Dani is originally from New Zealand and has lived on Canada’s beautiful west coast for much of her life. First introduced to yoga in New Zealand in 1995 when a running injury lead her from the road to the mat. Dani has practiced and studied various traditions of yoga in NZ, Canada and India including classical Indian Hatha Yoga, Yin Yoga and Ashtanga. With a background in psychology and YA certified teacher of Hatha (Sivananda) & Yin Yoga, Dani is infinitely inspired by how the practical and ancient tradition of yoga offers practitioners a means to heal and grow within and without. Yoga connects us with every aspect of our life, helping us to appreciate life the way it is…moment by moment.

Dani loves to share yoga with others and is continually moved by the spark that yoga ignites in students regardless of what brought them to the mat. Known to encourage everyone to “do yoga wherever it may be- a studio, gym, home, anywhere- but just do it and you will begin a journey home to yourself and connect with the essence of yoga”. Because life is always changing, it is so important to strive to stay connected to our unchanging core, our true selves, so that we may accept the fluctuations of life with equanimity.

In her classes, Dani encourages students to challenge themselves but respect their natural limitations and be reminded that “yoga is not simply about being flexible or looking “perfect” in a pose. Yoga is to be present to where you are, without judgment, and connect with the beauty and joy that reside within you.” Incorporating meditation, visualization and breathwork, she aims to create an atmosphere where students can awaken to their inner teacher, be led towards healing and create a flexible and peaceful body, mind and spirit.

Dani loves to share the practical ways yoga techniques can be taken off the mat and into everyday life to bring balance, reduce stress and, increase energy, peace and wellbeing.

Dani teaches several styles of yoga that help students balance Yin and Yang.

Yin Yoga

Yin is a wonderful practice that everybody benefits from. This challenging and meditative practice will transform your more muscular ‘yang’ style of yoga or activity and give you the balance we so often seek in our active, busy lives. In fact, most forms of yoga practiced today are yang in nature as they focus on muscular movement, contraction and repetition. There is nothing wrong with that but it is only half of the equation. We also need to learn to relax, be patient, be quiet and release the tightness at the deeper levels of the skeleton and its joints. In Yin Yoga, postures target the connective tissue of the hips, pelvis and lower spine and are held for a long time. This long hold allows the stagnant and deficient energy (prana) in the dense, rarely touched areas of the body to flow through the major meridians (energy channels) of the body that are connected to the health of the spleen/pancreas, liver, kidney, urinary bladder, stomach and gall bladder. Yin revitalizes, brings health to the joints and vital organs and offers deep and subtle exploration of the body and mind.

Hatha Yoga

This systematic and classical form of hatha yoga incorporates asanas, pranayama (breath) and relaxation with the goal of building vitality, strength, flexibility and a focused, quiet mind. Dani’s hatha class offers a complete and integrated practice that you can build upon as your practice grows and is suited to beginners to immediate yoga practitioners.

Yin/Yang Yoga

Because Yin and Yang are complimentary, Dani’s class combines active ‘yang’ asanas with held ‘yin’ postures. Perfect for those who want an active practice combined with deep and subtle exploration of the mind and body to bring increased body awareness and a feeling of fresh aliveness.

Writing

Dani is passionate about conscious and inspired living. To do yoga is to live a life that embraces wellness, joy, community, and respect of our earth. An eco-lifestyle writer for asiaSpa and Tokyo Weekender magazines, she encourages readers to use self-inquiry, ask questions and consider making lifestyle changes that minimize their impact on earth and its inhabitants.

Dani’s Website

For more information on Dani, check out her website: www.ThatGirlDani.com.