LA based Gillian Clark, creator of the Yoga Booty Ballet concept, recently performed a work shop at the Princess Studios in Puerto Banus...

Is this your first time in Spain?

Yes and I love it!

How do you find it?

The weather has not been great however we realise that that is atypical.  We have been here for two weeks, the people are wonderful, passionate and full of life.  We have been to Madrid, Barcelona, Malaga and now Marbella and this afternoon we are leaving for Tarifa.  We will definitely be coming back in summer, although we are not sure when, everything in its divine moment.

Have you seen any of the traditional dances?

I am going to see Flamenco in Sevilla, I cannot wait! 

Your background is professional skating?

Yes, I trained as a figure skater from the age of nine until my late teens and also in ballet; however this was not to become a ballerina, moreover to improve my skating.  I was good but not Olympian standard.  Then when the teenage years hit my focus changed to cheerleading and track and then long distance running.   In the late 80´s I began my yoga practice.  I am proficient in Anusara Yoga under the American, John Friend and I also teach Laughing Lotus style.  Now I am interested in the work of Joe Pilates and am doing private training on the reformer (or the “rack” as my husband teasingly refers to it).

What is the most important thing in your life?

Enlightenment, I believe it is possible to achieve it.  I practice meditation daily.  

What is Yoga Booty Ballet?

Yoga Booty Ballet is a fun, sexy and spirited workout.   You work your body, engage your mind and lighten your spirit as you practice, it really is an amalgamation of East meets West combining meditation, cardiovascular dance, ballet, Kundalini and hatha yoga.  The results are immediate and long term. Students consistently complete class feeling better about themselves than when they arrive. 

How did Yoga Booty Ballet come about?

It literally came to me in a dream!  It was a transmission from the divine, like a direct telephone call.  I am constantly working at perfecting it.

Each class is based upon five different elements:

1. Tuning in to ourselves and the divine (Kriyas and breathing)

2. Energy (Dance)

3. Strength and poise (Ballet)

4. Softness (Hatha yoga to be soft and supple)

5. Higher Self (Meditation and Relaxation)

The meditation element serves to focus busy minds as well as awaken dull ones. The dance portion improves cardiovascular endurance, promoting weight loss and improved body composition. The ballet section increases strength and agility, building muscle and bone density. The yoga sections promote flexibility, balance and inner wellness. 

Yes it is a fully integrated balanced class that makes you dance, sweat and breathe and above all it is a physical and spiritual practice.  We start with intention setting to achieve goals, this is very important as we hold on to them throughout the class.

Where do you teach?

I have my own studio, Swerve Studio, you can check it out on my website  http://www.swervestudio.com

 you can also buy DVD´s online.

You are in great shape, apart from this phenomenal work out do you have any special diet?

Right now I am travelling and love trying the Jamon Iberico, I believe that when you are travelling you should try the foods and cultures of the local place, however saying that, my body normally craves vegetables.  I prefer to eat local and seasonal and live a sustainable lifestyle that sustains my body, especially pranic foods that are fresh from the earth.

Gillian Clark recently performed her Yoga Booty Ballet workshop at Princess Studios, located on the lower level of Marina Banus Shopping Centre (opposite Corte Ingles) in Puerto Banus.

For more information:

T: 952 905 119

E:   info@princessstudios.com

W:  www.princessstudios.com

T:  +323 252 1274

E:  Gillian@swervestudio.com

W:  Swervestudio.com