Yoga Presenter Bio From 2012 ... 2013 Coming Soon

Simon Low

Yin & Yang Yoga - UK

Simon Low (BWY and YA E-RYT 500) has been teaching yoga for 20 years. He was the original Director and a co-founder of London's Triyoga, the UK's most popular yoga studios, where he still teaches annual workshops and courses. As Principal of The Yoga Academy, one of the UK's leading teacher training schools, Simon leads intensive teacher trainings in the UK and overseas while also running yoga weekends, workshops and holidays around the world throughout the year.

Simon originally trained as a teacher and yoga therapist with Dr Larry Payne in the USA, where he lived and worked in the music business as VP of A&R for RCA Records, while also studying psychology, macrobiotics and bodywork. Simon then returned to London, and is now one of the UK and Europe's most respected teachers.

For more information see: www.simonlow.com

Danny Paradise

Ashtanga, Shamanism & Total Freedom - USA

Danny Paradise has been practising Ashtanga Yoga since 1976. Initially studying with the first Western teachers of Ashtanga, David Williams and Nancy Gilgoff, Danny learned the beginning and advanced sequences from them over five years. He studied with Sri Patabbhi Jois in 1978 and 1980. Danny has also studied and practised with Yoga teachers and Spiritual guides in other lineages and traditions including teachers of Kung fu, Tai Chi and Karate.

SINCE 1979 Danny has introduced all levels of the practices of Ashtanga Yoga to students and teachers worldwide as well as world renowned artists, musicians, dancers, Buddhist Lamas, actors and sports champions. He incorporates indigenous spiritual traditions into the practice and philosophy of Yoga, relating Yoga to all Shamanic nature-based cultures. Danny draws from the teachings of Krishnamurti, Buddha, ancient Egypt as well as Indigenous Cultures: Hawaiian, Mayan, Native Americans… Danny passes on ancient traditions in a non-dogmatic, contemporary, compassionate, humorous way. His purpose is to help people develop a Sacred, safe, meditative, healing, joyful, expanding, pain free, personal self-practice. Danny teaches all the Ashtanga Sequences with emphasis on an expanding evolving practice, showing derivative poses, modifications and variations within the structure of the sequences of Ashtanga Yoga.

For more information see: www.dannyparadise.com

Mark Whitwell

Heart of Yoga - NEW ZEALAND

Mark Whitwell (New Zealand) has enjoyed a life-long relationship with the teachings of Professor T. Krishnamacharya ‘the teacher of the teachers’, notably BKS Iyengar, K Pattabhi Jois, Srivatsa Ramaswami, Indra Devi, A G Mohan and TKV Desikachar. Having studied since 1973 in the home of Krishnamacharya with his son Desikachar, Mark lives in Los Angeles and Fiji and travels throughout the world teaching the timeless principles of ancient yoga wisdom with compassion and clarity. In 1996, Mark established The Heart of Yoga Association, a non-profit foundation that provides yoga education around the world.

For more information see: www.heartofyoga.com

Carlos Pomeda

Tantra, Meditation & Philosophy - SPAIN

Originally from Madrid, Spain, Carlos Pomeda has 35 years of experience in the study, practice and teaching of the yoga traditions. He received formal, traditional training in yoga during almost 18 years as a monk of the Sarasvati order, nine of which he spent in India in the Siddha Yoga Ashram, studying and practicing under the guidance of Swami Muktananda and Gurumayi Chidvilasananda.

During this time he learned the various systems of Indian Philosophy, immersed himself in the practice of yoga and became one of the senior teaching monks of the tradition, teaching meditation and philosophy to tens of thousands of students around the world. He combines this experience and traditional training with an academic background that includes two Masters degrees: one in Sanskrit from UC Berkeley and another in Religious Studies from UC Santa Barbara.

Carlos currently lives in Austin, Texas, and has recently created a set of six DVDs titled ‘The Wisdom of Yoga,’ a series of practical workshops on the history, philosophy and practices of the yoga tradition. As a teacher, Carlos is known for his love of the Indian yoga traditions, his insight, humor, deep empathy with his audiences and his ability to convey the deepest scriptural teachings in a way that is clear, meaningful and applicable.  Studying with Carlos is both delightful and enlightening.

