Strengthen, Stretch, Detoxify ...  Heal the body& mind!
Feel Great, Look Great, Be Great!
 
 
Darlene Vander Hoop travels extensively teaching Bikram Yoga at studios all over the world, and has been teaching for two decades before receiving her formal  certification from Bikram, November 2002 at the Yoga College of India.

 “Yoga has been the thread that ties my life together; it’s the place I know myself best and where I consistently find peace, compassion, and spaciousness.”

 Darlene began her movement studies as a student at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. After graduating with honors in Dance/ Movement Therapy, she headed to NYC to study modern dance with Erick Hawkins. Soon she joined "Players of San Francisco" and worked as a performer and choreographer for 2 years before moving to Los Angeles to pursue a career in show business. While learning the ropes in Hollywood, Darlene wandered into "Bikram's Beginning Yoga Class," and claims life has never been the same. From that day forward dance became preempted by yoga, and her study of all branches of yoga became a template for her colorful life....

Darlene shares her world with her 16-year old son in America's "most livable city,"  Madison, Wisconsin. Although based in the heartland,  Darlene is an enthusiastic world traveler and welcomes adventure and work-study opportunities anywhere she can give her gift, and anticipates exploring new places with her son Klee (pronounced Clay).

***Photo of Dar and Bikram in the classroom at an informal moment, in he vintage red book first edition 1978. Wow; now that is a golden oldie!

“All yoga is good yoga, and its Bikram’s 26 Postures, in the heated room, which is perfect for beginners. Yoga is a detoxification for the body and mind; and so powerful;  results are experienced immediately. Witnessing these moments of expansion in the students keeps teaching this class inspiring for me. Yoga makes room for miracles in ones life…, and shows us we are all one heart.”

Modeling for yoga, art books, and magazines, Darlene has appeared in numerous TV shows and movies. Photographed by prestigious photographers; Lynn Davis, Robert Mapplethorpe, Guy Webster, Peter Kredenser, Karen Filter, and Howard Berman, her art photos have been exhibited in galleries, and published in numerous books and magazines. Her famous pada hastasana postcard by Lynn Davis sold at the Museum of Modern Art in NYC and is the cover of Lynn Davis' book on the "human body"photography.

 Summer 2008 brings Darlene to Bikram studios in the NYC area:

Bikram Yoga Westwood owned by Natalie Surie, Bikram Yoga Danbury owned by Joy Weiner, Bikram Yoga Montclair opened by Peter Petrovic, &  Cape Cod Yoga Center, Dennis, coming fall 2008..

“On the mat we’re all equal. I see the light inside of each and every person when I teach. I care little about “life story,” position in society; if you’re young or old…I’m in the studio to share my humanity and help in any way I can to alleviate the suffering we all share, and to promote healthy bodies. Over the years I’ve become fiercer about “scaring death out of the back pocket,” as Bikram often describes the attitude with which to practice asanas.
So many people foil at the first signs of deteriorating health and/or back problems; running for medications, surrendering to illness before trying to explore themselves fearlessly. They talk and complain and make excuses not to do a practice or push into the pain a little bit. Bikram often claims, “Pain heals the pain!”

 RELATED INTERESTS

Involved with publishing and writing as well,  Darlene created and co-published a monthly woman's magazine, LA WOMAN, to an audience of 40,000 readers in 1985-1987, after working her first job in publishing at the LA Weekly.  This grassroots publication featured women artists, poetry&essays, fashion, and interviews with celebrities. LA WOMAN was a lifestyle magazine described as the "feminine alternative," compared to most women's business publications. While immersed in the world of arts & entertainment, Darlene reported on trends in health, fashion, art, and celebrity for over a decade. She's appeared on Good Morning America, with Dr. Barbara De Angelis, and as guest yoga instructor for several TV shows in the Los Angeles area. Darlene also produced a TV show 1984-85 called "VanderHoop, Fass & CO." This show was an informal talk show whish featured a variety of celebrity guests and local artists!

