Sarah's biography

You can listen to an interview with Sarah by clicking the play button below. You will hear in this 15 minute interview: how Sarah discovered yoga; when she started teaching; and learn some background about her family and her non yoga activities. You can also discover what award she won with her horse. Very exciting stuff.

Sarah MacKeigan, Manju Jois
and Nancy Gilgoff

Hi...my name is Sarah MacKeigan and I love yoga.

I have been a yoga practionnaire since 2003, and it has grown to be my true passion. I come from a fitness background and was initially drawn to the practise because of how good it made my body feel and that I aquired both flexibility and strength from a regular yoga practise.

In 2005 I completed a 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training, and since then have accumulated over 500 hours of teacher trainings and workshops. My passion and practise have deepened as I have focused my learning on a lineage of yoga called Ashtanga, a sequencing of postures linked together with vinyasa (breath synchronized movement). This ancient form of yoga taught by Sri. K. Pattabhi Jois of Mysore India, helps to heal the body, quite the mind, and uplift the spirit.

I am fortunate enough to consider myself a student of Manju Jois, son of Pattabhi Jois and Nancy Gilgoff who is considered the first western women to travel to India to study with Jois. Nancy has been his student for over 30 years and is credited for bringing ashtanga to the west with David Williams, in the 1970s. I do my best to teach in the tradition I have been taught, focusing on the breath, vinyasa and the concept that breathing and stretching should feel good in the body.

In addition, I am also grateful to have learnt from many other influential teachers including, Christine Hoar, David Williams, David Swenson, Mark and Joanne Darby, Sean Corn, Shiva Rea, Tim Miller, Beryl Bender-Birch, Eoin Finn, and locally, Jody Manely.

I am a health and wellness enthusiast and build on my yoga practise with other aspects of natural health. In 2009 I completed a refelexology course and more recently in 2010 a Neuropsychoidiology Life Coaching Certification combining mindfulness with how the brain works, to influence behaviour. In my professional life, I work with many organizations and communities to help make physical activity an easier choice for our Municipality's residents.

As a native Dartmouthian I am greatful to still have strong connections to childhood friends. I have a strong love for animals and may be found walking my two dogs at Shubie Park or swimming with them at the beach. I have a passion for helping others improve there well-being and feel privileged to share this practice with others.

My style of teaching adapts with my students, providing a safe and inviting space where students can connect to their breath and bodies. I look forward to seeing you soon.

Sarah