44
www.vervemagazine.co.nz
Breathing Space Yoga Group Yoga cooperative offering the best in Iyengar and Hatha traditions
DELWYN UNKOVICH I have been practising yoga for over 20 years and teaching for over 15. During this time, I have had the privilege of training with the Iyengar family and other senior teachers from around the world. For the past 10 years, I have operated Breathing Space Yoga Studio in Newmarket, offering private classes and lessons in my custom-designed studio. In 2012, prompted by passing a more senior Iyengar Teaching Certificate and by being approached by Vincent Bolletta, who was looking for a space in the area to work in, I decided to form a yoga cooperative. The concept of sharing a yoga space with a group of dedicated teachers has naturally attracted others and will hopefully continue to do so. At this stage we are able to offer a timetable in both the Iyengar and Hatha traditions for students of all levels. In addition to this I am running a Beginners’ Iyengar Course that starts on Thursday 21 March. See timetable below. Phone bookings essential. Yoga has been an essential part of who I am, for a long time and I cannot imagine my life without it. I look forward to sharing my passion for the art of yoga and what it brings.
VINCENT BOLLETTA Vincent has been teaching and practicing yoga since 1990. AApart from being founder and director of Yogashala, an Auckland studio dedicated to teaching yoga movement therapy*, he also runs also runs private retreats, workshops and teacher training programmes locally and abroad. In conjunction with Yogashala, Vincent is also a principle teacher at Yoga Ground. Vincent brings knowledge, experience and an approach that is based on exploration and play. His belief is that the practice of yoga must be adaptable, relevant and aimed to cater for all learning styles and abilities so that the most effective practice can be developed. In his spare time, Vincent is a family man (wife and 2 children) and indulges in his love of yoga photography. *Yoga meets dance
Left to right: Stephanie Anderson, Delwyn Unkovich, Barbara Baird and Vincent Bolletta
BARBARA BAIRD
STEPHANIE ANDERSON
The yoga seed was planted by my mother in my teens when she took me to yoga classes at the local hall. I continued home practice through my 20s then ventured into Iyengar yoga classes whilst pregnant with my third child.
I began yoga in 2000 while I was completing a diploma in therapeutic massage and neuromuscular therapy at The NZ College of Massage. For me, it was a natural progression to train to teach yoga as there were so many benefits that I was able to integrate into my massage treatment plans and homecare. I have now been teaching for 11 years and am a certified Iyengar yoga teacher.
In 2002, wishing to further my yoga knowledge, I began yoga teacher training. 9 years ago, I was asked to teach. Until late 2012 I have been teaching at Herne Bay Yoga as well as private groups and individuals in the community. I also teach a men’s group. The men in my class enjoy the many benefits, for instance, flexibility increased, stress reduced and awareness of both breath and bodies improved. Being a fully trained nurse and having a number of physical injuries has provided me with a good understanding of the human body. The most important thing I have learned through teaching and selfpractice is that it is essential to honour the difference in my students. In 2012 I passed Iyengar Level 2 Intro Certification. Yoga for me has been the greatest gift alongside the privilege of being a mother to 3 gorgeous boys.
I am mother to 3 children and during my pregnancies my yoga practice was invaluable, and I do my utmost to carry this knowledge and understanding through when teaching pregnant women or pregnancy classes. Yoga has taught me to be more present in my body and in the moment, to be patient with myself and others, to not react so quickly to things physical or emotional and that the breath can change things in an instant when focused on and done correctly. Contact us on:
Delwyn - 021 800 078 Barbara - 021 277 1500 Vincent - 021 483 566 Stephanie - 027 284 1178