My journey with yoga.
Authenticity. Simplicity. Freedom.
It began at 12. I ventured to my local library one Saturday afternoon and unearthed an Iyenagr instruction manual sitting on a dusty shelf. An hour later, I was in my room trying to contort my body into these enigmatic shapes with names that seemed to have sprung straight from a C.S.Lewis novel.
Eleven years later, and with a first-class Dance Theatre degree from LABAN under my belt, I took my first yoga class in the Philippines. This left me feeling full of purpose. I wanted more.
Life took me to Sydney, Australia where I was lucky enough to study with some of the world’s finest teachers. All my spare time was spent in the studio, moving, chanting, meditating, resting, reading.
Yoga gives us the tools to be able to see life clearly and appreciate it in all its abundant beauty. My yoga journey has been one of self-acceptance. It has empowered me to let go of self-destructive habits and negative beliefs about myself but, more importantly, it has taught me to give love freely - to myself and to all.
John Slade | Yoga
Embody authenticity. Live simply. Find freedom.
What I teach?
Yoga is a journey of transformation.
I hope to help you on this journey, whether you’re taking your first steps or already have an established practice.
My classes offer a diverse range of features of the yoga system - asana, pranayama, kriya, meditation, mantra recitation, mudra and a reverent nod to the rich and ancient philosophies of the yogic tradition. Styles of yoga taught range from hatha, restorative and slow-flow to dynamic vinyasa.
Everyone is welcome in my classes - no matter your age, sexual orientation, gender, skin colour, background. We are one. I strive to make my offerings accessible to everyone. Each asana taught is offered with a variety of progressions. You are invited to explore your own manifestation of each asana rather than trying to fit your unique body and physicality into a prescribed shape. If it doesn’t feel right, don’t do it and find what is right for you.
As your teacher, I am here to support you on your journey, applaud you on reaching your milestones and give you the encouragement to keep practicing from your heart.
My life before teaching yoga.
I have always moved. It’s been my medicine.
I completed a BA (Hons) in Dance Theatre at LABAN and worked for several years as a freelance movement director and dance artist. After a brief stint studying for a BA in French and Italian at UCL, I found myself in the Philippines working for an American film company on a tropical island. I then moved to Sydney, Australia and got lucky running a brand new high-spec fashion photography studio, but several years later, I realised I needed something more.
I returned home to London (an Aussie citizen with a solid grasp of up-speak) and went to drama school to train as an actor. I’ve worked with some great theatre companies, been in a feature film that has streamed on Amazon Prime and even played Howard Hughes in a TV documentary about him, but it just wasn't enough.
And so here I am - learning to embody authenticity, live simply and find freedom.
My education.
BA (Hons) Dance Theatre - LABAN
Diploma in Sports and Remedial Massage - London School of Sports Massage
200hr Yoga Teacher Training Diploma - Yoga Campus
I have also been humbled to have studied/study with the following teachers -
Simon Borg-Olivier + Bianca Machliss of Yoga Synergy Sydney
Mandi Kopcho + Tim Hulbert of Power Living Bondi
Charlie Merton - Restorative, Yin, slow flow, sound healing.
Lizzie Reumont - Jivamukti, yogic philosophy.