Today, we get to know Stacey Swan of Yoga Garden SF! She is a yogi, dancer, performer, and teacher. You might have seen her in your Yoga Basics class or Vinyasa class, or better yet have had the privilege of learning from Stacey in our 200-Hr Teacher Training program.
If you haven’t, be sure to drop into her class for a treat! Her classes include is a multi faceted practice, including: asana (postures), pranayama (breath work), chanting, meditation, and yoga philosophy.
Tell us about yourself! What was your first job? Any fun hobbies or personal interests?
I grew up in a small town on the east coast and spent most of my childhood dancing and climbing trees. A lover of all things movement, I studied ballet, jazz, and modern, and went on to receive my BA in dance from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. My first job as a dance instructor taught me so much about connecting with others and being a mentor. In addition to dancing and practicing yoga, I love to go backpacking, camping, and am learning to play the piano.
How did you become interested in yoga?
I was interested in developing a healthier relationship to my body while continuing to work on my flexibility so I signed up for my first yoga class. The head of the dance department in college was a teacher from the Iyengar tradition, and I am so grateful to her for sharing her gifts with me. I had no idea what I was getting myself into, and was immediately curious about how practicing yoga might shift my perspective. After graduation, I pursued my first teacher training program in Boston, and the learning continues!!!
Tell us about your yoga journey. What style you started in, and what you like to practice on your personal time.
I have studied Astanga in the tradition of Sri K Pattabhi Jois, and the Vini-yoga tradition in the lineage of TKV Desikachar. I am so grateful to my teachers for their dedication to this path, and I hope to inspire others as they have inspired me. My home practice currently involves a lot of hip and lower back openers, forward bends, chanting, pranayama, and meditation. I love to chant and study Patanjali’s yoga sutras.
What are some advice you have for those interested in teaching yoga but feel too intimidated?
Find a teacher that resonates with you and be disciplined in studying with them. Yoga is designed to take time to unfold, and cultivating patience and self-love is important to the learning and teaching process.
Aside from yoga, what are you truly passionate about?
I am still truly passionate about dance and performance. I have been studying the axis syllabus for the past four years which is a movement analysis and practice that is based on ongoing multi-scientific and pedagogical inquiry that explores anatomy, fascial meridians, chronological architecture, physics, bio-mechanics, and more!
What is next for Stacey?
I will continue to teach public classes and in the 200hr teacher training here at the Yoga Garden. I am thrilled to begin studying restorative yoga with Judith Lasater this summer in San Francisco. In the fall, my sweetie and I are tying the knot right here in the bay! Thank you for your lovely sangha, Yoga Garden. You can learn more about my offerings at www.staceyswan.com
We hope you loved getting to know Stacey as much as we did! Be sure to check our schedule often and check out her upcoming events!
