Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to April Denning. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
April, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?
Ahh moving to Arizona! It was a wild ride. Just the risk of leaving the only place you’ve known as home. All your friends, family, and history really. It was January of 2020, so right before everyones lives got turned upside down. I had planned on moving somewhere out West in April, after graduation. In the same week every job interviewed I had lined up called to cancel as everyone was so unsure of the future. Fast forward to April back at her moms and a virtual graduation.
I did end up moving in August of 2020, totally had no idea I’d end up in Phoenix. It took a lot of letting go but also at the same time a lot of learning that whats meant for you, will not pass. It took a little job searching, too. I knew one person from high school, and only took whatever I could fit in my car at the time.
During this time, I had so many worries and doubts moving across the country! Wondering if i’d be able to make it on my own, if I’d make friends, and find a community that would help this place feel like home to me. The biggest risk!
I’ve been in Arizona for almost 2 years now and its hands down the best decision I’ve ever made. Aside from getting a dog. I’ve grown so much personally, professionally, and emotionally. I can’t wait to see where it all takes me.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I am a yoga instructor! I’ve been practicing yoga for 6 years now and obtained my 200HR RYT certification in 2019. Since then, I’ve been teaching to various communities, and in the virtual world. My teaching style varies as I continue to adapt to new environments, students, and specialties.
I got into yoga but starting my own practice. I was hooked after trying a 2-week trail at a local studio back home. I was so amazed at how graceful people moved from pose to pose, how freeing it felt. There is a beautiful balance between effort and ease. I aim to help people find that. I believe my teaching style allows people the permission to explore and find a practice that works for them. I stick with traditional yoga but understand we’re all bring different things to our mats and I try to acknowledge that in my classes.
I work in person, and virtually with group classes and 1;1! I also host yoga flows around the Phoenix area such as “Poses & Pints”, “Bend & Brews” at various breweries! I have a crazy passion for connecting with community through movement.
I can work with the most very beginner to a more seasoned practitioner offering up super fun vinyasa classes, or more gentle classes such as yin. If you’re into inversions such as handstands or headstands, I can work with you too!
Do you think you’d choose a different profession or specialty if you were starting now?
I would definitely pick sticking to the yoga profession every time! When I was first certified, I wasn’t sure if I’d want to (or could) teach others this practice and I am so happy I took the leap. So if you’re every wondering if you should take the leap, do it!
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
Honestly, I had to learn that “being perfect” wasn’t going to work if I wanted to build a career and establish a reputation as a yoga instructor. Nobody starts out perfect, or is perfect. We just show up, try our best, and grow on the way. I used to be so nervous if I didn’t have the “perfect” class created or if I messed up a sequence. I found myself being more stressed/nervous than excited to teach and I knew that’s not what I wanted so I just stopped trying to be.
I learned that if you just show up with and for your students, and provide them a space to show up just as they are, it all works out.
Contact Info:
- Website: aprildenningyoga.com
- Instagram: april_yog
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Aprildenningyoga