Two years ago Annie Clark opened the doors of her Hello Yoga studio and brought yoga to Wilton Town Center. And on Sunday Sept. 8, Clark is inviting the community to join her at Green Leaf Organic Bakery & Cafe at 5 p.m for music, food, a chance to give back, and of course, some yoga.
“I am really proud of, and touched by, the response I have had to my studio in the two years I have been in the community. And, I want to celebrate that.” said Clark. “Wilton has such strong community spirit, and the elements of this party are proof. Hello Yoga, Green Leaf, College Creamery, local musicians, and Lyla’s Fund are all local. I see the party as a perfect opportunity for residents to come out, relax, mingle, and support the businesses and causes that make Wilton so special.” [For more on the event details, keep reading…]
The community spirit that Clark wants to celebrate, also defines Hello Yoga. Conveniently located across the street from the Wilton Library, Clark is committed to delivering a schedule that takes into consideration parents who are juggling school buses or camp drop-offs, as well as working yogis who gravitate towards evening classes. And, in remaining true to the studio’s mission – bringing yoga to the community – Hello Yoga offerings include classes designed for all levels (beginner to advanced), children, athletes, and those who think wrist/shoulder injuries prevent them from participating. There truly is something for everyone.
Hello Yoga’s “101 Series” for example, was just the thing for Ilisa Nussbaum. A friend brought Nussbaum to her very first yoga class, and she was hooked. “Completing the 101 series gave me the confidence to develop a regular yoga practice and to try other classes,” explained Nussbaum. She added that even though there are other yoga studios closer to her house, she maintains her practice at Hello Yoga because of the friendly and down-to-earth vibe of the studio and teachers.
“Today, I go to power classes as well as core classes. I have also taken the Deep Stretch class and have brought my son – a 15-year old hockey player, who’s tight. He too is hooked. He appreciates the benefits yoga brings to his sport, and I have appreciated showing him his mother can be athletic,” Nussbaum chuckled.
The hands-free classes and the accommodations Hello Yoga instructors are quick to offer students as alternatives to poses are what brought Michelle Bradley back to Hello Yoga week after week. “I had practiced yoga 16 years ago, but I thought those days were over after an accident left me with a titanium plate and six screws in my right wrist,” said Bradley.
“I met Annie through a mutual friend and she mentioned that she had developed a yoga class that was gentle on wrists and shoulders for people like me. I admit, I was skeptical; but curiosity got the better of me and I took a class. I loved it. I now go regularly and have actually been able to try almost all of the other classes offered, because all of the instructors are so knowledgeable and can easily suggest modifications to poses according to students’ needs. I keep coming back because of the friendly atmosphere, the straight-forward instruction and the fact that I feel better and more connected when I return to my busy life.”
Hello Yoga instills Wilton spirit, inside and out
This nurturing and supportive environment reflects Wilton. As many readers know, earlier this year, five year-old Lyla Theoharides was diagnosed with Stage 4 neuroblastoma. The community has rallied around the Theoharides family and has united to raise more than $100,000 for pediatric cancer research through various fundraisers, that have included bake sales, movie nights, and haircuts, and silent auctions. It was a no-brainer for Clark to choose Lyla’s Fund as the beneficiary of proceeds from the party. Lyla and her team capture the very essence of the spirit of individual strength and community in action that Hello Yoga wants to celebrate.
In honor of Lyla, Clark is encouraging all of us to celebrate our inner child at the anniversary party; the yoga offered that day is a hula hoop yoga class for the family and led by Clark’s sister-in-law, Heather Heisler. Deb Owens from Redding will be on hand with handmade hula hoops for sale that make even the novice hooper look like a pro.
So, grab a hoop, have some fun, and celebrate Wilton’s tight-knit community on September 8 at Green Leaf Organic, starting at 5:00 PM. Space in the class is limited; advance registration at the Hello Yoga website to secure a spot is strongly encouraged.
