Meet Andrea: A Journey from Belly Dancing to Yoga

Namaste beautiful yogis and curious minds! I am Andrea, a Yoga Instructor, belly dancer, and founder of Seva Yoga. Whether you stumbled upon this page while looking for yoga inspiration or were lured here by the promise of a fun read, welcome!

I’ve been on the yoga mat for seven transformative years, but the real turning point came in 2018 when I met Chris Coleman, my mentor and dear friend. Under her guidance, I completed a 200-hour yoga teacher training in 2020 and officially became a certified yoga instructor. It was a life-changing experience that solidified my passion for sharing yoga’s healing power with others.

In October of this year, I began teaching at The Yoga Branch - Forest Lake studio, a warm and welcoming space owned by Stacy VanOrnum, an incredibly kind and generous person. I am so grateful to be part of such a vibrant yoga community!

Long before I was guiding downward dogs and tree poses, I was shimmying and shaking as a belly dancer. Photo evidence is below. :) Since 2010, belly dancing has been a huge part of my life, and I even spent four wonderful years teaching beginners in St. Paul. Dancing—of any sort—brings me so much joy, and it still influences my yoga practice today. Yoga flows? Sometimes, they feel a little like dances.

I live in Forest Lake with my husband, three cats (yes, three!), and one very good dog, Vida. It’s a full house, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. Animals are a huge part of my life, and I love spending time outdoors—whether I’m paddleboarding, hiking, or simply soaking up nature.

Recently I have been learning more about Ayurveda, the sister science of yoga. I’m endlessly fascinated by how this ancient philosophy can guide us toward healing our minds and bodies. I try to weave this wisdom into my classes and daily life. As I continue teaching, I plan to deepen my yoga studies to expand my knowledge and help others even more.

When I’m not on the mat or exploring Ayurveda, you’ll probably find me with my nose in a book, scribbling away at something, or finding new ways to move my body joyfully.

If you’re ready to join me on the mat (or even just to say hi!), I’d love to connect. But enough about me - let’s breathe, move, and laugh together as we embark on this yoga journey. Join me on the mat each Tuesday at 6 am at The Yoga Branch in Forest Lake, MN.