INSTRUCTORS |
About Our Instructors Debbie has learned many techniques for meditation over the past seven years, training with teachers from New Delhi, India and with other teachers from Sedona, Arizona. All of the meditations she teaches are designed by Osho, a guru from India who wanted to have new ways to reach meditation (inner witnessing and silence) for the modern woman and man. These meditations are dynamic in nature - meaning movement and the flow of our vital life energies. This allows our stagnant energy to awaken and to feel our aliveness in our all too frequently sleeping or unconscious way of living in our society today. Once we move these life energies in our bodies, we are better able to feel grounded, connected and in harmony with ourselves, with others and with nature. We are then better able to begin to quiet our minds and feel the silence within. Debbie brings with her a passion to share these techniques so that everyone who participates can benefit the powerful outcome of meditation. Beyond our stressful lives is another way - that way is meditation. She invites all those interested in coming to share a new way of being with all that is going on in the world around us. Erin is a registered yoga teacher through the Yoga Alliance Organization. She is a graduate of the American Yoga Academy of New Jersey. Erin trained under Claire Diab, certified Yoga Therapist, the founder of the American Yoga Academy and Director of the Deepak Chopra Center Yoga Certification Program, NYC . Erin is a certified Children’s Yoga Instructor, Karma Kids, NYC and received post-natal training with Jyothi Larson, Yoga Mom, Buddha Baby. Erin was first exposed to yoga ten years ago while dancing with The High Performance Dance Theater and the Vaue-De-Vire Society. Since then she has developed yoga programs for adults with developmental disabilities with the ARC of Essex and has experience working with individuals with autism, anxiety, anger management, gastric bypass, and stress management. Erin is passionate about guiding and educating her students through the different levels and benefits of yoga; physically, mentally, and emotionally. When your physical, intellectual and spiritual selves are working in union, your life becomes balanced. Practicing yoga gives you the ability to achieve this balance! Teaching yoga allows Erin to utilize her passion and enthusiasm to create challenging and fun classes while continuing her own practice as well. Known for their eclectic and fun loving style, Fringe Benefit continues to perform all over the United States as well as providing classes in both ATS and Fusion forms of the dance throughout Central and Northern New Jersey. Performances have included Rakkasah East, Spring Caravan, Tribal Fest, Relay for Live, Mamapalooza, college induction ceremonies, haflas, private functions including nursing homes, birthday parties, mother and new comers groups, church functions, restaurants and haflas. Gabi is a dancer of European roots with some Russian blood, all American life and an Oriental soul. The fascination and sentiment for Arabic culture has been filling up her heart all her life, along with a yearning to dance our her femininity and creativeness until she found this great passion of her life. Gabi has studied with master teachers and performed in troupes, parties, restaurants and local festivals. I have been pole dancing for over four years and have worked in the past with Pole Lot of Fun doing women's empowerment parties throughout New York and New Jersey. My interest in this form of exercise grew out of a passion for exploring new and fun forms of self expression in fitness. I have studied with some of the best dancers in New York and New Jersey and received my Certification in Las Vegas from Fawnia Mondey's Pole Fitness Studio. I am currently classified to teach Levels 1 through 4. Karin began studying classical ballet at the age of 4. She continued into her twenties performing professionally with Ballet Dallas, New Jersey Ballet and the MorganScott Ballet Companies. In 1998, Karin was first exposed to tribal bellydance at Pennsic. Inspired by the elaborate costuming and dramatic, earthy dance style, she began immersing herself in the world of tribal bellydance. Throughout her dance career Karin continues to take numerous workshops and classes in various forms of all dances styles, seeking to incorporate various elements of dances of the world. Kim has been bellydancing for more than 3 years and loves to teach! She currently studies under Karin of Kassar Tribal, and has workshopped with The Indigo, Unmata, Sharon Kihara and Ariellah. Inspirations include Kassar, Kami Liddle, Rachel Brice, Zoe Jakes, Mardi Love, Sharon Kihara, Ansuya and Unmata. Kim's personal style is East Coast Tribal Fusion Bellydance, which is choreographed American Tribal Style Bellydance fused with other related dance styles including American Nightclub / Cabaret Bellydance, Indian Classical Dance, Bollywood, Flamenco and Hip Hop. While not very apparent at the beginner level (beginner moves are pretty much the same no matter what style of bellydance you choose to specialize in), her intermediate level classes are influenced by Tribal Fusion. Kim strongly feels that bellydance is for everybody - it is not limited by age, size or fitness level and is a great stress-relieving workout. She looks forward to seeing you in class! Kim found Nia about 3 years ago on a trip to Santa Barbara... she ran into friends who were in the midst of their white belt training and they were positively GLOWING! She loves how Nia allows us to be ourselves... luscious, lyrical, snappy or sensual... just passionately yourself. Your body will thank you for it every day :) Nia teachers undergo an intensive certification process led by professional Nia trainers. Training sessions include instruction in anatomy, music theory and a wide range of movement techniques. Nia instructors are required to renew their certification annually and must be CPR certified. SONALEE VYAS ~ bollywood dance |
