Teachers

Sharon Cox-Button is the owner of The Dorchester Yoga and Therapy Centre.

In 2001 Sharon consolidated her 20 years of personal yoga practice and qualified as a teacher with the British Wheel of Yoga (BWY), although the Iyengar Yoga system heavily influenced her personal practice at that time. She developed an interest in both pregnancy and post-natal yoga, whilst raising her three children, with further training with the BWY in those areas . At that time she was also a holistic masseuse and trained in Well Mother, IAIM baby massage and BWY Childrens yoga helping women (and partners) to look after their bodies and minds throughout pregnancy and into family life

Sharon opened the yoga centre in 2015 and teaches well-established beginners  and intermediate classes for men and women. In 2015 she also completed a Yoga Therapy and Postgraduate Yoga Diploma with the Devon School of Yoga which led to an interest in Restorative Yoga (Barefoot Diploma) and Yin Yoga, (studying with Bernie Clark). She discovered a love for chanting and yoga philosophy which she now studies with local teacher Sarah Ryan, and this has led her to deeper studies with Dr Kausthubha Desikachar. She is currently on a 3 year diploma in Viniyoga Therapy Training, and a Viniyoga Teacher Training Course, and a year long Samantraka _Asana practice with Kausthubha.  

She was the British Wheel of Yoga Representative and Deputy for  Dorset for many years .

As well as her regular classes, she offers specialised one to one yoga sessions for individual needs, and yoga therapy, with a regular class for Parkinson’s and Multiple Sclerosis, and Chair Yoga for those less able.

As the owner of Dorchester Yoga and Therapy Centre, it has been her intention to build a timetable that offers a wide range of classes for all different abilities and needs, as she has a  firm belief that yoga is for everyone.

Email Sharon
Mobile: 07742 821 937

Arianna Moretti (Puran Udini Kaur) started Yoga at an early age, and went on to practise archer-poseHatha Yoga in her teens and twenties. She went to her first Kundalini class ‘because it was on at a convenient time’ in 2001 and was immediately struck by the benefits to her posture, her breathing and her emotions. She trained with Karam Kriya School, attaining Level 1 in 2008 and Level 2 in 2014. In addition she has also trained in Mastering the Addictive Personality. She loves sharing the technology of Kundalini Yoga and seeing the many benefits it brings people.

Email Arianna
Mobile: 07790 506 821

A simple way to describe a sound bath would be like going to a musical concert that you get to lie down for with crystal bowls, gongs or other earthly instruments. At the very least, it can be a completely passive experience where you just listen to the sounds and relax (some people fall asleep), or you can enter a deeper state of meditation while being bathed by the healing vibration (hence the name sound bath!).

This healing session is good for you physically and emotionally, helping to cure chronic pain and lessen anxiety, stress and depression. And as a bonus, it can spark creativity. 

Email Bex

Sacred Crystal Tones and Healing UK Facebook page

Chrissie qualified as a yoga teacher in 2014 with Sivananda after more than thirty years of attending classes, retreats and personal practise.  In 2017 she completed a further training in Yin Yoga with Sarah Lo and has since assisted Sarah on courses. Chrissie has recently trained with Franziska Gottschlick in Myo fascial Release and Myo Yin and is very excited to integrate this new work into her classes and workshops

Chrissie trained in Shiatsu in the 1980’s and had a private practice in the Dorchester area for many years. She is also a Reiki teacher and loves passing this simple healing method on to others. Meditation and stillness are an important part of Chrissie’s daily life and form the foundation of her classes. Chrissie loves teaching Yin Yoga with its long held floor based postures which are designed to revive and invigorate the subtle energy or Chi, whilst simultaneously softening and creating space in the body. Mindful awareness of the breath, the emotions and any arising sensations in the body is encouraged throughout the class to slow down mental activity and to provide a time for quiet inward focus and stillness.

Email Chrissie
Mobile: 07341 820 716

I qualified as a teacher with British Wheel of Yoga in 2011, after over 30 years of attending classes as a student. I originally trained with Wendy Haring and have attended classes at the Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram in Chennai on several occasions. In 2016 I completed a course on “Yoga for people living with cancer” with Julie Friedeburger. Since then I have given group classes and helped individuals in one to one sessions. 

My style of yoga is based around breathing well and exploring the capabilities of the body safely and slowly. My aim is for everyone to enjoy their practice whatever their level of experience of ability. I run classes for beginners and improvers, with a particular interest in teaching over 50.s 

Email Helen
Mobile: 07958 042 131

Isabelle has been practising Yoga for the past twenty-five years and has been teaching since 2003. Her teacher training was initially with Godfrey Devereux and then with Jenny Beeken of the Inner Yoga Trust.She holds teaching diplomas with the British Wheel of Yoga, Windfire Yoga and the Independent Yoga Network. She is trained in Yoga Therapy with the Devon School of Yoga & has completed the British Wheel of Yoga Meditation Module. Isabelle is also a BWY Foundation Course tutor.

