Kelly Curtis

I am happiest when I am playing. This is why I Love CircusYoga!

When I was a little girl, I knew without a doubt that I wanted to teach. Many years and an elementary school teaching degree later, I discovered that teaching in a classroom wasn't quite right for me. I travelled around the country for a while and then decided to fulfill a dream of living the spiritual life at an ashram called the Himalayan International Institute of Yoga Science and Philosophy, in the gorgeous Pocono mountains of northeastern Pennsylvania. The summer before moving there, the amazing series of events that magically took place led to travelling around with a "freak tent" in the presence of many amazing musicians and meeting many amazing circus artists who taught me a lot. I also discovered a love for painting faces and transforming people into temporary artful masterpieces.

During the two years that I studied and lived yoga at the Institute, the circus artist and performer in me blossomed. I was given abundant opportunities to perform for the Institute community as well as the local community events where I painted faces, entertained people, and got to know everyone around the quaint little town of Honesdale. For this, I am forever grateful.

When I first found out about CircusYoga, I was convinced that it was created just for me. Ha!

When I told Kevin and Erin this, Kevin confirmed that even though they did not know me at the time, this IS actually true. ;)

Honestly though, I couldn't ask for anything more perfect to fulfill me in every possible way. CircusYoga gives me an outlet to unleash the playful child within. Practicing and playing with the other Tribal Leaders allows me to explore everything inside of myself in a safe and nurturing environment and share it with others. I have grown and learned so much in the time I have spent in the Circles of CircusYoga.

CircusYoga inspires me, opens my heart, and permeates the deepest layers of my being with a feeling of contentment. I feel so blessed to be a part of this Tribe. I am so thankful that I get to share all of this with my community and all the people I love.

Come out and PLAY with me! :)

CYTT: Ring Three

hometown: Chicago, IL

current residence: Lake Ariel, PA

teaching area:

Northeastern PA & surrounding areas, Chicago, & I'm open to traveling

current teaching:

CircusYoga, Hatha Yoga, Meditation, Breathing, & Hula Hooping

education/training/experience:

Hatha Yoga 200 Hour Certification from the Himalayan Institute; B.A. in both Elementary Education & Mathematics

I have been studying and practicing Hatha Yoga and Meditation for many years. I started teaching Hatha Yoga at the Himalayan Institute headquarters in Northeastern PA in 2006, hula hooping in 2007, and meditation in 2008. I have also had the pleasure of assisting Kevin & Erin in several CircusYoga workshops and teacher trainings. I began teaching CircusYoga workshops in my community in 2008 with my husband Aaron. You can often find us teaching friends and family how to juggle, fly, or stand on their head.

influential teachers:

life experiences, friends, family, students, Neem Karoli Baba, Ram Dass, Bhagavan Das, Krishna Das, Jerome Smith, Swami Rama, Steve Harris, Mary Cardinal, Sandra Anderson, Rolf Sovik, Virginia Poynton, Dave Choi, Pandit Rajmani Tigunait, Kevin & Erin Maile O'Keefe

current studies/adventures:

I'm right in the middle of a dream come true! My husband Aaron and I are teaching CircusYoga to 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders in an after school program. We're putting on a CircusYoga Show for the rest of the school and hopefully the parents too.

I am "unofficially" involved in an ongoing and hands~on study of herbs and alternative medicine.

I am also working on getting certified to teach Pilates.

contact me:

Kelly Curtis

1127 Tresslarville Road

Lake Ariel, PA 18436

570-228-5377

email Kelly

www.thefeelgoodproject.org