Today we’d like to introduce you to Danielle Hoguet.
So, before we jump into specific questions about what you do, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I grew up dancing competitively before getting very serious about ballet training in middle school. I desperately wanted to be a professional ballerina, but as you may imagine, the ballet world was not the most accepting or supportive environment to immerse oneself in. As a young, impressionable girl, I fell victim to the comparison game and developed an unhealthy body image, along with unhealthy eating habits. I truly believed that the harder I pushed my body, the better I would fit “the mold.” I was constantly fighting against my body and pushing its limits. Overuse injuries landed me in physical therapy and my inability to heal properly led to ankle surgeries. Fast forward past the devastation of giving up on childhood dreams, and I found myself in physical therapy school learning about the body and how to care for it from a medical standpoint. It was in college that I re-discovered yoga and started to realize that it was not just about fitness. Yoga had just as many mental, emotional and spiritual benefits, if not more. I had been seeking a practice to fill the void ballet had left, and yoga suited me beautifully. I could move and express my body in a more gentle and nurturing way. I finally came to realize that showing my body love was infinitely more healing than any Western medicine practice. Every girl, every woman, every human on this Earth deserves to come to this realization. That is what inspired me to teach yoga.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
No, it hasn’t been a smooth road, but it was the road I needed to take. If I hadn’t spent so many years punishing my body and fighting injuries, I would not have learned to appreciate its health as an adult. It took years and several moments of weakness, of course. Going to yoga teacher training was a huge, life-changing, stepping stone to a new path. That was an easy decision to make. Making the decision to work as a physical therapist only part-time, in order to teach more yoga, was a hard one. It felt a conflict between head and heart – what felt responsible, versus what fueled my soul. My current dream is to have my own wellness space and company, incorporating yoga and gratitude-based practices for body and mind healing. So, I guess you could stay I’m still on the road! The mantra I try to live by is “the obstacles in the path are the path.”
Please tell us about YogaBird Denver.
I work as a physical therapist at Blue Sky Physical Therapy in Cherry Creek, specializing in orthopedic conditions. I am fortunate to have the opportunity to offer private yoga and meditation to clients there. I also teach yoga at the University of Denver and Rooted Heart Yoga and Wellness in Capitol Hill. On my own, I offer private yoga and meditation. I do tend to use a postural and alignment-based approach to my teaching. People who have injuries and conditions that require an adapted yoga practice appreciate the expertise I can offer them. I love working one-on-one with students to dig deep and help them learn their body from the inside out. Nothing makes me more proud than when a client discovers something about him or herself and has that “light bulb” moment.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts or other resources that you’ve benefited from using?
Yes!
You Are A Badass by Jen Sincero is perfect for those “I’m lost” moments in life, or when I need to build up the courage to make a life-changing decision!
The Book of Joy by the Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu is the closest to finding the meaning of life that I have ever come across. What a sweet friendship between two phenomenal humans!
Heart Talk by Cleo Wade and I Am Her Tribe by Danielle Doby are both books of poems that speak to me (and often inspire my class planning).
Pricing:
- 60 Minute Private Yoga (1 person) for $50
- 60 Minute Private Meditation (1 person) for $50
- 75 Minute Private Yoga (1 person) for $65
- 60 Minute Small Group Yoga (2-5 people) at $20 per person
- 60 Minute Large Group Yoga (6+ people) $15 per person
Contact Info:
- Website: www.yogabirddenver.com
- Phone: 609-330-3660
- Email: yogabirddenver@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yogabirddenver/
Image Credit:
Mary-Louise Wang
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