The beginning of every new month is special: a new beginning, a change of season, an alteration in life’s momentum. As such, I would like to celebrate the beginning of every month with a feature on an individual whose work/hobby/passion is making Kingston a more interesting, exciting, WELL place to live.
I’m kicking off this monthly ritual with a bang! For the month of April I would like to introduce you to dallas delahunt, owner of studio 330 at 330 Princess Street, downtown Kingston.
dallas is a firecracker! Long, lean and heavily tattooed, she says what she feels (uncensored!) and means what she says. She is an amazing yoga teacher, a philanthropist and a grandmother….as if!
dallas’ classes are incredible. Her yoga appeals to all 5 senses: whether you are melting a piece of dark chocolate in your mouth during meditation, listening to an inspired reading or getting an end-of-class massage, this yoga is about more than physicality, it is a mental challenge and an emotional experience. She creates a safe-space, where students are encouraged to take chances and try new things.
dallas completed her teacher training in 2005. Her training includes: Partner Yoga with David Robson, Street yoga with Mark Lilly (an organization that brings yoga to homeless youth and youth at risk), and restorative yoga with Hali Schwartz in Toronto.
I thought it would be nice to hear more about the studio, and current fundraising project, from the lovely lady herself:
Jill: How did become involved in the yoga world?
dallas: I took my first yoga class in 1998 at “the downtown workout”…..then began practicing ashtanga yoga at Path in 2001. I loved the physicality of the practice….long, lean muscles never hurt anyone! My yoga journey continued to unfold and now I have been sharing it with the community for almost five years!
Jill: Tell us about the yoga studio: the style, the space, the experience
dallas: studio 330 is first and foremost a space designed for community to come together and share in. We teach with the understanding that yoga is for everyone and every body. We offer power style classes, restorative classes (the peoples favorite), and our signature “simply yoga” class where we ask the students for their requests and then we bring it to them in the form of yoga. We’re not here to teach the students anything, we are here to remind them of what they already know to be true in themselves….we all need reminders!
Students enjoy the warmth of the hardwood floors, rich colors, and candles galore. We have a couple of change rooms, shower facilities, and every imaginable amenity for their comfort.
Jill: What is your personal health/wellness philosophy?
dallas:Practicing yoga and taking care of my ticker with a little cardio. I am an ethical vegetarian progressing towards veganism! Whole grains, lots of veggies, fruit, a little vino and some great chocolate go a long way!
Jill: Tell us about the SEVA challenge:
dallas: The SEVA challenge South Africa is a year-long community-based fundraising initiative in support of grassroots organizations in South Africa, helping to build health and educational programs for children affected by HIV/AIDS.
This winter I, with the support of studio 330, embarked on the "Off the Mat" SEVA Global Challenge and set a goal of raising 20,000$ by the end of the year. Money raised at studio 330 will go directly to benefit children affected by HIV/AIDS in Capetown, South Africa, building a bakery and a half-way house. If I raise the $20,000, I will be travelling to South Africa in February 2011 to see where the money goes, participate in maintenance/cleaning projects and interactive activities with the children. For more info, click the links above or go to the studio 330 website.
Jill: If you were stranded on a desert island, what 5 items could you not live without?
dallas: lip gloss, lotion, some favorite black clothing, a smooth black uniball pen, and my journal and the world is mine!
For the class schedule and studio information CLICK HERE.
I've been going to studio 330 for just over a year now. and lately I've been able to go upwards of 5 times a week, which my body/mind/soul loves. all the teachers who've guided classes I've attended have been wonderful, and dallas is especially gifted. my body relaxes/releases/lengthens gratefully when she lays her hands on for an assist, or even with a spoken adjustment.
ReplyDeleteyay for yoga.
yay for dallas.
yay for studio 330, which has been such a haven for me these past months.
thank you to all in the community.
and thank you Jillian for featuring "us".
well said, surya. congrats studio 330! -tiffany
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