 ***AROMAYOGA and the uses of Essential Oils in Yoga Asana is something wonderful in development.  Darlene has created a 2-hour workshop using Essential Oils to enhance one's asana practice, meditation and "love of the Earth!" Her Scent-ilitious Workshop was held at EXHALE STUDIO, in the NYC area 2007-2008.

****TESTIMONIALS

FROM STUDENTS, TEACHERS, & STUDIO OWNERS

Darlene with two students from Bikram Yoga Dublin

Summer 2006
I have been practicing Bikram yoga for two and a half years. I have had the wonderful experience of learning from many different teachers. I have to say Darlene’s style of teaching ranks as one of my favorites. Her relaxed but firm approach to the yoga made it so easy to correct my form and get really deep into the postures. Her centered attitude and calm voice almost makes Bikram easy- God forbid! I would recommend Darlene to any studio. Your students will benefit hugely! 

Happy yoga J   from Aoife Fitzgerald
Franchise Recruitment Manager, Action International
00353 1 8320213

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 To whom it may be of interest,

   The teachers in Dublin are very good, and I was used to a very high standard and a very
strong dialog. Director, Anne Leonard, announced that Darlene will be teaching for 2 weeks and that
she has 30 years of experience so we all were very excited to meet Darlene.
    It has been a WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE with Darlene Van der Hoop! All the guys are highly impressed and really enjoyed her classes, pity she couldn’t stay with us longer. I learned how to relax throughout the 26 postures and to “let the blood let go where it should go” and “not to grind my teeth” when it was getting tough, as well as “feeling the Earth under my feet” and all the other tips she generously gave us.
     I have started Bikram Yoga in March 2006 and have been immediately overwhelmed by the amazing feeling I had after the first classes.I was very concerned regarding a DVT I had in 1994; subsequently suffered from a swollen leg and will have to wear a full length compression sock for life. I thought that the heat won’t be good for my leg but I experienced an amazing feeling in my leg and it seemed that the swelling was down and I could bend my leg like I never could since the operation.
     I have to admit that I felt a very strong energy of Darlene and couldn’t wait for the first class. It is very enjoyable listening to her stories during the class. Darlene also made clear that the best teacher is “the one in front of you in the mirror” and that it is up to us to push ourselves and not to wait until the 90 minutes are over.
     Darlene’s way of teaching is a calm and funny approach with a very strong dialog. Her many years of teaching definitely don’t lack of professionalism and her tips made postures easier. For example: not to grind the teeth and to keep the face, tongue very relaxed as well to be grounded to earth or rise to the sky when necessary. There is no difference if only 20 in the class or 50; the energy and her sense of humor made it an enjoyable and unforgettable experience and she will be missed very much. One time she showed me how it feels if the legs are completely in the air doing Salabhasana and I have to admit I wish that my body will allow me to do this one day. I cannot wait to meet Darlene in her home town, or even better to welcome her back to Dublin.

Michael Klotz, 36
Dublin, Ireland

Darlene’s 30 years of experience and the confidence of her teaching commanded so much credibility that I was pushed father in many of my postures. The beauty of it was- the yoga just stopped being a struggle!  She injected her personality and humor into the classes that seemed to melt my own limitations. There I was with head to my knees and triangle aligned and my upper back lifting my legs & hips off the ground …. I stopped questioning “Can I? Can’t I?” and just did it! Usually if I push myself to my limits in class I am wrecked afterwards, but I felt positively energized after Darlene’s class. How? –You’ll have to ask her that, or just take the class. Have fun … that is what is.”

Declan Barry, Pediatrician, Ireland 

THE STUDIO OWNERS WELCOME DARLENE!

“Darlene, my students are still talking about you. You are welcome back anytime. Thank you so much for everything!”

