My journey with Nia began in 2000 at the Grand Hotel d’Angkor, where I was introduced to this unique practice by Isabella, a Swedish spa specialist. In the serene wooden pavilion of the Raffles gardens and even in the pool, I experienced the special movements of Nia. However, it was during my time in Beijing, from 2009 to 2011, that I truly embraced Nia and fell in love with Debbie Van Ginkel’s teaching, her energy, and her dance vibes.
Two years after I returned to Cambodia, Debbie remembered that I had opened Maison Polanka and decided to visit for a holiday. Captivated by Cambodia and its warm, welcoming people, she made the life-changing decision to relocate to Siem Reap in 2017 to pursue Nia full-time. Our community has been incredibly fortunate to welcome such a beautiful soul into our town!
Since 2015, Maison Polanka has been hosting annual Nia retreats, offering a space for participants to reconnect with themselves.
Debbie now invites former students from Beijing, who have become Nia teachers—like Anita in Spain and Rosie in Ireland—to co-lead the summer retreats.
Kelly Chambers, who runs a beautiful studio in the woods of Oregon, often co-hosts the January retreats. The collaboration between these two women creates an energizing and joyful atmosphere. (pic 7 and 8)
These retreats are a time for participants to reconnect with their bodies and reflect on their personal journeys. While the experience can bring up a range of emotions, it always leads to a sense of JOY .
During the week, Maison Polanka provides a comfortable and supportive environment for all guests. Evening dinners offer a chance to unwind and enjoy delicious Khmer food, thoughtfully prepared to meet all dietary needs. The cooking class is a blast and ends with a Khmer rock’n roll party!
Temple visits are guided by experienced professionals, offering a concise yet informative introduction to Angkor’s history. Debbie also seeks out meaningful cultural experiences whenever possible, such as the special ceremony with the Sacred Dancers of Banteay Srei at Angkor—a memorable highlight of the retreat.
Committed to nurturing this transformative practice in her new home, Debbie, along with her partner Jono, embarked on a journey to find the perfect space. After an extensive search, they created Alchemy in 2022—a dedicated space that serves as a home base for Nia in Asia and a hub for various movement and healing practices.
About Debbie-Lee van Ginkel
Born in South Africa, Debbie-Lee van Ginkel is a Black Belt Nia teacher and a member of the global Nia Training Faculty. She discovered Nia during her time in a rehabilitation center, where she was being treated for chronic eating disorders. Nia quickly became her most powerful tool for self-healing and personal growth. In 2008, Debbie began teaching Nia in Beijing, and from that moment on, she never looked back. Her dedication to sharing the practice helped cultivate a thriving Nia community in China while also transforming her own body, mind, and spirit.
One of the aspects Debbie treasures most about Nia is how it encourages individuals to move with authenticity, honesty, and uniqueness. She strives to infuse every Nia experience with empathy and compassion, ensuring that each participant feels the profound connection between movement and self-expression.
“Nia continues to be my number one navigation tool for life in this body. It’s the greatest gift I have ever received, and I hope to always share it with others,” Debbie reflects.
About Nia:
The Nia Technique was founded and created in Portland by Debbie Rosas as a neuromuscular integrative action methodology for health and wellness; Nia is based on development of the principles know “The Body’s Way,” which situates a personal relationship with the physical body through sensory awareness that engages the holistic mental, emotional, and spiritual growth and development of each human experience for sustainable change in their world and the world around them. Nine specific movement forms from three key disciplines are practiced through “routines” that last one hour.
