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Gina Fore: Founder/Inspiration
Certifications: American Power Yoga -APY Studio, Dallas,TX.
Mamaste Pre-Natal Yoga -Karen Prior, N2Yoga
Associates of Science Degree/Biology -Richland College
Bachelors of Arts Degree/General Studies; Business, Sociology, Dance -TWU
Additional Training: Workshops- Ashtanga Yoga with David and Doug Swenson, and Seane Corn. Budokon. Northern Seven-Star Praying Mantis 3rd Level Blue Sash.
Background: I was first introduced to yoga through a martial arts open sparring night at Whole Life (now American Power Yoga studio). I began to attend their yoga classes and felt as though I had found my soul mate. I became a regular student and signed up for the next teacher training. Nearly four years later I am still growing in my own practice and as a teacher. It seems that some times your life finds you. I am currently living in Kuwait and have started collecting yoga students for an informal class. I stay connected to the DCY community by writing for the monthly newsletter and leading our fine teachers from afar.
Why be a Yoga Teacher? I like that yoga is never finished. I could practice it for the rest of my life and never reach a point where I feel that it is time to move on to something new. Practicing yoga helps me live as a whole and complete person. As a teacher I love to watch the transition in students as they stop struggling, and start living in the peace that grows from calm acceptance.
Describe your class: I'd describe my classes as physically challenging and otherwise relaxing. True strength is demonstrated when a person achieves mastery in a pose and can still laugh when they don't get it right. I strive for each student in my class to feel confident and accepting of themselves as they improve their practce.
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Tara Kristof (currently on maternity leave)
Certifications: Eclectic Hatha Yoga Teacher Training: Living Yoga Program Austin, TX. Restorative Restorative Flow Teacher Training: Donna Belk , Austin,TX.
Bachelors Degree in Psychology, Minor in Sociology: Texas State University, San Marcos, TX
Additional Training: Workshops- Ayurveda, Meditation, Tai Chi, Yoga for Stress, Iyengar, Anusara, Forrest Yoga, Ashtanga, Sivananda, Kundalini, Power/Vinyasa, Beryl Bender Birch, and Rod Stryker.
Back Ground: In my early 20's, I came upon a book: Be Here Now by Ram Dass, which blew my mind wide open. This introduced me to yoga as a life path and changed my life in many ways. Yoga has taught me to be healthier, happier, and take care of myself and others. After 5+ years of studying and practicing yoga, I decided to follow my heart and become a teacher. Additionally, I wanted to bring affordable quality yoga to students, as I could often not afford to attend classes myself. I was so happy when I found Gina at Dirt Cheap Yoga, and very proud when she invited me to teach with her.
Why be a Yoga Teacher? I love to give, share and teach. Yoga is the home of my soul, and directs my life-path. I believe what someone truly needs will come to them when they most need it I have found this to be most true in life with yoga. Whether a person is looking for a good workout, tension release, flexibility, an hour of peace and stillness in the mind, or a study of the self, yoga will provide. Yoga brings you back to your true-self, who you are at your core without labels or influence of society, and allows the heart shine.
Desribe your class: I start my classes with breathing, relaxing and energizing warm-ups, followed by a well-rounded series of sun-salutations and various asanas, cooling down and ending in Savasana. I enjoy helping students of all levels and abilities to be safe yet challenged by giving modifications. Pure beginners and the seasoned yogi will feel comfortable in the same class. Click here to view Tara's website.
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Christina Wester: Teacher/Photographer
Certifications: Hatha Yoga Certification with Highest Honors Aura Yoga, Providence, RI
Additional Training: Vinyasa Workshop- Seanne Corn, Restorative Restorative Flow – Living Yoga, Austin, TX
Background: I was introduced to Yoga as a Dance student at Emory University in Atlanta, GA. My own practice grew through fits and starts over the years and became a firmly established part of my life after the birth of my son in 2000. While researching meditation techniques in 2003 I stumbled upon some Yoga Teacher Certification programs and thought it would be a great way to deepen my own practice while sharing the benefits of Yoga with others. As a photographer in the digital age I spend many hours engaged with modern technology. Teaching Yoga provides me a way to get back in touch with ancient wisdom that has been passed down through the ages and helps me to reconnect with the inner-wisdom I find in my students and myself.
Why be a Yoga Teacher? Yoga is a miraculous gift from the ancestors that has a transformative effect on one's body, mind and spirit. It is a pleasure to share Yoga's healing power with others and working with students illuminates my own yogic path.
