. Lydia's journey with yoga started when she was 14 years old as a way to avoid a back brace for scoliosis. She began a daily practice and was cured from scoliosis with in a month! Always drawn to metaphysics, Lydia began to explore the spiritual aspects of yoga in her twenties and has continued to live a yogic lifestyle ever since. Lydia received both her certification for Dance Yoga and 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training from Kim Valeri of Yoga Spirit® Studios and is grateful to her guru, Kim, for all of her love, support and guidance.
As an active feminist with a B.S. degree in Community Health Educaton from WCSU, Lydia is also educated in human physiology and has a deep understanding of the body. She continues to volunteer her time and talent to help abused women and believes that women are nourished and supported by dance, yoga, and the feminine spirit.
Also an award-winning professional belly dancer based in New Haven, Lydia won 1st place in the Boston Diva Belly Dance competition in 2008. Last October, Lydia took part in the piece "The Invocation" featured in both the Venus Uprising Production of "Metamorphosis" and at Rakkasah, the world's largest belly dance festival. Lydia has been a principal dancer in numerous dance productions throughout CT, has been featured on TV and is currently working on belly dance projects with world renowned belly dancer Blanca from NYC. Lydia also performs with the Pharonic Dance Troupe, Cult of Isis, under the Direction of legendary belly dance artist Ayshe in New York City and is the principle dancer in the Polynesian Dance troupe Kahana Hula under the direction of Tiare Kahana. Her website is www.bellydancelydia.com.
Belly Dancing
Belly Dance is a form of dance that many are familiar with, but few understand its many health benefits.
The graceful hip drops, rolls, and pivots of this dance form use muscle groups in the abdomen, pelvis, trunk, spine, and neck, toning these muscles and maintaining flexibility in a safe and effective manner. Belly dance helps relieve stress to the back, counteracting the compression of the disks that occurs from our often sedentary lifestyle.
As a weight-bearing yet low-impact activity, Belly Dance helps to prevent osteoporosis and strengthen bone. Digestion is improved and the overall muscle toning leads to an enhanced self-image as the dancer becomes more balanced and poised.
Plus, it’s fun!
Your Community Yoga Center at 39 Putnam Ave., Hamden, Ct 06517 located in the greater New Haven area, servicing Branford, Cheshire, East Haven, Hamden, Meriden, Milford, New Haven, Northford, North Branford, North Haven, Orange, Wallingford, West Haven, and Woodbridge. Offering yoga for Beginners, All-levels yoga, Gentle/Restorative Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga, Chair Yoga, Kundalini Yoga, Yoga for Teens, Yoga for Tweens, Vinyasa Yoga, Pre-Natal Yoga, Senior/Gentle Yoga, T'ai Chi/Qiqong, Anusara Inspired Yoga, Belly Dance, Hatha-Tantra Yoga, Yoga for Weight Loss, Tantra Meditation, Buddhist Meditation, Ayurveda and free yoga classes for the community. Our bookstore carries books on yoga, meditation, and ayurveda as well as cds, yoga mats, blocks, props and jewelry. Formerly The Connecticut Yoga Center.