 Anne Leonard, Director, "Bikram Yoga Dublin"

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                                     Bikram Yoga Danbury, Connecticut

 JOY WEINER, Director

Darlene's a wonderful teacher.  She knows her yoga plus she's got great stories from her many years of friendship with Bikram as well as from her extensive international travel experiences teaching yoga.  It is because of her background that students learn things from her that they wouldn't learn from other teachers.  She's knowledgeable and equally funny and personable.  She has managed my studio on several occasions and I've found her very responsible and well received by everyone.  Her kind and giving nature shows in her teaching and students always get a strong class.  I recommend that you don't pass on an opportunity to have her guest teach.

 Testimonials from Australia, summer 2005

                  July- October 2005. BIKRAM YOGA,  Noosa Heads, Queensland, Australia

I have been practicing yoga for 6 months and attending classes 3-4 days a week. I have experienced Bikram Yoga classes in Los Angeles, San Diego, Toronto and Australia (my residence). I can honestly state that my most positive experiences have resulted from Darlene’s classes. I have been teaching Martial Arts and gymnastics for 23 years. I am aware of the specific qualities that create a solid foundation for a well-balanced teacher. I hold Darlene Vander Hoop in very high regard. Her many years of extensive experience and education are invaluable and always reflected in class. It is obvious, even to a beginner yoga student that she has learned and progressed through life bringing her wisdom with her skills of teaching. She is enthusiastic and dedicated to each student, giving personal attention generously. She is admired and appreciated by the students. Every class I attend with Darlene, she shares new information about our mind, body, and spirit.  Her observations have added a whole new dimension and challenge to my daily practice, as she brings my attention to minute, yet critical adjustments no other teacher has noticed. At the end of each class, Darlene leaves her students with a pleasant thought to carry through the day; a simple reminder that yoga is a “way of life,” not just the performance of asanas.  I feel fortunate to have had Darlene’s classes for the past season. I and several other students are sad to see her move on but wish her well in all future teaching assignments. Anyone would be honored to host her as guest artist for her understanding of yoga.

 Thank you Darlene! Kate Graham Shaw, 41 Queensland, Australia

pranayama

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 My experience with Darlene Vander Hoop, senior yoga teacher, Bikram Yoga

 I had been attending Bikram Yoga classes for about twelve months when alone came Darlene Vander Hoop. She arrived in Australia as a visiting teacher for a couple of months to relieve the regular owners and other teachers at the studio. I quickly recognized her ability to take full charge, and I took advantage of it by increasing my class attendance from 2-3 times a week to 5-6 times a week. I reached a plateau and knew in my heart I could do better and get more from my practice if guided more deeply by a seasoned teacher. Darlene guided me through my difficult postures offering constructive suggestions for my benefit. She coped well with a wide variety of various abilities in the class as well as my own, which varied day-to-day. It was apparent that she is able to draw instantly on a vast depth of knowledge gained over many years of teaching and practice. This maturity gives a new depth to a well-balanced class. She knew lots of background reasons for doing the asanas and which parts of the body ad mind each affected. Her enthusiasm and ‘nut and bolt’ knowledge of anatomy, physiology, psychology, pranayama, meditation and relaxation really gave me the necessary boost to jump fresh right back into yoga on a much deeper level than I have ever gone before. All this has resulted in me feeling healthier, suppler, and mentally alert. My attitude towards the postures has changed and I am getting so much more from my practice.

Darlene has a beautiful mind, and is a wonderful yoga teacher. I wish her many more students to influence in the future.
 Owin T. Jameson,  Permaculture farmer   Noosa, Australia    Age 71    22^nd, September, 2005

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   Darlene,  Thank you for coming to Australia! It has been my honor to be your student on an almost daily basis for 3 months. You are a gifted, dedicated teacher, and I will miss you greatly.,

Jan Lang, Noosa, QLD 20, September, 2005
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I have known Darlene since July 7, 2005 when she came to teach at our yoga studio, Bikram Yoga Noosa, I attend in Noosaville, Australia. She has a wealth of experience that she is able to impart with great presence, patience and humor. My yoga practice has improved notably over the past few months and I especially appreciated all the fine tuning and special hints she always provided. Darlene will be greatly missed.

