radiant nature. As a health educator for many decades, Susan often describes Nia as health education and mindfulness poured into movement.

In these upbeat classes led by Susan, you will be guided through easy to follow dance movements, invited to be mindful and explore your expression as it frees you of habituated movement patterns. You do not need any dance skills or even a full range of motion to join in. A sensory-based movement practice, Nia draws from martial arts, dance arts, and healing arts. Nia empowers people of all shapes and sizes by connecting the body, mind, emotions, and spirit in a delightful and revitalizing experience.

Susan is a licensed black belt Nia teacher, discovering Nia in 1997 while she was the Director of Health Promotion and assistant professor in the School of Medicine at the University of Virginia. Susan is the author of four health-related books, including Wellness Wisdom: 31 Ways to Nourish Your Mind, Body, & Spirit. Susan teaches internationally and has taught thousands of classes since she began teaching Nia in 1999.