Niki Schemmel

Instructor

SoulShine Studios

Niki's journey into the world of dance began in her childhood, when she and her  friends spent their days choreographing dances to their favorite songs.This early passion evolved into studying jazz and modern dance during middle and high school. After minoring in dance in college Niki discovered yoga and fell in love with an alignment based practice. In 2001, Niki answered the call of her heart and became a yoga instructor in Los Angeles, where she began to share her knowledge of alignment principles and heart-opening yoga philosophy. Then in 2008, Niki found Nia, with its unique blend of precision and expression, and her childhood dreams of dance were rekindled. When she stepped into teaching Nia in 2010 she felt a sense of deep fulfillment at the marriage of these two powerful practices. In addition to weekly classes at SoulShine Studios in Richmond, VA  Niki has been sharing her love of both Nia and yoga on retreats all around the world.Niki creates safe spaces for people to have their own unique experiences. She offers modifications that make her classes accessible to every body. Niki's joy is infectious and her playful attitude creates an inclusive community atmosphere. At the same time Niki believes Nia and yoga can hold the space for all of our human experiences and expressions, leading to deep self acceptance and personal transformation. She is so grateful to get to do this meaningful work alongside anyone who wants to practice with her!