At 16 years old I was a dedicated young dancer, but my spirituality and unusual interest in anthropology meant that I often felt things deeply and questioned everything-Showbiz was going to be tough! I was just beginning my three years vocational training in Musical Theatre at the prestigious Elmhurst Ballet School. Elmhurst was strict, traditional and wasn't the type of institution to instil confidence, despite my consistent top exam grades and subsequent successes. However, it did teach me discipline- And this has gifted me with determination in all areas of life.
During my training there, there was a fierce and inspiring South African teacher who would 'sneak in' yoga poses during her ballet classes (something very quirky and rebellious indeed back then). I thought it was marvellous! This convinced me that yoga was a kind of 'secret' that must be deciphered, perfected and then 'lived by’, from then on.
I graduated from Elmhurst Ballet School at 19 and danced all over the world in concerts and onboard American cruise ships before setting up a video production company, specialising in theatre productions. When work took me to Hong Kong I stumbled upon a Raja Yoga centre and enthusiastically devoured it's teachings which focused on ‘contemplation’. I felt the ‘pull’ of yoga and somehow knew that at some time in my life, yoga would become my calling…some twenty years later, it came.
After having built and sustained two businesses for 15 years in the entertainment industry, I had moved back to my home town of Torquay. Then, when fate took me to Australia, I met my partner and moved to Leigh-on-Sea. I was delighted to find that Leigh has a thriving yoga community and is quite the creative and holistic hub. I had been suffering with anxiety, exhaustion and devastating personal loss. My wonderful yoga teacher encouraged me to pursue and focus on yoga as a way of distracting myself and deepening my understanding of this magical art. In time, my entrepreneurial spirit whispered to me that I could and should make my passion my work.
I am a qualified RAD and ISTD Dance teacher and teaching comes naturally to me-I love to nurture my students and see them blossoming. Instinctively driven to help other people through difficult (and happy) times, in May 2018 I gained my 200hr Yoga Teaching Training qualification with Yoga Haven in London. I was one of the eldest students and the process was physically and mentally tough, but completing the training gave me strength and a new confidence- I knew that I had so much to offer and that sometimes ‘life experience’ is the best virtue.
I teach traditional Vinyasa flow classes which link movement to breath as I love the freedom and expression it allows. To me, Vinyasa Flow encourages more stillness of the mind and a greater sense of release (and feelings of joy!) than static asanas alone.
In the spring and summer months I teach Yoga on the Green, which has been immensely popular. It’s such a privilege to be able to enjoy the positive effects of yoga overlooking a view of the estuary, seeing the sun peep through the trees and to hear birds singing during Savasana!
I am passionate about teaching yoga in a way that nurtures the individual and have a particular interest in women's health, the balancing of hormones and empowering women. I find this is best addressed one to one or in small groups, so as to tailor to the individual and maximise the quality of time on the mat.
My wish is to make yoga accessible to all no matter your shape, fitness, age or background. Whilst my classes have an emphasis on alignment, they are always fun, uplifting and sometimes very sweaty (for those that like their classes that way!)…
I have launched a brand new class which I'm immensely proud of called Yogi Beat. The idea to create something that combines my passions of yoga, dance and music has been several years in the making and the stars have finally aligned to bring it into fruition! I have mindfully created the class that I myself would love to attend- One that energises, strengthens, lengthens, relaxes and uplifts! You can read some of the things people have had to say about Yogi Beat here:
‘’I had so much fun at Yogi Beat- It is so different to anything I have been to before. Loved every second of it”” - Amy.
‘’I would definitely recommend this- A great yoga class, loved it!!’’-Lesley.
“Yogi Beat- What a brilliant class! Yoga and dance with disco lights and a great sound track. Perfect Monday night energiser!’’- Charlotte.
‘’It was just fantastic and so much fun!!”- Louise
‘’This was like a pick & mix- The gift that keeps on giving!…We were breaking a sweat with ‘ready, steady, joy’’, to the best playlist I have heard in a long while!”-Petra
Yogi beat is a fusion of yoga flow, yogi HIT and dance (no dance experience necessary). Its a fairly fast paced class designed to get the blood pumping, but with all the nourishing, grounding benefits of a traditional, authentic yoga class. It encompasses asana, cardiovascular impetus and the unrivalled strengthening, body sculpting effects of dance technique. There's something in Yogi Beat for everyone and I hope you enjoy the experience as much as I have enjoyed creating it.
I welcome you with open arms (and heart) to practise non-attachment, to journey with me 'through the self, to the self' so as to find your very own bliss. Namaste.