Malika Omawale

In 2004, Malika began to avidly study yoga and dance to counter the negative effects of overworking in chaotic public school settings. She studied under excellent teachers from various traditions, including Raja Yoga, Forest Yoga, Anusara, Ashtanga and Vinyasa. She also explored Vipassana meditation and attended yearly silent retreats. These diverse influences mirror her life experience of growing up in different countries around the world. Malika spent her childhood in Jamaica, Mozambique, Thailand, England, Sierra Leone, Yemen and the US. This international upbringing sparked in her an appreciation for the interconnected nature of the world and a love for the uplifting aspects of culture. She was drawn to study a variety of dance styles including Afro-Haitian, Cuban Salsa, Samba, Jazz, Flamenco, and Modern. Malika performed with dance companies in the San Francisco Bay Area including Rueda Con Ritmo, Las Que Son Son and Rara Tou Limen. In 2008, she completed a yoga teacher training through the Niroga Institute and fulfilled her commitment to teach yoga to underserved populations. In 2013, Malika was honored to participate in a yoga training with Katchie Ananda. She also pursued a Level 2 Zumba Certificate and successfully integrated her love for dance and yoga into a Dance Yoga class. As yoga, wellness practices and dance have supported her through life's transitions, Malika continues to share the gifts of her experiences. She makes them accessible around the globe through a variety of offerings.