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About Me
First let me say, that I am so grateful for the gift of yoga. It has changed my life! And anything I might have to offer has been gifted to me by all my gurus, from the "big one within" to my family, teachers, friends, students and folks like you. I don't like to talk too much about me, so a brief bio and then I'll let some of the beautiful souls who've crossed my path tell you the rest. Thanks for the amazing support, guys! I'm so honored!
I came to yoga by way of a 12 year career in the performing arts as an actor, singer, dancer, choreographer and assistant director. Though I wouldn't have had words for it at the time, from my tiny beginnings, movement has been a way for me to connect to nature, to spirit, to energy...to the divine within and without. And so, yoga has been a kind of homecoming for me...creative energy channeled through movement and lit by the flame of devotion. My classes are lyrical, creative, sometimes goofy and always taught with reverence and a whole lot of love. I'm particularly inspired by my mentors at Sonic Yoga, the soulful Lauren Hanna and the innovative Jonathan Fields and by the incomparable Sri Dharma Mittra under whom I studied for my advanced certification. I'm currently a senior teacher at Sonic Yoga, NYC (city search #1) and a member of the Center For Yoga Studies teacher training staff. I also manage Quest Yoga Arts in Westchester and serve as senior staff there as well.
"What She lovingly calls "whackadoo yoga" is nothing less than pure soul-stirring, body-breathing bliss. Her sequencing is thoughtful and intuitive and you never leave class feeling anything less than warm, fluid and flexible. It is because of this sequencing that the work goes so deep. Not to mention, it's fun! Her dance background always keeps the sequences fluid, creative and exciting-you never know what's coming next!
She begins every class with some simple sweet human insight. her poetic words of wisdom land softly on your ears at the beginning of class, then proceed to seep in through the cracks and edges softened by the continuous creative flow of movement. This allows for moments of such pure physical/spiritual/personal insight - the true purpose of yoga. To open up the body and mind to receive and cultivate this kind of insight.
She truly is the embodiment of love and light. You feel good just being in her presence-her shining aura sparkles from miles away. Whenever I'm having a gray day, Jo's class is the only prescription."
~Jenn Schulte, student & Pilates instructor
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"An innovative laugh-out- loud yoga experience!!
Johanna effectively combines a stellar knowledge of the modern body with a loving and judgment-free exploration of the subtle body systems. Pranayama, Asana and meditation are molded together with heartfelt themes and her quirky sense of humor. Enjoy the opportunity to play with your edges, working safely and effectively as you push your limits and soar to new heights in your personal practice!
Come ready to sweat and smile your little yogi heart out!"
~ Shelley Adelle, Studio manager, Sonic Yoga
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Jo doesn't just teach a yoga class. She skillfully weaves together narrative, yogic philosophy, music, and a varied blend of yoga , martial arts, creative movement and fun to move her students through a thematically organized class that pays attention to the needs of the mind, body and spirit. Plus, she has an amazing laugh you can hear from the stairs when she's in the "office" area greeting everyone with hugs. There is a point before which someone is a yoga teacher and after which, someone is a care-giver. Jo has clearly gone above and beyond mere teaching and is interested in improving the lives of her students. Yoga is a medium for this deeper work and she's very well a genius in helping students achieve balance in their lives."
~ Mike Richman, student & yoga teacher
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More testimonials
"Jo is a very special combination-two parts motivation, three parts inspiration, one part (maybe one and a half) "whackadoo" and a whole lot of sunshine. She makes you work hard, but you feel great doing it and you actually feel grateful to her that she's making you do it! She's lifted me up when I didn't think I could be and she's made me appreciate the more spiritual side of yoga. " ~Vicky Fuqua, student
"After taking from several different vinyasa instructors in NYC, I can firmly say, Johanna is the most seamless in terms of melding the physical, mental and spiritual yoga experience. Each class is as unique as sipping wines, each as delightful, unexpected and complimenting as the next. As a former dancer, I can attest that her choice of flowing postures is constantly inspiring and far from the "phoned in" yoga vinyasa. I am continually enamored with her sensitive nature, laugh-out-loud humor and inspirational approach to such a traditional form. I LOVE her yoga class! It is unlike any other and with a refreshing imaginative combination of joy, reality and expression!"
~ Cathy Carey, student
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Feedback from Teacher Trainees
"You are warm, open, funny, inspiring and powerful. You share your gift without question or hesitation and encourage others to do the same. You know how to laugh. You don't take yourself too seriously and yet you have the utmost respect for yoga. You really are a breath of fresh air and I'm lucky to have you as a teacher."
~Jenny Fenig
"What is uniquely different about you is that you have, it seems, an inherent joy that fills the room when you teach, whatever you are teaching, it's infectious! Also, during our training, I felt when you were observing our work, you were so completely present for each of us that you were able to give us very specific and well thought out critiques. Your insights into our teaching were unmatched, I believe, by any other teacher and I think that was something we all felt and deeply appreciated. It really helped me get a sense of where I was on the journey. Your patience was also something that stood out to me. You were open and approachable, and I felt very comfortable coming to you with any question, no matter how small."
~Randi Martire
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