Meet our team of teachers
As a natural introvert with an aversion to the spotlight, no one’s more surprised than I am that I found myself teaching dance classes. I’ve realised that natural shyness may, in fact, be a gift when it comes to sharing creativity.
Since I first trained as a Nia teacher in 2009 I’ve taught weekly classes. I’ve loved the sense of growth and quiet awareness sharing Nia brings.
When I experienced Long Covid, in 2021, I felt the reciprocal support of the community around me - that care reminded me why I feel a passionate commitment to Nia and the people it helps.
These personal experiences have shaped my teaching and I extend a warm welcome to those who consider themselves shy, vulnerable, and especially those who say they are not a ‘dancer’. Come and share a class with us. Living with a condition which affects my energy has given me a deeper understanding of what it is to live with chronic illness, or experience fluctuating symptoms.
I’ve travelled the world to further my training and I’ve also watched the world arrive in Burntisland: I am proud that we’ve offered international training for Nia Faculty Trainers, for over a decade.
I’m currently not teaching any classes, but I look forward to gently re-starting them in Autumn 2024. In the meantime you’ll find me here, behind the scenes, supporting the Collective and our community every step of the way.
Karen Small, Collective Director
Nia First Degree Black Belt Teacher & Certified Groove Facilitator
Meg Elphee
Nia Blue Belt Teacher
Meg has been teaching Nia since 2022.
Prior to this Meg has been a regular at Karen’s Nia class for years. Following each class she notices a renewed sense of wellbeing that permeates her day, “You always leave a Nia class feeling better than when you started!” She is firm believer in pushing yourself to turn up to Nia, even when you don’t feel your best. An hour in Nia will loosen, strengthen and flex your mind, body and emotional spirit.
Meg has been covering Karen’s Burntisland classes since 2022 and credits her abilities as a dancer and a teacher to Karen’s own precision and mentoring.
She completed White Belt in 2017, Green Belt in 2022 and Blue Belt in 2023. Behind the scenes Meg has co-produced Nia belts and events. Now she is pouring her energy in to creating the Collective.
Phil Oldfield
Nia Brown Belt Teacher
Phil is a Nia teacher based in the beautiful seaside village of Aberdour. After many years of attending Nia classes, she was tempted to learn more by taking her White belt 10 years ago. And, after completing her Blue and Green belts she decided it was time for her to start her own classes, and Nia Aberdour was born in 2022.
Phil has worked in the Mental Health field for over 40 years and is a qualified trauma therapist and counsellor – healthy body, mind and spirit is at the centre of all her classes. Individuality, self exploration and fun are all that’s needed to enjoy the healing benefits of Nia dance. No previous experience is necessary – just you!
Margot Lane
Nia Blue Belt Teacher
Margot first found Nia while working in Hong Kong. Nia has been a powerful and self healing tool and a source of joy, connection & community in her life.
Margot began teaching regular Nia classes in May 2024 after relocating to Burntisland and when she's not teaching you can find her hiking, singing or speaking Japanese!
Introducing our Guest Teachers
Letizia Accinelli, Guest Teacher
Nia 2nd Degree Black Belt Teacher and Faculty Trainer
Letizia has been coming to Burntisland as a guest teacher and trainer for more than ten years. She’s on the training faculty at Nia HQ and has twice been awarded the title of Nia Trainer of the Year.
Letizia brings incredible warmth, playfulness and fun to all of her classes - sign up to our regular newsletter to hear about her next visit!
Bronwyn Tutty
Nia Brown Belt Teacher
Hi, I'm Kiwi Bronwyn based in Burntisland since 2017. I did my Nia White Belt training in 2018 and have been teaching weekly classes since. I completed my Blue Belt in 2020 then again in 2023 and this year I will complete my Brown Belt.
Nia showed me the way back to my soul at a time when life was difficult and it continues to feed my soul to this day. It's an honour and a privilege to walk alongside her (Nia) with my Community.
Sarah Madigan
Nia Blue Belt Teacher
Sarah is a music, nature, dance loving transformational coach and clinical psychologist. She’s obsessed with all things JOY and is a proud Mummy to Isaac. She found Nia in 2016 after the loss of her firstborn son Finlay. She believes it was the one thing that supported her grieving and healing process more than anything.
She is so passionate about sharing Nia with as many people as possible, because of how much it has impacted her body, mind, emotions and spirit. She’s delighted to be part of this Nia teaching community and can’t wait to see you on the dance floor.