Yours faithfully.  Helen Morish, Dip. TCM  (Acupuncturist)

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  Thank you Darlene!  I have been doing Bikram Yoga classes with Darlene for about 2 months. During this time I have learned much about myself, my limit, and breaking into going past them in a safe environment. Darlene has held an amazing space for the class bringing humor and honesty to each and every pose, in each and every class. I also chose to have a private lesson with Darlene which I found very beneficial and noticed improvement in the postures right away. I learned a deeper understanding of the entire Bikram practice thanks to Darlene. I have no hesitation recommending her to teach any where in the world. She knows just the right time to say the exact right thing, and pull us out of a “fantasy” and right into the moment. Bikram Yoga is well-represented through this gifted teacher.

Mahalo, Tamara Phillips, 32, Kahuna Massage Therapist
07- 54711756     Doonan, QLD
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  Thank you Darlene for your marvelous presence! You are an inspiration. I wish you the best of everything!
Sheree Kay, 49 Retail Shop Owner, Noosa Heads, Old

AND NOW, if this Website wasn't long enough... Allow me to explain.........

Here I am fooling around designing, and I lost the ability to separate pages, so now I strung them altogether until I can find  a WEB DOCTOR to help me out here!!...SO sorry... Lots of words, lots of information, and all we really want to do is get back TO THE MAT....

But until then, here is my PERSONAL JOURNEY,  in my words, and a little long ago history with Bikram!

MY PERSONAL JOURNEY IN YOGA AND IN LIFE 

“I feel that when all is said and done, the Bikram method is the most powerful for a beginner. One sees changes in a few classes. The series works much like a multi-vitamin; it is a complete system. It is perfect. The postures are strung together brilliantly. The students experience confidence and strength and a new outlook on life almost after a first class." dvh

                             The Story of my “First Bikram Class”

     I heard about Bikram Choudhury and his Yoga College of India in the heart of Beverly Hills and also of his famous clientele through an actress friend. We met at the class one afternoon. I really went “to be seen" or, embarrassingly enough, to be, "discovered" maybe…. and yes, this Bikram’s Beginning Yoga Class was chock full of celebrities and show biz moguls. I spotted familiar TV personalities, a famous director, and two superstars right away... "Yippee, I am going to be seen and make some contacts in the show biz world I thought, almost out loud..."

      I walk confidently into the classroom with all the hubris of youth and beauty, my big 70’s hair and makeup, bracelets up my arm; an attitude of superiority. I was young and full of ambition and confidence. I stood upfront-center wearing simply a Danskin leotard and no tights; (the rule in the studio then: bare legs.)  I spotted movie stars Raquel Welch and Shirley McLain, and became instantly star-struck and distracted, staring at them in the mirror. Suddenly a young Indian guy with a Speedo bounces into the 105-degree heated and windowless room rattling off commands in an accent so thick it was hard to know what he was saying... There were no sticky mats (not invented yet) or water bottles (fountain upstairs…if you dare leave the room,) so we stand there with a small white towel, and nearly naked bodies, seeing ourselves in the front mirrors under the glare of fluorescent lights; very vulnerable and not too glamorous; and oh, the odor…"Can this really be Beverly Hills? Is that really the glamorous Raquel Welch without makeup and all sweaty already?"

       We began with this crazy breathing exercise moving our arms up and down like birds, while Bikram made exhaust-like sounds from deep in his throat to demonstrate: not too lady-like either. Remember, yoga was not known by the general public at that time, and pranayama breathing was even more obscure. Within 10 minutes I was sweating profusely, face paint melting down onto my chest, my mascara blinding me, moaning, dizzy and falling, humiliated beyond belief as Bikram yelled and screamed about my “junk body” and lack of concentration; carrying on about "my spoiled American life." “Why are you making these disgusting sounds?” He quipped at me as I let out little whimpers, then yelled, “Quiet in my class. Concentrate!”

