Find Serenity in Kingston: Yoga Classes with Danielle

Did you know that yoga offers profound benefits that extend beyond exercise and flexibility? Yoga’s holistic approach encompasses the mind, body and soul, making it a truly transformative practice. Physically, yoga enhances flexibility, strength, and balance, promotes better posture, reduces the risk of injuries and assists with weight loss and toning. However, the best benefits come from the controlled breathing techniques employed in yoga which can alleviate stress and foster a deep sense of relaxation, mindfulness and mental clarity. These are the benefits I once reaped from yoga with online videos but somehow or the other, I stopped practicing during medical school. Thus, I was super excited to attend Danielle’s inaugural yoga class in Jamaica earlier this month. The mental clarity I gained from that session lasted for days. As such, I decided to have a chat with this Jamaican yogi and share how you can find your own serenity from Danielle’s yoga classes in Kingston, Jamaica.

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Danielle, tell us about yourself.

My name is Danielle Thomas, and I am a registered yoga instructor who was trained in India. I’m passionate about the movement arts, so dance, yoga, acro, martial arts– that kind of stuff. I love music as well. I like to say music is my heart and movement is my soul.

How Did You Become A Yoga Teacher?

I decided to do my yoga teacher training on a whim actually. I was living in Japan at the time, and had been practicing yoga for about 7 years. I actually started yoga in 2011 because of back pain that has now been cured thankfully! I did want to deepen my yoga practice but mostly I just thought it would be a cool experience to travel to India and study yoga. Well it ended up being life-changing for me – a “canon event” if you will. I got involved with the acro community in Tokyo and started teaching there as well, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Acroyoga is a fusion of yoga and acrobatics. 

Since returning to Jamaica in 2021, how has it been?

I’m not teaching full-time currently, but I definitely have aspirations to be! Right now, how I balance is a very good question. To be perfectly honest, some days I don’t! Teaching [Danielle teaches high school chemistry full-time] for me is more emotionally draining than it is anything else, and sometimes I feel like I have nothing else to give anyone, not even myself. So, I’ve been pacing myself and just taking up any opportunities that come my way, as well as trying to make meaningful connections.

What’s Next for You, Danielle?

Right now, I am currently mid-pivot. I had been focusing on building an online platform but since I honestly don’t have as much time to commit to content creation, I am now having in-person sessions! These actually grew out of a link-up with Rochelle (thanks Rochelle!) that other persons spontaneously expressed interest in, so I’m really excited about that. Right now, my classes are held every other Sunday at Hope Gardens in Kingston, Jamaica (set your reminders!) and honestly I’m just so grateful to be able to share this gift with anyone in my circle, and hosting in-person [classes] have a different buzz, not gonna lie.

Danielle caters to ALL sizes, shapes & fitness levels, from beginner to advanced.

Danielle’s Yoga Classes in Kingston, Jamaica

If you’d like to attend one of Danielle’s yoga group classes in Kingston, Jamaica, connect with her on:

• Instagram: @daniellethomasmovement
• TikTok: @daniellethomasmovement
• Facebook: @daniellethomasmovement
• Email: daniellethomasmovement@gmail.com

The best way to get in touch with Danielle is via email, but she’s super responsive on Instagram too! For now, Danielle’s yoga classes are held on every other Sunday at Hope Gardens at a super affordable cost, and the schedule is posted on her social media platforms. Follow her so you can stay in the loop! She has held some pop-up slacklining sessions in the past too (similar to tightrope walking) so hopefully, she hosts some more soon! 😉

Wrap Up

I hope you enjoyed this interview! Whether you’re seeking to enhance your physical health, manage stress, or embark on a journey of self-discovery, the benefits of yoga are profound, making it a valuable practice for people of all ages and walks of life. If you’re in Kingston, join Danielle’s next class this Sunday August 27 and every other Sunday thereafter. Tell a friend to tell a friend so that in no time, she’ll be opening her first studio. It was great e-meeting Danielle on Instagram a few months ago, and then attending her first face-to-face class in Jamaica this month. Can’t say social media is all bad, huh?

Check out past interviews on Adventures from Elle, and don’t forget to subscribe.

‘Til next time.

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