Herstory
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Health and fitness professional dedicated to providing personalized fitness and wellness programs through holistic mind-body philosophies. I assist students in maintaining and reaching their fitness goals with care and compassion. My reputation for building long-lasting professional relationships with students and clients speaks to my commitment. Adept at teaching group fitness classes to people of all ages and sizes, I encourage practice outside of class to help individuals get into the best shape of their lives. I strongly believe that health is a conscious lifestyle choice essential for longevity and happiness.That’s what you’ll read at the top of my resume. But can I share with you my story? My journey, that has led me to become a movement wellness advocate?
From a young age, I loved to dance. I would put on my favorite cassette and start moving, cartwheeling, shaking, and dancing. Choreographing dances was also a passion, and I would share my creations with my younger sister and cousins. Although my parents couldn't afford dance classes, I joined cheerleading to feed my dancing soul. After high school, driven by curiosity, my best friend and I signed up for belly dancing classes. While she eventually stopped attending, I continued my journey. In high school, I met my first teacher and mentor who had moved to Portales from San Diego, CA. She introduced me to world dance and yoga, and I became part of the performance troupe, the Natarajas, where I made new friends and performed. After five years of exclusive study with my mentor, we traveled to Bali, Indonesia, in 2003 and 2004 to study Balinese dance and yoga. We performed throughout the island and conducted a Spanish Gypsy workshop at Bali Spirit Yoga Studio. One of my most memorable experiences during my mentorship was serving as a production assistant for "Yoga with Lorelei," where I performed the moon and sun salutations in the final two segments of the 25-segment series. I collaborated with her on creating 3-minute segments that aired on our local KENW PBS station. Together, we completed our first Yogafit Level One training in April 2005. Encouraged by my mentor, I began teaching community classes, volunteering at the Portales Recreation Center where I taught yoga and belly dance to kids. By the following year, I was teaching at Clovis Community College (CCC), where I initiated the first belly dance production show.
Today, as a wellness advocate and triple negative breast cancer survivor, my journey continues to inspire my approach to fitness and wellness, making health a conscious lifestyle choice for longevity and happiness. I am currently studying Ayurveda, teach yoga, meditation, and belly dance at Clovis Community College and Snap Fitness Portales. Advisor Board member for the New Mexico Belly Dance Association.
More about Yoli:
In her early years, Yoli was a dedicated and passionate instructor who was always eager to learn and explore. She volunteered at the Portales Recreation Center and taught yoga and belly dance classes at Eastern New Mexico University. She also established Fusion Funk Collective in 2008, which became the largest student campus organization for several years. The's mission was to spread cultural awareness through world dance, and they organized fundraisers and performances for the community. One of their highlights was hosting the beloved Bollywood Superstar Queen Harish in 2008 and 2009.
As a passionate yoga instructor, I have pursued various trainings to deepen my knowledge and bring the studio vibe to my community. I have instructed at Sahai Yoga Studio in Clovis, NM, where I learned about Kundalini and Hatha Yoga. Additionally, I am a certified Yogafit Level Two instructor and have completed a Safe Space Training to create a welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ individuals. I am an ally for POC, peace, non-violence, and the eight-limbed yogic path. I invite you to support and visit my studio in Portales. This inclusive studio is a grassroots labor of love and truly a life long dream.
Welcome hOMe!
Yoli was one of the biggest blessings, I could have asked for, as an instructor. When I first entered her Yoga course, I had difficulty with a lot of poses, even simple ones. My mind was too chaotic, to focus during meditation. Yoli worked with my individual interests, and helped me learn the poses, and focus my mind. She worked with various types of people, all with different strengths, and was able to adapt the class, to help all her students, and created an atmosphere that made everyone feel welcome and relaxed. I highly recommend her, as an instructor, and mentor.
—William Bailey, Former Student