If you want to get to know me a little, read on:
Who is Ann Christiansen? Who am I?
I am originally from Gothenburg, Sweden, but for almost 20 years now I’ve been living in Hamburg, with my husband Sören and our dog Neska. I was the first Nia teacher in Germany, teaching my first class in 1998. I am also one of the very few Nia trainers worldwide qualified to teach all Nia training levels, from White Belt to Black, which is why I travel the world teaching classes, workshops and trainings – the work of sharing Nia is for me a calling as much as an occupation. As a former professional swimmer I know what I’m talking about when I say I found something special in Nia: a way of working out and yet having fun and relaxing at the same time; of stimulating my creativity through music and rhythm and physically expressing myself. Nia has developed into a true passion for me - I love it! Since I started practising Nia my attitude to life has undergone a fundamental transformation. My mental balance and my capacity to enjoy life have steadily increased. I feel healthy and fit; I feel in harmony with myself.
How it all began...
As a child, sport was my passion. At the age of 12, I was the Swedish Junior Champion in swimming and swam for the Swedish National Team. With my team, I travelled the world for competitions and even participated in the Olympic Games. In 1998, I became the masters swimming triple World Champion in freestyle. After my career as a swimmer, I continued to travel a lot as a photo model and lived in all kinds of different places around the world. In so doing, I expanded my horizons and got to know other cultures, countries and customs. I also became interested in alternative healing and physiotherapy - practices that focus on the person as an individual. After completing professional training as well as further education in kinesiology (the anatomy of movement), chakra methods and stress balance, I worked for over ten years as a physiotherapist.
And then Nia entered my life
In 1997, I experienced my first Nia class and was immediately drawn to it. I flew to Portland, Oregon, the birthplace of Nia, and completed my first Nia White Belt with Nia founder Debbie Rosas.
Back in Hamburg, I started teaching Nia classes right away and became in 1998 the first Nia teacher in Germany. Today I still teach 10 hours a week at two wonderful venues in Hamburg: Kaifu Lodge and Meridian Spa. To deepen my skills I took the Nia White Belt four times in the first year. Within a short time I had worked my way through all the Nia Belts and, in 2001, was awarded my first Black Belt – the most advanced level in the Nia training system. In 2003 I became a qualified Nia White Belt trainer, meaning that I can also train teachers.
In 2007 I qualified to offer the Nia Blue Belt; in 2009 the Green Belt, and since 2011, I have also been teaching the Brown and Black Belt trainings. Today I am a trainer for all levels of Nia and offer trainings all over the world. I work with people from over 15 countries who love and teach Nia, just like me. In 2008 I was voted ‘Nia Teacher of the Year’, in 2012 ‘Sacred Athlete of the Year’ – a great honour! In close contact with Nia founder Debbie Rosas, I actively work to further refine the Nia technique. I am also a choreographer of Nia routines that are enjoyed by the Nia community all over the world: ‘Beyond’, ‘U’, ‘Joy’, ‘Life’ and ‘Ride’. If you would like to learn more about Nia, please read on here.
