Bio

Allison's bio:

Allison’s yoga journey began after a back injury as a performer in the off-broadway show De La Guarda. Unable to move around at a young age, she took to the philosophy of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras for comfort and perspective. Recovery took several years, and allowed for her eventual asana practice to be rooted in and emphasized by India’s wisdom systems.

A student since 2001, and a graduate of The Body Therapy Institute, Allison completed well over 1000 hours of formalized yoga teacher trainings (Sivananda, Jivamukti, Krishnamacharya) before opening Heart of Yoga School in Carrboro, NC in 2010 which is also the year she met her primary mentor K. Sridhar and began studying with him. She has a BFA in Music Theater from East Carolina University, and has spent countless hours practicing, studying, and apprenticing many Vedic subjects most recently with her emphasis on Jyotish and Indian kirtan and rāga music. She is a Teaching Assistant for Steven Highburger 's 3 year program at Vedic Traditions.

Allison designed an 800 hour Yoga Teacher Training program dedicated to the foundational texts of yoga which offered textual study, introduction to the language of Sanskrit, harmonium instruction, chanting, and the development of a daily prescriptive sadhana. Allison led 19 different teacher training groups before retiring her program.

As an event organizer, she focused on bringing people together at Heart of Yoga School to enjoy her favorite teachers and artists; K. Sridhar, Dr. Robert Svoboda, Sharon Gannon, Edwin Bryant, Prem Sadasivananda, and more. She led a weekly kirtan for five years, and also organized a week long Classical Indian Music Festival. Check out her three kirtan albums here on Spotify. Her original music can be found here.

Allison chose a mostly nomadic lifestyle back in 2016, and has travelled nationally and internationally as a solo woman and with groups. She's led cultural tours and retreats in India and Bali, which has allowed her students to experience first hand how ancient Vedic philosophies and practices can be infused into our daily life. In recent years she's presented with the Telluride Yoga Festival, Grand Valley Yoga Fest, and the Stroud Sacred Music Festival in UK. In 2023 she will present her research on how the ragas of Indian music can be used as Jyotișical remedies at the Vaidyagrama Healing Sounds Retreat in South India.

Allison offers a variety of Vedic teachings on Teachable which allows for the cultivation of community, healing, and mentorship. In 2024 Allison will teach "Ocean of Sound", her Harmonium and Kirtan Teacher Training. She will also offer a new "Voice of the Heart" course that focuses on teaching you the rāga (song or scale) associated with your birth chart. And her ongoing Jyotiș Nakșatra Study Group "Follow the Moon" will continue into its 6th year!

Visit Heart of Yoga School on Teachable here where you'll find courses on subjects like Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, Indian Music, The Ramayana, Opening the Voice, and more. If Allison is currently available for private sessions you can find out more about that here.

Yoga Teacher Training Testimonials:

To say I have been deeply transformed is an understatement, but I don’t have any other words to express how this experience has shaped and continues to shape me. If you are considering this or any other training with Allison, know that though you are ultimately the sculptor of your own journey, in my humble opinion you could not choose a more confident, gentle guide.

– Ros Schwartz

This course gave me the tools to come into a deeper relationship with myself and others, and provided a beautiful space and supportive community for intensive study and practice. Allison is a passionate and dedicated lifelong student of yoga, who is able to clearly communicate complex topics and hold the necessary space for her students to integrate these ancient teachings in a way that works best for each individual.

~ Holly Schmidt

Studying under Allison’s guidance has been such a rewarding experience. I now have a much better understanding of the science of yoga and a foundation for further study. In addition Allison offered me a safe and nurturing space to develop my practice as a bhakta. No words can express the meaningfulness of adding devotion and song to my life. My great thanks and love to her for opening her school to me.

~ Bret Batman

The depth of study, the laughter, the tears. The strengthening of mind, body & spirit… To be in the company of others with such heart; to be guided by a teacher with such a fine mind, exquisite artistry, and a shining heart. I bow in gratitude.