     Ah, those were the days. Yoga was all new and “Bikram’s torture chamber” was the hottest spot in Beverly Hills; and I had to pick front-row-center to show off my dancer’s body and physical prowess; right in front of Bikram’s eagle eye; my first experience in utter humility. When class was over, I stumbled to the showers and out the door (forgetting completely about Raquel and Shirley, Tommy Smothers and the others,) and wandered aimlessly along Rodeo Drive, or was it Beverly Drive? I couldn't care less. I was experiencing a dreamy, expansive, and weirdly euphoric feeling. The dusk air was fragrant with aromas of blooming gardenias and warm winds that spring night as I glided with what felt like the juiciest hips ever! The crunch under my feet of sawdust on the floor of a restaurant I entered emitted a woody odor I never noticed previously. All of my senses were heightened. I felt pure bliss. I was hooked. Little did I imagine what a long amazing journey I had begun that day!

      I went in and out of love with Bikram Yoga many times. I'd go-go-go, push-push-push, and then run away and try other forms. I always came back though, looking for the heat and intensity of the Bikram series. I was "discovered" that fateful day alright-- by myself!

     Bikram watched me twist and turn, boiling in a caldron of illusion during those early years in Hollywood. During many a late-night call, I’d share with Bikram (who was more accessible in those early years) my tears, rage, men problems, my insecurities- fears.

      He’d simply say, “Dali, (my name in his broken English) you come do yoga every day for 10 days ... Maybe two classes a day ... I promise you will forget all this stupid bullshit (he is blunt). In the end when dates with movie stars are over, and parties get little boring, phone stops ringing …, when you are older and husband gone, only one thing remains: This Yoga. That is my gift to you. Best gift anyone ever give you…”

      Dear Bikram Choudhury, "You were right!!!! This is the one constant form I can depend on to set me straight, make me feel great, and bring a healthy glow to my being. I am forever grateful to you Bikram, forever..! “Dali”

"A little torture goes a long way. Getting the blood and the lymphatic system flowing through the challenging standing series, and stretching tight joints, brings life and oxygen into the soft tissue. Strengthen the bones and joints and muscles, and will power and determination becomes enhanced. Stimulate the organs methodically one by one through the 26 postures brings better overall health to the system. Deep breathing oxygenates the body and mind, bringing a peaceful, relaxed feeling. Altogether the 90-minute Bikram series is the formula for a richer experience of living and of peace.
This journey can begin on the mat, one day at a time, without judgment, without analysis, just being with oneself honestly, one breath at a time. And then take that peace and serve it up in any way, at any time, to friends, family, community...”  

A personal biography... 30 years in yoga

I took my first dance class at age 2 ½, in Paterson, New Jersey, where I was born, and lived until age 17. For three summers, aged 8, 9,& 10 I performed at the famous Atlantic City Steel Pier as one of Tony Grant’s, “Stars of Tomorrow.”  This was probably when I was first bitten by desire to be a performer, on stage.

      My first experience with the power of “asana” happened accidentally at about 6 yrs. old when I spontaneously did “Full Bow” placing the soles of both feet onto the back of my head while on the floor of my dance school during a break. I held them there a long time and feeling the ‘taps’ from the soles of the shoes on the back of my skull. I stared up at the ceiling stretching my eyes until they ached.

       I remember experiencing a weird sensation afterwards and it stunned me; like a flush of blood into my spine and stomach, a suspended moment in time; dreamy  ... I repeated it a few more times holding a little longer, trying a little harder. Afterward I seemed to be more attentive to the details of the room, the teacher, the colors...It is a powerful memory.

