Meet Emily: Children's Yoga Teacher

I moved to London when I was 18 to start three years of training at drama school. It was here that my relationship with yoga began. We had one class a week as part of our curriculum, and it soon became the most needed, sought after part of my week! After graduating, I began to work across stage and screen as an actor, continuing to go to as many yoga classes as possible; but mainly practicing at home, in my room.

Life as an actor in London has its challenges, and I found that my yoga practice really helped to keep me grounded in a world that felt quite the opposite. Alongside acting, I worked as a drama teacher for young children, a job I truly adore as I was able to directly see children’s confidence and abilities grow year upon year.

When the acting world ground to a halt in lockdown, I had the chance to reassess my life and prioritise the things that I truly wanted. I made the decision to complete my 200 hour yoga teacher training and begin working towards a life of teaching yoga full time. You really do only live once, so why not spend it doing something you truly care about!

Before that though, I became a mum! My daughter was born on Christmas Day 2021, and it has been the most magical, challenging thing to ever happen to me.

After a year of maternity leave, and practicing yoga in a whole new light, I began getting back into work, alongside undertaking my 200 hours. I feel incredibly lucky to be able to call myself a yoga teacher, and to be able to combine this passion with teaching children.

What's your favourite season and why?

Winter has always been my favourite time of the year. An unpopular opinion, but I love when the evenings start getting darker and the hats and scarves come back out of the cupboard. It’s even more special to me now, as my daughter was born on Christmas Day!

How do you show kindness to others?

To listen wholeheartedly, support and champion others in a way I would hope to be treated too.

What's your most prized possession and why?

For my 18th birthday, my Grandfather used a sketchbook I gave him to write out the story of his life! He used to tell me lots of stories from when he was a little boy, so it means the world to me that I now have them all written down.

What makes you feel at peace?

Being out and about in nature with my family. Nowhere to be, no plans and no phones!

What's your go-to karaoke song?

It’s a tie between ‘Dreams’ by Fleetwood Mac, or ‘Rock DJ’ by Robbie Williams!