Movement Medicine for the Modern Soul: Discovering Nia with Northern Beaches Teacher Melinda
- Catherine Potter
- Jun 24
- 2 min read
Updated: Jun 26
If you've ever longed for a movement practice that feels less like a workout and more like a homecoming - meet Nia. A soulful blend of martial arts, dance, and healing arts, Nia is more than just exercise. It’s movement medicine, designed to tune you into your body’s innate wisdom while uplifting your mind and spirit.
And right here on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, Melinda of Beach Budhi is leading the local Nia charge.
Melinda first discovered Nia while studying acting, after a friend referred her to a naturopath who also happened to teach this unique practice. What started as a curious detour quickly became a deep calling. “From the moment I stepped in, I loved the spirited movement dance - it made my heart sing,” she recalls.
Now a certified instructor, Melinda teaches weekly classes across Dee Why, Brookvale, Artarmon and Narrabeen. Her sessions are a joyful blend of intentional movement, creative expression, and full-body vitality, guided by the foundational 52 moves of the Nia technique.
But this isn’t just about moving - it’s about feeling.
“Nia creates a space where people can release tension, feel more fluid, and reconnect with their emotions,” says Melinda. “It offers a chance to express yourself in your own unique way, with no pressure to perform. It’s like cheaper therapy - you walk out lighter, more open, and often with a big smile.”
From cardio-style sequences to gentle stretches and meditative cooldowns, every Nia class is different, and every student is welcome. Melinda’s seen everyone from seasoned yogis to stroke survivors embrace the practice, each finding healing in their own way. “I’ve watched people who couldn’t get off the floor eventually regain mobility. I’ve seen emotional breakthroughs. It’s powerful.”
And perhaps most importantly, it builds community. “It’s not just a class, it’s connection. People become friends. They support each other. In a world that often isolates us, that’s everything.”
With a growing schedule and an upcoming Winter Day Retreat in Wagstaffe on July 27, Melinda is helping shape a new wave of wellness on the Beaches — one joyful step at a time.
Ready to try it yourself? Join Melinda at one of her local classes or follow her journey at @beachbudhibody or www.beachbudhi.com. Find Nia classes near you via www.niaaustralia.com.au
As Melinda says: “You must be the change you want to see, for it to become a reality.” And with Nia, that change begins with one beautiful, intentional move.
Comments