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Alexa Xavier
she/her
Functional movementPlayful energyThoughtful sequencingAlexa Xavier
Alexa is a contemporary Pilates instructor who finds inspiration in the place between play and functional movement. In classes or 1:1 sessions, her goal is to foster an environment that communicates sustainability, self-confidence and body neutrality. She loves to remind folks that they can always find the support they need, both in themselves and from the community. -
Carman Chan
she/her
Intentional sequencingMindful movementPlayfully challengingCarman Chan
Depending on what class you catch her in, Carman’s teaching style can vary from an upbeat, high-energy sweaty session to a soothing, slow flow. Usually, it's a bit of both. Her approach to movement is rooted in mindfulness, joy and curiosity. Her passion for movement and connection invites her to continually inquire and explore different ways to move and how she can best-serve the individual(s) around her. Lately, she's been curious about the ways she can honour her inner child and learn, unlearn and relearn to move again.
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Amanda Acorn
she/her
Sensory play + explorationUpbeat + sweatyGroundingAmanda Acorn
Amanda Acorn is an artist, researcher, and teacher based in Tkaronto, Canada. She is a passionate facilitator of movement and works to build spaces for care through the intersection of her art practice and her work as a movement guide. Encouraging curiosity and a sense of discovery, Amanda explores how movement can bring us into deeper dialogue with the world, expanding our awareness, strength, and aliveness.
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Patricia Dominski
she/her
Creative sequencingMusic-drivenFunctional movementPatricia Dominski
Patricia has been teaching yoga in Toronto for 8 years. Through her trainings in Ashtanga, Yin and Restorative yoga as well as Mobility work, she is constantly looking at postures through different lenses. Having co-facilitated the Art of Sequencing teacher training workshop at Downward Dog in 2021, Patricia prides herself on dynamic, ever-evolving sequences that encourage you to try new things and explore what a yoga practice can look like in a safe and nurturing environment. Her classes offer a balance of strength, flexibility, mobility and mindfulness that leave you feeling challenged and accomplished.
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Jessica Germano
she/her
EnergizingExplorativeIntentionalJessica Germano
Jessica (she/her) is a Toronto-based contemporary dance artist, dance educator, and Barre + Pilates instructor. With her experience as both a teacher and dancer, she crafts classes that are functional, creative, and adaptable for all participants. Expect imagery-based cues, smooth transitions, and the freedom to explore and express yourself. Jessica uses mindful movement to encourage curiosity and help students discover a sustainable and enjoyable practice.
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Tash Francesca
she/her
EmpoweringCare-basedYoga philosophyTash Francesca
Tash is a dedicated, life long yoga philosophy, decolonization and movement student. She uses motion, stillness and an earth-based understanding to realize and embody a human experience from a place of compassion and curiosity. This foundation seeps into her teaching and in all her waking hours. Expect to be welcomed into classes and celebrated for who you already are and to leave with a deep appreciation for what is. Expect classes to range from classical to modern and with a deep connection to breath and a clear understanding of anatomy and the body.
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Mary-Dora Bloch-Hansen
they/them
Somatic integrationTrauma-informedPre + postnatal inclusiveMary-Dora Bloch-Hansen
MD (they/them) is queer movement facilitator, careworker, multi-disciplinary artist and second generation settler of Italian and Danish decent. MD has been teaching various kinds of expressive movement and dance for over 15 years. They completed their yoga teacher training at Downward Dog Yoga Centre in 2015 and have prioritized holding space to slow down, de-stress, and tune into the body/mind connection ever since. Whether it’s a yoga practice, dance aerobics or a prenatal workshop, MD’s offerings are informed by their extensive training in body-based, holistic approaches to wellness that encourage nervous system regulation, curiosity and experiential learning. Their approach to facilitating groups is person-centered, neurodiversity affirming, trauma-informed and accessible to all levels + movers. They will meet you where you’re at. Find out more about them at www.somaticpractice.ca.
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Danea Gray
she/her
GroundingExplorative + spicySpiritedDanea Gray
Danea has been leading yoga + Pilates classes in Toronto + the GTA since 2016. She completed her contemporary mat Pilates training with Muse Movement and, more recently, a mentorship with Jenn Winter from Nice Day Pilates. Danea offers sequences that focus on foundation and strength and build confidence and connection between the physical and intuitive body.
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Jaffer Hussain
he/him
Grounded + calmSoulful musicRejuvenatingJaffer Hussain
Jaffer believes yoga has nothing to do with touching your head to your knees, loosening up your hamstrings or balancing upside down. A strong yoga practice is about generating qualities that can’t be measured by physical prowess - qualities like love, patience, kindness and compassion. Develop these qualities for yourself on the mat and enhance your life off of it. That’s yoga!
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Tori Lovegrove
she/her
PassionateExpressiveExpansiveTori Lovegrove
With a heavy emphasis on self exploration and intuitive movement, Tori encourages a vigorous, playful practice while continuously holding space for a diverse community of students that identify with various movement backgrounds. By taking her class, you’re led to experience an emotional, physical and spiritual release through dance-like expression and somatic movement weaved together by articulate cues and meditation. Expect movement to align with loud, soulful music within a safe space where creating your own volume of release through breath is continuously encouraged.
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Megan Jones
she/her
JoyfulSupportive sequencingLiberatingMegan Jones
Megan is a contemporary Pilates instructor and personal trainer who is passionate about helping people build physical and mental strength through joyful practices. Her classes focus on moving intentionally, exploring options that meet you where you are, and opportunities to challenge yourself compassionately. Expect sweat and giggles!
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Jaimée Horn
she/her
Steady paceBreath drivenThoughtful sequencingJaimée Horn
Jaimée orchestrates an expansive and resonant space where imagination can stretch and bodies feel enriched. She’s here because she wants to participate in creating beauty, because movement delights and stirs what is stagnant; because connecting is a portal to joyful self-awareness. Her classes weave thoughtful sequences with carefully curated playlists, and are balanced with conscious breath and relaxation.
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Jackie Szabo
she/her
Intelligent sequencingRhythmicIntuitive to class needsJackie Szabo
Jackie has been teaching for 15 years, her leadership and expertise well-founded in the Toronto wellness community. As the founder and creative force behind SÅANA Yoga, creator of the SÅANA Method Trainings, leader of 50+ local and international retreats, and owner of a cranial-sacral practice, Jackie is a powerhouse of knowledge and a gifted educator. Her classes are precise, rhythmic, creative and intelligent and will offer you a safe space to explore your connection to self.
