ABOUT ME

I took a beginning yoga series at a studio in Brooklyn in 1997 that changed my life forever. The asana, pranayama, and chanting in each class affirmed and integrated two driving forces pulsing within the core of my being: a love of movement and embodied self-expression, and a deep interest in spiritual development and the study of religious traditions that are both ancient and modern. I will never forget the subway ride home from that first class. I felt myself expand and light up with possibility, as if a doorway within me had been opened. Today, after almost three decades of practice, study, and teaching, my belief in embodiment as a sacred gift, my deep appreciation of yoga philosophy and joy in sharing Vedic stories, my love of people and passion for cultivating beloved community, all spill out into my classes.  As a dancer turned yogini, I also have a passion for the healing power of clear, grounded alignment cues, which help us remain strong, connected, and healthy in body-mind-spirit. Forever a student on this life-giving, unfolding path, I am incredibly fortunate to have so many wonderful teachers, most notably the students who come together in this great community of practice; also, Suzie Hurley, my beloved teacher and mentor for many years; and Anjali Sunita, beloved teacher, colleague, and friend who founded Baltimore Yoga Village, my yoga home for many treasured years.

Vivian offers Hatha Yoga classes infused with yoga philosophy, pranayama, and therapeutic alignment cues. Careful attention to sound bio-mechanical principles and progressive sequencing supports a safe and enjoyable class for every body. Open Circle Yoga was born when we emerged from sheltering in place during the COVID-19 Pandemic and longtime Kula (“community of the heart”) member, Fredye Gross, invited Vivian to teach in the parish hall at St. David’s Episcopal Church. Vivian is grateful to St. David’s for “housing” our warm, welcoming, inclusive, open circle of practice and community. She is also very grateful for her awesome colleagues and co-teachers Jessica Klaitman and Laura Sicari!