Teachers
Wendy Dahl, Director BSY, ERYT
I stepped onto the mat for the first time in 1994 to enhance my dance training by cultivating balance, strength, and flexibility. I soon realized that Yoga is the way to transform each moment of our lives into an auspicious journey. The practice inspired so much benevolence in my heart that I dedicated myself and my life to a disciplined practice several years later.
I am deeply grateful to the many teachers who have shared their light and support as my unique style of Vinyasa Flow Yoga continually evolves and grows. My teachings reflect the philosophies of Krishnamacharya, the alignment principles and self-affirming celebrations of Anusara Yoga, the spirit and power of moving with the breath, connecting on a deeper level to one's self by embracing community, and dedication to refining and modifying the experience on the mat through therapeutic compassion for each student’s personal journey. I combine my training and experience of yoga therapeutics, AcroYoga, thai body work, and vinyasa flow so that each student will be compassionately supported and empowered to have a full experience!
I am committed to Yoga as a force for positive change. Having studied Earth, Marine, and Environmental Science for many years and working towards a Masters degree in Education, I blend Yoga and ecological awareness as a way to deepen the ultimate meaning of Yoga as union. By treating all beings, as well as nature, with compassion and respect through honoring and encouraging sustainable practices for our bodies and our environment, one can experience true healing. My fluid, energetic, playful, compassionate, and self-affirming teaching style reminds us that we do not need to look elsewhere to experience the joy, peace, harmony, and bliss that resides within. Om shanti.
Education:
- Bachelors of Science in Earth Science, University of California, Santa Cruz
- Certified Teacher, Grades 6-12, Earth and Environmental Science
- Masters of Education, DePaul University, Chicago (in progress)
- Green Yoga Association
- Indigo Yoga for Children of All Ages
- 200 hour certification with the Yoga Alliance (RYT)
- Experienced Yoga Instructor certification with the Yoga Alliance (ERYT)
- Blue Sun Yoga Teacher Training Program (RYS)
- AcroYoga Instructor
- Thai Massage Practitioner
Bette Plass, RYT
Practicing yoga for over 30 years has helped me cope with stiff muscles and pain and improved my posture while walking. When I was one year old, polio weakened my legs and made walking normally a constant challenge. Yoga helped me lead a very exciting and rewarding life including careers as a social worker dealing with street gangs, a lawyer with the Cook County State’s Attorney Office, an outdoor adventure educator leading groups through adventure courses (including high and low rope activities and rock climbing), a business owner and a personal coach. I was also an adjunct professor teaching leadership skills.
As I have aged, I have faced additional physical challenges and have decided my goal in life is to age with grace and dignity and just in case that fails (and I know it will) rely on a good sense of humor. In 2007 I became a yoga teacher after completing a teacher training course specializing in Vinyasa Flow and studying Anusara alignment principles. I specialize in teaching restorative, gentle, chair and basics yoga. Yoga taught me that our bodies are capable of healing through gentle movement.
I add Vinyasa flow movements to all of these classes believing that our bodies are made for movement with ease. My goal in each class is to be encouraging, nurturing and yet challenge my students to become healthier and stronger. I encourage my students to listen and focus on what their bodies needs today, to strive to become a compassionate yet determined caregiver of their own body. I offer a variety of relaxation techniques to assist my students to focus on their breath, just exist in the moment and get in touch with all that is beautiful inside them, their glorious spirit. I look forward to sharing what I have learned and exploring the benefits of yoga with my students while instilling a sense of fun and joy into our yoga practice.
I also enjoy gardening, creating stained glass works of art (in my mind at least), swimming, reading and learning in any way I can about the care of the amazing human body. My most joyous time is when I am with my grandchildren. They teach me that wonderful ability to look at life through a child’s eyes – seeing the world as a place of wonderment and beauty. Enjoying the small precious moments of a day. I look forward to sharing this outlook with my students and appreciate all the different things I have learned from my student’s yoga practice. I hope to see you in yoga class. Namaste, Bette
Blue Sun Yoga Teachers and Teacher Training Graduates
Teachers of BSY are skilled in a variety of yoga, massage and theraputic practices. Contact us to be matched with an instructor that is in your area, can meet your current needs and support you on your journey!
All graduates are graciously open to sharing their training experience with potential trainees so that you can get a better idea of our beautiful community and practices. Please contact please email wendy@bluesunyoga.com for their information.