Govinda Kai

Ashtanga Yoga - JAPAN

Govinda Kai is a certified teacher (one of only 35-40 in the world) of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga as taught by the late Sri K. Pattabhi Jois of Mysore, India. Govinda spends the bulk of his time travelling and teaching in Japan and India (where he keeps a second home), but also regularly teaches in many different parts of the world. Govinda has been a dedicated student and devotee of Yoga and other spiritual disciplines ever since high school in the late 70s. He has been teaching Yoga full-time since 1995. Govinda's deepest passion and commitment is to bring the essence and the true power of traditional Yoga practice to modern culture.

For more info see: www.lunaticmonk.com

Louisa Sear

Vinyasa Flow Yoga - USA

Founder, Director and Course Coordinator of Yoga Arts

Louisa has dedicated her life to the practice and teaching of Yoga. She is passionate in the inquiry to find ones true nature and freedom. In her teaching, Louisa encourages the understanding and acceptance of life, finding the teacher within and acknowledging the God in all. Louisa has had a committed Yoga practice for 30 years. She has studied many Yoga styles and has undertaken long periods of meditation with many different Yoga Masters. She teaches the principles of Tantric Advaita Philosophy and specializes in Yoga Teacher Trainings which she teaches all over the world.

For more information see: www.yogarts.com.au

Prem Carlisi

Mysore Ashtanga Yoga, Ayurveda & Tantra - USA

Prem has been practicing and teaching Ashtanga for 30 years (since the age of 23) and is considered one of the American pioneers of Ashtanga Yoga. He was honored by Sri K Pattabhi Jois and is certified to teach the Primary, Intermediate and Advanced series.

Prem has also done in-depth Ayurvedic study with the renowned Ayurvedic practitioner Dr Vasant Lad.  In 1983, he began a 3-year course with Dr Lad and was certified to perform consultations and clinical work. Prem has also studied with Dr David Frawley and Dr Robert Svoboda.

Prem's interest in Tantra was the next natural progressive step to exploring the vedic traditions.  He feels it completes the synergy of the Ashtanga, Ayurveda and Tantra systems.

For more info, see: www.ashtangaworld.com

Heather Duplex

Mysore Ashtanga Yoga - USA

Heather began her Ashtanga practice with Chuck Miller 20 years ago in 1990. Inspired by Chuck and the practice, Heather went to Mysore, India to study with Sri K Pattabhi Jois in 1996, and was authorized by him to teach in 2005. Along with Guruji and Chuck, Heather was a longtime student of Maty Ezraty of Yoga Works in California, where she also taught. Heather has been teaching Ashtanga Yoga for 15 years. She is an advanced practitioner and has completed the third series.

Heather has also been studying Ayurveda since 2000, and has done several intensives with Ayurvedic teachers Maya Tiwari (A Life of Balance) and Amadea Morningstar (The Ayurvedic Cookbook) as well as healer Paul Pitchford (Healing with Whole Foods). She has a passion for nutrition and cooking and enjoys sharing her love of it with others.

For more info, see: www.ashtangaworld.com

Twee Merrigan

Prana Flow Yoga - USA

Twee is a globally recognized senior trainer of Prana Flow® yoga whose vinyasa flow classes are inspired by a recently ended three-year nomadic teaching tour (landing her in a different country every 2 weeks) inspiring, empowering, and pollinating change; her teacher, Shiva Rea (founder of Prana Flow®); Tantra; Ayurveda; 10 years of corporate sales experience; surfing; inherent truth; and yoga activism. She resides in New York City and offers teacher training retreats in Bali.

For more information see: www.tweeyoga.com

Rebecca Pflaum

Chakra MA Yoga - SINGAPORE

Rebecca Pflaum (Japan) has been teaching the joy of movement for the past 26 years, dedicating herself to the study and practice of yoga & meditation for the last 13. Her passion is to share what she has experienced on this genuine journey so that our lives can reach their pinnacle, utmost richness and natural beauty. Her classes are joyful, challenging and encourage you to realise your full potential by opening body, mind and spirit.  Certified through the Yoga Alliance of America and the Kundalini Yoga Institute, Rebecca also has a specialised certification in pre-natal yoga, is a level 2 Reiki practitioner and is a facilitator for the giving of Deeksha through Oneness University, India. She has been married for 23 years, has lived and taught in 5 countries and is the proud mama of four great sons - who have been four of her greatest teachers.

