Ex-dancer Abby Hoffmann tells of her fulfilling journey along the yoga path - a path that began with a strong Ashtanga practice and is currently centred on teaching asanas to contemporary dancers.
What led you along the yoga path?
About 27 years ago! (how time flies!) I have always loved moving and stretching and so when I was training as a contemporary dancer (at Middlesex University and The Place) - it was really nat
ural to practice yoga.
I tried all sorts of different styles, but gravitated more toward the flow of Ashtanga (as many dancers do).
I have now nearly finished my PhD which has been investigating the role yoga can play in dance training. So I've come full circle.
How long were you practising before you trained as a teacher?
A long time... Really, about 10 years of practice. I didn't ever consider being a yoga teacher myself, it was kind of foisted upon me!
I turned up for class at the gym one day and the teacher had been stuck in traffic and was late, they asked me to sub and then I ended up teaching a class there regularly.
I always felt as if yoga was such a huge subject, not just teaching the postures, and I felt in awe of my teachers and how much they knew, it seemed a big job to take on (and still does).
Which training course did you do and why?
Many, many teacher intensives in all sorts of styles, many years practice - and then the Life Centre (Yoga Campus) training which was brilliant for my development.
The teachers are the best of the best and you are mentored, which is so much part of the yoga tradition, the one-to-one connection with your teacher.
What type of yoga do you teach and what drew you to this style?
I've mainly taught and practised Astanga Vinyasa yoga, which was the first yoga I learned and the one that speaks to me the loudest I guess.
It's rigorous and demanding and I've witnessed profound change and growth within myself both physically and mentally. I am keen to know the long-term effects of practising this form of yoga, as we all get older (and some of us stronger....)
How do you fit your own practice around your teaching?
I used to have a really strong daily Astanga practice; now I'm a college lecturer, I am finding it harder to fit it in.
But, I do some asana, some meditation, some pranayama and try to have some time on the mat, each day. I love going to classes too, as a teacher its really important to always be open to new ideas and keep learning yourself.
What do you enjoy about teaching?
Everything. I love being able to show people something that is so valuable and amazing to have in your life. 
I am good at communicating what I know works about yoga. I love adjusting because it allows me to meet each student personally - as well as transmitting the teachings in a very direct way.
What makes a good yoga teacher?
So many things... but really someone who can connect with people, make them feel good in their practice and hold a safe space for them to grow and change in.
Yoga is transformative and sometimes can be a scary process. A good teacher can recognise this process and help others to navigate their way through it. A good teacher is a good student! One who has walked the path before you and is there next to you.
To you, what are the most important elements of yoga - and what are the challenging elements?
Yoga is always changing, our attitude to practice, our own bodies day to day. I think the most important elements are different for everyone.
For me, asana is the foundation, I've had a long time working with my body and I know it pretty well, from there I've accessed deeper levels of the self through meditation and so forth.
I love moving and asana is pretty challenging if you want it to be. Yoga takes determination, focus, committment. That can be a challenge too having a busy Western life, but if we take time to practice, we can see and feel the results, which are always positive.
Do you think we in 'the West' give enough time and attention to meditation?
I know that its' harder to embrace as a practice because we as a culture move so quickly and are used to being in motion rather than in stillness.
I think meditation is a part of yoga practice, (and dance practice) as it is ultimately the state of awareness and loving kindness to the Self and others.
How is yoga perceived in the UK now? Do you think it will continue to grow in popularity?
The public perception of yoga has been transformed in the last 10 years I would say. It has grown in popularity and there are more and more teachers (and more and more students).
I think in rural areas sometimes, yoga is a minority activity, still something you do in a church hall on a Thursday night - and in large cities there is more yoga than you can shake a stick at!
It's all good, and I think we have a really thriving and almost culturally unique take on yoga now.
People are always saying that there are too many different styles and its all hybrid and watered down, but I think people will always want to practice yoga in its many forms and that diversity and hybridity are the natural progression of things. Ultimately, yoga is yoga and its good for us, can't argue with that!
Is it feasible to earn a reasonable salary as a yoga teacher in the UK?
Of course, there are many more opportunities for yoga teachers, especially in specialist areas now such as Sport and Dance and in schools. I have run yoga centres and earned a living as a full time yoga teacher.
Now, however, I'm pursuing other interests as well and lecturing at The London Contemporary Dance School, teaching yoga as part of dancer's education, which is so vital.
What advice do you have for someone currently training, or considering it as a future career?
I would describe yoga teaching as a vocation, as well as a career, so ask yourself: am I really drawn to doing this work and does it make me happy while I am doing it? If the answer is yes then just go for it, it's a great thing to do.
Its easy to get a bit burnt out however, so take breaks, always keep your practice going and get to teachers/intensives yourself for inspiration and guidance.
_0.jpg "Dancer Pose: Nataraja")
