Experiencing Theatre and Dance

But instead of hurtling into teacher's training, I decided that it would be good idea to experience the life of a professional dancer.

Well who wouldn't want to sample the endless rehearsals, interesting costumes, backstage nerves, spotlights, and onstage (and off) misadventures?

All that said the valuable lessons gained from the discipline of a Ballet School and the short few years of theatre life is priceless for navigating life in general!

Life got in the way (as they say) to Dance Teacher's Training but my love for dance didn't disappear.

I kept going to ballet classes through to my early thirties, returning again for a few years in my sixties. I also took up Ballroom and Latin in my fifties, just for dance and fitness - so how is it I ended up doing exams and competitions?

Searching for Fitness Satisfaction

Alongside Dance, and being one to never settle for the ordinary, I found myself becoming 'addicted' to the finding a "cathartic sensation of movement" meaning dabbling in an array of fitness crazes (and wearing the mandatory clothing) over the years - high-impact aerobics, step, Jazz-a-cise - if it meant I became hot, sweaty and laughed a lot, then I had a go!

However, during this 'exercise / fitness testing' phase Yoga and Pilates were key to discovering how important it is to respect my body.

Back in "those days" both Yoga and Pilates were just becoming a 'thing' but the various classes or courses I joined didn't quite match or fulfil my expectations - especially when the teacher used my 'body' as a demonstration 'tool' - I won't go into detail here!

Professional Development and Self-Employment

While single-parenting and climbing the career ladder, I somehow ended up in project management picking up an MBA on the way.

this where life got in the way of my Dance Teacher dream, but all part of life's learning curve

After a number of years I tired of the Corporate world and decided I would be happier bossing myself around instead!

Coming from a family of self-employed I had a good idea of what was ahead!

However, after taking a few sidings along the track, I started my own series of Dance Fitness classes. Then, taking another siding, moved into the world of Yoga & Pilates. This track evolved into Mind Body self-care practices and trainings eventually becoming what I offer now - QiGong and Forest Bathing.

FunDancing was a lot of fun, we learned lots of dance styles, had lots and lots of laughs, dressed up, socialised, raised £££s for Charity. It lasted for just a few months short of 10 years - sad days when it closed!

Mind Body Moment my first foray into teaching Pilates and Yoga. As I explored more body-mind movements, added Restorative, Yin and Yoga Nidra to the mix.

Body Mind as One came about as I moved into my own studio where I was able to add Somatics and ChiBall™ to the body-mind mix.

Then I discovered QiGong and Forest Bathing.

Flow is Life is where I focus on sharing the ultimate (in my experience) holistic practices of self-care, QiGong and Forest Bathing.

Teaching & Coaching Summary

2001: Health & Wellness Coach

2010 to 2020: FunDancing - Dance Fitness

2018: Mind Body Moment - teaching Yogalates™

2020: rebranded as Body Mind as One - included Yoga Nidra, Yin & Restorative Yoga, ChiBall™ and Somatics

2022: included QiGong

2023: included Forest Bathing

2026: rebranded as Flow is Life teaching QiGong and leading Forest Bathing

Mind Body Practices - Training

2017: Yogalates™

2019 - 2020:

• iRest® Yoga Nidra Meditation

• Yin Yoga

• Restorative Yoga

• ChiBall™

2021: Somatics

2022 - 2025:

• IIQTC AWH Medical QiGong Practice Leader & Teacher (1)

• Holden QiGong (1 & 2)

• Forest Bathing Practitioner