For more info, see: www.chakrama.com

John Ogilvie

Purna Yoga - AUSTRALIA

John Ogilvie is one of Australia’s most respected and experienced teachers, and founder of Byron Bay’s long-time yoga school, Byron Yoga Centre, founded in 1988.

John Ogilvie is one of those rare people you meet with whom you feel an almost instant heart connection.  There is a glint in his eyes that tells of an inner-spring of joy and a hint of boyish cheekiness.  His presence is one of yogic lightness, and you cannot help but smile when you do his classes.

John has developed the Purna style of yoga, meaning complete or integrated. Purna Yoga represents a holistic approach to yoga integrating not just the physical postures but also pranayama (breathing techniques), meditation, philosophy and the yogic personal and social code of ethics. His Purna Yoga classes are in the style of dynamic vinyasa while maintaining an alignment focus drawn from his Iyengar background.

John’s classes are a celebration of life - fun and dynamic, bringing out our inner joy.  He encourages you to go to your potential, supporting and helping you to deepen your practice.  You’ll find yourself experimenting with some of the more challenging yoga postures with a smile and an attitude of fun!

John heads up a popular teacher training program at the school, attracting students from around the world, who come to learn from his 25 plus years of teaching experience. Byron Yoga Centre has developed a reputation as one of the foremost yoga teacher training organisations in Australia, moreover, courses and retreats are held throughout Australia as well as in India, Bali and Fiji. John also teaches regular classes as part of the Byron Yoga weekly timetable at 6 Byron St., Byron Bay, Australia.

For more information visit: www.byronyoga.com

Leza Lowitz

Tibetan Heart Yoga, Creative Writing & Poetry - JAPAN

For over two decades, Leza Lowitz has been bringing together the worlds of yoga and creativity, sharing her experience in over a dozen books and in Yoga Journal, Shambhala Sun, The Best Buddhist Writing 2011, The Huffington Post and others.  Lowitz lives in Tokyo with her husband, the writer Shogo Oketani, and their young son. They own the popular Sun and Moon Yoga studio. Originally from San Francisco, she has been studying meditation, yoga and healing for over 25 years and teaching for over a decade. Lowitz is author of the best-selling Yoga Poems: Lines to Unfold By, co-author, with Reema Datta, of Sacred Sanskrit Words and most recently, Yoga Heart: Lines on the Six Perfections.

Her deeply creative, intuitive teaching style is rooted in many traditions--Vinyasa Krama, Yin Yoga, Tantra and Light Body.  Most recently she is committed to learning and sharing the ancient magic and power of Tibetan Heart Yoga, the lineage of the Dalai Lama. Lowitz is co-founder and co-director of Tibetan Heart Yoga Japan, the Yoga Classics Input Project of Japan, and Global Family Project Japan. She would like to thank her teachers, Ted Lafferty, Kimberley Theresa, and Geshe Michael Roach.

For more info see: www.lezalowitz.com and www.sunandmoon.jp

Erica Mather

Forrest Yoga - USA

Erica is a certified Forrest Yoga instructor, a Forrest Yoga Mentor and she has completed her Advanced Teacher Training under the guidance of Ana Forrest. Teaching at PURE Yoga in NYC (voted by Fitness Magazine to have the best Yoga Instructors in the U.S.), Erica also blogs for Yogacitynyc.com and has a healing practice for private clients. Whether drawing from her Forrest background, or exploring movement through Vinyasa, Erica teaches intelligent, challenging classes that appeal to those interested in learning about the body, alignment, and how to create space for the growth of the spirit in a body transformed by the asana practice.

For more info, see: www.ericamather.com

Copper Crow

Universal Yoga - SINGAPORE

Copper Crow has committed himself to the study of yoga since being introduced to the practice through martial arts at a very young age. After meeting Andrey Lappa in 2006, he has dedicated himself to the deeper study and practice of Universal Yoga.

