Teachers

Emma Furness (studio owner/operator) – Level One, Level Two, Lunchtime and Restorative Classes

I never thought I would be a yoga teacher, and I never imagined owning and running a studio.  I began my yoga journey in a small community class soon after having a baby and this class became a life line for me.  I wasn’t fit or strong and was vulnerable emotionally.  The physical, mental and emotional healing that came from this class and from my practice still amazes me.  Ever since then my practice has offered me support and strength in difficult times and enabled me to connect more deeply to nature, other people and to the flowing beauty of everyday life.

Teaching yoga flowed out my consistent practice.  Teacher training was a wonderful opportunity to live my practice over two years and teaching full-time allows me to embody my practice literally everyday.

But the biggest changes were at the beginning, in that small community class, with a teacher that created a space for us to drop into the fullness of ourselves.  She gave us our bodies back, taught techniques we could take home and do on our own in times of need, allowed us time to rest fully and let us know we were not alone in our everyday struggles.

I now offer you that same space, offer to teach you the techniques I was taught by others, techniques that have worked for me.  I offer you a chance to become aware of your body; to build awareness, strength, flexibility and self-responsibility that can carry over into all aspects of your life.

I have learned so much from yoga, from my teachers and from my students and am grateful for the opportunity to teach the techniques that have helped me become more fully present for my own life.  I welcome any questions or ideas so please contact me if you would like to have a chat.

Read more about Emma in her Yoga Lunchbox Yoga Teacher Profile.

Tiffany Fleetwood-Bird – Astanga Yoga

‘I first discovered yoga 12 years ago whilst traveling in Nepal. I attended a week long introduction to yoga at an ashram just outside Kathmandu. I realized I’d finally found a way of life I’d been searching for.

Since then I continued traveling & experiencing many different styles of yoga. I did my teacher training with Yoga Arts in Byron Bay. A nine month intensive course which concentrated on Astanga yoga. I immediately loved this very intense physical practice & the strength & confidence it gave me combined with a feeling of inner calm.

I was privileged to undertake a six month apprenticeship with my teacher Matthew Sweeney, a renowned  leading Astanga teacher. I assisted him in his workshops throughout Australia, Asia & Europe.

I have spent the past eight years between the UK teaching , & living in Bali surfing & deepening my own practice. Last year I came to rest in Dunedin with my partner & am enjoying the experience of being a new mum & integrating yoga into my life in different ways!

As a contrast to Astanga yoga I also specialize in teaching pre-natal yoga.’

Kate Bendall – Beginners Yoga

“I moved to Dunedin last year from Hawkes Bay with my husband and our three children.  Alongside mothering I have been teaching yoga for the last 10 years.  The teaching evolved from my own practice and deep love for yoga.  Practicing yoga and meditation  had such a profound effect on my life I was drawn to passing on what I had learnt.

“Initially it was suffering that brought me to yoga.  The suffering borne out of being controlled by addiction.  I had no way of stopping what I was doing, yet desperately wanted to do so.  After trying endless and various methods, programmes, diets etc I came across Yoga.  It was the beginning of my healing.  That was 25 years ago.  Slowly but surely yoga taught me ways to ease my suffering and ultimately overcome my addiction.  It wasn’t a quick fix, but it worked.

“Nowadays my yoga and my teaching are about de-mystifying yoga, making it relevant and accessible.  We aren’t all young, nor fit, nor flexible but we can all learn a deep traditional yoga practice.  Without getting too fancy I show people the basic techniques of body-breathe intimacy so they can experience increased levels of peace and power.  The yoga I teach isn’t a particular brand or school, it is simply a way of coming home.”

Rhys Latton – Saturday Yoga For Everyone