My Story

Jelena entered this world dancing… her love for rhythm and music instilled in her by her parents from a tender age. Her heritage is a blend of Jamaican from her mother and Swiss from her father, enriching her with diverse cultural influences. After years dedicated to exploring the realms of professional dance, choreography, and teaching various styles, Jelena finds her greatest fulfillment in guiding others toward a deeper connection with their bodies and hearts, allowing the authentic expression of truth to unfold. Formerly the owner of a dance and yoga studio, she has transitioned to sharing her philosophy of "Embodiment & Empowerment as Medicine" across the globe through workshops, coaching, trainings, and retreats. Her mission is to inspire individuals to embrace the dance of life, fostering unity and connection among all.

“Let’s enjoy the dance of life brothers and sisters. We are together in this.”

My Background

Jelena discovered her passion for teaching at a very young age and became a primary school teacher when she was 21. After that her journey begun as a dancer, performer and yoga teacher. In the last 15 years, she has completed over 2’000 hours of different yoga and dance trainings and facilitated classes, workshops and retreats all over the world.

In 2019 she created her own Facilitator Training called Embodied Woman Empowerment Training. It is designed for women who wish to step fully into their feminine essence and share sacred spaces with others through movement and embodiment practices.

My Heart

In 2022, Jelena gave birth to a beautiful boy named Juno. Since his arrival, her heart has swelled with love for him, melting with each new cycle of growth he moves through. The transition into motherhood came very natural to her, adding a profound sense of responsibility not only for Juno but for all children of Mother Earth. Fueled by her vision, she continues to organize workshops and events enable people from all walks of life to connect to the sacredness of life. She is also the founder of the Rise up Movement – a tribe based in Switzerland that hosts conscious gatherings..

“Nature – the earth is my guide & teacher. This is where I remember
who I am and find
peace within.”

YOGA

Yoga is a state of connection to everything that is.

Yoga means union; so nothing happens in nature, which is not in connection with the whole. In my yoga class you will experience how yoga activates self-healing powers and enriches everyday life. Here we practice yoga asana and pranayama according to the timeless principles of eastern medicine. We follow the cycles of nature (seasons, moon, etc.) to find balance in our natural rhythm in everyday life.

Elemental Yoga

Elemental Yoga is a meridian-based yoga approach, which balances the organs and associated discomforts, enhances well-being in the body, promotes mental calmness and creates the deep connection to one’s own nature. Elemental Yoga is a natural therapy of practicing to harmonise the energies which collaborate, and at times of imbalance also collide, to provide the landscapes of our Human Nature. As Elemental Yoga is the practice of balancing the 5 Elements, we discover a way of observing our deeper Nature. Once we understand the simplicity that Yoga works through, we can quickly begin to restore balance to our inner life, and begin the fundamental learning into developing energetic harmony with the world we live in. It is a gentle awakening through contemplating and listening and ultimately dancing with the forces of Nature.

Private Yoga & Yoga Therapy

Private yoga lessons offer you to focus on personal interests, concerns or goals. Instead of following along with the yoga instructor in a class setting, a private lesson allows you to set personal goals for flexibility, strength or mental health & wellbeing. You will learn to connect to your body in a new way. We will have a conversation from which I will create a practice sequence of asanas, pranayama, mantras and affirmations for you. After this I will teach you the sequence, which you will be able to practice at home or outdoors whenever you find time. We will check in monthly as long as the practice serves & supports you on the journey of finding a healthy balance in your body, mind & soul.

Yoga & Dance Fusion

In this Workshop you will experience a beautiful fusion of yoga asanas merging into dance movements. Moving on and off the mat to the sounds of inspiring electronic music. “I am excited to take you on a beautiful movement flow, which will give you inspiration & joy of pure beingness.”

Yoga for Children

In this playful yoga class children will learn yoga poses, breathing, and relaxation exercises which cultivate a calm mind, increase strength and flexibility, improve gross and fine motor skills, improve concentration, and help them understand how to identify and manage their feelings. Games, stories, and music will be incorporated into this fun, non-competitive class. Each class ends with a period of relaxation.

MEDITATION

“Meditation is essential as the state of wholeness is reached through the doorway of the now.”

This is a practice of concentrated focus upon a sound, object, visualization, the breath, movement, or attention itself to increase awareness of the present moment, reduce stress, promote relaxation, and enhance personal and spiritual growth. Every yoga class or ceremony starts with a short meditation for us to drop into the present moment & come into stillness.

Jelena attended the meditation teacher training with Ahlaad Satyam in “Raum für Bewusstsein”.

DANCE

Dance is the language of the body.