Teaching since 2003, Copper joined Pure Yoga in 2006, and has been managing teacher in Singapore since 2008. His playfulness and joy are present in every class and training he leads. Whether in a hot room or on the double mats of Universal, students are encouraged to explore themselves as deeply as possible.

Copper is grateful to all his teachers who have shared their knowledge and wisdom, and continue to inspire him to practice his yoga on and off the mat.

"Whether it's physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual - yoga has something for everyone, at every stage of life's journey. Every passing moment is an opportunity to start anew and transform your life. Let go of expectations, have fun, and enjoy the exploration!"

For more information see: www.pure-yoga.com/en/singapore & www.universal-yoga.com

Julie Dohrman

Anusara Yoga - USA

One of the most sought after certified Anusara yoga teachers in New York for her spirited and positive teaching style, Julie is a native New Yorker who teaches classes with clear instruction of Anusara's Universal Principles of Alignment and the therapeutic aspects of the practice. Known for her ability to make everyone feel welcome and encouraged, she creates a space for students to use yoga as a pathway to personal growth.

ulie weaves ancient texts, mythology, storytelling and personal tales into the physical practice, creating classes with a practical and real approach to living a yogic life. Julie's study and practice continue with Anusara founder John Friend and Amy Ippoliti, from who she took her first teacher training in 2002. She has been deeply immersed in the South Indian Sri Vidya and Shaivaite traditions of Tantric philosophy with world renowned scholars Paul Muller-Ortega, Douglas Brooks, and Bill Mahony. Julie has previously has taught yoga for NYU and Lululemon and is currently teaching at studios in both Manhattan and Brooklyn and traveling nationwide to teach Anusara workshops and Immersions.

For more info, see: www.shaktiyogany.com

Cat Kabira

Yoga Energetics - USA

Since beginning her own personal yoga practice at age18, Cat has dedicated herself to the study and practice of yoga, meditation, energy healing and shamanic work. Her dynamic yet soft presence, enthusiasm, intensity, and humor, coupled with her softness, knowledge, and sensitivity lead you through a practice that is genuine, personally rewarding, and well-rounded in every aspect. No class is the same, but the contract between Cat and her students always is: Be real, be you, be here, be now. Connect with your core, stay in your power, and do not stray.

Certified by The 7 Centers Yoga Arts, The Forrest Yoga Foundation, and registered through The Yoga Alliance of America, Cat has a deep and diverse background and studies in; Tantra, Hatha, Yin, Vinyasa, Power Yoga, Kundalini, Forrest, Ashtanga, Iyengar, Kripalu, Anusara, Ayurveda, Shamanic Studies, Osho Meditiation, Zen Meditation, Vipassana, Firewalking, Cranio-Sacral Training, and The Hoffman Process.

For more info, see: www.catkabira.com

Les Leventhal

Vinyasa Flow Yoga - USA

Les is one of San Francisco's most beloved yoga teachers, leading workshops, trainings and retreats around the world. His vinyasa flow classes and workshops are filled with technique and alignment cues for all levels, including beginners. Variations and longer sequences will also challenge and inspire seasoned practitioners.

Having completed Ana Forrest's teacher training, then studying and assisting extensively with her, Les' studies and ceremonies are steeped in the Forrest tradition. Les has also completed several trainings with Tias Little, who continues to deepen and strengthen his appreciation of alignment. In his classes, you will have the opportunity to heal your heart, laugh, cry, dance, sweat and just let go.

For more info see: www.yogawithles.com

Gina Caputo

Prana Flow Yoga - USA

Gina's passionate and inspirational style of teaching is a balanced fusion of informed, flow-style yoga with attention to healthy, energetic alignment, spiritual intention and humor. She originally came to the mat from the office chair and so has a keen ability to really speak to the modern-day householder yogi. She is a supportive, empathetic teacher known for her clear transmissions and playful style of encouraging you to fearlessly navigate your edge, open your heart and boldly dive in! Her emphasis is on practicing asana as a path to self-empowerment and living fully.

