Yogis across the oceans – Tania and I met for the first time at the Elysia Yoga convention on Amorgos in 2018. Since then, we have stayed in touch across the oceans, discussing retreat destinations, venues, possible teacher-training courses and life in general.
Tania Kemou was born in Athens, Greece, and has practised Yoga for 15 years.
Her first Ashtanga yoga class took place in Athens in 2004, taught by Savvas Giantsis. Tania was drawn to every aspect of Ashtanga, from its roots and history to the commitment and discipline it demands.
After completing a 200-hour Teacher Training course in Thailand, Tania began travelling regularly to Mysore, India. During every visit, she studies at KPJAYI with Sharath Jois, grandson of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, the late founder of Ashtanga vinyasa yoga.
Following her first journey to India, Tania chose to leave her career as a lawyer and teach Yoga full time.
Tania teaches with remarkable calmness and kindness. Her adjustments are gentle yet firm, enabling students to discover the complete benefits of every posture. This is paired with a quiet, assured confidence that makes you feel comfortable trying poses you would normally avoid.
Her love of Yoga, and especially Ashtanga, is evident from the instant you arrive on your mat for one of her classes.
Tania has taught Yoga in Greece, Paris and, most recently, Berlin.
After working as a personal trainer for many years, I too soon discovered the advantages of Yoga within my own practice. I completed my first 200-hour teacher training in London, before undertaking an advanced teacher training course in Johannesburg.
I am now a registered Yoga teacher and teacher trainer with Yoga Alliance, practising from my Johannesburg studio. I teach a blend of Hatha, Vinyasa and Yin, while also lecturing on subjects including Yoga anatomy and the foundations of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Yin Teacher Training courses.
We both run annual retreats in our local areas and abroad.
I have been fortunate to teach in Corsica, Croatia, Mauritius and Greece, one of my favourite destinations.
Our paths crossed once more in Athens that May, while we were both in Greece leading separate retreats. Tania was in Mykonos, while I was on Kythnos with my fellow South African, Catherine.
As we watched a magical sunset from a Monastiraki rooftop bar and restaurant, with the Acropolis close by in the distance, we asked ourselves: why not lead retreats together?
A Greek Ashtanga and Vinyasa teacher alongside a South African Hatha and Yin teacher!
What else could you ask for from a collaboration?
Our first retreat together will take place in Kythnos, Greece, 23–29 May 2020.
On my most recent trip to Kythnos, I was lucky enough to meet Natasha and Dimitri from K4Kythnos. Their villa and Yoga Shala, with views across the secluded Kastellas beach, offer an exceptionally ideal setting.
To book this retreat or find out more information, click here.
It becomes even better!
Tania will join me in South Africa in October 2020 to teach at the annual Honeywood Farm Yoga retreat, and we will also co-host a Yoga Safari retreat together.
Quite literally, Yogis across the oceans are coming together!
Whether you join us in Greece or South Africa, expect idyllic locations, meticulous attention to detail and a welcoming environment in which to explore and challenge your current practice. You will enjoy delicious, healthy meals to complement the Yoga classes, as well as plenty of time to discover the hidden treasures of these two extraordinary countries.
There will be two daily Yoga sessions. Ashtanga or vinyasa will be practised in the morning, followed by evening Yin or Hatha sessions. Every retreat will include both an opening and a closing ceremony.
Classes will suit every level of practice, whether you travel alone or with a friend or partner.
Perhaps it is the peaceful oceans surrounding the Greek islands that are calling to you, or the vast openness of the African landscape.
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