A former professional ballerina and performer, Dani found herself struggling with heightened stress levels as the result of a marriage break-up, raising three young children and working in a pressurised corporate job. Qualifying initially as an adults’ yoga teacher, Dani was sold “in every way imaginable” on the restorative effects of yoga and has been teaching since 1999 She says:
… my overall well-being, my ability to balance my emotions more effectively. I have learned to change my reaction instead of trying to change others. Yoga has given me a foundation of strength of mind, body and spirit. Through regular practice, I have learned to see there is purpose and learning in everything.
 Since then, she has collected an impressive array of yoga qualifications including:
- Certified Children's Yoga Teacher (Yoga Australia)
- Full Member IYTA (International Yoga Teachers Association
- Level 2 Yoga Intensive - My Health Yoga
- Level 1 Diploma Yoga Teaching - Health Harmony College
- Certificate Samadhi Yoga in Pre and Post Natal training
- Level 1 Radiant Child Yoga Program
- Reiki 1 & 2
- Certification Program of Yoga for the Special Child
- Level 1 Thai Yoga Massage
- Yoga for Back Care - Zen Ki Yoga
- Yoga Training for Senior & Elderly Certificate
- Senior Yoga Teacher YA
- Senior First Aid Certificate
Over the years, Dani noticed how many children were lacking the ability to relax along with a dramatic increase in the amount of mental and emotional stress in the youngest members of our society. She also noted a disturbing absence of social manners, an increase in violence and bullying amongst children and an inability to connect to their innate imagination and spirit. Dani was the first to do something about it. As they say, necessity is the mother of invention. Starting with one class at her children’s primary school, Dani’s determination to bring the beauty of yoga to kids took root and began to grow.
Angel Yoga now has classes in schools, early childhood centres throughout Australia and weekly classes at their studio in Mt Martha on the Mornington Peninsula, in Brisbane and other locations with AYK Graduates. This has expanded to Teacher Training at their Brisbane and Melbourne studios and online throughout Australia and overseas. So, who is taking up the teacher training? Dani says:
… People from all areas of life. Yoga teachers, professionals working with kids such as physicians, early child care workers, school teachers, occupational therapists, child psychologists, parents, fitness trainers, sport teachers, and others. The people who go on to work as AYK teachers and licensees are dedicated and passionate about teaching yoga to children and helping to incorporate the program into schools. They also inspire me to continue my work and teach me on so many levels.
Angel Yoga now has classes in schools, early childhood centres throughout Australia and weekly classes at their studios in Fortitude Valley in Brisbane and now in Mt Martha on the Mornington Peninsula. This has expanded to Teacher Training at their Brisbane and Melbourne studios and online throughout Australia and overseas. Angel Yoga now has graduates and licensees teaching classes under the Angel Yoga banner and the group has featured on TV as well as in several newspaper and magazine articles.
Dani believes her compassionate and empathetic approach – backed by years of experience, observation and interaction – underpins her intention to help install boundaries, respect and love in everyday life while encouraging her students to be at their optimum physically, emotionally and mentally.
