Feel Great, Look Great, Be Great!
 
 
Darlene Vander Hoop travels extensively teaching Yoga all over the world and home studio, Inner Fire Yoga, Madison, Wisconsin (7 years).

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

INNER FIRE YOGA, teaching 60 classes per month, BIKRAM (Hot Yoga), Power VINYASA Flow, YIN YOGA, Workshops and Master classes

 www.innerfireyogacenter.com

AROMA YIN (a 3-hour Yin experience,) classic POWER FLOW, CHAKRA AROMA YOGA WORKSHOP (exploring Chakras through asana, music, voice, aromatherapy and theory (2 1/2 hour workshop,) Aroma Flow (a gentle Vinyasa FLOW class enhanced with therapeutic grade Essential Oils...awesome!.)

YIN AROMA... Intro to Yin with Aromatherapy!

Coming soon to Garden State Yoga, Bloomfield NJ in July 2010,

and  HotYoga NJ Rutherford in July 2010! (dates to be announced!)

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 acting and dance. While navigating 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 the backdrop and guidance for her colorful life....

And here it is 1978 ...no mats, no water bottles...just Dar and Bikram

Darlene shares her world with her 18-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).

                                                                                                             Dar and Bikram circa 1978

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 (Hand to foot Pose)  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."

“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; results are experienced immediately. Witnessing these moments of expansion in the students keeps teaching this class inspiring. Yoga makes room for miracles in ones life…, and shows us we are all one heart.”

" 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, and a positive mental attitude. I’ve become fiercer about “scaring death out of the back pocket,” as Bikram describes the attitude with which to practice asanas."

TESTIMONIALS

FROM STUDENTS, TEACHERS, & STUDIO OWNERS

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"

   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.

     Marit Sathrum
Director,  INNER FIRE YOGA CENTER
5003 University Ave., Madison, WI.

 I’ve worked with Darlene for seven year and I can honestly say she is one of the most natural and gifted yoga teachers from whom I have ever taken a yoga class.  I have been practicing Bikram Yoga for about 10 years and teaching Bikram Yoga since 1997 when I was certified by Bikram.  Darlene has a way of delivering her message that clearly draws from her unusual length of experience in this genre, and also from her dance background, and from her keen body/mind awareness that is intuitive.  She also incorporates humor that I find is unusual in the Bikram Yoga classrooms and is a wonderful uplifting addition to the class.  Darlene is senior instructor at the Bikram Yoga studio that I own, and we are very lucky to have her.  She now shows the same talents teaching Vinyasa Flow, Aroma Flow, Yin and Chakra workshops. She is a talent.

 

     Darlene is a very gifted yoga instructor. I feel privileged to be taking her classes. Although her classes can be challenging at times, I feel safe in her hands because she is always conscientious and sensitive to her students' needs, abilities and concerns. My yoga practice has greatly benefited from her unique and expert instruction.

DR. Ruddy Ruddy, Madison, WI., Certified Bikram Teacher 2002

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  Darlene's knowledge of yoga, both as a spiritual practice and as its physical counterpart, combined with her ability and commitment to stay present as a teacher, creates a rich yoga classroom filled with insight and possibility. Additionally, as personable and dynamic as Darlene is, her personality never dominates the classes she  teaches. Instead, she customizes her pedagogy based on her students' needs and her own intuition. As a regular student for two years, I've seen how differently Darlene can teach, while always staying true to  herself and her practice. It's a wonderfully refreshing change from other studios in which I've taken classes, where the script is prefabricated or the teacher is the star of a one person show. I am  always impressed with her ability to accurately assess our needs as students, demonstrating subtle adjustments in poses or appropriately challenging our intentions as we practice. At the end of a class, as I'm leaving the studio, Darlene will often comment to me about changes she's noticing in my practice or she'll ask about my own reflections on my practice. I have always appreciate how she notices each of her many, many students. I learn something new every time I take a class.

 Jen Weaver, 26  Offices of the Dean of Students - UW Madison  w: 608.265.4276 f: 608.265.5637

 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 “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 gives!
     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. 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 

Summer 2006  BIKRAM YOGA DUBLIN
.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, Certified Bikram Teacher
00353 1 8320213

Testimonials from Australia, summer 2005

  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...

 32 years in yoga ...and in life

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."  I was first bitten by desire to be a performer, on stage right there on that funky stage at the end of the Steel Pier along with the Diving Horses.... .

 My first experience 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 pressing the silver ‘taps’ from the soles of the shoes onto 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 each time, trying a little harder. Afterwards 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 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 ... something entirely new, and I clearly recall that first class, fumbling around alternate nostril breathing, sitting cross-legged. He presented us a reading list which opened up new ways of thinking about breath, the body and 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 introspection, body awareness, witness consciousness and an unrelenting focus on human potential.

Ps After earning a Bachelor of Science (cum laude) in Movement Therapy/ Psychology, I left Wisconsin for New York City to study and teach dance. I found work as a Movement Therapist with autistic children, and as a counselor and dance teacher for 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 to audition for 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 into movement as therapy once again. We explored Trance Dance,  Movement Ritual, and outdoor performance art.  It wasn’t until moving 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 ,Indira Devi, Dharma Mittra (way back), Swami Bua, and numerous others from those first generation of yoga teachers in LA & NYC.

 Gyms, living rooms, corporate offices, convention halls, classrooms, old age homes, theaters, warehouses, anywhere I could put up my shingle: was fair game for a yoga class.  I simply taught the yoga. I learned to teach BY TEACHING and remain to this day, an eternal student.

 In the yoga room everyday life stops and a journey inward takes over. It is beautiful. arriving on the mat is a mystery and wonder.  I’ve never been a Gumby girl or a “natural,” when it came to the yoga; by the way… I’ve always worked hard for strength and flexibility. It's challenging, inspiring and never boring. The blessing now is that Hot Yoga and Vinyasa studios are all over the USA and world, heated properly, staffed with trained teachers, designed for success.  I'm honored to represent Bikram, Vinyasa, Yin, Restorative, Yoga Therapy worldwide. In the past four years I have fallen in love with Aromatherapy and Essential Oils and have successfully encorporated them into my journey with Yoga.

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

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

The Story of my “First Bikram Class”

     I first 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 placed my 106 lb youthful body smack dab, front row center.

      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 (false) confidence. I stood upfront-center wearing simply a Danskin leotard --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 impossible to follow sometimes and he couldn't care less.   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!”  I was grabbing this and that, balancing and stretching and pushing my spine into flexion and extension and flexion and extension ....All of a sudden the class was over after blowing out air for 120 counts on our knees, looking like fish our of water.... I wondered outside, soaked and reddened and 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!

 There were no sticky mats (not invented yet) or water bottles (water fountain was 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; 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?"

      I fell 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-- !  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, "You were right! This is the one 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...”   dar

                        TRAVELS, TEACHING, and AVAILABILITY FOR YOUR STUDIO!!  

Once one has the basics of Hatha Yoga Asanas, then go out and write the symphony ... Welcome to Vinyasa Flow ... I think a practice of both is the perfect marriage; And then of course the other yoga commandments and philosophy, the lifetime practice and contemplative aspects; devotion, meditation ... it all comes with practice and patience! 

NAMASTE

Contact Dar if you are interested to have a guest teacher to your studio for a few days, 2 weeks, or 3 months! Requirements via email with a negotiable contract will follow.    

      darvanderhoop@gmail.com