– Clare Brown

What I appreciated most was the exposure to so many new experiences, and re-exposure to topics of utmost importance and relevance. Never in my life would I have necessarily practiced extensive meditation, a weekend of chanting, a full day of pranayama practices, Indian scales on the harmonium, or deep exploration of Sanskrit in texts like the Bhagavad Gita. All of these practices opened up my mind and my heart to the richness and depth of what “yoga” is and can be. Considering how rigid and isolated the perception of yoga is in this country, the expansion of practices felt deeply rewarding.

Allison showed up every single weekend with a cheerful, kind spirit and immense dedication to sharing all of the wisdom she has gained. Her embodiment of a lifelong yogi, as well as her ability to share with us the enormous gift of her authentic and diverse teachers were of immense value. I felt like I was going back in time – to a time when teachers sat in satsang with their students, teaching through stories and experience and relationship. I feel so grateful for everything I have learned, and for the tradition of yoga that I got to experience through the vehicle of Allison’s teachings.

~ Rita Silver

I enjoyed how held we all were by Allison and by each other as we dove in deep to the many practices and teachings of what is yoga. It was a vigorous journey shared in sweetness with a bright gathering of souls.

~ Kerry Layden

The focus on principles, compassion and self love helped to empower all. It was a truly beautiful experience seeing my self and others bloom with love, joy and confidence. I did not learn a trademark style but a way of life. Allison truly wants everyone to discover their truth, their yoga.

~ Julian Davis

Allison’s training was rigorous, but allowed me to discern my own physical limits, and to find joy and compassion in my body. And her playful yet wise approach to the sacred texts helped me to find my own meaning and wisdom within them. What a wonderful journey!

~ Anne Filiaci

One of the greatest gifts Allison gave us through the training was helping us all cultivate a comfortable and relaxed daily home practice. Also, I think a lot of people question whether or not they want to teach yoga, but feel very drawn to Allison’s teachings. If you are excited about learning yoga from Allison, you will be excited to share yoga with others in some shape or form. I can’t imagine a better setting to learn how to LIVE yoga. It’s a priceless experience, and I feel forever grateful to Allison and my fellow trainees.

~ Jessica Mlotkowski

This has been one of the most blessed and lovely experiences of my life. This yoga teacher training is so unique because of the focus on philosophy. I can certainly say that I have transformed to an individual that is more wonderful and capable than when I started. There is a peace and overwhelming feeling of love that is suddenly present. There is a mindfulness of life and of the earth. I LOVED it.

~ Melissa Hines

I cannot recommend this teaching enough. I was searching for deepening my practice, but was unprepared for deepening my life! Allison’s long and intensive study of yoga is a wealth of information for her students. She has done extensive teacher trainings and brings that wealth of knowledge to us. Combine that with her warm and giving nature, her humor, and her sweet voice and you have the makings of an amazing experience. If you are even thinking about it, take the plunge. It’s wonderful!

~ Cammie Moore Presler

Allison is an example of a true, authentic yogini. She leads by example, as a beautiful yogi, teacher, artist and musician. The YTT is very organized, thorough and focused, yet it moves along in a very calm, playful, flexible manner. Allison translates and teaches from the texts in a way that is easy to follow, yet profound.

~ Andrea Erickson

"Voice of the Heart" Testimonials:

To realize our true nature, we must learn to express the voice of the heart. What stood out for me during our one on one sessions was that Allison is a great listener- I felt she was really tuned in to me and helped me bring some clarity and perspective to my life and issues. I learned that we should not be afraid to express our inner voice. We should not clamp down, but rather open our hearts and let the spirits fly in and out.

~ Mary Vigueras

I enrolled in Allison Dennis’ Voice of the Heart program and it has been nothing short of miraculous for me. There were key areas of my life in need of dramatic change. With her support I was able to clearly identify the changes I needed to make, and crystalize my life values. This has all aided my path and choices moving forward. Allison’s presence, masterful guidance and astrological insights were like rocket fuel for my mind, body and soul empowering me to focus, be accountable, and make big decisions. I am squarely on a new and sure path and will continue to draw from all I have learned and integrated as I continue to unveil my True Voice in new and authentic ways. I highly recommend 'Voice of Heart' for anyone seeking to make major changes and shifts in their life.

~Eric Goldman

Allison Dennis

Vedic Counselor and Musician

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