Elena Theodorou
Elena’s roots stem from an extensive dance background of various dance styles. She found her first love for movement & performing over 15 years ago. In 2009, Elena was in a near fatal car accident as a passenger. Using acupuncture, physical therapy & massage therapy to heal – someone had recommended yoga. In 2009 her yoga journey began. Finding a place of comfort & sense of home on her mat, yoga allowed her to be vulnerable and remain present in the moment. Yoga helped the recovery process of the physical, mental & emotional trauma that came from the accident. From 2009 and onward, yoga made a huge impact on her life, regardless of any distractions and challenges she faced. It was an on and off commitment, but she always found her way back. She knew from the very moment she took her first class at Flex Hot Yoga that she found her purpose, or dharma. Struggling with anxiety throughout the years, yoga saved her life – keeping her healthy, focused and out of harm’s way. The constant pressure of the high strung energy living in New York often interfered with sense of true self. You see, it was never about competing – although she loves the dance world. She knew there was a deeper purpose for her being, an intense desire – much more than the physical, beyond putting on a show or winning a competition. There was an extensive and immense urge to be free, to have an open mind and heart, to find peace within, to heal the wounds, to build confidence in being herself – and her yoga mat was the only place she truly felt that.
In November of 2017, she decided to do some major inner-self growth & healing, and travelled to Thailand alone, to ignite this on-going urge to explore and make a lifelong commitment to Yoga, fully knowing she wants to teach & share her passion. Completing her 200 hour Hatha intensive teacher training abroad with Tania Winstanley (owner of the Yoga Mat) & Ram Vakkalanka through the Spiritual Yoga school (based in London, affiliated Yoga Alliance) – it became official. In that very moment, all the questions, self doubt & uncertainty all these years were uncovered and serve purpose. She doesn’t just go with the flow anymore, she is creating her flow; becoming her truest self, acknowledging that everything is exactly as it should be. The timing is Divine. She shares her love of yoga with those who desire a deeper sense of self aligning the heart and mind through physical movement, breathing exercises & meditation. No judgment, no expectations. She encourages & welcomes students of all levels in her classes. Yoga comes in all shapes, sizes & personalities. She is dedicated to teaching from the heart and creating a safe & comfortable space for students to explore the space between effort, ease and creativity. Fun fact, Elena is training in circus arts for 2 years at MaryannsAerials!