      Fifteen years later as an undergraduate in the Dance Department at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, I took my first formal Hatha yoga class with artist-in-residence, Bob Beswick, who studied yoga in NYC while a performer in the Alvin Nikolais Dance Co. He introduced us to yoga postures and pranayama breathing. His instruction was intriguing, and I clearly recall that first class, fumbling around alternate nostril breathing, sitting cross-legged. Students received a reading list which opened up an entire new way of thinking about breath, the body and the inner self. “Centering…In Pottery, Poetry and the Person,” by M.C. Richards and “Be Here Now,” by Ram Dass were required reading for creative dance. The following year Claudia Melrose, introduced the dance department to Transcendental Meditation (TM). These early opportunities opened a path to a lifetime of learning, and a focus on human potential.

     After earning a Degree (cum laude) in Movement Therapy, I left Wisconsin for New York City to study and teach dance. I found work as a Movement Therapist with autistic children, with underprivileged youth in Paterson, N.J, and with emotionally disturbed adults in local hospitals, all the while pursuing a dance career. In 1975, while on a trip to San Francisco, I was invited into a touring company, “Players of San Francisco” and moved to California.  Involved in performing with "San Francisco's Dancer's Workshop" headed by the inspirational Anna Halprin, I was drawn even more into movement as therapy once again. It wasn’t until relocating to Los Angeles in 1977 that I focused exclusively on yoga.

    I spent time taking every class I could find. I met and worked with extraordinary teachers including Rod Stryker, YogiRaj Alan Finger, Paul Grilley, Steve Ross, Max Strom, Gurumukh Kaur Khalsa, Dharma Mittra (way back), Swami Bua, and numerous others from those first generation of yoga teachers in LA and New York City.

    I taught in gyms, living rooms, corporate offices, convention halls, classrooms, old age homes, theaters, warehouses, anywhere I could put up my shingle: “Bikram’s Beginning Yoga Class with Darlene….” .  I simply taught the series. I learned to teach by teaching and being an eternal student. In the yoga room everyday life stops and a journey inward takes over. It is beautiful.  I’ve never been a Gumby girl or a “natural,” when it came to the yoga; by the way…I’ve always had to work hard for strength and flexibility. It is challenging, inspiring and never boring.

     The blessing now is that Bikram Yoga Studios are all over the USA and world, heated properly, staffed with trained teachers, and designed for hot yoga. Hundreds of teachers are produced each year and share this powerful yoga, keeping it perfectly “pure Bikram.” I am honored to represent Bikram Yoga worldwide. 

“Yoga, to me, helps shed a little light on the bigger picture. Yoga creates a template from which to measure one’s character, ones actual state of health, one’s deeper truths. Yoga brings PEACE. Yoga brings an INTEGRITY; unity between the mind and body and spirit. Yoga is a healing system available to all; and yes, it hurts a little bit.” dvh

   TRAVELS, TEACHING, and AVAILABILITY FOR YOUR STUDIO!!  

     From California to NYC, Australia to Europe, Darlene is consistently generous and dedicated to her students, sharing her impressive knowledge and enthusiasm.  Most of all, her gift is humor, a love of life, and sprinkles of hard-earned wisdom.   

Recently she appeared on Ireland’s “Morning Show” in Dublin, with studio owner Anne Leonard discussing the benefits of Bikram Yoga. She’s been a guest teacher in Queensland at Bikram Yoga Noosa, Bikram Yoga Dublin, and Bikram Yoga Den Haag (The Hague) in the Netherlands. Domestically, Darlene is often guest teacher in numerous studios in the NYC area. She began teaching in Madison, Wisconsin at The Perfect Knot in 1999, and is currently Senior teacher at Inner Fire Yoga Center, Madison, Wisconsin.

**Contact Darlene if you are interested to have her visit your studio for a few days, 2 weeks, or 3 months! She will send you her requirements via email with a negotiable contract.

darvanderhoop@gmail.com