Lianne Metcalf
Following the premature death of her mother, Lianne’s life search began with meditation at the age of 16, with questions like what happens when you die?
Driven by this type of questioning, Lianne’s quest was not typical of the more traditional movement practices. In fact life practice has mostly centered around the energetic motion of movement which also included theatre both as actor and writer. She became involved with Tai Chi, Hatha Yoga, Oki Do Yoga, and soon after taught Somatic Movement for the Melba Conservatorium Of Music. She later practiced Astanga Yoga, and trained as a Pilate's Practioner.
In 1991 Lianne began training in Somatic Integration Therapy. She has a Diploma in Somatic Therapy and an Advanced Diploma in Zapchen Somatics a practice of Tibetan energetic techniques and Western Psychotherapies.
Lianne is a Facilitator for The Melbourne Sports and Recreation Centre in Somatic Pilate's and co-authored the Somatic Pilate's Manual which is presented in the course.
Lianne is also the founder of SomaChi Yoga. In this endeavor she acknowledges her major influences of Dr. Julie Henderson, Dr. Tony Richardson, and her Tibetan teachers. She also respectively acknowledges tai chi, meditation, and yoga practices in general.
Lianne has trained in Vinyasa Yoga and is a experienced registered Yoga Teacher E-RYT 500 with Yoga Alliance. In 2007 in partnership with Nicky Davidson has opened the SomaChi Yoga Studio, located in Prahran.
Lianne believes coming from a family of dancers has greatly influenced the flow of SomaChi Yoga. Her classes are graceful, flowing and dynamic. She likes to bring humor to her classes while remaining introspective within body mind experiences. In her classes you will hear her asking you to: ‘sense’, ‘feel the moves’, ‘notice the strength with the softness’, and notice what flow is within the body.
Her intention is for you to experience the soma (aliveness) of your movement.
Nicky Davidson
Nicky is co-director of the SomaChi Yoga Studio. Curiosity, and a passion for energetic practices, drew her to Kinesiology, Therapeutic Touch, and Tai Chi.
Nicky became involved in Somatic Tai Chi holding the natural qualities of grace, and energetic intelligence. Nicky quickly progressed into the role of assisting in Somatic Tai Chi for 5 years. Within this time she was working as a Vegetarian chef which inspired her to author ‘ Creative Vegetarian Cooking ‘.
In 2004 she completed certification in SomaChi Yoga and later Somatic Pilates. Her career change was eminent working full time as a SomaChi Yoga teacher.
She continues to this day her life long studies in Tibetan Buddhism with Lama David Christensen of the Nyingma tradition, Zapchen Somatics with Dr. Julie Henderson and of course SomaChi Yoga. She has trained in Shiva Rae’s Energetic Alignment and is about to embark on a new chapter into her repertoire of study in Vinyasa Yoga with Cindy Lee of Om Yoga, New York.
Nicky encourages a somatic approach in her classes. That of which is energetic, alive and dynamic. She invites the experience of flow and grace, which is ‘ SomaChi Yoga ‘.
Cecily Chun
Cecily began practising yoga ten years ago while working in the fashion industry in New York. She found that yoga was extremely beneficial and helped her cope with the stresses of her job.
After graduating from the New York Yoga Works Teacher Training Program in 2007, she returned back to Australia and devoted herself to teaching and studying yoga. Cecily's teaching has been inspired by her studies with Shivea Rea, Twee Merrigan, David Life, Sharon Gannon, Jeanmarie Paolillo, Alan Finger and others.
Her classes combine the athletic flow of vinyasa - linking movement with breath - with a focus on correct alignment, creating a safe environment for students to explore the unlimited benefits of yoga and discover their true potential. She teaches with a philosophy that asana "pose" practice is a preparation for the broader practice of mindfulness and awareness in one's daily life.
Her classes are for everyone with an open mind and a willingness to step into the unknown. Cecily uses fun yet non-traditional music to create a fresh, accessible and uplifting atmosphere. She feels blessed to share her love of yoga and is focused on and dedicated to the art of teaching yoga.
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Lizette Bell
Lizette began practicing yoga in her early 20’s to assist in finding the body mind harmony that she felt she lacked with the work stresses of running her own business as a fashion and advertising photographer.
Experiencing regular back pain from the physical nature of her working life, Lizette discovered that daily yoga practice addressed both her physical and mental strength and centredness.
Participants in Lizette’s classes can expect a playful and vibrant exploration of the asanas with a focus on breath work. Moving from one asana to the next is a dance in itself… Lizette loves the aliveness of SomaChi.
Danielle Ramaekers
Dani began practising Yoga in New Zealand, continuing her practice on her travels overseas. She found Yoga enabled her to center her body and mind and became increasingly interested in the body- mind connection. Upon returning home, she moved to Melbourne with the intention of broadening her knowledge and understanding of Yoga.
Dani found Somachi's creative flow to be refreshing, fun, lively and invigorating. She especially enjoys the blend of tai chi, somatics, yoga and dance that make up Somachi's unique style.
Her classes are natural and open to everyone, with a emphasis on breathing that helps to calm and connect body and mind. She likes to teach in a way that is comfortable and relaxing, encouraging participants to listen to their bodies and be themselves
