About Kelle

Kelle Rae Oien is a Black Belt Nia Instructor and currently teaches in Santa Fe, NM.  She began teaching Nia in Santos, Brazil in 2000, and was the first to bring Nia to the country.  She has dedicated her life to the discovery of healing and movement, and brings a rich understanding of the human form through her training and experience as a Rolfer and Rolf Movement Therapist.  She also holds certification as a Hatha Yoga Instructor, and has over 15 years experience in dance and dance education. In Nia, Kelle creates a class environment that is inspirational, fun and packed with power. Her classes are a balance of precision, sensory awareness and freeform bliss, while emphasizing creativity, conditioning, community, and personal expression. “For me, Nia is movement as medicine. The practice feeds me and allows me to move my emotions, honor my spirit, and express my most wild self!”

What students are saying about Kelle:

"Kelle is an inspiration to us all, a great example of smart and sensitive playfulness.  She makes Nia a safe and creative place for every one of us."  
-Anne Russell, Artist/Designer

"I’ve had very few teachers as skilled, loving and conscientious as Kelle. Her presence and purpose is evident in every class, and her sense of humor keeps me laughing all the while i'm gettting a workout!" 
 -Daniel Quat, Photographer

"Kelle is incredibly imaginative and seemingly spontaneous.  I feel like a real student in her classes. They have an academic quality, as her opening focus statements are so clear and deep, and she continues to remind us of the day’s intention. I feel she’s very serious about her work and I respect that. "
-Cullen Curtiss, Writer

“The joy I feel dancing daily with my tribe is something unique, and I find it nurturing at the heart level. Kelle is an extraordinary teacher, her words and movement inspire me to continue on my journey of discovery.”
-Nance Lopez, Artist

"I began moving with Kelle several months after my oldest child had died while serving in the Peace Corps. Somehow Kelle's class became a container for me to start pumping those great chemicals that help us all resolve stress whether we know it or not. Kelle's rock-star enthusiasm and kindness always kept me distracted in class. She has a remarkable way of embracing everyone, as if she's performing for an audience of 20,000. She prances like Mick Jagger, and sings with the music--while keeping all of us pumped and framed in a picture we see of ourselves getting more and more healthy. Thanks, Kelle, for taking the edge off, and allowing me to escape into physical creativity."
-Kristena Prater, Writer