Teachers

TEACHERS

Green Lotus Flower Symbol from West Cornwall Inner Space
Lila

Lila

Yoga

Lila brings a playful spirit to her classes, encouraging students to find freedom and enjoyment throughout the practice, even amidst the more challenging moments. Her classes focus on core stability and mobility, which balance strength and flexibility. By encouraging the use of breath to feel the sensation in your body, Lila aims to guide her students to deepen the embodied experience of the practice. As a dedicated yoga teacher for over a decade, Lila draws from several methods to inform her teaching style. She has completed 200-hour Hatha, 300-hour Jivamukti & 200-hour Forrest yoga teacher training and is also a qualified Bodyworker.

CLASS:

Tuesdays 7.30-8.30am
Intermediate / Advanced Vinyasa Flow
£8 per class // £40 for 6 classes

CONTACT:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lila_whiting/
Website: https://www.lilawhiting.com/
Email: lila.c.whiting@gmail.com
Mobile: 07708722145

Katie-Lusby

Katie Lusby

Dance

Dancing Together is an open level class with a focus on exploring and enjoying different ways of dancing together. It is a chance to connect to yourself and others in a creative, expressive and playful way, while enlivening your whole being – mind, body, heart and soul. We will practice tuning-in to ourselves as individuals to discover the essence of how we love to move, whilst also sharpening our superhero skills of awareness and sensitivity so that we can tune-in to each other for some fun explorations of dancing in pairs, trios and as a whole group.

The class is structured and guided, but the movement itself is free-form: there are no steps to learn, only suggestions and invitations to guide you into your own authentic movement and facilitate different ways of moving in relation to others. In some sessions there may be physical contact between participants, but an alternative will always be offered for anyone who does not want to give or receive touch.

Whether you have not danced since you were a toddler or dance every day, this is an open level practice that is suitable for everyone; we were all born knowing how to dance, so this is just a space to help us remember and unlock what we already know. You can get a feel for the class by watching this trailer. Come join us!

About Katie Based in Penzance, Katie is a dance and theatre artist with over 15 years of diverse experience as a creative performer, teacher, and facilitator. She has performed nationally and internationally at world-class theatres such as Sadler’s Wells, the Royal Opera House, the Barbican Centre and New York City Center with companies such as Gecko Theatre, New Adventures and Richard Alston Dance Company. She has also performed in immersive theatre shows with Punchdrunk, at the London 2012 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony (with Akram Khan), and in some Cornish gardens with Cscape Dance Company.

Alongside performing, Katie has worked extensively as a teacher and facilitator in various educational, professional and community settings including primary and secondary schools, renowned dance institutions like London Contemporary Dance School and The Royal Ballet School, and universities such as Roger Williams University (USA) and Falmouth University. She has taught professional dancers for companies and organisations including Scottish Dance Theatre, Punchdrunk, Acosta Danza (Cuba), The Place, and Rambert.

Whatever the setting, Katie loves to share her expertise and passion for dance and hopes to inspire and enable people to discover a love for their own movement, creativity and expression, and whatever benefits may come along with it.

Class Details Every Monday*, 10:00-11:15. Please arrive 5 minutes before the class is due to start.

Cost per class: pay what you can, £8-12, payable by cash or via PayPal

Drop-in class – no need to book in advance – but if you have any questions or would like to have a chat before coming, please feel free to contact Katie:
Phone:  07919095994
Email: katielusby@hotmail.com
Instagram: @nosdanza
Website: www.nosdanza.com

Sandra-Innerspace

Sandra Cassidy

Slow Flow Vinyasa Yoga

Sandra’s love of yoga began over 20 years ago and in 2018 she decided to embark on a journey to become a yoga teacher, which she describes as an amazing experience that opened up a whole new chapter in her life.  In 2019 Sandra qualified as a Vinyasa Yoga Teacher undertaking in-depth study into asana, pranayama, meditation, anatomy and yoga philosophy.  Sandra went on to study Restorative Yoga and Yin Yoga.

