Nia-Yoga Opens 'New Sky Studio'

The Center for Nia and Yoga, the restorative retreat in the heart of downtown Albany, has just added a second studio to its large facility on the corner of Lark and Central. The new studio, named the Sky Studio because of its aery location, houses the center's Kripalu and Ashtanga classes.

Casey Bernstein, the center's owner and director, opened the center 12 years ago, and chose the 4 Central Avenue location because she loved the urban setting, which was close to such a cross-section of people and the building's distinct architecture. "I love the building.. the old classic architecture, natural materials of wood, brick and natural light," Bernstein said.

The studio was opened as a preeminent home for Nia, an "eclectic, expressive fitness fusion program," said Bernstein. The center is also one of just three Nia teacher training centers on the East Coast. Nia combines yoga, tai chi, dance and martial arts for a practice that is both spiritual and physical. The courses are taught from the center's Studio 1, the original studio, which is a spacious, sunny space with hard wood floors and windows that overlook the busy cross-streets and the Washington Armory. The room is comfortable and soothing, the perfect place to stretch out and relax.

The center also houses Djumbe Drum lessons and Afro-Caribbean Live Dance and Drum classes. Bernstein also offers pro-bono community service classes serving Women of the Next Step, a long term drug rehab program, the Parson Children Center, and The Vanderheyden home for Children. The center has about 8-10 instructors and attracts 100-150 students per week.

For more information about the classes offered at The Center for Nia and Yoga, please visit the center's website at http://www.nia-yoga.com/ or call 518-463-5145.