About me
Hi, my name is Ema (they/she)
I’ve been teaching yoga since 2018, but I’ve had various jobs over the years, from English teacher to TV producer, to doing charity comms and filmmaking.
I got seriously into physical yoga in 2013 when I met my teacher Oleg Gladkikh in St Petersburg, Russia, although I began a meditation practice as a kid when I discovered some of my mum’s ‘weird books’, and found a window into insight and new ways of being and thinking.
Yoga, and in particular the philosophy of yoga, have been a huge support to me in navigating life’s challenges, mental health struggles, and the support and perspective I gain from the philosophy gives me guidance, courage, and insight - the tools to cultivate self-acceptance and joy, while working towards a more just and compassionate world.
I’ve always had an art practice, which has taken different forms - writing, visual art, design, filmmaking. My yoga classes and events are currently the medium I work in. The tools are movement, philosophy, concept, poetry, and physical, emotional and spiritual presence. While my classes will make bring you loads of physical benefits, my aim is always to open a door to a new way of seeing, of feeling, of being. Through the body we open the mind.
About my teaching
I teach vinyasa yoga, yin, hatha yoga, meditation, and yoga philosophy.
In my classes you’ll gain strength, empowerment, new perspectives on mind and body, and most of all you’ll feel something.
My different classes are aimed at various levels and have higher or lower-energy vibes, however in every class I teach I offer different options for each individual, and there is never any pressure to perform or conform. You do you.
The atmosphere in my classes is warm, playful and encouraging. We’ll explore technical detail of the postures, enjoy creative sequencing to keep your body and mind on their toes, and explore your inner landscape through meditation and philosophy as it plays out in our bodies and our lives.
My teaching practice is grounded in the philosophical traditions of yoga, using the ancient texts to reveal the deeply human patterns of relationship - with ourselves, with each other, and the structures we meet in life, work, and society. I am particularly interested in how a deep connection with our innate capacity for compassion and presence can help to deconstruct systemic injustice to allow each human to thrive both individually and in community.
Student Feedback
“Ema will help you fall in love with yoga again, with what your body is capable of and with your daily practice.” — Lizzy
“Ema’s classes are always so intelligently taught I always feel like I’m in the safest hands” — Amy
“I can’t recommend Ema enough as a teacher - she is so knowledgeable, friendly and informative whether you’re a beginner or more advanced in your practice. Her attention to detail and holistic approach has transformed my yoga journey and I love her classes so much. Plus she creates amazing playlists for her classes, too!” — Cecilia
“Ema is one of the most inspirational yoga teachers I’ve had in a long time. She has a streaming passion for what she’s doing and spiritually that creates magic in the room.” — Darinka
“I attended Ema’s philosophy club regularly last year and loved every session. Ema is an excellent speaker so I’m always hooked from start to finish . She is skilled in making yoga philosophy easy to understand and relevant to modern living. I always leave the sessions feeling lighter and as though I can take on the world” — Carol
“Ema's teaching skills are of the highest excellence. Ema is engaging, personable, supportive, motivating, rigorous, knows exactly when a wee joke is needed, and has an excellent sense of humour!” — Adam
“We explore our physical form - the ‘field of action’ where our lives play out - to create harmony and health, and through the shapes we make, find freedom and new ways of inhabiting the world.”
Qualifications
I have a bunch of certificates (below) but alongside this, since 2015 I have been engaged in ongoing study of yoga philosophy with Yogic Studies, Embodied Philosophy, Swamini Pramananda (Purna Vidya Foundation), and James Boag.
200+hr certificate in Hatha Raja Yoga with Classical Yoga School; 2017-2018
50hr training in Yin Yoga with Gemma Maryan; 2020
20hr training in Yoga for Kids with Yoga & Kids; 2019
20hr training in Yoga Anatomy with Yoga Medicine; 2020
20hr training in Mindful, Trauma-Informed Yoga with Yoga Medicine; 2021
Certificate in Foundations of Mindfulness Meditation with Yoga Campus and Michael Stone; 2020
Introduction to Sanskrit course with Oxford Centre of Hindu Studies - First Class; 2021