Dani Lebens
she/her/hers
Styles that inform and inspire my teaching: I’ve had a love of movement since childhood. I learned to express myself through ballet, lyrical, contemporary dance and musical theatre. I trained in Vinyasa Flow Yoga at White Lotus Foundation in Santa Barbara. I’m also certified by The Mindfulish School, run by international retreat leader & recovery expert, Cole Chance. I have an MFA in contemporary performance from Buddhist founded Naropa University in Boulder, CO where my journey into meditation and mindfulness began. I come to Minneapolis from Los Angeles where I also performed on stage and worked in film & TV. Yin, Restorative and Vinyasa are my favorite styles!
Why I teach yoga: My interests in movement, religion, storytelling, social justice, mental health, all lead me here. It is my joy to share yoga with others and to help students find more freedom and expression on and off the mat.
Why I practice: Yoga helps me stay mentally and physically balanced and It’s a great reminder that things are always shifting but we have a foundation we can return to. Even when life gets rocky, we can stay present and breathe through it.
What to expect from classes with me: I like to slow down on the mat and squeeze out the nectar of the practice to counter the fast paced world we inhabit. I will always start with and return to the breath. I see the poses as decoration and our time on the mat as an exploration. I give cues and variations to help you become your own teacher.
When I’m not teaching yoga, you can find me: Strolling with my lifelong partner, Andrew, and giving belly rubs to my cat, Mr Frodo. I love to perform on stage and work with kids. I also dabble in origami, cookie decoration, and knitting. Namaste!
Dani teaches: 10:30am Saturdays for Beginner’s Yoga