Vinyasa Yoga aligns the breath with flowing movement from one yoga pose to the next.  Slow Flow Vinyasa is a gentler pace of Vinyasa yoga.  Sandra’s classes focus on building strength, flexibility and mobility as well as on pranayama and breath awareness, which is always the starting point for her class.  The essence of Sandra’s classes is her encouragement to focus on how the yoga poses feel in your body and not on how they look.

Sandra brings her values of caring, connection, open mindedness, health and fun to her classes meaning you are guaranteed a unique, warm and non judgemental experience.

Slow Flow Vinyasa classes every Saturday 9am to 10am.  Call/message to book 07779 715 998 or email sandra@thesmashitcoach.com

Sport-in-mind

Sport in Mind

Sport in Mind, will be providing a new FREE weekly yoga session in Newlyn.

Sport in Mind is a mental health sports charity that delivers free, weekly physical activity sessions for anyone 17+ who is experiencing mental health issues, including stress, social isolation and low mood. The sessions are there to aid recovery, promote mental wellbeing, improve physical health, and empower people to move their lives forward in a positive direction. The sessions are lots of fun, for all abilities and drop-in sessions, so there is no need to book and no referral is required. The sessions are delivered by a qualified instructor and all equipment will be provided. Carers, friends and family are more than welcome to accompany participants to the first couple of sessions – the more the merrier!

 What: Yoga Session (more information available on our Activity Map)

When: Every Monday 11.30am – 12.30pm

Where: The Newlyn Old School, Wesley Place, Newlyn, nr. Penzance, TR18 5AZ with our Brilliant instructor Jofie.

Please complete our Online Participant Form (ideally before attending the first session) – https://www.sportinmind.org/online-partcicpant-sign-up

 

Sport In Mind relies on the generosity of the public to enable us to support the recovery of people experiencing mental health problems through sport and physical activity.  Please consider making a donation or fundraising to support our vital work – thank you!

Photo of Hannah Nunes, our Pilates Instructor

Hannah Nunes

Pilates

Hannah is a member of IPTA (Independent Pilates Teachers Association). Discovering Pilates has transformed her life. Following the birth of her daughter 6 years ago she began Pilates classes predominantly to strengthen and stabilize her lower back that gave her daily pain. During her childhood, she suffered periodic lower back pain partly due to her posture and rigorous gymnastics training. On attending her first class she knew that Pilates was for her. It left her inspired to become immersed in this movement practice and study to be a teacher. With a background in Massage, Craniosacral Therapy and dance, Pilates brought Hannah back to her roots by way of a movement practice that makes her body feel centred, strong and supple. It empowers the individual through exercises to improve posture, and create better health for themselves. Hannah completed her training course in Pilates Matwork in the summer of 2014 at the Scott Studio with the renowned Suzanne Scott. She is a qualified First Aider and regularly attends professional courses and workshops to keep her practice inspired and my classes fresh. Hannah teaches Joseph Pilates Original Repertoire as well as the Evolved Repertoire, incorporating a rehabilitative approach for those that need it. As well as the group classes Hannah also teaches individuals and pairs. 

Pilates Classes every Tuesday. Call 07412 383569 to book. 

Nick

Nick Oakley-Bowen

Pilates

Nick Oakley-Bowen began teaching Pilates in 2005 with certification from Body Control Pilates. He subsequently qualified with distinction as a Matwork Master Teacher, and is able to instruct the Pilates repertoire to an advanced level. Since starting his Pilates career, Nick has taught up to 90 clients a week in his own classes, small groups and one to ones as well as running classes for physiotherapists. His many years of teaching experience have given Nick the tools to help clients develop awareness of where and how they need to work, take control of their own progress and improve their general movement. With these goals, the Pilates method provides clients with a unique path for re-balancing strength, flexibility and mobility. Taking these skills from the classroom into everyday life is hugely beneficial for overall health, wellbeing and enjoyment of life.

