Raffa Power Yoga

Kristen has been practicing yoga at the Raffa Power Yoga Studio since its inception in 2001. All of her life she has studied the art of physical movement through various dance forms including the classical ballet styles of Russian technique and the Royal Academy of Dancing, as well as the modern dance styles of Martha Graham, Lester Horton and Jose Limon. She earned her BFA in Dance Education and Performance from the Philadelphia College of Performing Arts and performed with Philadelphia based dance company’s. In Rhode Island she performed for several years with area dance company’s including The Festival Ballet, Island Moving Company and Fusionworks. For over twenty-years she has been an accomplished local ballet, modern, and jazz dance instructor. Continuing her education, she earned her BS in Physical Education and MS in Exercise Science from the University of Rhode Island with the desire to apply her education to the effects of physical movement. Finding yoga provided an outlet for her love of movement in a gentle way in addition to being interested in the physiological effects on the human body, mind and spirit.

For Kristen, yoga has prompted positive lifestyle changes that have resulted in improved dietary choices, reduction in blood pressure, lasting, gradual weight loss, increased physical endurance, flexibility, and strength. “These are the measurable benefits to a consistent yoga practice that I have experienced. However, the immeasurable benefits include stress reduction and acceptance of ones own imperfections. When practicing yoga, there is no perfect posture. This presents a yoga practice as an enlightening and positive insight to the frontiers of personal physical make-up.” With this interest she has welcomed the teachings of Christine Raffa as well as guest instructors Raffa Power Yoga has introduced to the RI community including Ana Forrest, Jonathan Bowra, Tias Little, Heather Tiddens, Jill Miller, Beryl Bender Birch and Brian Kest. Kristen has completed the Forrest Yoga Foundation Course and looks forward to her own personal and spiritual growth as a yoga instructor.