Meet Dila
Mission Statement:
Embarking on a journey into the yoga world is one of the greatest decisions I have ever made– I feel like I have cracked the code to life!
I am:
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Happier
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More present
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Feeling confident
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Much more patient
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Continually developing and learning ways to get the most out of life
These transformations have made such positive impacts in my life that I can’t help but share my experience and my learnings with all of those in need.
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Story:
Growing up in Istanbul, Turkey, I began my professional ballet training at a very young age. At the age of 11, in an effort to chase down my dance dreams, I moved out of my home to a ballet school in the capital of Turkey known for its tough and rigid environment. Through that school and its strict environment, I developed discipline and a keen understanding of body movement.
I ended my dance career at 18 after facing body shaming and low self-esteem in a toxic dance school environment. I turned to education and found my passion for personal growth. This drive led me to continue my Arts Management studies in the United States during my second year of college.
After graduating from Long Island University, I held a variety of jobs but was ultimately unfulfilled in my career path. In search of a greater purpose, I decided to pursue a master's degree, MBA in Management and Leadership. Despite the hard work and dedication put into obtaining these degrees, I found myself still struggling to find my place in the world and true fulfillment in my career and life.
Without any structure in my life, bad habits began to develop. The discipline from ballet school had long dissolved, my life started lacking purpose, my physical and mental health began to deteriorate, and strong unhappiness formed… I was lost and hopeless.
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Enter yoga.
I decided to try out a yoga class and honestly…it sucked.
I quickly learned that, as with many relationships in life, some classes and teachers may not be a good fit for everyone.
I tried out a few more classes and that’s when the fire in me was ignited.
Because of my previous ballet experience and knowledge of body movement, I was primarily focused on the physical aspect of yoga at first.
But that’s just the tip of the yoga iceberg.
2016 is when I decided to fully immerse myself into yoga and my teachings began.
Since early on my focus has been to be able to effectively communicate the concepts and understandings of yoga to all ages and experience levels. Yoga teaches a wonderful sense of community and I want every single person in a class to feel like they are where they belong.
Over the years, I noticed these issues were the most common amongst students:
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Back pain
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Neck pain
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Poor posture
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Lack of flexibility and mobility
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High levels of stress and anxiety
Traditional yoga practices were not adapting to the modern-day routine and individual and this sparked a passion in me.
Throughout my years of being a student and the teacher, I have crafted and refined my teaching style to be applicable to any single person who decides to take this journey with me.
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Style
Throughout my journey, I have observed that individuals struggling with physical pain or limitations often experience high levels of stress and anxiety, leading to a difficult and unhappy existence. The lack of effective tools to manage this stress can be overwhelming, as our bodies and minds are not equipped to handle such high levels of pressure. Thus, there is a need for assistance in this area.
My asana (yoga poses) classes aim to address not only physical discomfort, but also mental strain. Classes are tailored to each student's individual needs, with a focus on breathing techniques, meditation, and relaxation to reduce stress. The class will also concentrate on increasing range of motion, helping students with everyday tasks such as carrying groceries, walking, sitting, getting up without pain, tying shoes, and playing with kids and pets without discomfort. The goal is to create long-term mobility and longevity.
In my classes, I emphasize anatomy and proper alignment. I believe that understanding the why behind the movements leads to better learning. I am dedicated to providing a thorough, personalized approach and creating solutions for any physical or stress-related challenges you may be facing. Based on the positive feedback I've received, my modern teaching method has had a profound impact on my clients. Here's what some of them have to say:
*testimonials*
I can’t tell you what each individual class is going to look like but what I can guarantee is that the focus remains the same for each one: provide growth for students working towards their goals. I can’t promise to remove the stress from your life, but you will be equipped with the tools to effectively manage that stress.
Everybody has goals that are unique. Strength, increased flexibility and limberness, freedom of movement, a new life outlook, a reduction in stress. Whatever it may be, I am here for you.
I work with busy professionals, entrepreneurs, and business owners in avoiding burnout, anxiety, and stress by guiding them to establish effective habits, incorporating movement and meditation, and providing accountability.
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Services
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1-on-1 Private Sessions
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Collaborative courses with accountability
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Easy-to-follow DIY courses
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Virtual group gentle yoga sessions
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Free workbook to help with press + free recorded studio classes
I think this part should be in how does private sessions work- it could be even a blog post what do you think? I don’t think this should be in the bio.
Process
Step One: Consultation
Let’s get to know you and your body!
During this initial consultation we'll discuss your physical imbalances, limitations, strengths and weaknesses, as well as any specific goals or areas of focus you may have.
The goal is to understand your current state of being and to create a customized practice that will help you achieve balance, strength, and flexibility.
Step Two: Class Creation
After the consultation, the creation of your customized class begins!
The class will consist of exercises in the following areas:
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Balance
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Breathing
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Alignment
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Meditation
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Relaxation
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Movement
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Neurological
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Concentration
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Step Three: Class Optimization
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As you progress in your yoga journey, the goal is to see continual improvements!
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These improvements will introduce more movements and more challenges.
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We will maintain a line of open communication to find out what you’re comfortable with and where you’re facing challenges. We will continue to adjust and optimize your routine to ensure that you are getting optimal results from your practices.
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Trainings
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2016: 300-hour Certificate from Dharma Bhakti Yoga School in Rockville Center, Long Island.
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2017: Restorative Yoga Training with Evangeline Houlihan.
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2019: 300-hour Advanced Yoga Training with Jared McCain, Henry Winslow, and Rebecca Causey and other master teachers in Lighthouse Yoga School in Brooklyn, NY.
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2020: 12-hour Meridian Yoga Therapy Training with Erin Rose Vaughan.
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2021: 70-hour Anatomy Training with Tom Myers from Anatomy Trains; various anatomy courses with Celest Pereira.
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2023: Essentials of Elite Performance with Z-Health. Furthered my knowledge of structures and pathways of movement neurology, visual and vestibular assessment, and more.


Causes and Organizations
I Care and Support
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Global Fund for Women
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care (care.org)
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Stand For Trees
