Marita Dortins

Marita Dortins
As a gymnast from a young age, I realised early on that I’m happiest upside-down – and when I found yoga, it was love at first Downward Dog. More than 13 years after that first class I still find joy within each practice.

I began teaching yoga in 2002 after apprenticing with my first teacher Bernie Peterson. Bernie’s teaching was heavily influenced by the Iyengar tradition – meaning meticulous attention to alignment, and a ferocious sense of discipline! A few years later, I discovered vinyasa yoga, and relished the freedom of flowing through movement and connecting with breath. I was first able to really turn my focus inward and appreciate asana practice as moving meditation.

I have continued to study yoga both in Australia and India, and my Level 2 accreditation with Yoga Australia reflects my 500+ hours of teacher training and extensive teaching experience. I have been fortunate enough to spend time on the mat with Shiva Rea, Judy Krupp, and John Ogilvy, among others.

When teaching, I aim to instil the peace and happiness that I experience through yoga within my students. By both challenging and nurturing, I teach people to stretch and strengthen their muscles, but also to breathe, to stand tall, and to live with compassion. I'm a firm believer that yoga has the power to transform lives, and it’s my hope that my teaching has an impact on people’s lives off the mat as well as on.