Dani Z Yoga

GET TO KNOW ME

 dancer · yogi · mother

I came to yoga as a dancer.  Upon graduating from the Dance Conservatory of Purchase College I was hired to perform with the Amy Marshall Dance Company (AMDC) in NYC.  I began practicing yoga seriously at this time to help condition my body. Shortly after, I realized that yoga was so much more than exercise, or art even, which dance had always been to me, there was something more to yoga that I couldn't quite put my finger on at the time.

I immersed myself in the practice of yoga taking classes regularly and embarking on the path of teacher trainings.  I now know that what I was tapping into was a deeper connection to my Self. Yoga helped me to connect, feel, and love myself from the inside. After a fulfilling career as a professional modern dancer in NYC, I made the leap to pursue teaching yoga full-time.  I discovered a passion for studying the body and for teaching people how they can feel better in their bodies - physically, mentally, and emotionally.

My time as a dancer and my career as a yogi prepared me for my most challenging and most satisfying job to date - mother of Jolie Janine LeRoy. Jolie entered my life on September 16th, 2017 and my world was forever changed. Both dance and yoga have taught me how to be present in the moment which has been the most invaluable practice for my time with my daughter. My perception of time has completely changed. I used to be thankful for the years, yet take for granted the days. Everyday is so precious now as she explores and navigates the world around her, as she continues to grow and develop at a pace that seems more rapid than I can keep up with at times.  Everyday is an opportunity to practice being present and grounded and to find the wonderment in the days that can sometimes seem mundane.

MY TEACHING STYLE

care · inventive · committed

I have spent most of my 'yogi life' studying and practicing the YogaWorks methodology for teaching safe, logical, well - rounded classes. The YogaWorks signature class is described as "a balance of precise instruction, alignment with breath, and fluid movement."  I believe my classes embody those principles.  I teach my classes with clear, simple, alignment based instruction paired with inventive sequencing that flows with the breath.  I offer safe variations and modifications throughout the practice because it is my desire that each student leaves feeling cared for and thankful that they got on their mat that day. I am committed to my students when I am teaching and make their safety my priority.  It is my life's ambition to help people live better and feel better in their bodies. I offer one-on-one private instruction as well as instruction for small-group yoga. I hope to see you on the mat!

WHY I TEACH

inspire · connect · grow

Over a decade ago when I began practicing yoga I started noticing a change in myself; a desire to be a better person, to make better choices, to stand with better posture, to listen more clearly, love more deeply, and give more sincerely. I had more patience, less judgment, and I found faith again. I teach because I know how powerful this practice is, how it has changed my life for the better. I want to offer that to others. My intention is to guidestudents in finding a deeper sense of peace and clarity within their physical body and mind that will hopefully translate into all aspects of their lives.

CERTIFICATIONS

E-RYT 500 certification through YogaWorks in 2009

ASFYT Anatomy Studies for Yoga Teachers, Jason Ray Brown - Advanced Teacher Training certification in Musculoskeletal Anatomy, Injury Awareness, and Biomechanics/Kinesiology

YogaTuneUp® - a fitness therapy format founded by Jill Miller that uses Corrective Exercise, Self Massage and Yoga to eradicate pain, improve posture and enhance physical performance.

BFA from The Dance Conservatory of Purchase College, SUNY in 2005

200HR and 300HR Teacher Trainer for YogaWorks

Thai Yoga Bodywork, certified through Thai Massage Sacred Bodywork