Get to know our wonderful instructors
Dana Christy
Dana Christy, a Chicago native, has been practicing movement since age 3. She believes that movement is a powerful catalyst for transformation, discovery, and healing. Her goal as a teacher is to facilitate a physical practice that students find both accessible and challenging. This balance between effort and ease promotes intrinsic motivation and maximizes long-term growth. Dana studied gymnastics with Irina Kudina and won the Illinois State Champion title in 2001. From 2003-2013 she trained in ballet, hip-hop, modern dance and choreography. She attended Vassar College where she wrote her senior thesis on Dance Therapy, exploring the connection between embodiment and healing. She discovered yoga in 2009 and went on to earn her teaching certification at yogaview in 2011. In 2013 Dana began studying praying mantis kung fu at Chinese Martial Arts under Sifu Yamel Torres. She incorporates elements of these diverse practices into her yoga classes, creating a playful, inclusive approach to the mind/body relationship. In addition to teaching yoga for adults, Dana is a full-time movement instructor for students age 3-14 at Near North Montessori School.