Her style of teaching includes dynamic sequences as well as held postures and breath awareness. This all within a flowing structure that encourages students to focus internally bringing a deep sense of completeness and relaxation. Isabelle’s teaching combines the precision of Iyengar with the flow and breath awareness of Ashtanga.

Email Isabelle
Mobile: 07970 772 963
Yoga Sadhana website

In 2018 Jess completed her first teacher training with the British wheel of yoga.

Jess then went on to complete a second TT in Ashtanga with the Yoga Alliance.

Since then she has taken a 50 hour training in Rockett yoga and is about to embark on a 50 hour in somatic yoga.

Jess is passionate about feeling good in body and mind, a true believer in the power of yoga.

Email Jess
Mobile: 07875 848 680

Kim has been practicing yoga for 17 years and qualified with Yoga Alliance in 2002 at Yoga Arts, Byron Bay, Australia then further training at Frog Lotus Yoga in the U.S.A. Whilst working as a post natal doula/maternity nurse and having her son Kim qualified with Birthlight in baby yoga and the British Wheel of Yoga pregnancy yoga module.Kim is also a Natal Hypnotherapy practioner offering 1-1 and group workshops. In addition to teaching pregnancy yoga here at the centre Kim will be offering restorative yoga and yoga for runners workshops.

Email Kim
Mobile: 07990 501 207
Kim’s website

Kim’s interest in physical yoga started at the age of 18 while she was still dancing professionally. She developed a serious practice of Ashtanga Vinyasa about 10 years ago when she settled here in Dorset and now in her forties, a more appropriate Prānāyāma focused practice is being explored and experienced.  Kim studied with Lalit Kumar at the Himalaya Yoga Valley Centre, Goa, India (TT) and practised with Manju Jois (Primary Series TT), John Scott, Jane Piddington and Scott Johnson, regularly attending their courses and trainings. Kim has also completed a course in teaching yoga to children led by Susannah Hoffman at Triyoga, London with a view to starting her own Yoga school for children . Kim is always a student and practitioner first, so wishing to explore Yoga further, was drawn to the origins of Ashtanga as taught to Pattabhi Jois by Krishnamacharya. It was at a seminar with his grandson Dr Kausthub Desikachar, that Kim finally found her Teacher and Tradition. She is currently studying Viniyoga at the Krishnamacharya Yoga and Healing Foundation, Chennai, India with a view to completing her Yoga Therapy qualification whilst also continuing her Vedic Chanting and Patañjali Yoga Sūtra studies with Sarah Ryan (of the same tradition).  Kim currently teaches Led Ashtanga Vinyasa, a dynamic Āsana sequence based on the Primary Series, synchronising Body, Breath and Mind and Yoga for Teens

Email Kim Mackie
Kim’s website
Mobile: 07990 978 949

Email Marj

Mobile: 07769 949 947
Fordington Yoga website

Nancy completed the British Wheel of Yoga Diploma course with Derek Thorne and has taught yoga in Weymouth and Dorchester since 2001. She first encountered Yoga when taken to a class in Edinburgh by her mother when she was 17. Hooked, she has practised over the years with a variety of teachers.

She teaches classical Hatha Yoga in the tradition of Advaita Vedanta, incorporating posture work, breath, mantra and meditation. She is happy to teach all ranges of experience and prefers to keep the practice gentle, though not without some challenge!

Email Nancy
Mobile: 07956 534 152
Landline: 01305 750174

Nikki Oakley is the owner of Pilates Re.Form and has been teaching Pilates and Yoga for over 25 years.

She originally trained in contemporary dance at the London Contemporary Dance School, and then pursued a career in contemporary dance, whilst simultaneously studying Tai Chi, Yoga and Meditation. She went on to gain her Yoga teacher training qualification with the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre in New York State.

Around this time, an injury led her to Pilates, and in 1992 she began her training in London with internationally renowned educator Alan Herdman. Since then, her passion and belief in the Pilates Method have led her to continue her training and education with many of the foremost classical pilates instructors from around the world.

Email Nikki
Mobile: 07905 976 392

http://www.pilatesre-form.co.uk

Saira first discovered yoga in a leisure centre in Salisbury in 1994, she went on to dip in and out for many years, eventually finding an inspiring teacher who opened her eyes to the deeper spirituality of yoga in London in the late 90s. Since then Saira has often described yoga as being her ‘saviour’!

After starting to run retreats in Dorset, she took the step of completing her teacher training in Devon at the British School of Yoga in 2013. Since then she’s been completely absorbed in running 100’s of day and weekend yoga retreats, working as a Holistic Therapist, Sound Healer and Reiki Teacher, whilst bringing up her three, now nearly fully grown children.

Saira’s style of teaching is inspired by Vinyasa and Ashtanga which she has always loved to practice.

The Sanskrit translation for ‘vinyasa’ breaks down into ‘nyasa’ meaning “to place” and vi “in a special way”. Vinyasa Flow combines breath with movement which creates a ‘moving meditation’, this leaves you feeling rejuvenated, energised and peaceful.

