Alexei (Dancer/Yogi)
I’m originally from Vancouver, Canada but have been fortunate enough to live abroad in Los Angeles, Las Vegas and China for my dance career. I was introduced to a little bit of yoga through my home dance studio which probably sparked a curiosity in me. But It wasn’t until I made the “big move” to Los Angeles to pursue my career in 2012, where my love and curiosity for yoga intensified. I felt lost, afraid, and alone, especially being away from my family for a long period of time. So I needed something to help me spiritually and yoga provided a safe space for me where I could tune in and find a sense of grounding amidst this competitive industry. Like a lot of high demand sports, having a dance career takes a toll on your body over time, so it’s important to have a cross training routine. Aside from other forms of fitness (weights, pilates, swimming) yoga was one of them. It has balanced me physically, but also mentally.
My most recent contract ended and I came home for the first time in years near the end of 2019. I finally had the time and decided to complete my 200 hour certification with YYOGA (Vancouver, Canada) this year, focusing on hatha, power, and flow. This training (which started in person) began before and ended during the phase of the covid pandemic, so our training was put to a short hold and then started back up, online. As we were all unsure of how this would work, I realize that this online training has come in handy for this time where almost everything is online! Thanks to Jasmina, Mari, and Jayme for making this experience a joy to be a part of.
“Success is not final; failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.” -Winston S. Churchill”
Because I tend to be quite physical, I’ve naturally gravitated towards hot and power vinyasa forms of yoga, and that has been my current practice, as well as my current teaching style. I do believe yoga is for “every body” because it allows us to tune into ourselves and develop a better sense of awareness. With that, we can also figure out what “style” is best for us, depending on if we sit at a desk all day or are constantly moving. There is something for everyone.
There has been a give and take with my practice of yoga. It has allowed me to dive deeper, beyond the “physical” asana and connect to my truest self, as well as let go of anything that does not serve me. Yoga, to me, is about self-discovery and self-development and I want to share that practice with my students.
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