Robin Gifford - Jazz & Ballet

Robin has devoted her life to the art of movement. She began Ballet lessons at age four with former Rockette Agnes Reeves. Robin continued her studies, adding Jazz, Tap and Modern. During High School, she spent a summer at the legendary Jacob’s Pillow, studying with Lila York, Susan McGuire and Alvin McDuffie, and a semester as an intern for the New York State Theatre Institute. She was also a teaching assistant of dance at State University of New York at Buffalo and the State University of New York of Albany, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts. She then discovered the many health benefits and the beautiful art of Tai Chi and became a certified instructor. Her love of movement has been passed on to many students during years of teaching for the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Dance Club, College of Saint Rose, EBA, Albany Dance and Fitness, Robin’s Academy of Dance, The National Museum of Dance, and the Dance Experience and has recently taught a class for The Northeast Ballet Company. She also teaches Adaptive Dance and Theater for Schenectady ARC and is a competition coach at The Dance Experience. She teaches Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Lyrical, Hip Hop, Modern and Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention.

Tara Hostash - Theater

Tara started whistling at age 2 and is a proud storyteller and bard. Her first endeavours were staged fairy tales, improv skits and short plays produced and performed for her extended family in a Rensselaerville dining room. Nothing much has changed, after 30+ years performing on many different stages, Tara, along with family and friends founded R'ville Stage Creations in 2011. Prior to that she studied vocal performance at SCCC and attended the American Musical and Dramatic Academy conservatory program for musical theatre in New York City. Tara has been a member and soloist of The Village Voices for over 20 years, and currently sits on the board of two local theatre companies. When asked what yearly project she loves the most, Tara's answer will be directing local high school musicals. She began in Middleburgh with Suessical in 2010, then with great pride she moved to her alma mater, Greenville and has been the stage director for Cinderella, Thoroughly Modern Millie, The Addams Family, Fiddler on the Roof and Once on this Island. As Artistic Director for R'ville Stage Creations, Tara has directed and produced over a dozen plays, workshops and even written two original cabarets. Tara still resides in Rensselaerville with her family, friends, houseplants and guitar.

Sarah Nelson - Yoga & Pilates

Sarah is a Certified Yoga Teacher in the Krishnamacharya/Desikachar lineage, and also received certification in Sivananda Yoga. She has been teaching since 1999. In this tradition, adapting the practice to the individual, as well as a focus on the breath, is emphasized. In group classes, all students’ needs are honored. Sarah is skilled at adapting the practice to make Yoga accessible to all, regardless of age, experience, or injury. Although Yoga offers a path to a healthy body, at a deeper level it is about building self-awareness and self-control, releasing habitual behavior, and developing physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.

Sarah was trained in the Pilates Method by Christine Becker beginning in 1999. She also studied Kinesthetic Anatomy with Irene Dowd, and has been mentored by Maiya Greaves. Her Pilates classes provide a clear understanding and strengthening of the deep core muscles, which serve as the foundation for a careful and complete workout. As with Yoga class, in Pilates classes modifications to address individual needs are offered.

In addition to group classes in both disciplines, Sarah offers private lessons to address individual needs and delve more deeply into self-practice. Private lessons offer the opportunity to more fully explore the richness of Yoga, from movement and breath to chanting, meditation, and philosophy. She also teaches group philosophy classes on Zoom, and in partnership with Ayurvedic practitioner Emileigh Tanner, as Foothills Yogāyurveda, presents seasonal programs, including Spring and Fall Cleanses.

Contact Sarah at foothills.yogayurveda@gmail.com

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