This Dance Fitness Movement at NMU Could Change Your Life—What’s the Shocking Secret?

In Marquette, Michigan, a unique fitness initiative is gaining traction thanks to the vision of Michelle Reed, who has been teaching and leading N8V Dance Fitness for over five years at the Northern Michigan University (NMU) Physical Education Instruction Facility, commonly known as PEIF. This innovative program, which combines cultural elements of Indigenous pow-wow dancing with cardiovascular exercise, originated from a need identified within the Hannahville Indian Community.

“The Hannahville Indian Community was in need of a program that combined fitness with culture, so that’s what N8V Dance Fitness is,” Reed explains. “It’s pow-wow dancing as a workout, so we combine listening to our songs, dancing to our songs, working out together, and doing something that doesn’t feel like a workout, but it is really healthy for our bodies.”

N8V Dance Fitness not only offers a fun way to stay healthy but also emphasizes community and connection among participants. Reed highlights the camaraderie that develops during classes: “It’s something that you can do to have fun but also getting the benefits of getting a cardio workout. We do some muscle work also, but it’s also about spending time together and really bonding and feeding off of each other’s energy, motivating each other and having a chance to spend time with other people who love moving, love dancing, and love the music.”

As of this semester, Reed has completed eight sessions of N8V Dance Fitness, which has attracted interest from both students and faculty. Reed emphasizes the program’s significance, especially as it coincides with Native American Heritage Month. However, her vision extends beyond a single month. “This is something that we’ve had ongoing over the past few years as far as working out with the students and also with faculty, and we are doing it during Native American Heritage Month, but we’re really trying to do it year-round,” she notes.

Reed is actively working to expand the reach of N8V Dance Fitness, with plans to continue the program next year. The blending of physical fitness with cultural expression presents an opportunity for participants to engage with their heritage while improving their health. For many in the Hannahville Indian Community and beyond, this initiative is not just about exercise; it’s about fostering a sense of identity, community, and well-being.

For those interested in joining or learning more about this innovative program, it offers a compelling way to celebrate culture while engaging in a beneficial physical activity. Through N8V Dance Fitness, Michelle Reed is not only promoting health but also preserving and sharing cultural traditions, making it a vital part of community life in Marquette and surrounding areas.