Hey everybody,

I just finished filming a brand new mat yoga DVD that will be perfect for dancers. I’ve been teaching yoga nationally at bellydance festivals, and have really gotten to appreciate how valuable yoga can be for dancers’ health.

Almost a year ago I tore my calf tendon and was benched for about four months - unable to walk, dance or even stretch. I got back into yoga rather fanatically after I was back on my feet and really have felt a huge difference. When I first started, I couldn’t sit cross legged and fold forward far at all, and now my hips are open enough that I can fold down and touch my forehead to the floor! Yoga is helping me create a stronger core, greater balance and increased flexibility, plus it gives me a chance to really focus on breath, stretching and relaxing into various poses.

If I could pass a law :), I would make yoga mandatory for dancers. I truly believe that doing yoga regularly will help prevent accidents and injuries like the one I had, and I’d love to see more dancers do at least a simple mat yoga routine. That’s why I made this DVD.

I’ve done this routine the morning before a big performance, and was able to dance much better with just a basic before-dance warmup, and felt fabulous afterwards, not sore and tired. I really recommend yoga for anyone. I don’t care if you use my DVD or one of many other good ones out there, I’d just really love to see dancers take better care of themselves!

You have one body. Treat it as your temple, take care of it, and it will serve you much longer and in much better health.