1. Tell me about your personal journey with yoga. Why is it important to you?
Before starting yoga, I was dancing professionally. I began my yoga journey in 2004 when I was recovering from a dance injury and could not perform. My mom suggested I try a yoga class with her. Looking back I can see it was for her own sanity as well as mine(haha). I was not a joy to live with being injured as I had grown accustomed to using movement as my therapy. Yoga instantly became my rehabilitation and I have never looked back. I fell in love with the effects of the practice and noticed the positive benefits not only physically, but mentally. Yogic philosophy became my lifestyle. The yoga worked wonders, I am still dancing using my yoga to maintain a balanced body and mind.
2. When did you first begin teaching yoga? What made you transition into a leadership position?
My Yoga journey continued when I completed my first 200 RYT with the added bonus of attending with my mom and brother. My yoga background now includes traditional Hatha, Vinyasa Flow, Yin, Smart Flow and more. I now have 500 RYT hours, and I am lucky enough to have assisted Rachael Sellars in her 200 RYT Smart Flow teacher training twice in the past 2 years. Becoming a yoga teacher changed my life. I don’t really look at it as a leadership position. I feel like the class is a safe space for not only my students but for myself as well. As a teacher, I believe it’s important to be present for your students and not phone it in. When I teach it forces me to go there inside myself. Yoga has opened me up to a very spiritual lifestyle. I now meditate daily. I go to a Silent Vipassana retreat yearly. I’ve changed my diet, and I’ve learned to live in the present moment. Or maybe I should say, I’m working on living in the present moment. It’s an ongoing practice for sure.
3. What makes your classes unique?
The feedback I have received about my class and what makes it unique is definitely the music, which I will elaborate in the next question =). Also, I like to keep everything light-hearted and not too serious, of course, while keeping the students safe and offering guidance. Life is serious enough. In class, I try to keep it fun by telling bad jokes and reminding everyone that we are just making shapes with our body. I try to theme the class around what I’m going through so it feels very authentic. I’ve noticed that it almost always resonates with my students as well. We are all connected.
4. How does music benefit your guidance in a yoga class?
I am very passionate about music. Having a dance background I love to create playlists that take the students on a journey. I chose music that flows dynamically and is full of emotion. I encourage my students to feel the emotions that arise through shapes and music. I understand that a lot of students and methods don’t believe in music in yoga. That is the beauty of the practice these days. There is so much individuality in teaching styles and studios. A student can always find what works for them. If you love music, come to my class lol
5. Tell me about your next event and where we can follow you online.
You can find me teaching in Las Vegas at Yoga Sanctuary, Body Heat yoga and pilates, Vegas Yoga and for a fun diversion Goat Yoga! Check out my Social Media for current schedule. IG: Showgirlyoga111 FB: facebook.com/nickiataylor
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What an awesome interview and such a lovely person. Nicki is the absolute best!