Julianne’s Journey: From Dance to Yoga
I was born and raised in Naugatuck, Connecticut, with a passion for dance that led me to major in Dance at Skidmore College. During my college years I was blessed to get to study liberal arts, dance and theater in Vienna, London and Lublin, Poland. After college, I joined my brother in New York City, where I explored various avenues, from working (in the offices) at Radio City Music Hall to attending circus school and auditioning for various dance and theater jobs. However, the intensity of life in New York began to wear me out, and I realized this wasn’t my true calling. Seeking a new direction, I ventured west to Colorado Springs and then to the San Francisco Bay Area, drawn by its spirit of innovation and promise of new beginnings.
In the Bay Area, three organizations caught my eye: The Center for Spiritual Enlightenment (CSE), the Recreation Center for the Handicapped, and the Body and Soul Dance Company. I quickly became an integral part of CSE, where my spiritual journey took a significant turn. It was here that I discovered yoga, initially stepping in to substitute a yoga class for Ellen Grace O’Brian. This experience sparked something in me – it was the beginning of a profound love for the philosophy and physicality of hatha yoga.
Initial Inspiration—Kriya Yoga
At CSE my spiritual journey deepened under the guidance of Yogacharya Ellen Grace O’Brian. She introduced me to Kriya Yoga, a path of yoga philosophy and lifestyle as taught by Paramahansa Yogananda, the author of Autobiography of a Yogi. I became dedicated to this path, which emphasized spiritual awakening and self-realization. While Kriya Yoga became the foundation of my spiritual practice, I was also eager to deepen my understanding of the physical aspects of yoga. So my adventure continued!
Yoga Teaching
At that time in the mid 80s, yoga was not as widely popular and there were very few formal teacher training programs available. Despite that, I pressed on, studying extensively in various styles of hatha yoga, including Iyengar, Integral, Sivananda, and Ashtanga Yoga from both Baba Hari Das and Pattabhi Jois. I also explored Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy. These influences have helped to shape my unique teaching style. I was grateful that due to my many years of training and dedication, I was eventually “grandfathered” into certification after an enormous amount of documentation on my part. My commitment and comprehensive understanding of the practice was then recognized and certified by the International Association of Yoga Therapists.
Experience and Training
As time passed, my involvement in CSE grew and deepened. I was the manager of their hatha yoga program for nearly 25 years and enjoyed serving on their Board of Directors for a time. With utmost gratitude, I stay connected today, both as a life long student and as a guest teacher. As well as CSE, I was fortunate to teach at some amazing places like Oracle, Stanford Research International (SRI), Stanford University, Yoga is Youthfulness, American Musical Theater, and Blossom Birth Center in Palo Alto, among others.
Online Expansion
When the pandemic hit, I pivoted to online teaching, transforming my living room into a video studio. This shift allowed me to reach a broader audience, offering daily online classes and one-on-one sessions from my home studio. I also continued to facilitate in-person yoga retreats, fostering a sense of community and connection even amidst challenging times.
Yoga Therapy
As a certified yoga therapist (C-IAYT) through the International Association of Yoga Therapy, I specialize in yoga therapy, a practice distinct from typical group yoga classes. Yoga therapy focuses on one-on-one sessions, addressing the overall healing and transformation of individuals, often targeting specific areas of need. This personalized approach allows me to work on the root causes of issues, using a holistic method that encompasses the body, mind, and spirit.
My passion for yoga extends to retreats, which I have been facilitating in the Santa Cruz mountains at the Land of Medicine Buddha, the Sequoia Retreat Center, and the Quaker Retreat Center. I’ve also been privileged to serve as a yoga instructor at Judy Stakee Singer/Songwriter Retreats. These retreats offer a unique opportunity to deepen practice, connect with others, and rejuvenate in nature’s embrace.
Yoga ‘n Play and Community Building
In addition to my general yoga practice, I developed a specialized program called Yoga ‘n Play, aimed at prenatal and postpartum moms. This program blends the heart, philosophy, and practice of yoga with a system of interactive improvisation, called InterPlay. It includes playful interactions between parents and their new babies as well as yoga based exercises, creating a joyful and nurturing environment. I also conducted Yoga ‘n Play teacher training, sharing this approach with a new generation of teachers.
My approach to yoga is holistic, addressing the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being of my students. I strive to create classes that nourish, challenge, and support personal growth. As a lifelong learner and seeker, I continue to research, practice, and innovate, always looking for ways to enhance my teaching and better serve my community.
I hope our paths cross soon, and I get the opportunity to explore your transformative journey with you.
Julianne Rice, C-IAYT
Certified Yoga Therapist and Instructor, Dance Educator, Retreat Facilitator, Inspirational Leader