WHO I AM

Dhana J. Stevens, 500 RYT

As a little girl growing up in this ever-active Southern California culture, I found the most comfort in my body while moving. Dancing was a metaphor for cultivating a strong relationship with myself. It was a beautiful process but it was demanding. I took constant perfectionism to heart. For years, I believed my body could and had to obey my mind, no matter what. Then, in may late 20’s, my professional dance career was turned on its head by the birth of my son. My daughter came along three years later. Everything changed.

It wasn't until my kids were in high school that I realized I had long since set aside my own physical strength and mental growth in the ‘service of parenthood.’ I knew of yoga as a form of healing, but at 42 years old and an ever-changing body, I didn't think this old dancer could learn new tricks! But yoga was different. I could make my own pace and rekindle that comfort of physical movement I had felt so profoundly in my youth. Today, perfectionism no longer serves a purpose for me and in fact I embrace being perfectly imperfect.

My unconventional path to yoga made me a strong candidate to teach others so I decided to take my interest further by getting certified as a registered yoga teacher (RYT). That was when I realized yoga was SO MUCH MORE than a physical practice.

I embody a lifetime of knowledge from my dance background and use it in my teachings today. I can show how powerful maintaining faith in AND control over your body can be, while conveying yogic principles as an opportunity to overcome negative self-image and hyper-awareness. My desire is to create a safe space for my students to explore, through self-discovery, both the physical and meditative elements of yoga. 

I am excited to meet you where you are.