“TaraMarie has developed a teaching and career that will have lasting impact on movement, dance, yoga and somatic practice… She has brought an original vision to create what she calls, Mind Body Dancer®. I have taken her yoga class many times. It is rigorous, erudite and beautiful. Dance, yoga and somatic work become three tributaries that flow into a single experience of mind, heart and body. As a ballet teacher, I admire and appreciate how clearly and skillfully she creates themes that develop through the class. It becomes a yoga and dance/movement experience. Considering the lineage of Mabel Todd, Lulu Sweigard, and Irene Dowd, it is easy to imagine that the originality and impact of her ideas will place her among that august company.” |
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| “Perri teaches mindful yogic practice as core and complement to all forms of movement. Her focus on ‘presence of mind’ in all physical action has been a revelation to our students. Other benefits of her class include increased strength, stamina, and improved alignment. Perri’s Mind Body Dancer® program has become an invaluable component of our curriculum. TaraMarie is an outstanding educator, mentor, and practitioner of yoga.” George de la Peña Chair, Department of Dance, University of Iowa |
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| “TaraMarie Perri has proved to be an outstanding teacher of the yoga tradition. Her class is thorough, intelligent, and sensitive. My student body is delighted with the information and format of her classes as well as her generous, kind manner in relaying the material.” Cherylyn Lavagnino Chair, Dance Department, New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts |
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| "All of the students who worked with TaraMarie responded to her work, manner and methods of teaching with great enthusiasm. A number of students who have worked with her have found the experience fundamental in introducing new areas of knowledge which have, in turn informed and guided their future research interests. All have expressed a strong desire to work with her again. TaraMarie is a highly skilled, innovative and independent practitioner who brings great commitment, vision and dexterity." Caoimhe McAvinchey Course Director, MA Theatre Education, Department of Drama Goldsmiths College, University of London |
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| "We specialize in working with scholar-artists who are making creative innovations in both their own artistic discipline and in the ways in which they engage and mentor arts students who are in the beginning of their careers. During her preparation, delivery and feedback to the students TaraMarie demonstrated her ability as an excellent teacher and innovative practitioner. She is a highly skilled, intelligent and articulate young woman who is making an original contribution to her field." Ali Campbell Senior Lecturer, Drama Department, Queen Mary University of London |
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Students“TaraMarie's Mind Body Dancer® classes are both information-packed and inspirational; an absolute necessity for any dancer. Her balance of athleticism, relaxation, and restoration within a single class provides remarkable perspective on one's own body and the world around them. I highly recommend TaraMarie's work.”Christopher Howard Trainee, Joffrey Ballet School |
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| “Each practice session is a journey. We move with unrushed awareness in each asana. I like the focus on breathing and on remaining calm and present…I am refreshed and energized after I practice and that is what keeps me coming back.” Sally Threlkeld Registered Nurse |
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| “Mind Body Dancer® classes work well for me because they are calm and pleasant, but always challenging. I like the way the teachers give options for the postures, accommodating my level of experience or just the way my body might feel on any particular day. I appreciate being encouraged to experiment, for example to try using a yoga block in a posture just to see how it changes my body’s alignment, or to attempt a difficult posture and see how far I can get.” Judy Schramm ESL Educator |
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| “In the ten months that I have been practicing Mind Body Dancer®, I have noticed a phenomenal transformation in both my yoga and my dance practices. From connecting breath to the movement, to injury prevention and management, this practice has taught me so much about how to use my body and unlock strengths of which I was previously unaware. I am extremely thankful for the individual care and support that TaraMarie gives to everyone. I look forward to seeing this technique become a part of every dancer’s practice.” Matthew Slattery Trainee Joffrey Ballet School |
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| “When I came to TaraMarie's class I was one of those dancer's who took technique classes and thought that was all I needed. Now looking back I can't believe I ever could think that. I am hypermobile. TaraMarie taught me how to stand on my legs and control my movement; it has been the biggest challenge. I have had so many breakthroughs about my technique in her classes. She has also helped me through numerous injuries, mentally and physically. Sometimes during a performance season things can get kind of crazy. During those times TaraMarie's classes really helped to center and focus me. Training with TaraMarie in her Mind Body Dancer® yoga classes for the past three years has had a major positive impact on both my dancing and me as a person.” Elisabeth Jeffrey Trainee, Joffrey Ballet School |
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| “I had stopped taking yoga because the classes were too challenging for me with my injuries. TaraMarie Perri and Alice Chapman invited me into their classes with this in mind. They were able to help me modify poses to benefit my specific needs. I have been able to continue enjoying yoga while injured, thanks to them.” Lauren Ashley Professional Dancer & Nanny |
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Teacher Training Graduates "TaraMarie put incredible care into planning all aspects of the training. Her constant support and generosity of spirit taught through example the qualities of a great yoga teacher. She anticipated the ebb and flow of contrasting emotions that come with learning to teach, and encouraged us to see how our yoga practice could help us find balanced confidence. She mindfully cultivated our personal strengths and supported our diverse interests to create unique and honest teachers."Alice Chapman BFA, Ailey/Fordham Teacher, Greater New York City |
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| “TaraMarie is unique in that her vast knowledge and well-rounded understanding of yoga, anatomy, and movement are all equally top-notch. She consistently demonstrates limitless compassion and generosity. TaraMarie is articulate, supportive, and fully attentive to each individual in the class. She brought in highly accomplished guest lecturers on a variety of subjects to supplement our training.” Elise Marafioti MFA, Tisch Dance Teacher, Greater New York City |
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| “The Mind Body Dancer® 200 Teacher Training has been my anchor this year, providing a wonderful environment for dancers like myself who have decided to dedicate themselves to the path of a yoga teacher. TaraMarie's insight to yoga as a life practice, business, creative art, and complement to a dancer’s lifestyle is amazing. As I continue to grow as a student-teacher under her guidance, I see a future with possibilities for combining both my art and my yoga practice.” Hunt Edward Parr BFA, Tisch Dance Teacher, Greater New York City |
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| "The Mind Body Dancer® 200 Teacher Training was intense but productive. I enjoyed every moment of it and truly love the discipline of the yoga practice. TaraMarie assisted and guided us throughout the training and we discovered our unique qualities as teachers. We were always encouraged to be ourselves and be genuine. Though the learning process of yoga is lifelong, TaraMarie and her special guest lecturers have opened my heart and given me a strong foundation to have confidence as a new yoga teacher." Selina Chau MFA, Tisch Dance Teacher, Greater New York City |
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| “In the uncertain world that follows a degree in dance, the knowledge, technical edge, and financial support that comes from a Mind Body Dancer® 200 certification is indispensible. Teaching TaraMarie’s curriculum every week has been a joy and a constant reminder of what makes all the difference in a performing arts career; commitment, focus, and compassion for oneself.” Liz Montgomery BFA, Tisch Dance Teacher, Greater New York City |
All photos, Copyright © 2012 by Sophie Kuller, all rights reserved.