Today we’d like to introduce you to April Fort.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I started teaching yoga because I wanted to be able to home school my kids and still work. I’d been practicing for a few years and loved every moment of it. I’ve always been a big believer of building a life you don’t need a vacation from. I absolute love my job!
I stumbled across books on yoga when I was in the library when I was 18. A little lost and looking for something to ground me, it was just the right fit. It wasn’t until I had to slow down while pregnant with my first kiddo that I really started to learn how much more than the physical body it is. That was over 14 years ago. I’ve been teaching for more than 10. I’ve found that your practice isn’t limited to your mat. Your practice may start there, but yoga happens in each breath, each movement, each thought. It’s being kind to a stranger, listening to a friend, pausing before reacting, and feeling gratitude for all the little things every day.
Please tell us about your art.
My art is teaching. I hope to create an experience in class that helps my students learn more about themselves, to dig deep into their personal whys, to lend support. I believe that your yoga mat is a microcosm to the macrocosm of your life. That it is a training ground for living day to day. So, everything you feel in your life you should then experience on your mat.
It is the safest place to learn how you react, where you go mentally, spiritually, emotionally when experiencing discomfort. I do my best to run my students through a wide range of challenges so that they can tap into their reactions. If I had to pick a message- it would be that we have everything we need inside of us. We are the solution, but we are also the problem. That we can take charge of our own destinies and change what is no longer serving us. Maybe it doesn’t happen overnight, but we can take baby steps towards our goals. I want my students to leave class empowered! As children we are told we can be anything, do anything. As adults we often lose this mindset. I hope to help them remember that what was told to them, what they probably tell their own children, nieces, nephews, is still true. Everyone has the ability to achieve their dreams, but first they have to believe they can.
What do you think is the biggest challenge facing artists today?
In yoga- getting experience. Most studios will only hire teachers who have experience, but how do you get it if you can’t get classes. I teach Yoga Teacher Training. My students come back and co-teach with me, getting feedback (and giving me feedback), so that they (and I) can grow. I hope that it helps them fine tune their craft, gives them extra confidence, and gives them the experience they need to pick up classes on their own.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
I have a website- aprilfort.com
I’m own Instagram- April fort
and Facebook- April fort
I’m the Yoga Manager at City Centre Life Time Athletic. I also teach at the Cypress Life Time and the Champions Life Time. I’m a master trainer with the company so sometimes I’m all over. I recently taught in Ft. Worth and Minnesota.
To support me, support yoga. Not just my classes but everywhere. Everyone needs yoga, the key is finding the class and teacher that speaks to you. So, go to your local yoga studio, check out you tube, take a chance on someone. You will always learn something.
Contact Info:
- Website: aprilfort.com
- Email: april@aprilfort.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aprilfort/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/april.fort.77
Image Credit:
OMX Productions
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