Although Pilates is very much a mind and body method which requires focus, Nick enjoys running friendly interactive classes with a relaxed and slightly informal approach that encourages clients to engage and question what they are doing so as to get the most from every session. Pilates matwork classes are for anyone who wants to improve their movement, enjoys challenging themselves and doesn’t expect an hour of relaxation!

Nick will begin teaching on Thursdays starting on November 3rd and will be offering an early-bird 7.30-8.30am class and 11.30-12.30 session.

Maria

Maria De Francesca

Adult Ballet

Maria was born in Southampton to Anglo/Italian parents. She lived in Bristol for many years and had two children before travelling through Central America and the Caribbean. Maria moved to Cornwall in 1995 and had another child, and with her partner, renovated a barn near Madron. She became a yoga teacher and then studied for a Degree in Dance and became a ballet assistant to Penzance’s infamous ‘Miss’ Diana McGowan. Maria has taught GCSE, BTEC Dance for many years – in secondary schools in Penzance and St Ives, and she is currently teaching Classical Ballet at Truro College. Maria inherited the McGowan School of Dance in 2016 and undertook her Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) Ballet Teaching qualification. The school is thriving and she loves teaching a range of students from baby ballet all the way up to older students – having just qualified as a Silver Swans RAD Teacher (gentler ballet for the mature dancer). 

Adult ballet class every Wednesday, 11.30-12.30pm. Mondays Evenings. Call 07800 511784 or email maria@mcgowandance.com to book. 

Photo of Sylvia Robert - Yoga Instructor in Cornwall

Sylvia Robert

Yoga

Sylvia has explored many different approaches to the teaching of yoga having been actively involved in its practice since 1969. She began her training with The All India Board Of Yoga and, in addition, has gained teaching qualifications with other schools of yoga, including; Dru Yoga (Life Foundation School Of Therapeutics) FRYOG (Friends Of Yoga Society International), Vinyoga and The British Wheel Of Yoga. Whatever age, ability and limitations, Sylvia’s classes are a time for students to cherish themselves learning to unwind slowly and naturally in a safe and comfortable environment. Students will work gently, systematically and with awareness through progressive gentle stretches to revitalise the body, increase its potential for movement and release deep-rooted tensions. Breath control and awareness improves the circulation, helping to promote calmness. 

Health & Healing yoga class every Wednesday, 9.30 – 11 am. Call 07980 058778 or email sylviaroberts2810@yahoo.com to book.

Photo of Liz Thomson

Liz Thomas

Tai Chi Qi Gong

Tai Chi Qigong Shibashi is a gentle, beautiful and flowing Qigong exercise routine that is both a joy to practice and deeply relaxing. It is designed to improve the general health and wellbeing of the practitioner. The gentle rocking motions and stretching movements improve circulation and digestion. Chest exercises and controlled breathing are good for lung conditions and asthma. The overall effect of the exercise is to reduce mental stress and physical tension carried in the muscles of the body. This Qigong is very effective and easy to learn. The gentle movements are suitable for people of all ages as it does not put too much stress on muscles and joints and can be practised sitting or standing.

Tai Chi/Qi Gong class every Monday, 10 – 11 am. Call 07809 763984 or email liz@holisticbalancing.co.uk to book. 

