Niki De Domenico

Niki believes yoga is a way of life. Yoga teaches us about our relationships with ourselves, others and the world around us. Yoga offers tools and insights for physical, mental and emotional well-being. On the mat, Niki enjoys and benefits from slowing down, really slowing down, listening deeper and deeper, witnessing the instinctual movements from deep within the body and the Self. This practice has helps us to inhabit our deepest ‘Self’ and return to life, off the mat, with a calmer, kinder and more loving version of ourselves.

Niki completed foundational Level 1 Vinyasa Flow Yoga Teacher Training with Yoga Trinity in 2015. Niki broadened her understanding of yoga with post-graduate teacher training at Yoga Trinity, including Core Yoga Instructor Training, Ayurveda and Yoga and Adjusting, Assisting and Partner Yoga. Niki studied Yin Yoga and Mindfulness Teacher Training with Sarah Owen in 2017. Yin Yoga offers such a beautiful complement to dynamic yoga sequences and practices.

While in London from 2018 to 2021, Niki met and studied with Catherine Annis. Catherine’s teachings have been revolutionary for Niki. Niki learned about Vanda Scaravelli, about slowing down and about moving through the whole being in a new way. Niki has been learning Sanskrit with Lucy Crisfield, Original Wisdom, while she was in London. Niki still enjoys studying Sanskrit with Lucy through the wonders of Zoom. Niki also studied with Shiva Rea while living in London. Through Shiva’s teachings, Niki has learned more about the elemental body, moving with our essential flow and returning to the Self. Also in London, Niki was able to practise Yin Yoga with Norman Blair; yet another inspirational teacher for her.

Niki’s classes are well-rounded, creative Hatha yoga. Niki’s teaching style is inspired by the revolutionary approach of Vanda Scaravelli. This style is subtle and gentle, yet at times challenging as we ask the deep body to awaken. We focus on developing core strength by releasing tension and creating space in the spine. We work with the breath and the forces of gravity to begin unfolding through primal movements from our very centre—allowing the spine and body to spiral open, energising our whole being. Niki’s classes are very gentle and suitable for all bodies from beginners to more experienced students.

We start by slowing down to observe the body and mind. With delicate awareness, we connect with the breath. Then gently continue by moving through a series of warm-ups to build heat and focus. We move through a few rounds of Mandala Namaskar, a circular pattern of flowing movements, before starting to cool down, stretch and release. Our final pose is a quiet moment to receive the benefits of practice.

Nikki’s Blog: PaperYogaSeed