How Yoga Transformed My Dancing Career: Finding Balance & Fulfillment

Yoga has been my unwavering companion Throughout my competitive and TV career, which spans over three decades. I discovered Yoga in 2001 at the age of 23 when I moved to Seattle, Washington, and nearly daily hot yoga classes became a part of my life as a professional ballroom dancer.  

 When I was invited to move from the United States to London in 2008 to join “Strictly Come Dancing”, the first thing on my to-do list was to find a yoga studio. Little did I know then that this ancient practice would become the cornerstone of my TV success, not just in dance but in life as well. 

The high-pressure environment of live performances and constant press & public scrutiny during my eight years on “Strictly” often left me feeling overwhelmed and drained. However, Yoga became my anchor, helping me stay focused, centered, and calm amidst the whirlwind of the entertainment world. It was more than just a physical exercise; it became a powerful tool to quiet my mind, find inner peace, and manage the stress that came with the glitz and glamour of showbiz. 

In 2015, when I decided to leave TV after becoming pregnant, I knew my journey with Yoga was far from over. Instead of returning to the limelight, I followed my heart’s calling and embarked on a new path. I made the life-changing decision to become a certified yoga teacher. Seven years later, I now proudly own an award-winning yoga center named Soo Yoga. The satisfaction and fulfilment I find in sharing the transformative power of Yoga with others surpass anything I experienced in the world of television. 

As I look back on my journey, I feel immense gratitude for Yoga’s positive impact on my life. It taught me the importance of balance, not just in physical postures but also in the way I approach challenges and embrace opportunities. Yoga’s profound philosophy and mindfulness practices instilled in me the ability to remain grounded and present, even in the most demanding situations. 

Through my yoga journey, I’ve learned that change is not only inevitable, it’s also essential for growth. Yoga gently guided me towards a more authentic version of myself, making me realize there was so much more to life than fame and external validation. It enabled me to listen to my inner voice, follow my passions, and redefine my purpose. 

Becoming a yoga teacher has given me the platform to spread the word and share my story with others who yearn for positive change in their lives. It fills my heart with joy to witness the transformation of my students as they embrace Yoga’s holistic benefits, discovering newfound strength, flexibility, and self-awareness. 

If there’s one lesson I’d like to impart to anyone reading this, it’s that embracing change and stepping into the unknown can lead to incredible rewards. Yoga has enhanced my dancing career and granted me the courage to create a life filled with passion, purpose, and fulfillment. 

As I prepare for my first 200-hour yoga teacher training this September, I am reminded of the words of Swami Satchidananda:

“Yoga is not just repetition of few postures - it is more about the exploration and discovery of the subtle energies of life.” 

My journey with Yoga has been nothing short of a transformative exploration, one that has brought me closer to my true self and ignited a desire to inspire others to embark on their own unique journeys of growth and self-discovery through the power of Yoga.

Are you ready to become a yoga teacher? Come and join me on my 200-hour teacher training course.