Photo go Justine Smith - Hatha Yoga Instructor

Justine Smith

Yin Mindful Yoga and Gentle Hatha Yin

Justine has practised yoga since she was a teenager trying several styles including Iyengar, Kundalini, Hatha, Scaravelli inspired and Vinyasa. Then she took a Yin class and was hooked. Justine has completed a 300 teacher training course and has over 100 hours of specific Yin teacher training with Bernie Clark, Norman Blair and Sarah Lo who invited Justine to be one of her teaching assistants. Lockdown allowed Justine the opportunity to train regularly with Peter Blackaby and Catherine Annis and this is how Yinfusion has begun to evolve. Using a combination of Scaravelli inspired standing asana and flows, moving with the breath, then coming to the ground and into some Yin, inviting students to take their inner enquiry deeper. It has evolved from Justine’s personal practice and is still evolving. In Yin classes, the asana is held for 3-5 minutes and she uses poetry, music, many props and candlelight to help create a calm, nurturing space for the practice. Justine is also a Reiki Master, Spiritual Healer, Indian Head and Ayurvedic face massage therapist. All levels are most welcome. She also offers one to one sessions. 

Classes every Thursday. Gentle Hatha Yin yoga, 9.30 – 11am. Call 07795 512034 or email justinesmith9@yahoo.co.uk to book. 

profille21

Helen Stacey

Pilates

Helen Stacey is a long term and ongoing practitioner of Pilates. She completed her intensive certification training with Body Control Pilates UK. Helen’s commitment to Pilates led her to explore the many different schools of Pilates and whilst she was in the  USA she studied and practised the Classical Pilates Method , continuing her professional education  with The Pilates Center in Boulder and ran her own studio In Boulder Colorado, until her return home in 2021. Helen has worked as a teacher in the education field for many years and is a qualified aromatherapist and massage therapist.  She draws on these experiences to enhance her teaching skills supporting clients to progress safely and effectively through the different levels of the Pilates programme, helping them to move as their bodies were designed to move. Helen works with clients  privately and in small groups ,to help them develop core strength, flexibility, stamina and a healthy spine and healthy joints. She also offers rehabilitation sessions that work with clients who have specific requirements, to help strengthen and sustain a healthier body.

Call 07543 524670 or email hstacey60@gmail.com to book.

Marta

Märta Sternang

Vinyasa Flow

Märta is a Swedish Vinyasa teacher who shares her deep love for yoga with her students in Penzance as well as online with students from all over the world.

Her classes are an opportunity to arrive into the body while leaving the head to move, to breathe, to sweat – to just BE. Students are invited to explore and to engage more deeply with sensations as a way to learn to listen to the intelligent language of their bodies. In Vinyasa, the flow of breath is synched with dynamic movement, creating a nurturing (and sometimes challenging) body|mind|heart experience.

Within the physical practice of yoga, Märta is passionate about anatomy and alignment. She encourages her students to explore the intentions of postures whilst learning about their own unique bodies, supporting them to apply this knowledge to deepen their practice. In her classes, she has one main goal – for people to become a little bit more present. A little more aware of what is stretching, strengthening and engaging in a particular pose and transition.

Märta has been practicing different styles of yoga since 2010 and been teaching Vinyasa since 2018. With the intention to deepen her self-practice, her teacher training in India also ignited a strong urge to share the benefits of yoga with all. Märta believes that the holistic practice of yoga has the power to help us become better versions of ourselves, more compassionate humans and more loving stewards of our planet.

Book Märtas classes and workshops at https://www.martasternangyoga.com/

Email: marta@martasternangyoga.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/martasternangyoga/

Phone: 07883099807

Sapphire-Sumpter

Sapphire Sumpter

Dance

Sapphire Sumpter is a freelance dancer, choreographer and workshop facilitator based in Cornwall. Growing up in Cornwall, she then moved to London in 2014 to train at vocational ballet school, followed by Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance BA(Hons) at which she trained extensively in Graham, Cunningham and Release techniques and worked with choreographers such as Christopher Bruce, Jose Agudo and Arielle Smith.

During her time in London she also toured Britain with Yorke Dance Company performing works by Kenneth MacMillan and created, directed and danced in choreographic work for the Rambert School shows. One of the pieces, titled Sorrow – a work with 9 dancers to Gorecki’s Symphony No 3 premiered at the Curve Theatre Leicester, commissioned by Serendipity Dance and Dance4 for LDIF19.

