My Bikram Yoga journey began in a place I never expected. I’ve spent most of my life as a professional dancer and fitness specialist. My training was intense – sometimes even brutal – years of discipline, sacrifice, and pushing my body to its limits to survive in the demanding world of New York City dance. It’s a world that can be incredibly harsh, but it also teaches you resilience.
For a long time, I was living my dream. I had built a career and experienced the kind of joy and success that comes from working your entire life for something you love. But when the pandemic hit, everything changed. Almost overnight, the career I had spent my life building disappeared. Losing that part of my identity was devastating. There were moments where I felt lost, isolated, and unsure of what my life would look like moving forward.
And then Bikram Yoga came into my life in a completely different way.
What started as simply stepping into a hot room became something so much bigger than a workout. It challenged my body, but more importantly, it rebuilt my mind, my spirit, and my confidence. In many ways, this practice saved my life. It healed me from the inside out – physically, emotionally, and mentally – and reminded me that life was still worth showing up for and loving again. It gave me a renewed sense of purpose and a new goal: to become the best version of myself that I can be.
That journey led me to complete my 60-day Challenge, become Bikram certified, and begin competing with USA Yoga. And last weekend, I won my first competition. When they called my name, something incredible happened. All the years of work – the highs, the heartbreaks, the sacrifices, the victories, and the losses – everything rushed to the surface at once. It felt like the happiness and pride I once felt during the best moments of my dance career came flooding back, but in a completely new way. I was overwhelmed with gratitude and emotion, and just broke down in tears.
And Sarah – thank you for hugging me and literally picking me up off the floor so I knew I wasn’t dreaming. I’ll never forget that moment.
As a dancer, I’ve spent years training my body to move in very specific ways. Yoga has been teaching me how to unlearn the things that no longer serve me. I’m an intense person by nature, but this practice is helping me find patience within that intensity – while still honoring my determination and my fire.
I also want to take a moment to thank the incredible teachers who have guided me along this path.
- Kerry, for teaching me through your humor.
- Michele, for always asking the right questions and sharing thoughts that make me think deeper.
- Cynthia, for your encouragement and for helping me get out of my head.
- Matt, for somehow making everything make sense.
- Sarah, for keeping me grounded and helping me go deeper – especially when I think I’m already there.
- Jeff, for my very first class, and for the kindness and exuberance that was completely contagious.
- Yuqin, for your sweetness and calming energy.
- Yi-ting, for your smile and your quiet push that always inspires me to do better.
- Claire, for teaching me how to find calm in the middle of my own storm.
- Michael, for your listening, guidance, and support in my journey.
- Natalie, for your smile and welcoming energy.
- Rewa, for your calming strength and voice.
- Mari, for your sweet yet strong love for teaching.
- Jessica, for your cool firmness that somehow draws you right in.
- Kelly, for your happiness and love of the practice.
- Irena, for your strong presence in the room.
- And Nirvana – I haven’t had your class yet, but it was wonderful meeting you last weekend, and I hope to practice with you very soon.
Your coaching, belief, encouragement – and yes, your firmness – have shaped this journey more than you know.
One of the greatest gifts of this journey has been community. After years of feeling alone, I found a room full of people who support me, believe in me, and are rooting for me. The studio has become a constant in my life – a place where I can show up, stay grounded, and stay on track.
I also want to acknowledge the man who made this practice possible, Bikram Choudhury, and the lineage and family who have carried it forward. Because of that lineage – and the strength and dedication of Michele here – this studio continues to live and thrive through every season and every challenge. And because of that, people like me get to walk through these doors and discover something that can truly change their lives.
My dad always told me to stay humble, no matter what success looks like. And my parents and my husband have always reminded me that I can do anything, no matter what anyone else thinks or says. Their belief in me carried me through my hardest moments.
Life always moves in an ebb and flow. The hard times prepare us for the good times so we can truly appreciate them. And the good times prepare us for the hard times, reminding us how strong we really are.
My dream now is to keep growing in this practice – to keep competing, to go for the gold at Nationals this year, and yes… to finally conquer my tiger headstand. I want to one day become a champion, to teach, and eventually to become a judge in USA Yoga, so I can give back to the community that has given so much to me.
But more than anything, I want to keep showing up, doing the work, and staying humble.
Because nothing is too hard. You just have to try – long enough and with enough belief – until one day you realize you can do it.
Thank you. 🙏✨
