L E I A V I T A M A R A S O V I C H
Leia’s first yoga experience was at her 8 year-old yoga birthday party thrown by her yogini mother. It was not until high school that Leia established a consistent yoga practice and started working at Inner Power Yoga in Calabasas, CA as the front desk receptionist. At this time, Leia was also introduced to meditation by her mother, Carmen Joy, who is currently a prominent mediation instructor in Southern California. From a young age, Leia was exposed to eastern philosophies and found great respect for these ancient teachings and traditions.
In 2010 she attended Soka University of America in Aliso Viejo, California because of its commitment to “foster a steady stream of global citizens committed to living a contributive life”. In 2014, Leia graduated Magna Cum Laude from Soka University with a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts focused in environmental studies.
Coming from a competitive long-distance swimming background, Leia found yoga as a spiritual solace, as well as a fundamental component to her success in the pool. In the fall of 2015, Leia completed 200 hours of training at Inner Power Yoga in Woodland Hills, CA through Yoga Alliance. Throughout the years, Leia has been influenced by various teachers and esteemed monks.
Leia’s classes embrace a healing hatha vinyasa flow deeply rooted to breath and intention, with a focus on alignment. Through playful sequencing and conscious movement, she aims to cultivate a transcendental experience, uniting the physical body to the spiritual self. Leia is honored to share what she has discovered and experienced along the path as an act of seva to the community.
Reviews
“Leia’s classes are my absolute favorite due to her calm demeanor and her personal and thoughtful approach to teaching. She embodies a yogi in more ways than solely the physical aspect and brings much of her beautiful mindset, musical talents, and sweet nature to her classes. They always leave me feeling centered, stretchy, and ready to take on my day.”
“I will not forget my very first yoga practice with Leia which ended with tears on my cheeks! It might have been the sun on the rooftop, the ocean sounds, but firstly it was Leia’s calm voice and the words she said. She somehow made me become like the “OM”. I love the flow and rhythm of the practices Leia leads.”
“Leia is soulful and inspiring and leads you through a yoga practice that has you leave feeling not only physically better but as a better person. She is a born teacher and a steady leader.”
“I’ve always felt so good going into one of Leia’s classes, and feel so refreshed afterwords. It’s not only meditative and peaceful but an amazing workout as well. You don’t want to miss it!”
“I have trained twice with Leia and both times it was such a great experience. Her in-depth knowledge of the practice is a given, but her real skill is within her communication and humanity. If you want to work with a teacher who is truly connected to her passion, then I would thoroughly recommend Leia.”
“Leia’s class was awesome (first yoga class I’ve ever taken might I add). It was the perfect combination of challenging and doable- I felt incredible afterwards!”