Shamita Ray

Guest Teacher

Shamita Ray started life as a dancer and choreographer, specialising in contemporary dance and bharatanatyam (Indian classical dance). She started practising Iyengar yoga as a means to increase flexibility and complement dance training. A chance wandering into an Ashtanga class one day turned what was, until then, a mere hobby, into a lifelong passion, rivalling her love for dance.

She went on to undertake 200 & 500 hour teacher training, eventually developing her own style of Dynamic Yoga which combines the precision and alignment of Iyengar, with the breath and dynamism of Ashtanga. Ever curious to explore the many facets of yoga, she has also completed teacher trainings in Yin (with Norman Blair), Ashtanga (with David Swenson), Forrest Yoga (with Ana Forrest), and meditation (with Sally Kempton). She most recently started studying for a master’s degree in Traditions of Yoga and Meditation.

Her classes are creative, flowing, peaceful, and strong. She loves challenging practitioners to discover what their bodies are truly capable of, while maintaining a sense of humour and playfulness. Offering classes, workshops and retreats worldwide, she uses her background as a dancer to choreograph imaginative sequences that move seamlessly from one posture to another, in a dance-like flow of breath and movement.The practice is safe, nurturing, and sustainable, designed to serve body and mind, regardless of level of ability.

She recently ventured into a new chapter in her life by setting up The Shamita Ray Charitable Trust, dedicated to supporting philanthropic projects around the world. She is proud to have started her first project, that of funding a school for children from the slums and streets of Calcutta.