Describe your class: When teaching at Dirt Cheap Yoga I try to tailor my class to the level of the students present; offering modifications for beginners and intensifications for more advanced students. My classes always begin with breathing exercises allowing students a time to focus and decompress from the stresses in the outside world. I take an intuitive approach to structuring class. I have some poses and sequencing planned ahead of time, but I also let my intuition and the energy from the students guide exactly how class will go. At the end of class we always rest in savasana, never skimping on this time to allow the subtle healing energy released during class to circulate through the body so students leave feeling balanced and refreshed.
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M.E. Ramcke: Teacher
Certifications: American Power Yoga -APY Studio, Dallas, TX.
Additional Training: Living Yoga Dallas Workshops with- Baron Baptiste, Seane Corn, Anna Forrest, John Friend, Tim Miller, David Romanelli, and Rod Stryker
Background: I started taking yoga not long after my mom passed away in 2002. A friend, now my mentor, recommended yoga to help with the sadness and allow me to heal. Little did I know how much it was going to change my life. As my practice grew so did I, mind, body and spirit. I was able to forgive and forget the past, find my inner self and live for the present moment in peace and calm. There are true lessons to be learned through yoga, you just have to be patient and it will come.I began taking weekend workshops through Living Yoga Dallas to learn more. Eventually, I took the 200 hour certification to teach through APY.
Why be a Yoga Teacher? I want to give back the gift that has been given to me, the gift that heals. To help others get to a place of peace, too many of us walk around in emotional pain or have past issues. I want to help them find the root of it all and work through it until they see their true light.
Describe your class: I try to keep my class balanced for all levels. Giving modifications and intensifications to keep all students challenged. Along with the physical, the most important part of the class is the state of mind. I will try to guide you and help you stay completely present and focused, so you can begin your journey to self-awareness and acceptance.
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Alice Noyes : Teacher
Describe your class: Ashtanga - longer holds, sun saluations & balances with deep stretches.
Check back for the full story on Alice...
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Lisa Nersesova: Teacher
Certifications: Dallas Yoga Center 200 hour RYT - Dallas, TX
MFA in Studio Art from Southern Methodist University, and currently working on an MA in Art History at University of North Texas.
Additional Training: Workshops with: Roger Cole, Manorama, Seane Corn, Francois Raoult and Jaya Waters
Background: A few years ago I had a lower back injury that eventually led to sciatica. I had to go through 6 months of chiropractic therapy and eventually began a beginner Hatha yoga class at the Denton Yoga Hut. At the time child's pose was a very painful pose for me. Thankfully, the therapy and the yoga eventually led to full recovery. I have been practicing yoga ever since, exploring different styles of yoga and going to different studios in DFW. I began teaching a year ago at the Denton Yoga Hut where I began my journey.
Why be a Yoga Teacher?I believe that the ultimate teacher is inside each individual so as a teacher I attempt to facilitate the process of self-discovery and awareness so that the true teacher can be awakened. Through yoga I connect with other human beings. I have an intense desire to share with others what I have learned and experienced through yoga. The most rewarding thing about teaching yoga is when a student shares with me how they have changed mentally and emotionally. My favorite part of class is when at the end we chant AUM together. Unlike at the beginning of class, the voices sound clear, unobstructed; they all merge into one voice. It is in that moment that I can really see us all as one.
Describe your class: I teach a slow Vinyasa style class that is suitable for any level. There is focus on correct alignment as well as increasing body awareness. Every class begins and ends with chanting a Sanskrit mantra together. There is also emphasis on practicing ahimsa - non vilence - towards the body, to adopt the attitude of allowing the body to do the best it can without forcing it to go beyond its limitations.
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Amy Coats (currently on maternity leave)
Certifications: American Power Yoga -APY Studio, Dallas , TX
Background: My first exposure to yoga was during a fragile time in my life. I had just lost someone in an accident and the studio became my sanctuary. Yoga helped me stop the mental chatter in my head and I felt at peace.
Why be a Yoga Teacher? You send enough stress into the world, and eventually, you feel like you owe it to mankind to take at least some of it back out. That's what I'm doing teaching yoga. Making up for all the years I spent in ad agencies as a "temperamental" creative. I am doing my best to rid the world (or at least my little corner of Dallas ) of stress one deep breath at a time. Inhale draw the mind here….exhale let it all go.
Describe your class: This is my first year as a yoga teacher, so I'm still working on my personal style. I can tell you what I want people to take away after my class. I want my students to find their physical edge while learning to accept their limits. The poses I offer are just suggestions. I want my students to tap into their body awareness. In a perfect yoga class everyone is in a different place, listening to their own bodies.
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Lee Wedeberg: Teacher/Location Coordinator for Reverchon Park and Samuell Grand/DCY Operations Manager
Certifications: Yoga West Teacher Training Program – Houston , TX
Background: I began practicing yoga in 2002 and fell in love with it immediately. I loved not only what it did to my body (weight loss, toned muscles, lowered cholesterol), but also what it could do to my mind (calm, relax, revitalize). I found that I am at my best in all aspects of life when I am practicing yoga regularly.
