Featured Graduate #yogastory: Olivia Middleton
Yoga Testimonial
Name: Olivia Middleton
Lives in: Dubai, UAE
Trained in: Bali, Indonesia in November 2014
Where do you teach/practice now:
I currently teach at three different studios in Dubai, and I have expanded my practice to include Vinyasa and Swing Yoga (Aerial yoga). I also take Crossfit, I find that each routine compliments the other, building up strength and allows me to become more in tune with my body. I’m basically all over Dubai, getting involved in an ever expanding yoga community over here.
What have you done since we (evolation) last spoke?
Since Training, I returned to the Middle East and spent a couple of months teaching private classes. I was then contacted by one of my teachers, as she was about to open a new studio, who wanted me to teach. I offered to help out where I could in the mean time, which led me to starting the social media for the studio.
Spending two months before the studio opened, building up Instagram & Facebook, as well as creating the website. It was amazing, because I was able to watch the studio in it’s final build and create an audience through social media.
It’s kind of mad to look back and think that a year ago I was sitting at home contacting studios just after returning from Bali, and now I’m managing the social media and marketing for Voyoga, Dubai, and teach Bikram yoga at three studios in total. I feel extremely lucky for the opportunities I have been given, and Evolation gave me the confidence to make it happen.
How was your first class after training?
It was outside at an organic food & craft market, a free community class, my husband was there, my best friend and one of my favourite yoga teachers, a few new students, and I was a bag of nerves. I had no idea what to expect, checking my watch and beginning the class, thinking ‘Oh man, I hope this works.’ But then it was over. In a flash. And suddenly Im guiding them back to their breath in the final savasana. All of those butterflies had disappeared. After scrutinising every second of the last 60 minutes, it suddenly dawned on my that I had taught a class. The scariest, happiest moment of my life.
Have you thought about going back to another Evolation training?
Every day! I am desperate to take a Vinyasa training, and even the HotTT, but currently I am looking at another hot training immersion, because I love the 26 + 2 series. It gave me the confidence to learn more about my postures, and I would love to learn more.
Where would a cool place to do yoga be?
Hawaii. Maybe because there is a training there with Evolation, or for some reason I really want to move there. For now, yoga on the beach in Dubai will have to do.