Heart Full

Michael was the first person I met at YogaVida, which isn’t surprising since he’s often behind the desk greeting each practitioner.  But what is surprising is his warmth and smile. It seems genuine, the kind that you can’t rehearse or “fake”, but an actual warmth that’s coming from somewhere good. I think it was that warmth that sold me on the studio, and ultimately what keeps bringing me back.

NYC: When did you start yoga?

Michael: About 4-5 years ago, closer to 4.

NYC: What brought you to yoga?

Michael: A friend. I was drawn by how it was presented, everything was suggestive…open.

NYC: Where was your first class?

Michael: (big smile) Costa Rica! But the first place I started doing yoga was at Yoga to the People, that’s where I met Hilaria.

NYC: What benefits do you feel yoga has brought to your life?

Michael: Balance. I feel like I have more to offer people now.

NYC: So .. do you miss your old job in finance, the stability and structure? I mean .. that would be one of my biggest fears if I ever left my job…?

Michael: Yes! (smile / laugh)  And I’m still getting over it. But I’m happier now that I ever was.

And it shows. Really.

I met Danielle at Yogalocal. She was one of the first instructors I took at the studio, and I’ve since been hooked. Her liquid flow, and inventive sequencing always surprises me with fresh new challenges. I recently got to catch up with after her recent penthouse class.

NYC Yogini: So how did you get started in yoga?

Danielle: I first started exploring yoga in college. I have a dance background so yoga seemed natural, I really connected to the alignment.

NYC Yogini: When did you decide to become a teacher?

Danielle: I actually really struggled with the decision to become a teacher. I thought that if I started teaching it would take away from my practice, and I enjoyed the practice *so* much! I was wrong of course (smile). It’s deepened my practice.

NYC Yogini: How would you describe your class?

Danielle: It depends. Alignment focussed, while still connected to the physical, mental, and emotional practice through the breath. Lately, I’m trying to incorporate the chakras into my class more.

NYC Yogini: Are you working on a particular pose?

Danielle: Eka Pada Galavasana.

(side comment from Ben) What is that exactly?

Danielle: It’s a kind of flying side crow. You know it’s funny, because I use to be able to do it, and then I somehow lost it (puzzled shake of her curls). I structure my classes with a pinnacle pose in mind — even if we don’t do in class, so lately I’ve been doing more hip openers for galavasana.

I first discovered Lori’s class at New York Yoga, her classes were challenging, and encouraged a sense of exploration in the students. And like kids we did explore in her class, new poses, and  techniques that maybe we were afraid to in other classes. I’m delighted that her teaching has branched out to not just NYY but Sonic, and now Kula in Williamsburg. It means I may finally get to take one of her classes again. This time, I caught up with her after her invigorating Inversion workshop at the newly renovated Sonic.

NYC Yogini: So when did you start Yoga?

Lori: I started when I was 18 while I was in college.

NYC Yogini: What brought you to yoga?

Lori: I have a background in dance and gymnastics so the movements were natural to me. I was also raised without religion, so I’ve always been a truth seeker. I found myself drawn to eastern philosophies and religions, and started learning more about them.

NYC Yogini: And how would you describe your class?

Lori: Sweaty, juicy, flow with creative sequences and an emphasis on alignment.

NYC Yogini: So do you have a particular pose you’re working on now?

Lori: ALL of them! Really, so many of them. (I secretly find this hard to believe, if you’ve ever seen her in class you’d understand that she seems like she can do ALL of them). OK (playfully) you want to know my kryptonite? Padmasana (Lotus).

NYC Yogini: REALLY? (eye-brow raising incredulity)

Lori: Truly. I’ve been trying for years. And I dunno … my hips they just don’t open that way. I’m always working on it though, so maybe one day!

NYC Yogini: How about a favorite studio? One you DON’T teach at?

Lori: Hmmm well…I technically don’t teach a Kula Tribecca. (smile)