She is an Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher (ERYT-500) through Yoga Alliance. Her greatest learning experiences came in the traditional manner of teacher / student apprenticeships with both Shiva Rea and Max Strom. She gratefully continues to study with Shiva Rea, creator of Prana Flow® Yoga and is a Teacher Trainer & Teacher Mentor. She was formerly an owner of Sacred Movement Center for Yoga & Healing (now Exhale Spa) in Venice, CA and now owns and directs Kansas Siddhi Yoga Studio in downtown Kansas City, MO. Now she travels the globe bringing passion for life and self-evolution everywhere she goes.

You can find this Yogini On The Loose at:  www.ginacaputo.com

Cristi Christensen

Core Awakening & Exhale Core Fusion - USA

Cristi is the Director of Exhale Center for Sacred Movement in Venice, CA and also a passionate yoga instructor and A former elite level gymnast and platform diver, she earned a degree in Kinesiology while training with members of the Olympic diving team. When her own Olympic dreams were cut short by injury, Cristi shifted her focus to helping others improve their level of fitness and awareness  through personal training, pilates, core fusion + yoga.  In 2004 she joined exhale, and has studied extensively with Saul David Raye, Shiva Rea, Seane Corn and many other inspirational yogis. Cristi brings her bright energy, open spirit and warm heart to her students and classes.

For more information see: www.exhalespa.com

Deborah Wiliamson

Power Vinyasa Yoga - USA

Power Vinyasa Teacher, Deborah is creator of Yoga Body Bootcamp ™, Yoga Body Cleanse ™ , and Yoga Life Coaching™. She leads yoga retreats, teacher trainings and specialty certifications around the world. Debbie's classes are challenging, heart-pumping and laugh-out-loud hilarious. She is dedicated to helping others realize their truest passions with one mission – to share the secret that the best life starts now, and that we already have everything we need to create it. At this year's festival she is co-teaching with Kellie Linn Knott.

For more info, see: www.wildabundantlife.com

Kellie Lin Knott

The Yoga Singer - USA

Songwriter/performer Kellie Lin joined her father’s band in Minnesota at age eight, belting out backing and lead vocals on Bette Midler and Linda Ronstadt tunes at halls, bars, and private parties.  On her 12th birthday, Kellie Lin’s father brought home a well-worn nylon string guitar as a gift. At the tender age of 14 Kellie Lin graduated from singing rock covers in bars with her father’s band to performing originals at area schools, coffeehouses, and special events with her acoustic duo, Those Two Girls, who were soon known for their focus on social issues.  In July 2003, she gave up all of her ‘day jobs’ to pursue performance full-time.  Kellie shares her precious voice in classes of Dynamic Vinyasa Flow with her friend Deborah Wiliamson.

For more info, see: www.theyogasinger.com

Cherie Rae

Peace Yoga - USA

Cheri Rae ice skated professionally from age 11 to 36. At 17 Cheri Rae injured her knee critically while landing a jump. She was introduced to yoga as physical therapy and when it completely rehabilitated her, yoga became her passion. Cheri studied under Pattabhi Jois and Frank White, among others. She has been teaching for 18 years. Cheri Rae has taught in India, Thailand, as well as a 6 month residence at The Yoga Barn in Bali before returning to Los Angeles to create peace. After high school, she was accepted to USC's drama program and put herself through college waiting tables at Larry Parkers Diner in Beverly Hills. Cheri has had numerous commercial, television, and film roles.

Giving is Cheri Rae's middle name. She has been involved in community groups including after school children’s program Solid Youth (for a solid world), community gardening, downtown historic core, Homegirls industries, L.A. Conservation Corp., and the Los Angeles bicycle coalition. This motivation lead Cheri to form “Give Peace Inc.”, a non-profit organization devoted to community support and education.

For more info see: http://www.peaceyogagallery.com/

Denise Payne

Yin Yoga - USA

International yoga teacher, Denise Payne, is known for her attention to detail, her enlightened sense of humor, and her incredibly grounded approach to yoga and to living. With more than 25 years of experience, dedication to the practice shows in her effortless and conscious style in teaching. From Power Yoga to Yin, specialty workshops and 200 and 500 hour YA registered Teacher Trainings, her passion is uncomplicated.