Why be a Yoga Teacher? After several years of practicing yoga regularly, I realized that I needed to share the experience I was having with other people. I began to think about teacher training and eventually found a time and place to train that fit my schedule. I love helping others rediscover their bodies and minds through yoga. I feel that the benefits of yoga in my life are too great to not share them.
Describe your class: In my class, I want everyone to really get into their bodies through the poses and know what the poses are doing for them physically, mentally and emotionally. I like to walk through the benefits of each pose with my class as they are engaged in it. We start with a few breathing exercises and poses to warm up the body from the inside out and them move on to standing postures as well as postures on the floor. To end the class, several minutes are provided for savasana or final relaxation pose so that the class can reap the benefits of their practice that night. I strive to provide the class with poses that can cater to all levels so that beginners and advanced student alike are challenged. If you leave my class feeling relaxed yet invigorated and like you have given your body and mind a good work out, I am happy.
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Kyle Wadsworth: Teacher
Kylle's story will be posted soon
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Kathleen Hale: Teacher
Certifications: 200 hour Registered Yoga Teacher, Alpha-Omega Shala - Dallas, TX 2007.
Currently completing a 500 hour certification with Alpha-Omega Shala.
Additional Training: Prenatal yoga with Ginger Garner, Anusara workshop with Kelly Haas, Ashtanga workshop with Doug Eagle.
Background: I returned to yoga practice in 2003 when seeking an alternative to high-impact exercise programs and a way to reduce stress in my life. Always active in sports, yoga offers strength, endurance and flexibility, and is age appropriate for everyone.
Why be a Yoga Teacher? It was the right thing at the right time, and, after a few years as a student, my desire to incorporate more of the eight limbs to my asana practice drew me to teacher training. My persona l practice has brought major changes in to my life experience. Now I continue to deepen my practice, understanding and training while also encouraging others to seek and find their own paths.
Describe your class: I offer an Astanga/Hatha instruction style. My goal is to provide a varied sequence incorporating progression within asanas to allow students of all experience levels to meet their need for the day.
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Douchka Lecot: Teacher
Certifications: Alpha Omega Yoga School RYT 200 hours -Dallas, TX
Additional Training: Anusara Yoga workshop with Kelly Haas
Background: I started learning yoga at the Dallas Yoga Center in 1996, and attended classes off and on during several years when I was traveling and frequently moving to different countries. In 2001 I was overwhelmed and stressed by my high-demand job and I needed to put my life in order. I decided to take care of myself and give priority to my mental and physical health. I started attending more yoga classes, initiated my own practice at home, and started reading and researching yoga and its healing power. Very soon, my yoga practice was helping me make decisions and life changes. I wanted to share this wonderful tool of life with others through teaching, and so began my yoga teaching in 2005.
Why be a Yoga Teacher?Yoga has become the basis of my lifestyle: bringing me peace, joy, happiness, and enlightenment. It became obvious that I needed to share its wonders with others. Yoga is an on-going learning experience, with new discoveries and sensations in each practice or class. Sharing it with others enhances and extends my personal growth.
Describe your class: I would describe my style as a yin (feminine) yoga, that opens up your heart and body to release your emotions and tensions finding deep relaxation and peace within you, and letting your body express itself through the asanas (postures) and deep breathing.
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That Nameless Guy: Teacher inside all of us
Certifications: Your birth certificate
Additional Training: Everything you do after opening your eyes in the morning.
Background: Inside all of us are the remaining bits of a stiff-jointed, rigided-minded person that is slow with acceptance and quick to critcize. Many of us seek to banish this inner teacher by pushing ourselves to greater physical flexibility and total mental quiet. But, what we need to realize is that Brickman can be our guide and mentor. Learning to hear his voice with discerning compassion and patience will teach us more about ourselves than any other teacher.
Describe your class: Class with Brickman as your teacher starts out as some of the most difficult sessions you will ever attend. You will be faced with every dislike, every limitation, and every dysfunction of yourself. After the realization that perfection is not the ultimate goal of yoga or life we seek only to improve rather than prove ourselves, and then the whole world becomes a more tolerable place. After this turning point, classes with Brickman as your teacher are some of the most humorous and joyful sessions you will ever attend. Think of him as the one teacher growing up that you despized for jumping on you at every turn, but later became your most honored teacher when you learned that the reason they were hard on you is that they believed in your potential for greatness more than any other. While we lament tight hamstrings and clumsy feet Brickman smiles and says to himself, "One day they will get it and when they do, no thanks needed."
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