our teachers
"The development of the mind comes through movement."
..... Maria Montessori
Dana Stoddard
dana stoddard began her spiritual path at 14 years old. Needing something (anything!) to calm that overactive "monkey-mind", dana learned to meditate and practiced consistently as the benefits became more and more obvious. But it wasn’t until she began her yoga practice - almost 30 years later - that her true life's passion came to light.
Working her "day job", designing and merchandising jewelry collections for mass retailers, dana had the opportunity to travel the world allowing her to study with master teachers and experience yoga studios of all traditions. Dharma (Mittra) Yoga, Jivamukti, Bikram, Ashtanga, Power Yoga. So many styles….. seemingly all leading to the same experience. Stillness. "It is the feelings of peace, stillness and belonging that I found when I entered these studios that first inspired my husband and me to visualize – and then, realize - montanabliss."
dana is now a Certified Yoga/Ayurveda Teacher for both adults and children. Having completed over 500 hours of concentrated yoga studies including the Yoga and Ayurveda Teacher Certification Program with Mas Vidal and Yoga ED (for kids), she is currently teaching adult, teen and kids yoga classes at montanabliss as well as in the Bigfork public schools. dana's classes bring a blend of a strong classical Hatha Yoga instruction influenced by the universal teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda. No matter what age, every class is filled with spontaneity, challenge, imagination, creativity, and adventure... inspiring each and every soul's journey back to the true teacher within.
Celeste Chiappetta Pasca, Guest Senior Teacher
Celeste Chiappetta Pasca has dedicated her life to the art of movement as a professional Ballet dancer, teacher and Hatha Yoga Instructor. Her career as a classical ballet dancer has taken her across Europe and the United States, performing as soloist for the National Ballet of Flanders and Boston Ballet. Celeste is a Certified Bikram Yoga Instructor. Her intense yoga studies include training in Ashtanga, Vinyasa, and Jivamukti as well as Bikram's Advanced Series. She applies her lifetime experience, education and personal yoga practice towards assisting each student to fully achieve his or her individual potential. As a teacher for over 25 years she has facilitated the growth and development of adults, children, professionals and athletes. Recently, Celeste coached the Bronze Medal winner in the first ever International Yoga Championship held in Los Angeles this September 2003. With Celeste's unique guidance through Bikram's Hatha Yoga Series students from all walks of life experience the Joy of Yoga, the Joy of Movement.
Master Veda, Yoga Teacher
Mas Vidal is the Spiritual Director of Dancing Shiva Yoga and Ayurveda (DSYA) in Los Angeles, California, the original center dedicated to the practice, education and lifestyle of the great Vedic sciences of Yoga and Ayurveda. As an Ayurvedic Practitioner, Mas maintains an active clinical practice at Dancing Shiva and at other affiliated centers throughout the United States. Over the years he has seen all types of patients for various reasons ranging from acute intestinal disorders to many common diseases of our time such as weight loss, diabetes, respiratory disorders, digestive issues, skin problems, anxiety and nervousness, poor sleep, emotional issues and general lifestyle counseling.