In 2022 she founded Numinous Dance, running workshops and taking on choreographic commissions that explore the flow state in dance through narrative choreography.

Numinous premiered last year with 2 choreographic works: one duet with live music titled Timeless Voices, a site specific work commissioned by the Hall for Cornwall and performed in several locations around Cornwall; and the second in summer 2022 at Sterts Theatre alongside live musicians George Bradley Peer and Steve Slimm in a 20 minute work titled Song of the Golden Dragon.

Sapphire is also co-director of the WildSpirit project, working alongside Marie GwynBleidd to deliver workshops to girls and women to nurture self-confidence and positive body image through dance and movement acro.

This year Sapphire has begun directing the Cornwall Dance School Performance Company, based in Truro. Creating work to be submitted to Move It and Udance.

Alongside this she is currently also part of the New Adventures 2023/24 Overture Cohort.

She is also extensively trained in facilitating inclusive sessions, having trained with AMICI Dance Theatre Company in 2019/20 and previously being the Dance Development and Outreach Coordinator for Shallal Dance Theatre Company in 2021. She now facilitates inclusive sessions regularly around Cornwall in Falmouth, St Just, Newquay and St Austell.

In 2021/22 Sapphire was involved in a variety of dance film projects, including the music video for Envy of None Never Said I Love You (filmed in the Shard London), a dance and spoken word film by local film maker Adam Drake that screened at CAST in early 2023 (submitted to film festivals) and Shamanic Journey by film maker Julian Konczak with music by Barry Ganberg (Rambert School), also submitted to film festivals.

Sapphire defines herself as a dancer, choreographer and teacher in a phrase she picked up from her time at Rambert School. It was just before going on stage for a solo in her 3rd year and the head of music – who inspired her so much during her training – shared with her the following wisdom: ‘Just give’.

That wisdom has shaped her as a dancer and has become her mantra for doing what she does.

Tamsyn-Butt

Tamsyn Butt

Dance

Bio

Tamsyn Butt has worked as a professional dancer and dance teacher for 25 years. She has a BA (Hons) in Dance, a PGCE in Dance Teaching from the Royal Academy of Dance, a Diploma from London Contemporary Dance School and an MA in Dance Theatre from Trinity Laban Conservatoire (Distinction).  She is certified in BarreConcept and is the founder of Port de Barre, a London and Bath based company which has now relocated in Cornwall.

Company Bio

Port de Barre pride themselves on supporting fitness and health through Tamsyn’s wealth of dance anatomical understanding and professional experience. Tamsyn’s subject knowledge combined with her passion to inspire and instil wellbeing, creates a psychology of learning where participants can benefit from achieving a lean dancer’s physique which is both strong and healthy. Participants are encouraged to think about their body from the ‘inside, out’ whilst challenging and improving strength, flexibility, and endurance. As well as having a thorough and enjoyable experience in dance, participants are guided through ways to improve physical health including posture, alignment, core stability, flexibility and improved physical awareness.

Barre Class description.

The class uses movements similar to ballet conditioning and training which sculpt the body, by toning and strengthening. The workout is low impact but has the capacity to burn fat, just like a high intensity work out.  Small isometric movements are performed which fire up the muscle, making it more elastic, and encouraging length, without building bulk.  The muscles tense without changing length and then are stretched intermittently which again, is conceptually similar to dance training.  The overall result is an all over body workout which tones the thighs and arms, flattens the stomach and lifts the bottom – ultimately working towards the appearance of a lean dancer’s physique. PdB classes continually move to music.  The workout flows just like a dance class and participants receive maximum correction to specifically target posture and alignment, strength, co-ordination and flexibility. Classes are motivating and enjoyable and you do not need dance experience to participate.

All bookable via Port de Barre reservation system: RESERVE STUDIO/ONLINE CLASSES — Port de barre