Rooted in movement, music, and conscious practice, NĀDA • arts&movement is a space where growth is approached with patience, curiosity, and intention. Founders Alba de Diego and Brendan Laxale share the story behind the Barcelona studio, the meaning of its unique name, their passion for Navakaraṇa, and why slowing down can be a powerful catalyst for transformation.
What inspired the creation of NĀDA?
We created this space with the intention of sharing what we have practiced and learned, and what is constantly evolving, so having a place that facilitates this constant evolution, both for us and within the community, was at the heart of it.
Why did you choose the name "NĀDA"?
Nāda (नाद) is Sanskrit for sound, vibration, and resonance. Sound is vibration, vibration is movement, and movement is life. Nothing is ever truly at rest, so to live is to take part in a continuous flow of transformation, which, by the way, is also what we try to transmit in everything we do and offer here.
The name has a second layer. In Spanish, nada means "nothing," yet it comes from the Latin res nata, meaning "a thing born." For us, Nada is a fertile void: the silence before form, pure possibility. On a human level, it means openness, loosening the rigidity of the ego without erasing who we are.
Both ideas meet in the ancient Indian principles of Bindu (the point, concentrated potential) and Nāda (the vibration that sets it in motion). From their union, the universe unfolds: from the center, vibration; from vibration, movement; from movement, form. That is why our symbol is a simple dot ●, with no corners, no beginning or end, complete and empty at once, where sound and silence are the same at the same time.
This is the spirit of the space and the project: endless possibilities, a place where everything and nothing can happen at the same time.
How do movement, art and culture come together at NĀDA?
We come from different backgrounds. Brendan has a movement background shaped by years of exploration and investigation, while Alba is a classically trained musician with an interdisciplinary approach to other arts as well.
We met through Navakaraṇa, a discipline that intertwines movement and art. Like many things, each element can be powerful on its own, but when different elements are brought together, the possibilities can become infinite.
Your philosophy emphasizes learning slowly and consciously. In today's fast-paced world, why is that approach so important?
As Alan Watts once said, the fastest dancer on the dance floor isn't generally the best. Our approach is about putting all the pieces together at the pace that is needed, but not any slower than necessary.
The process can take time, but that is where all the fun is, so why would you want it any other way?
If you want to reach something, you need to build it slowly and be aware of each step along the way. The practices we offer here aren't meant to be done in one day; they require consistency and time.
What drew you to Navakaraṇa practice, and what makes it such a transformative experience for your students?
Navakaraṇa is a multidisciplinary methodology that brings together music, movement, and ancient dance practices.
At the heart of the practice is laya, a continuous tempo given by the teacher through the naṭṭuvaṅgam, or simply with the hands, to which movement and breath are synchronized.
Sound also plays an important role. A tānpūrā is played in the background, tuned to a particular pitch that helps create a state of concentration for the practitioner. The teacher's voice is tuned to the same pitch while chanting instructions for breath and movement, bringing all these elements together into one continuous practice.
Each sequence incorporates all categories of movement, making the training complete and balanced throughout every part of the practice. We work through kinesthetic progressions that gradually develop greater awareness and control of the body.
Together, these elements keep the mind continuously engaged while body control develops progressively. At the same time, the training builds strength, flexibility, and mobility in a relatively short period of time.
How would you describe the energy of NĀDA?
The energy of NĀDA is homey whilst shaving a dedication to the quality of what we do. We want people to feel comfortable as soon as they walk in and be themselves, and to be able to take their practice seriously
What's one practice you always return to?
Humming.
How do you stay grounded, energized, and connected to yourself during the darker winter months?
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Wear as few layers as possible when going outside.
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Send your friends random letters.
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Take your mornings slowly.
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Read as much as you can.
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Watch the sun cross the horizon at sunrise without blinking.
Why did you choose Manduka as your studio equipment partner?
We believe that a good mat is one that helps your practice evolve, and that's exactly what we found with the Manduka PRO Yoga Mat.
After trying other brands, we kept returning to Manduka and eventually used the mats for years in our own practice. When it came to equipping the studio, we wanted to offer our students what we believe is the best possible experience. Many of our transitions involve dragging and floating, and the Manduka mat allows these movements to feel smooth and frictionless.
Guided Somatic Breath Session
A guided somatic practice with Alba and Brendan, designed to help you release tension through conscious exhalation and awareness. Many of us unconsciously hold our breath throughout the day, creating patterns of tension and disconnection in the body. Through gentle breathwork focused on the exhale, you'll be invited to soften, let go, and reconnect with yourself on a deeper level.
You may notice sensations such as warmth, tingling, or a gentle buzzing in the body as tension begins to release. Following the 30-minute guided practice, you'll be invited to rest and receive approximately 15 minutes of live music with viola, allowing space for integration, relaxation, and emotional release. If emotions arise, simply allow them to move through you with curiosity and compassion.
For the best experience, we recommend using headphones to fully absorb the guidance and sound.
NĀDA • arts&movement Playlist
Connect with NĀDA • arts&movement
Website: nada.com.es
Instagram: @nada.artsmovement
Address: Carrer del Torrent de les Flors, 75, Gràcia, 08024 Barcelona, Spain
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