ELANA CYDNEY DUSSÉ

Retreat Facilitator

Yoga Teacher

In over seventeen years and 6000-plus hours of teaching, I have cultivated a teaching style that is alignment-based, and logically thought out in terms of sequencing and structure yet fluid, graceful, and spacious - interweaving verbal instruction with periods of quiet and reflection.

I see the value of practicing yoga on a broad spectrum - from the breathwork of pranayama to the engaging, strengthening, heating aspects of Vinyasa yoga to the calming, releasing, rejuvenation aspects of Yin and Restorative Yoga. I teach along this full spectrum and believe the goal of yoga is to be embodied, no matter what style of yoga you are doing.  I have a special place in my heart for sharing yoga with an aging population and making sure they practice safely and with embodied wisdom.

Yoga Background

Among other influences,  a firm background in Iyengar precision and alignment,  and the heart-based practice of Baba Hari-Dass at Mount Madonna have inspired me to be a very present, compassionate, dynamic, technique-oriented instructor. 

I have been a student of Hatha Yoga for over twenty-seven years. Most of my training has been in the tradition of B.K.S. Iyengar but I have also had experience with a broad range of other styles (Ashtanga, Anusara, Vinyasa Flow, Maya yoga, Bikram, etc.).

I spent two years in India between 1998-2001; Most of that time was spent in yoga intensive courses and yoga  practice (as well as studying massage).  I did three, month-long intensives with senior teachers of the Iyengar tradition.

I also spent two months at the Iyengar Institute in Pune, after being on a waiting list for three years in order to study there.  I had an intensive course of study (4-6 hours a day) with all three Iyengars: B.K.S. himself, his daughter Gheeta, and his son Prashant.

I have done trainings and workshops with various teachers over the years, amongst them Judith Lasater, Eddie and Nicki Doane, Christina Sell and Noah Mazé.

I owe a debt of gratitude to all of the teachers who have graced me with their knowledge, wit, and warmth.

Massage Therapist

I have over 600 hours of training in various modalities including Hawaiian Lomi Lomi, Shiatsu, Swedish/Esalen and Deep Tissue.  I have been working professionally as a massage therapist since 2000 in various scopes of practice - Chiropractice offices, spas, wellness centers, and health clubs.  My style is firm yet fluid, nurturing and intuitive contrasted with deeper focused work.  My experience as a yoga instructor has brought a better understanding of people's personal body dynamics and holding patterns.

Surfer & Adventurer

My thirst for experience has led me to many adventures in international travel - I spent many years globetrotting - studying yoga in India, trekking in Nepal, teaching scuba diving in Thailand and Mexico, surfing, diving, and hiking in over 15 countries.

I try to spend as much time near, in, or by the ocean as possible. I am an avid surfer and feel like Yoga has been a big part of my skill and strength building in terms of surfing. 

Music

I LOVE music! From chanting sanskrit 'mantra' (traditional prayers for spiritual practice) to playing guitar and singing original songs and well-loved classics, music is a huge part of what brings me joy.

Nutrition

Eating a healthy, balanced, plant-based diet will increase your energy levels, your resilience to dis-ease, and give you a greater sense of vitality.  

Medical Cannabis

Medical cannabis is helping millions of people with pain management, anxiety reduction, sleep disorders, cancer, seizure disorders, Parkinsons, ADHD, etc., but how do you know which product is best for you and how to find it? I can help you…