About Amy Hamilton
Amy Hamilton teaches…
yoga at her tranquil, home studio in West Orange, NJ. With a nurturing, yet challenging approach, her clear demonstrations and concise instruction inspire her students to find alignment in their bodies and steadiness in their minds. Amy has shared her love of yoga with students of all ages from young children to seniors, and at all levels. She firmly believes that yoga is for everyone regardless of age or fitness level and is continually excited and impressed by her student’s discoveries. Her classes vary from vigorous to restorative depending on the needs of her students. In addition to teaching at her own studio in West Orange, she also gives classes and workshops at other locations such as Madison and Maplewood. See the Class Schedule for a complete listing.
Amy began…
practicing yoga in the early 90’s when her long-time friend Peentz Dubble brought her to an Iyengar Yoga class. This wonderful method of yoga practice was exactly what Amy had been looking for. She credits Theresa Rowland (www.studioyoga.info) and Peentz Dubble (www.peentz.com) as her primary teachers and continues to study in intensive workshops with Master Teachers such as Gabriella Giubilaro, Lois Steinberg, Kofi Busia, Patricia Walden, and Joan White. She is a graduate of Theresa Rowland’s extensive Iyengar teacher training program and is a Registered Yoga Teacher with Yoga Alliance at the 500 hour level. Amy is also a certified teacher with the Iyengar Yoga National Association of the United States (www.iynaus.org).
Further back…
Amy began training as a dancer from an early age where her lifelong love of movement began. She graduated with a B.A. degree in Dance from Brockport State University and with a M.A. degree in Dance Education from New York University. Throughout her college career and thereafter, Amy performed with dance companies, as well as taught dance within the college setting. With her love of various dance forms she also became enamored with competition ballroom dancing, and with her partner she quickly rose to the top in the International Ballroom Competition scene. Amy’s extensive performance background as a professional international ballroom dancer/instructor/coach/judge has influenced her teaching and yoga practice. She notes, “While in ballroom dancing one’s goal is to develop a powerful connection with and responsiveness to a partner; in the practice of yoga, the symbiotic relationship lies within the development of a strong, flexible, alert body in connection to the mind, emotions and spirit. This helps to create major shifts towards a more balanced life. Through yoga, transformation takes place both externally as well as internally. The breath becomes calm and the mind clear.”
Professional Membership:
Iyengar Yoga National Association of the United States
Iyengar Yoga Association of Greater New York
Yoga Alliance
Imperial Society of Teachers of Ballroom Dancing
National Dance Council of America
“I had been going through a very stressful time, trying to settle myself and two small children into a new home and community while attempting to balance the usual work and family commitments. Oops, with all of that, I had totally neglected to take care of myself – no exercise and eating too many cookies – in a nutshell, feeling awful! Flash forward…Amy’s class. Just what I needed – it felt like I was putting my body back in tune while centering my mind. There is much to benefit from studying with Amy – a giving teacher with great explanations and terrific demonstrations. It’s easy to improve on your yoga skills there, plus garnering much relaxation at the same time." —Rachel S.