For more info, see: www.onesongyoga.com

Tina James

Jivamukti Yoga - CANADA

Tina is an Advanced Certified Jivamukti Yoga teacher, and is known for her chanting, choreographic sequencing, and knowledge of the subtle body. Incorporating vigorous flow sequences, along with an integration of yogic philosophy, chanting, and strong emphasis on activism and ethical vegetarianism, Tina’s classes create a shift in perception where magic rises.

Widely considered to be a "teacher's teacher," she transmits the Jivamukti lineage as a mentor at the Jivamukti teacher training and running many of her own teacher trainings over the last 10 years.

A natural athlete, Tina grew up in England, where physical activity was as much a part of her daily life as the solidity of her beloved mountains. Tina has been a professional show jumper, hard core high altitude mountaineer, martial artist and personal trainer.  However, one of her greatest accomplishments has been her dedication to a strict vegan lifestyle and animal activism, especially for the bears!

Tina is committed to her present and future journey of teaching Jivamukti Yoga, an enlightenment system that draws deeply from past wisdom but is planted firmly in the needs of today's yogis and predicts a bright future eventually creating non-violent motivation, seeds for positive vibrations, ecstatic gyrations and passionate postures that are mutually beneficial for the earth!

For more information about Tina, see:www.tinajames.ca www.loka-yoga.com

Eoin Finn

Yogi-Surfer-Blissologist - CANADA

Eoin’s passion for spreading his vision of body and mind coexisting in harmony with nature and community has led him to be featured in the “we like this guy” section of Oprah Magazine.  An avid athlete and surfer, Eoin has worked with hundreds of pro athletes.  It is his love of the ocean and the creatures within it that allowed Eoin to find the courage to follow the words of his greatest hero Joseph Campbell and “follow his Bliss” making the move from his highly popular yoga classes in Vancouver, BC; to the remote, wild and stunningly beautiful Canadian surf paradise of Tofino, BC.  This powerful connection to Nature informs all his teachings.

A vinyasa yoga experience with Eoin emphasizes the intelligent alignment of joints so movements in yoga and all of life’s activities are fluid and bio-mechanically sound. This way our yoga practice becomes a tool to allow the body to function well now, and for years to come.

In 2001 he founded a movement called Blissology which is the art of tuning into the force that makes us feel connected to each other and the planet; and using it to guide us so that we achieve our own goals while minimizing our impact on the web of life.

For more info see: www.blissology.com

Pau Castellsague

AcroYoga - SPAIN

Pau was introduced to the practice of Yoga by the light of his younger brother Wari Om. Meeting his teacher Soma in the Navarra mountains was the start of his spiritual journey. His path is full of joy and gratitude as auspicious teachers cross by him every step of the way: Jordi, Dolors, Laurino, Takis, Jason, Jenny, Soma, Dayalu, Goenka, Amma…

As an AcroYoga teacher Pau's main target is to bring the spirit of yoga into every corner and through all layers of society; sharing the ancient wisdom of the three main avatars of our times: Krishna, Buddha and Jesus.

Pau currently lives in Barcelona but spends most of his time travelling around the globe. Since last year, together with his brother Wari and his sister Isis, they organize the Barcelona yoga Conference, a huge gathering to bring together and celebrate the meaning of Yoga: Union.

At this year's Festival, Pau will be co-teaching with Alexandra Ruiz.

For more info see: www.omshanti.cat

Alexandra Ruiz

AcroYoga - MEXICO

Alexandra Ruiz was born in Mexico and travels the world sharing her passion for anything that permits the body to express the soul. For the last 3 years she has dedicated herself to sharing worldwide this beautiful practice that unites people, opens the heart and creates magic, with the intention of reaching all communities that have the desire to learn. Alexandra will be co-teaching at this year's Festival alongside Pau Castellsague.

