WE SPEND A LOT OF TIME TOGETHER

One of the best things about my job is that I get a front-row seat to some pretty incredible people. 

Some of you have been with us since opening day. Some of you joined yesterday. Some of you have hit your 400th class! Some of you have run marathons, made art, climbed mountains, raised kids, started businesses, switched careers, or have hobbies that deserve their own documentary. 

Movement brought us together, but it's never been the only thing we have in common. So, I thought it was time we got to know each other a little better. 

Welcome to our new little newsletter feature, Pearl-sonalities. (I’m very sorry about the pun.) Every week, we'll introduce you to one of the amazing people who makes The Pearl what it is. Sometimes it'll be a teacher or staff member, sometimes a fellow Perlita celebrating a milestone, and ask them a few questions about life, movement, and everything in between. We spend so much time together in class, but there's a good chance you didn't know that the person on the mat next to you climbed Machu Pichu or spent the '80s head banging.

 This week, meet one of our wonderful yoga teachers, Joann! If you've ever taken one of her classes, you know she has an incredibly calming presence. She makes a room instantly feel relaxed the moment class begins. What you might not know is that she's also a lifelong live music fan, an avid learner, and has done some pretty cool things despite insisting she's "not a risk-taker."

Favorite class to teach: Vinyasa Flow on Sunday mornings

Favorite yoga pose: Warrior III - I love balancing poses

Most dreaded pose: Anything with a bind 😄

A perfect free Saturday: On my deck with a good book and an iced coffee

How did you first find yoga?

My kids were really involved in sports. My son played ice hockey, then my daughter started figure skating. I was in my early 30s, and I spent so much time sitting at the rink in Yonkers, drinking coffee with the other moms, and we were like look at us. I almost felt like I was loosing myself in being a mother. I just didn't feel good in my body anymore.

One of the other moms took me to a yoga class while my daughter was on the ice and I found it very challenging. I was like, 'This is so hard!' I actually stopped for a year or two.

Then a yoga studio called Bamboo Moves opened in my neighborhood. And I said, you know, I really need to find something that's just for me, because I'm not just a mom, I’m a person.

I walked into that studio and never looked back. It completely changed my life.

How has your relationship with movement changed over the years?

I'm much more mindful now. As my practice has deepened, I move with much more intention instead of just moving for the sake of moving.

I'm always learning. I'm constantly taking workshops, learning from mentors, watching teachers I admire, because I always want to become the best teacher I can be.

What do you love doing off the mat?

I love live music. Give me somewhere with a good band, a little bite to eat, a glass of wine... and if the music moves me, I'm dancing.

 What's something people might be surprised to learn about you?

I can't say that I play the guitar, because everyone knows I play the guitar. Everyone knows that I was a rock and roll girl back in the 80s… I'm not really a risk-taker... but I was so excited that a few years ago I ziplined across old Las Vegas. And it was amazing. I just couldn't believe it. A couple of my friends didn't want to do it, but I did it! So exhilarating!

What has yoga taught you outside the studio?

It's given me so much confidence and assertiveness. I feel like I present myself better - not just as a yoga teacher, but as a classroom teacher and really in all areas of my life. 

What advice would you give your younger self?

To not settle. To make sure you know what you really want, and make that your life.

💙

Studio Updates:

Mott Haven: DaJuan now on Monday mornings & back on Tuesday mornings!

Michelle now early Thursday mornings and Saturday mornings!

Sal now on Friday evenings! 

City Island: Jenn W now on Thursday evenings!

Run Club coming soon to City Island!!!

We're also finalizing our next Pilates Teacher Training, so if becoming an instructor has been rattling around your head, fill out our quick survey and help us pick the right dates. 

See ya on the mat!