Saira likes to bring in mindfulness practice, pranayama breathwork, meditation, sound healing and yoga nidra to the classes. She often encourages students to look deeper into how the ancient spiritual teachings of yoga, can help us deal with stress and overwhelm, mental health issues and how to use these teachings within our modern daily lives.

Email Saira
Mobile: 07809 141 815
Website: https://www.yogawithsaira.com/

 Like many people I have dipped in and out of yoga over the years. I had always enjoyed yoga though never truly connected, but then I found DYTC and I found my teachers and that was it! The time was right for yoga to become a meaningful and necessary part of my life.

It is very hard to describe what a regular yoga practice, in all its forms, adds to how a person exists in and experiences the world. It is profound.

On my yoga journey (yes, I am using that word) I reached a place where I knew I needed to pass it on, as my teachers had to me. So a few years ago with a perfectly balanced mix of fear and excitement I began and completed 300hrs training with the British Wheel of Yoga.

I continue to regularly practice a range of different classes, alongside an ongoing study of yoga history and philosophy. I also can’t resist a workshop.

I teach vinyasa style classes. Always challenging but accessible. Centred on the fundamental principle of the ‘flow within the flow’ –  Body, Breath, Focus.

My day jobs for many years as a nurseryman, plantswoman and gardener feed and fuel my yoga as does my love of herb and plant lore and the natural world.”

Email Sam
Mobile: 07484 831 090

Sarah has been fascinated by yoga since 1970. She worked with various teachers and became a teacher trainer for the British Wheel of Yoga before discovering the teachings of Krishnamacharya and his son TKV Desikachar in the ’80s.

Since then she has studied in that tradition, principally with Paul Harvey, TKV Desikachar himself, and his son Kausthub.She also teaches Vedic chanting, which helps deepen yoga practice and complements it. She loves going deeper into yoga’s beautiful teachings, gradually understanding more. She continues to visit India regularly for different courses, and has also completed a 4-year Yoga Therapy Programme with the Krishnamacharya Yoga and Healing Foundation. As Sarah has trained not only as a yoga teacher, but also as a yoga therapist, her classes are ideal if you have specific problems, as she can help you do what is best for you.

Email Sarah
Landline: 01258 839 230

Sharon is a creative and experienced clinical APPI Pilates instructor, cognitive therapy facilitator, and sea and river swimmer. She has a particular interest in movement, women’s health, and the links between our balance and our brains as we
age. Sharon believes in retraining and strengthening movement over time, celebrating the
small steps, laughing lots – and enjoying the journey.

ABOUT APPI

Established by physiotherapists, the Australian Physiotherapy and Pilates Institute is recognised world-wide for its scientifically researched base, high-quality instruction, and progressive CPD opportunities.

Somerset-based Sue has worked in healthcare – commercial and clinical – her entire professional life. With 2 young children she is well aware that from adventuring in the woods and play areas to being in the garden and at home, there are many potential dangers to your family.

Covering the town, country and remote areas of Somerset, Dorset & Wilts. Sue is passionate that the skills taught by Mini First Aid can, literally, be life saving. One day they may even be essential for those crucial minutes before the Emergency Services can arrive.

Mobile: 07890 400 461
Mini First Aid website

Tim’s first interest in Chinese arts began in the early 1980s when he studied Kung Fu. He became one of the school’s senior students and was eventually invited to teach several classes for his Master. His teacher also taught Tai Chi and other “internal” martial arts and this is when Tim first developed his interest in Tai Chi.

Since then Tim has been able to study different styles of Tai Chi, including Yang and Sun styles. 

He has also been able to train in other internal fighting styles including Xing Yi Chuan, Yi Chuan and Bagua Zhang. Alongside these arts Tim has had a longstanding interest in Qi Gong. Most Chinese martial arts have elements of Qi Gong practices within them.

Married to Sharon, DTYC owner, Tim has also practised yoga for many years but these Chinese arts have been his passion and he has now decided to start teaching again thus enabling him to study more these arts more deeply. He still works full- time but is keen to develop his teaching in Qi Gong and Tai Chi. 

Tim is currently training with the Deyin Institute, an affiliate of the International Health Qi Gong Federation. Master Faye and Master Tary Yip have a direct lineage to the originators of the 24 Step and 42 Step competition Tai Chi routines as well as to Sun style Tai Chi. 

He is a qualified instructor with the British Health Qi Gong Association and the Deyin Institute .

Email Tim
Mobile: 07857 118 959

Toni has been practicing yoga for over 25 years and completed her 500-hour certificate with British Wheel of Yoga, and an additional 100-hour certificate in Yin yoga with Kashish yoga, India. 

Toni teaches an intuitive, organically integrative practice where body and spirit meet and move together. Drawing from a variety of Yoga traditions including Ashtanga, Vinyasa, Yin, and Restorative, her teaching focuses on heart-centered movement, breath-work, and meditation.  Each class aims to encourage a positive relationship between the Self and body-temple and bring forth the inner wisdom and light that shine within each individual. As her own teachers have done for her, Toni hopes to hold space and provide support for students to trust themselves as they move through this lifelong practice. 

Email Toni
Mobile: 07570 345 541