For more information, see: www.alexandraruiz.com

Anna Kolacny

Anusara Yoga - USA

For the last 20 years, Anna Kolacny has been studying eastern religion and philosophy. Her first exploration of yoga happened when she was 15 yrs old in the wooded hills outside of northwest Chicago. Having no teacher to guide her except an old poster written in Sanskrit. This journey of discovery and growth continued and took Anna to different parts of the globe as she continued to deepen her understanding of this ancient practice. For the last 10 years, Anna has devotedly spent thousands of hours with senior level Anusara teachers, including Anusara Certification board member Noah Maze and Anusara founder, John Friend. Anna attributes her current wave of enrichment to the beauty of her Philosophy and Meditation teachers Carlos Pomeda, Sally Kempton (Swami Durgananda) and Shrividya Shakta Tantric Scholar, Douglas Brooks.

As an Anusara-Inspired teacher, Anna energetically combines her extensive background in health, nutrition and yoga philosophy to create an environment that allows students to discover and nurture the self while deepening and refining their physical yoga practice. Her classes are dynamic and playful and challenge both the mind and body. Anna will be representing Desa Seni as a presenter at this year's Festival.

For more information, see: www.desaseni.com

Daphna Dor

Kundalini Yoga - USA

Daphna has been teaching Kundalini Yoga both in her home city of New York and in Bali, since 1995. Not long after discovering her love for and commitment to the practice of Hatha Yoga while travelling in India in the early 1990's, she came across a studio in New York offering Kundalini yoga classes. She naturally transitioned over from her Hatha yoga practice and became a certified Kundalini teacher in 1994. Daphna has had the privilege of studying under teachers such as Ravi Singh (known as "the teachers' teacher") and Yogi Bhajan, the late master of the yoga. While embarking on her path as a Kundalini practitioner and teacher Daphna was also drawn to the modality of yoga therapy and became a certified Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapist.

Daphna brings to her Kundalini yoga sessions a deep respect for, and incorporation of, the body alignment of hatha yoga traditions while embracing with energy and joy the path of higher consciousness of Kundalini Yoga. Daphna will be representing Desa Seni as a presenter at this year's Festival.

For more information, see: www.desaseni.com

Emily Kuser

High Vibe Yoga - Storytelling + Hatha for Open Hips & Open Hearts - USA

Emily has been practicing yoga for over 10 years and teaching for 8. She has studied thousands of hours with incredibly respected Anusara, Shadow, Ashtanga and Jivamukti instructors worldwide. Emily has lived in Ubud, Bali, Indonesia for over 4 years teaching yoga at ARMA Resort & Museum, The Yoga Barn and to Balinese children and their families throughout Ubud. As Program Liaison for the incredible Bali Spirit Festival, an epic festival of dance, yoga and music, Emily has assisted in the management of over 400 world musicians, global yogis, respected meditation gurus, scholars and dancer from every corner of the world. Prior to living in Indonesia, Emily traveled the world extensively and while living in California wrote for LA Yoga magazine while teaching yoga classes along the California coast. She is the founder of High Vibe Yoga, which offers 7 DAY High Vibe retreats and 3 DAY Yoga Barn High Vibe Immersions in Ubud. Emily loves to weave storytelling, proper alignment and high vibes into her yoga teachings.

For more information about Emily, see: www.highvibeyoga.com

WORKSHOPS:

High Vibe Yoga - Storytelling + Hatha for Open Hips & Open Hearts

Join Emily as she weaves storytelling, proper alignment and high vibes into this ALL LEVELS workshop. We will cultivate bright attitudes to open our hips and hearts using proper alignment. Through the theme of our storytellingwe will learn to take vibrant action within our bodies and throughout life.

Mukesh Yadev

Indian Yoga - India

The physical, mental and spiritual aspects of yoga help create a purposeful, useful and noble life by providing total health, peace and wisdom, says Indian Council for Cultural Relations ambassador, Mr Mukesh Yadev. Sharing the ancient roots and modern insights of Yoga, Mukesh draws on expertise in posture, breathing, concentration, meditation, relaxation, yoga sleep, yoga laughing and other secrets including kriyas, chakras and kundalini to offer an experience unique in the world. Dive deeper into the yogic promise of health, spiritual growth and living life on purpose on Hari Cinta Keluarga, Sunday April 1.

