I’ve been dancing joyfully as long as I can remember. From age eight I danced each summer on the Atlantic City Steel Pier in “The Stars of Tomorrow Show,” which sealed my love of performing. In the 70’s I headed out in a vintage Volvo: destination: UW-Madison, where I earned a B.S. in Dance Movement Therapy (with honors.) It was that solo drive out of New Jersey, into clear open spaces that sealed my addiction to travel as well.
At UW, I began Transcendental Meditation, Rolfing, Alexander Technique, and somatic therapies including Primal Screaming, then in their genesis. Yoga came later with an artist-in-residence. Fascinated, I read every yoga-related book I could find. I moved into NYC, then to San Francisco, and finally L.A. where I pursued an acting/dance career. I heard of a crazy Indian named Bikram Choudhury who had all the celebs taking his yoga. The Yoga College of India instantly hooked me, never dreaming three decades later I’d still be teaching the infamous 26 postures! I branched out into the burgeoning L.A. Yoga Scene studying with the Indira Devi, Alan Finger, Paul Grilley, and Steve Ross; at the Larchmont Center for Yoga, and Kundalini with Yogi Bhajan; learning much from all. In NYC I was honored to study with Dharma Mittra, and Swami Bhua in his curry-scented apartment. I began teaching at the Yoga Tantra Institute, L.A. in 1979, where I first taught with Rod Stryker.
Professionally I was employed as magazine publisher/editor (LA Woman), advertising director (Details), actress/model, fashion event producer, TV talk show host (1984,) Vander Hoop, Fass, & CO. I penned a nationally syndicated column (1994-1998) on love and living single “Very Personal with Norma Jean.” YET … my biggest job, and deepest life lesson was choosing to have a child on my own. My son remains my most powerful little guru. Together we traveled continents while I taught from Dublin to Australia, the Netherlands to Cape Cod. Life’s a fantastic adventure! Yoga’s been the thread that ties it all together, the place I find peace and constant inspiration from my students, and so many gifted teachers.
For more information, go to www.certifiedbikramyogateacher.com
Certificates and Education
- Presently studying with JivaMukti in NYC, Moksha in Chicago, Exhale in Los Angeles
- Ashley Turner, Chakra Immersion 2010
- Paulie Zink (Yin Yoga), Chicago Yoga Center, 2009
- Eddie Modestini and Nikki Doane, 2009
- Rolf Gates Intensive, 2009
- Anodea Judith, 2008
- Honorary Teacher Certification, Bikram’s Yoga College of India, 2002
- In Depth Chakra Study with Alan Finger of Yogazone, 1980-1984
- Dharma Mittra, 1977-1980
- Siddha Yoga Dham, South Fallsberg, NY in residence with Swami Muktananda, 1979-1980
- Steve Ross (Happy Yoga)
- Paul Grilley (Yin Yoga), Chicago Yoga Center
- Yogi Bhajan (Kundalini Yoga)
- Rod Stryker, Yoga Tantra Institute
- Senior Iyengar Teachers inclucing Mary Dunn
- Bikram Choudhury, Bikram’s Yoga College of India, 1976-1979
- Swami Bua, NYC, 1977
- Dance Movement Therapy, UW Madison, B.S Degree
What people have said about Dar’s Aroma Yoga:
“I just wanted to take a moment to say thank you for all the work and heart that you put into the Chakra Workshop last weekend. I really appreciate the fact that you (an expert instructor) are in Madison, and that I’ve begun my practice in the right place, at the right time (for me).
I wanted to tell you that I found the workshop more beneficial than you’d know. Going in, I was somewhat familiar with chakras, but there was a realization that occurred for me.
A while ago, I put forth the intention to live a more balanced and open life. More recently (less than a year), I decided that I could live life more authentically… living up to my potential- if I had my chakras cleared. I’ve got just as many issues as the next guy; and with that, I have an awareness of which of my energy centers are more blocked.
(Speaking of clearing chakras… There’s someone in town that helps people do this, but it’s a luxury that I cannot afford… and it leads me to a bigger question for you about whether or not each one of us has the capacity to clear our own chakras independently of spiritual healer type.)
So, naturally, I was interested and excited about this class. There I was on Sat, finally getting it- that a yoga practice and the task of clearing chakras go hand-in-hand. I may have known it in a textbook sort of way, but the realization that I speak of is about the inner knowing. It occurred to me that the unspoken reason I started/maintain a yoga practice is directly related to my desire to clear the way for proper energy flow.
I’m not sure how else to say it, but I was so OPEN by the end of the class. I just wanted you to know that your efforts were beneficial and appreciated.” Sean
“Her 30 years experience & the confidence of her class commanded such credibility, that I was pushed further in many of my postures. The beauty of it was – it stopped being a struggle. She injected this personality & humor into the class that just seemed to melt my own limitations & there I was with head to my knees & triangle aligned & upper back lifting my legs & hips off the ground … I stopped questioning ‘can I? can’t I?’ & just did. Usually if I push myself to my limits in class, I’m 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’s what it is.”
Declan Barry, Pediatrician, Ireland
“I loved this workshop. It was so deeply stimulating for all of the senses. I learned a lot about energy centers and their emotional components!”
Carmen Alonso, Psychologist, Madison, WI.
“IT WAS PHENOMENAL!” My experience was that you, Dar, presented the chakras and oils with such a logical flow. Never once did that flow break. You are very knowledgeable in so many ways about the chakras effects on us, our bodies, and our actions. Your examples gave me an “Of Course” feeling several times. You are such a Professional. You could take that presentation anywhere for any price. Thank You So Much!”
Carol Chvala and Lauren (her 10 yr old daughter)
“I did love the aroma and asana, so many facets of it were wonderful Its hard to sum it all up! Here’s my best short version of a testimonial to your great workshop: Stepping from the rhythm of modern life into Dar’s soothing candle-lit practice of asana and aroma brings your nervous system back into balance. At the end of the workshop I felt like a shield of scents and a sense of well being were wrapped around my body. It makes you feel nurtured. Thank you for sharing your expertise and yoga practice.”
Elizabeth Doering, Graphic Artist
“Stepping from the rhythm of modern life into Dar’s soothing candle-lit practice of asana and aroma brings your nervous system back into balance. At the end of the workshop I felt like a shield of scents and a sense of well being were wrapped around my body. It makes you feel nurtured. Thank you for sharing your expertise and yoga practice.”
Kim Brilowski, UW student
“Attending the Yin Aroma Workshop transported my husband and I to a calm, warm, candle filled, blissful place. The minute we laid our mats on the floor I knew we were in for a very special treat. The oils were perfectly administered and the gentle voice of Dar allowed us to fully receive both the aromas and the poses. We were amazed. We’ve recommend it to lots of people who were unable to attend. This workshop is definitely one that a person could indulge in over and over again and never tire of it! The best yin class we’ve ever experienced! Thanks Dar!”
Amy Roland, Yoga Teacher
