Instructor Spotlight: Stephanie Wong — Where Movement Meets Mindfulness
Instructor Spotlight: Stephanie Wong
Where Movement Meets Mindfulness
Each week this month, we’re shining the spotlight on one of our incredible instructors here at The Yoga Dance Co. — celebrating the passion, artistry, and heart that each teacher brings to our studio.
This week, we’re thrilled to feature Stephanie Wong, one of our beloved aerial instructors whose teaching blends grace, creativity, and deep emotional awareness. Stephanie’s journey is a beautiful example of how movement can become a bridge between the body, mind, and soul — and how aerial dance can awaken a profound sense of freedom and self-expression.
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Falling in Love with the Air
For Stephanie, it all began in 2014, when she first stepped into the world of aerial dance.
“I first fell in love with aerial dance in 2014,” she shares. “Even though I now teach aerial hoops, aerial yoga, and aerial hammock, my heart still belongs to silks — it’s the apparatus that first made me feel truly free, expressive, and connected to the air.”
That first experience with silks ignited something within her — a feeling of being both grounded and limitless, of expressing emotion through movement rather than words. It’s a feeling that many aerial artists know well: that moment when the fabric wraps around you and suddenly, gravity feels like an invitation instead of a restriction.
It was in those moments that Stephanie discovered not only her love of flight, but also her love of guiding others toward the same freedom she found.
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A Lifelong Teacher and Creative Spirit
Teaching has always been at the heart of who Stephanie is. Before she ever climbed onto a silk, she spent over 26 years teaching piano, helping students connect with their own creativity through music. That deep understanding of artistry, patience, and the learning process naturally carried over into her aerial instruction.
“I’ve been a piano teacher for over 26 years, and teaching has always been a big part of who I am,” she says. “I love guiding others, creating, and expressing through movement and art. Becoming an aerial instructor felt like a natural extension of that passion.”
But Stephanie’s work goes even deeper than physical or creative teaching. As a Clinical Hypnotherapist, she’s deeply attuned to the relationship between mind and body — how our physical experiences often mirror our emotional and mental landscapes.
“I believe our bodies hold emotions and stories,” she explains. “Movement is one of the most powerful ways to release and transform them.”
This philosophy infuses everything she does at The Yoga Dance Co. Her classes are not just about technique — they’re about healing, connection, and empowerment. Through her gentle guidance, students often find not only strength and flexibility but also clarity, confidence, and a deeper sense of self.
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Finding a Home at The Yoga Dance Co.
When asked what she loves most about working at The Yoga Dance Co., Stephanie said, “I love being part of The Yoga Dance Co. because it’s such a beautiful and nurturing space,” she says. “Auburn has created an environment filled with warmth and genuine care. It’s truly inspiring to work with her.”
That sense of community and authenticity is part of what makes The Yoga Dance Co. so special. It’s not just a studio — it’s a space where instructors and students alike feel seen, supported, and celebrated.
And for Stephanie, that nurturing environment allows her to bring her full self to each class — blending her background in music, mindfulness, and movement into something that feels both grounded and transformative.
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The Joy of Watching Students Grow
“My favorite part of being an instructor is witnessing my students’ growth,” she says. “Not just in their physical strength and skills, but in their confidence and self-awareness. Seeing that joy and accomplishment in their eyes is the most rewarding feeling.”
In a world where we’re often measured by speed and achievement, Stephanie’s classes are a reminder that growth can be gentle — that it’s okay to move at your own pace, to celebrate small wins, and to savor the process.
It’s no wonder that many of her students describe her classes as encouraging, meditative, and uplifting. Stephanie teaches with patience and presence, helping each student find their own rhythm and artistic voice.
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Moments of Gratitude
Of all the memories she’s collected as an instructor, it’s often the simplest ones that mean the most.
“One of my favorite moments is when a student comes up to me after class and says ‘thank you,’” she says. “When someone tells me ‘it was fun’ or ‘I loved the class,’ those simple words make me feel so much joy and appreciation. I’m grateful.”
It’s those genuine exchanges — the quiet gratitude between teacher and student — that reflect what aerial practice is truly about: connection, expression, and community.
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Stephanie’s Advice for Future Students
When asked to share her best piece of advice for new or aspiring students, Stephanie offers words that beautifully capture her teaching philosophy:
“Don’t give up. Progress takes time, but every small step matters. Believe in yourself. If you think you can, you can.”
It’s encouragement like this that makes her classes such a safe and inspiring place to learn. Whether you’re taking your very first aerial class or refining your technique, Stephanie reminds her students that every effort — no matter how small — is part of the journey.
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Experience Stephanie’s Classes
Stephanie currently teaches two beautiful offerings at The Yoga Dance Co. that embody her calm, creative, and holistic approach to movement:
Aerial Yoga Meditation
Experience deep relaxation and inner connection in this calming aerial yoga class. Using the hammock for gentle support, you’ll move through slow, mindful stretches and breath-centered movements designed to release tension and cultivate awareness of your body and mind.
Perfect for anyone seeking grounding, clarity, and calm, this class offers a sanctuary for reflection and rejuvenation — an aerial journey inward.
Aerial Dance: Low Hammock for Beginners & All Levels
Learn foundational aerial techniques, beginner-friendly tricks, and flowing sequences that invite creativity and grace. Together, you’ll explore artistry and self-expression in a supportive, judgment-free space.
This class is ideal for those new to aerial or looking to build confidence, strength, and flow from the ground up.
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A Celebration of Artistry and Heart
Stephanie Wong embodies the spirit of The Yoga Dance Co. — blending movement, mindfulness, and creativity in a way that reminds us that every body is capable of flight.
Her classes are more than just physical practice; they’re an invitation to reconnect with yourself, to move with intention, and to celebrate the stories your body holds.
So whether you’re drawn to the serenity of Aerial Yoga Meditation or the expressive flow of Aerial Dance, one thing’s for sure — Stephanie will meet you where you are, guide you with compassion, and help you find your own rhythm in the air.
Because at The Yoga Dance Co., it’s not just about learning to fly — it’s about learning to feel free.