Rachel Zinman

Mandala Creations - USA

Rachel has been practicing yoga for over 20 years and has taught for 16 years. Prior to her yoga education, Rachel trained as a professional dancer and choreographer. Discovering yoga, she originally trained in the Iyengar and Ashtanga methods and first began teaching in her role as Head of Dance at the Northern Rivers Conservatorium where she introduced yoga to the curriculum. Her teaching style continues to reflect her deep engagement with the arts – dynamic and precise with an emphasis on mindfulness. While again living in New York Rachel met Yoga Works and ISHTA yoga founder Alan Finger and taught at his BeYoga studios for four years. There she co-created and coordinated the Be Yoga Teacher Training Program, becoming a senior facilitator and mentor in 2004.

Rachel returned to Australia to teach in the Yoga Arts Teacher Training, and since 2005 has created and facilitated her own teacher trainings and workshops in the ISHTA System in Australia, India, Bali, Japan, the USA and in many major cities in Europe. In 2006 she began practicing Bhakti Yoga and has incorporated Yantra, Mantra, Mudra and Tantric rituals into her workshops and trainings.   Rachel also co-created and produced a popular Australian Yoga Video series and a Kid's Yoga Video. She is an award-winning musician for her album of chanting and devotional song, Sita Ram, and is published poet.

Devi Asmarani

Pranayama & Yoga for Kids - INDONESIA

Devi Asmarani was first drawn to yoga to try to heal her chronic migraine and digestive problems. She was instantly hooked after her very first practice. Since then, she has continued her yoga journey by studying with teachers of different traditions who inspire her, including Sharath Jois, David Swenson, Sri O.P. Tiwari, Louisa Sears, Ann Barros, Bryan Kest, Sarah Power and a host of other teachers of yoga, pranayama, meditation and yoga philosophies. She is drawn to all aspects of yoga practice - the physical, mental and intellectual. The diverse range of yoga styles that she has learned - including Ashtanga, Iyengar, Anusara, Yin and Kundalini - helps shape her perspective on her own self-practice, which is a meld of all that is beneficial of yoga. Do what moves you, and make yoga works for you - not the other way around - is the way she sees her practice. Her spiritual journey has led her to quit 13 years of journalism career. Asides from teaching, she now writes columns, articles, essays and works of fictions for local and foreign publications. With over 500 credit hours of teacher trainings, she is certified to teach Hatha Yoga, Ashtanga, Vinyasa, Prenatal and Kids Yoga. Devi recently published her book Yoga Untuk Semua, Panduan Berlatih Yoga yang Lengkap dan Aman (Yoga for All, A Complete and Safe Guide to Practice Yoga), which has instantly become a best-seller at bookstores across Indonesia.

For more Info see: www.devi-asmarani.com

Indra Widjanarko

Yoga For Children & Yoga Therapy for Adults - Lombok, INDONESIA

A loving and compassionate teacher, Indra has been practicing yoga for 15 yrs, Indra is well verse in many styles as accomplished her teacher training in Ashtanga, Sun Yoga for kids and has 500hrs in Yoga Therapy.

In the late 90s, while living in Bandung, Indonesia, Indra discovered yoga as she was on the path to healing from poor health. At that time, she practiced mainly chanting, meditating and karma yoga (doing service to others). While in Indonesia, she continued her practice in the Buddhist temple for 8 years.

In her next stage of life, graduating with a MA in communication from Leed's University in the UK, Indra found herself in KL, Malaysia. Continuing her practice, Indra was intrigued to find out more and completed her first 200hr YTT with Lance Schuler of Australia. From that point on she started teaching.

Indra continued to learn more from Ashtanga yoga with Caroline Klebl and John Scott, Sheshadri and Ajay in Mysore-India, Triyoga with Kali Ray, Pre and Post Natal Yoga from SunYoga with Dr. Jacqualine Koay, Kids Yoga from SunYoga with Elaine, and 500 hours Yoga Therapy with Dr Jacqualine Koay and Teddy Barenzholt.

Indra enjoys creating events and arranging workshops for her friends both in Kuala Lumpur, Indonesia and now, in Shanghai, China, where she is currently based. Indra believes that sharing experiences from the heart is possible, the world needs more heart than money. Indra will be co-teaching yoga for families on Hari Cinta Keluarga at this year's Festival.

For more information on Indra, please see: www.thejourneyinwards.com