About Our Founder
Whitney Avrit ~ Founder, RYT 200
Choosing the body as an expressive, healing tool has always felt natural. From as early as I can remember, I was always dancing and in constant motion. Growing up dancing helped me learn my intelligence and potential. I learned about my "body smarts." After high school, I danced professionally. I began as a hip hop dancer, but discovered that I didn't connect with that type of movement any longer. I felt like styles with a more technical approach was more of what I needed. I turned back to the ballet barre. I took class from truly amazing instructors and choreographers, which led to all sorts of commercial and concert performances.
While all this was unfolding, I started with an Atlanta based, modern style dance company called, 'Brooks & Company.' This period of my life was alive with drive, passion, incredible music, stage lights, makeup, sore muscles, and sweat. I loved it. I had all sorts of opportunities in various dance styles. Opportunities to perform a number of beautiful ballet pieces choreographed by Sara Wade, and pieces by Angela Harris of Dance Canvas. One of my favorite gigs was dancing on the 50 yard line in a performance for the Ga Lottery Halftime Show at the Falcons vs. Packers game. Our segment was choreographed by Bubba Carr. Even with all this going on, life was at full speed.
In my twenties I got married, gave birth to an incredible daughter, taught dance every night of the week, took classes, danced with Brooks & Co, and the extra gigs. Looking back, it was a lot. A friend introduced me to Bikram yoga and I was hooked. As my confidence in yoga grew I was discovering new yoga styles too. That's when I fell in love with Vinyasa. It was fluid and dancy, while being technical and challenging. Yoga balanced my body and fixed all the things that dance broke. Over time, the inner work that yoga leads you towards, began to nestle in. Yoga became my happy place, but it was also like therapy for me: both physical and emotional. It helped me discover who I was, inside. I found my strength, my worth, self love, inspiration, drive, and so much more. I want others to find those things too.
Drawing from my dance background, over 20 years of teaching experience, my personal yoga practice, and a 200 hour RYT Teacher Training (from Meredith Hesse & Marie Bilthouse at Ember Hot Yoga), I've uncovered a way to approach yoga differently - no matter your skill set - to move, sweat (sometimes), and connect within. Earthen Movements comes from the choreographic understanding of skillfully teaching movement, drenched in the technique of Vinyasa yoga.
My guided meditations are birthed out of that self discovery. My meditation practice began by meditating in conjunction with the moon cycles, setting intentions and goals rooted in astrology. I did it all as an aid to find my potential and be the best person I can be. In today's society, there is a huge disconnect from nature, and that's not our human nature. It seems that there are so many of us who just go through the motions of modern day life and don't feel fulfilled no matter how 'successful' we are. I believe that this disconnect comes from not knowing our inner divinity, but also from being pulled away from the natural cycles of the earth. As the earth moves, so should we.
Wellness at Your Own Pace, in Your Own Space
In light of the hustle and bustle of life, taking classes in-person isn't always an option. Even if you are able, there are times when our schedules and the classes offered just don't line up. My program can be your greatest ally to accomplish your wellness goals. Whether you are a complete beginner, movement restricted, or an efficient practitioner, we can move, breathe, and meditate together. Apart, but not alone.
Random Likes
Random Facts About Me: I am a mom and stepmom to 4 incredible children and married to an incredible man. I was once a hair dresser, I love to cook and grill healthy and delicious food (fire pit cooking is in the works!), and anything outdoors like walking, beaches, hiking, travel, etc. I'm also a cat and chicken mama!
Things That Bring Me Joy
Things That Bring Me Joy: Animals, gardening, cozy fires, incense, candles, coffee, movies, sleeping in, live music, museums, local honey, and gazing at the sunrise and sunset.