What’s in a name?

We can attribute and create meaning to names and I actually feel quite attached and connected to my business name. So as I am currently rebranding, I’m going to tell you a bit more about why I’m called Breathe, Dance & Yoga.

 

As I began my rebrand, I’ve been asked about the ‘Breathe’ part of my name and why it looks bolder or bigger in my logo. I actually got quite defensive! So after sitting with it for a while, I began to understand why I’m so attached to it, I realised that ultimately it’s part of a journey, my journey and one which people who work with me will also go on.

 

Breathe, Dance & Yoga evolved from my freelance dance artist days when I was originally known as ‘Breathe Dance Company’. When I chose this name I wanted something that evoked a sense of movement but that was also inclusive. At our most fundamental level the breath is something we all have in common, if we aren’t breathing, we simply aren’t here. It felt like a level playing field, the body naturally moves with the breath and the breath can also manipulate the air around us. Movement can be created with the breath alone. At this point though, I had no idea of the absolute power of the breath and the impact it can have on us.

 

When I had finished my yoga teacher training, it felt natural for ‘Breathe Dance Company’ to evolve into ‘Breathe, Dance & Yoga’. I began to understand how the breath can anchor us, regulate the nervous system and create a sense of peacefulness within us so it felt appropriate to keep it.

 

For me, everything always starts with the breath. Whether it is simply just bringing awareness to it before your day begins, connecting to it at the start of a yoga class, finding the release through a dance class, or taking time to completely work with the breath in pranayama. It can transform us, energise us, calm us and transport us to a higher state of being. The breath is simply magic!

 

In fact, after taking part in a Wim Hof workshop and having a pretty incredible experience, and also reading books by James Nestor and Patrick McKeown it made me even more curious about the power of the breath. As I write this I am currently enrolled on a training course to deepen my knowledge and understanding. So the breath will always form the basis for everything else I teach and the reason why ‘Breathe’ will be a prominent part of my business name.

 

So where do the dance & yoga fit into all of this and what do they mean to me? Dance has always been a part of me, I’ve always done it and I feel completely at ease moving my body rhythmically. It makes me feel completely connected to myself. And I’m not talking about taking dance classes from a young age, I’m talking about moving in whatever way you damn well feel like! I’ve been called back to this way of dancing. Don’t get me wrong, I loved taking classes and completed a dance degree and spent many years teaching dance in education but I didn’t always connect fully to myself in these. I’ve come back to the instinctive, intuitive movement, the movement that feels organic, like it, springs from my soul. This is the kind of dance I want to show you how to tap into the most, the healing power and truth of your movement. Sometimes, especially if this kind of dance feels daunting, you may need a few steps and some choreography to follow but ultimately, being able to express ourselves with freedom and ease in our bodies can be so energizing.

 

Dance is an integral part of me so it will always be part of my business, weaving its way in, in its many forms. As a side note, you should definitely check out my Dance Vibe Flow class!

 

And then there’s yoga. Yoga has enabled me to become self-aware, make better choices, become a better parent and connect into my intuition. Yoga has made me more tolerant, patient, and compassionate. Yoga has allowed me to connect more deeply to my breath, my body, my soul, and the journey with this continues. Whatever you understand about yoga, know that it is way more than just a series of postures, it’s a journey of self-discovery and spiritual awareness. Whilst I teach yoga from my current level of understanding, I definitely consider myself an eternal student, grateful for the lessons and the chance to continually evolve my practice and the way I teach. Yoga has given me self-confidence and self-belief that I didn’t know I had and now my purpose is to instill this in others, in you!

 

So my business is so much more than a name, it’s a journey, a path, and an opportunity to transform. We start with the breath, we listen, observe, witness and then we slow it down. Taking control we allow our conscious mind to take a step back. From here we can challenge our thoughts, beliefs, patterns, challenge our bodies, creating strength in both body and mind. Then we transform, we step into our most joyous vibrant self, seeking pleasure in all that we do, feeling empowered and embodied. We start with the breath and then we move, we shift, we transform. We can literally breathe life back into ourselves.

 

This is why I am ‘Breathe, Dance & Yoga’.