If you googled me, and I hope you do, you may have come to the assumption that I’ve had a glossy, lovely and exciting life. You’ll see pics of me on broadwayworld.com, numerous show reviews, an unfinished and out-of-date Linkedin profile and my teacher profile with Yoga Alliance. If you google MaryJayne Raleigh, which was my professional name pre-divorce, you’ll see even more glossy pics and articles. Have fun!

Without a doubt, I’ve had a very interesting, challenging, and surprising ride so far. I’ve experienced and learned so much from all of it but it’s been yoga that has taught me the most. I first began yoga due to burnout in the gym. As a professional singer, dancer, and actor I always needed to stay fit and skinny.

One day I thought, “I’ll just take this easy, little, yoga stretch class and call it my workout for the day.” Well, that easy, little yoga class changed everything. I walked out—no floated out of that class with such a feeling of clarity and completeness. I couldn’t even put it into words.

That was in 1996. This yoga thing kept me centered, healthy, happy, and skinny. Let’s get to the skinny of it all. Dancers rely on mirrors. It can lead to seeing all the perceived imperfections of your body, which is what it did to me. At auditions, you’re judged on ability and looks. Sometimes it’s looks first and then ability.

When I practice yoga, there’s no judgment, you just show up, breathe, bend and be. It’s freedom. There aren’t any mirrors! This practice guided me through the ugly messes of my life. The hundreds of disappointments, losses, injuries, divorce, pandemic, heartbreaks, and unemployment.

It’s also been a source of joy. I’ve taught and learned from so many students and teachers over the decades. It’s brought me lifelong friendships. It always brings me back to the real, non-glossy me. The learning will never end and that’s what I love about the practice and why I want to share it with you.

By the way, according to the dictionary, the definition of skinny is “underweight or unhealthy.” I’ve struck that word from my vocabulary forever!

So, here we go! Here’s what I want to share with you:

1. Yoga that’s safe for any level or age

2. Alignment and its importance

3. Fun (even when you’re shaking, falling, and ready to quit)

4. Variety of classes in length and style

5. Guest teachers! (I have so many fantastic teachers to share with you)

6. Donating a portion of every purchase to a charity.

7. An evolving, exciting, and safe place to share thoughts and ideas.