Today we’d like to introduce you to Suze Curtis.
Suze, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I’ve always had an affinity toward science, anatomy, physical movement; and as a very young child, a “sixth sense” of how emotions affect the physical body. A mother singing, coo’ing, rocking a child causes both bodies to relax, calm, release tension, anger, anxiety. As I grew to study science that supported the power of vibration, it only made sense to incorporate the physical movements (yoga postures) with the power of “vibration” (our own hummmm – internal tone). Nikola Tesla said: “If you want to find the secrets of the universe, think in terms of energy, frequency, vibration.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wvJAgrUBF4w As you can see by this video, a simple tone creates a perfect geometric pattern. The tonal quality of our own voice (hmmmmm) helps to allow the very cells of our body reorganize and let-go of stress, toxins, etc.
I studied with First-Generation Yogi, Bryan Kest from 1988-1995. Bryan studied with the original Master, Pattabhi Jois (in India). Bryan was the first to bring Power Yoga to the United States. I moved to Dallas in 1995; and was the first to bring Power Yoga to Dallas. I’ve kept it in its most-pure form (no fads/fast-paced gimmicks); and am still here 20 years later. When I first came to Dallas, there was no “exercise-type” yoga. In fact, whenever I mentioned “yoga” to anyone, they thought I was trying to convert them to some sort of foreign religion. From 1996-1999, I taught yoga wherever I could find a big, open room – hotel conference rooms, business offices, gyms; and in 2000 opened Dallas’ first Power Yoga studio in North Dallas (Beltline/Quorum). One thing that does warm my heart is hearing so very many students come through our doors and say “I’m so glad you’re still here. I’ve taken yoga all over the world & there is nothing like this yoga. It just feels so good to be here!”
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
In 1997, I was the only Power Yoga in all of DFW. Students drove from Ft Worth for class. By 2003, some students who trained in my studio began opening their own studios; and by 2006 it was common to see several studios populating the same 5-mi radius. The saturation of yoga studios along with the advent of groupon, class pass, etc. changed the yoga climate exponentially. I believe staying true to the foundation of the practice is our reason for being all these years later. If it (yoga) can withstand the test of time (5,000+ years) – why create a temporary fad. Twenty years later, I have students return saying they have tried so many other styles and there is nothing like the Samatone Yoga style & practice.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
Right place, right time. I grew up in a small farm community; life experiences took me to Los Angeles, CA – true culture-shock at that time (1988). I had been body-building and had grown tired of pumping weights. I was looking for something new. Someone told me about “yoga” and sent me to Bryan’s studio in Santa Monica, CA. There is no doubt in my mind a power greater than myself set me on this path. How else would a farm girl from South Dakota end up opening Dallas’ first Power Yoga studio by way of Los Angeles, CA?
Pricing:
- $39 New Client 1-Month Unlimited
Contact Info:
- Address: 4951 Airport Parkway, #590
Addison, TX 75001 - Website: samatoneyoga.com
- Phone: 972-934-3905
- Email: samatoneyoga@gmail.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/samatoneyoga
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/samatoneyoga
- Other: https://www.google.com/#q=samatone+yoga
Image Credit:
All images taken by John Pokrassa, NYC
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