“Dance is the most natural way to move the body and express what I am feeling within. It’s freeing, empowering & healing all at the same time. Let your body speak to you & allow your life to become a sacred dance in full joy & presence.”

Shakti Rising Dance Journey

This is a 5 week dance journey through the elements & chakras activating the physical & energetic pathways to balance & harmonise your body. This is a sacred temple space to fully express yourself & be free. All women of all ages are most welcome.

In this intuitive dance you will reconnect closer to your body, have a lot of fun & will go through a lot of transformation. Learning how to guide & cultivate energy in the body is such an essential key for living a life in full radiance & power guiding our life force where we need it most. There will be a lot of time for free movements and also guided movements & breath practices to activate your body to lighten that fire within.

Calling in Shakti, the earthly life force to move through us, will bring us bliss & strong vital life force. She is the feminine essence that loves unconditionally & guides our way back home to our body as a temple & the Earth. Are you feeling that longing in your heart for freedom & ecstacy while feeling safe & grounded in your body? Than this is the perfect course for YOU!

Tribal Earth Dance

Through guided breath & movement practices you will explore your SELF in CONNECTION to the EARTH – receive deep GROUNDING into the HERE & NOW.

Together we open the ecstatic pathways in our body & being – to FEEL the nurturing LOVE of Gaia – our mother. Allowing Kundalini Shakti to flow through us.

In this Workshop you will learn specific dance movements and also have space to follow your body’s wisdom, move freely & connect to others. As we connect to earth we remember that we are ONE EARTH TRIBE.

Kundalini & Chakra Dance

A seven week journey through the chakras. In these intuitive dance journeys you will reconnect closer to your body and essence of your being. Moving freely on the dance floor and also learning simple breath & movement keys to activate different chakras (energetic centres of our body). It’s an extraordinary alchemical dance by which we will move energy through our bodies – with the intention to awaken Kundalini Shakti (Life Force Energy). An awakened Kundalini Shakti brings us pure bliss and strong vital life force energy. Each class is devoted to a different chakra and it’s topics. Kundalini Dance is highly transformational. Kundalini Dance™ is an ecstatic embodiment practice for women and men of all ages and fitness levels. The requirement for anyone who is engaging in the practice is to have a deep desire for spiritual connection and personal transformation. If that soul longing for freedom is present, the keys that will be shared with you through this practice will have life changing results. The founder of Kundalini Dance is Leyolah Antara; who is sharing her wisdom worldwide.

Be Rhythm and Dance

In this grounding and uplifting movement workshop you will connect deeply with your ROOTS – the earth element – your root chakra, as we rise together.

RHYTHM – With Dions live drumming and electronic DJ set you will be guided to drop into your own internal rhythm centre. Moving to world beats from slow and meditative, to wild and ecstatic, we’ll be connecting to rhythm with our breath and re-discovering how we can create free flowing organic movement, dance and percussion from the inside-out.

DANCE – Jelena will be inspiring you into fun and free expression beginning with some movements of her Jamaican roots. Birthed in the Dancehalls booming with Up-Tempo Reggae music this dance with African and Hip-Hop influence will challenge you to move your hips! Activating your vital energy source as we connect and rise up together as one tribe. With the synergy and connection of drumming & dance we will uplift as a community and Rise Up!

Private Dance Class

Private dance classes are designed for a more intimate dance experience for you. I teach all levels in different dance styles or can support you to become more confident in simply moving your body freely. Whatever your goal & focus is for dancing, I am happy to help you achieve it. Private lessons give me a chance to fully be present for you and your needs.

ROOTS RAGGA

In this dance class you will connect deeply with your ROOTS – the earth – your root chakra & connect with the joy of being here on this planet & celebrating life.

My own roots are from Jamaica from my mother’s side & Ragga / Dancehall is a dance style which was birthed there. There are many different foot steps to learn & many movements come from the pelvis & hips.

Ragga / Dancehall has its origin in African Dance & is influenced by HipHop. I like to cultivate a very fun and feminine Ragga style which is all about coming into your power & joy.

There will be sequences where you will be guided and learn simple steps & other sequences you will be given space to explore your free movement & flow.

Urban Contemporary Dance

Contemporary dance is a style of expressive dance that combines elements of several dance genres including modern, jazz, lyrical and classical ballet. Contemporary dancers strive to connect the mind and the body through fluid dance movements. In this class you will learn to connect urban dance styles as hip-hop, house and ragga with contemporary dance. It’s so much fun to explore new ways to move your body.

Children’s Dance

Whilst dance is a good source of fun exercise for young children, it is also a creative outlet. Through dance, children develop a greater range of movement whilst developing the ability to work within different spaces. They learn to interpret the effect their movement has on the world around them.