Maria Dowson
​
Namaste Yoga Friends
​
I'm Maria, thanks for taking the time to check in & see if Yoga Teesside classes might be what you are looking for.
I completed my Yoga Alliance Teacher Training course in 2011 in India led by Heather Elton (asana, adjustments, self enquiry,ethics, yoga business) and guest teachers Emil Wendel (Pranayama, Meditation, yoga philosophy and history) and Stuart Girling (Anatomy and physiology). Before that in 2010 I spent three months in France studying the Dynamic Yoga training method with Godfri Devereux. Being a total lover of sun it was only natural that I went on to study the Sun Power Yoga method with Anne-Marie Newland when back in the Uk living in Leicester. Anne - Marie helped me learn the real art of sharing Yoga teachings.
​
I've continued to explore & grow both as a student and teacher through commited daily practice & further study on exceptional trainings with inspirational teachers Joey Miles, Melanie Cooper, David Keil, Stuart Girling, Norman Blair, Anna Ashby, Dina Cohen, David Garrigues, Uma Dinsmore Tuli & more recently Harmony Slater.
​
My Yoga offerings include Ashtanga led & Mysore style classes, Vinyasa flow, Sun Power Vinyasa, Restorative Yoga & Nidra. I'm a level 1 & 2 Ayurvedic Yoga Massage therapist after spending some time learning with Despina from AYM who is amazing. I feel blessed to be able to continue my Ashtanga Yoga study under the expert, wise & exceptional guidance of Joey Miles & continue to retreat with him & Rachel each year, My little sanctuary.
​
My teaching style is warm, welcoming, kind & fun. I'm pretty good at meeting people where they are at, beginner, experienced or Yoga teacher. My classes are deeply inspired by nature, life & love! (when I'm not teaching you'll find me in the Cleveland Hills or at the beach).
​
The emphasis is on encouraging you to listen in, to find a deeper connection with your breath, your heart, your true nature. I'm happy to offer variations, gentle guiding hands on assists or whatever helps you leave class with a lighter body, a clearer mind and a warmer heart!
​
​Wherever you might be in the world, in the middle of a crazy city or on a desert island, practising yoga helps you enjoy life to the full! Feeling well & good in your body & mind. My experience that yoga gets you through the hard times and makes the good times feel even better and brighter motivates me to teach and support yoga practice in Teesside. Seeing people get comfortable in their own skin, become more open & able to enjoy life is a beautiful thing!
​
Right now I'm focusing my attention & energy on creating a beautiful space to host transformative Retreats & Trainings on the Yorkshire coast from Spring 25!
​
​
​
I
I’m certified, insured and accredited by:
Senior Yoga teacher Yoga Alliance Professionals
1000 + contact hours in the Dynamic Yoga training method with Godfri Devereux and Olivia Crooks
200+ hours Yoga Alliance Ashtanga yoga Teacher training with Heather Elton, Emil Wendel & Stuart Girling
200+ hours Yoga Alliance Sun Power Yoga Teacher Training with Anne - Marie Newland
​
100+ Hours Immersion hands on assists, alignment & supporting transformational practice with Joey Miles
​​
REP’s Level 3 Register of Exercise Professionals
​
​