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Patricia Scott
Teaching Nia was never a part of my life plan. Twelve years ago I struggled with depression; I was overwhelmed with my frantic life of teaching middle school, mothering a precocious teenager, caretaking my Alzheimer's father and tending a troubled marriage. I was barely holding it together. And then my body—as bodies are known to do—intervened: I stress fractured both my legs running. Stress fractured, how appropriate those words are. My entire being was fractured by stress! My doctor told me I couldn't exercise for at least twelve weeks. Every step I took was painful. Soon after, while attending an open house for a wellness center, I stumbled into a Nia class. Intrigued, but certain that I couldn't participate, I asked the instructor what Nia was. That day I danced my first Nia class on my two broken legs and began the journey that would prove to change my life—the journey of self-healing.
I certified to teach Nia in 1997 and have since brought the joy of movement to hundreds of students in a myriad of settings—from university PE classes, to health centers, YMCAs and dance studios. As of the end of July, I hold a Black Belt, the highest Nia certification, and I am one of two women in the state to do so. My formal education is in English literature and writing: a BA from Michigan State and a MA from Northern Michigan University. Besides teaching Nia, I write personal essays and articles about Nia and women’s empowerment.
This past June, I completed a twenty-two year career in public education, in part to devote myself full time to spreading the joy of Nia. I am honored to return to Birmingham, my hometown, to offer Nia through Inspired Wellness.
