Student Testimonials

"Right before joining the studio, I had x-rays taken to understand what my [scoliosis] curves really looked like. My curves had progressed since I had last visited the doctor ten years ago. My right curve had reached 36.6 degrees, and my left, 20.6 degrees.  Recently, I followed up with new x-rays to see if the past year had resulted in any change.

Surprisingly enough, my thoracic curve decreased by over nine degrees and my lumbar curve by two degrees. I almost didn't believe my eyes when I saw the updated images. In only ONE year, and only the addition of a specific daily yoga for scoliosis routine, I've made so much progress (after years of thinking my curves could only get worse)....

 In just over a year, I’ve learned to live comfortably and confidently with my curves. I’ve learned to create new patterns and how to manage pain. I’ve also learned that I’m not alone, that others have a story similar to mine." Read more below about Autumn and her story in her Student Feature.  

~ Autumn Onderko, NJ

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“After a few months of taking your Yoga for backcare and scoliosis classes, I am feeling stronger and pain free - after years of back and hip pain! The level of instruction and attention to detail in all of your classes is outstanding. I've learned so much in class that I incorporate in to daily life. Many, many thanks for sharing your knowledge and for your wonderful energy!” ~ Denise D’Alberti, NJ

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"I have had back pain associated with herniation and degeneration in L4 and L5) for years and tried many things to help. From 3 times a week chiropractic sessions to injections, nothing could ease or relieve the pain, until I took a Back Care class with Deanna.

I felt so much better after the first class that I have been addicted ever since.  I love how welcoming and caring Deanna was to me.  I have since taken a handful of different classes at Dhyana and each one of them as well as the teachers are more than I could have ever asked for or expected."  Read about Raisa and her experience with back pain, as a caregiver and as a yoga teacher trainee.  ~ Raisa Tiedemann, NJ

Raisa also went on to do our DY200TT and says, “I had a fantastic and life changing experience during the teacher training at Dhyana Yoga Arts. I honestly could not have asked for more in this training. Deanna and her guest teachers were fantastic and very well informed. I feel that the tools I have learned have truly prepared me to be a successful teacher. Deanna cares deeply about yoga and its history. Her love of yoga transcends into her teaching and goes above and beyond to prepare her trainees. I would greatly recommend to people who want to become a teacher and also those who want to deepen their own personal practice.” 

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"Deanna is an exceptional teacher as well as a compassionate and beautiful person! She has changed my life in so many positive ways!" ~ Helene, NJ

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“I cannot say enough positive things about this yoga practice and feel privileged to have met the kind, generous, and beautiful group of women that make up Dhyana Yoga Arts led by Deanna Sidoti and her team. From the first time I walked through their door, I knew there was something special about this place because everyone is so pleasant, helpful, and sincere, and they're like that all the time. I've been attending the Scoliosis and Back Care classes 3X/wk for 4 months now as a continuation of post PT rehab for a recent back injury and over 20 years of scoliosis that took 3" off my height. Although I've participated in sports half my life, I never did yoga before and at 66 years old riddled with arthritis from head to toe was hoping to halt the progression of the scoliosis. The 1/2" orthotic lift I've been using in my left shoe (due to rotation in the lumbar spine) was just adjusted down to 1/4"! For the first time in the 6 years I've lived in my new house, I got up on an 8' ladder and replaced the light bulbs in the chandelier. I feel tighter, lighter, and younger. When the stay at home order went into affect for N.J., it took less than 24 hrs for the DYA team to get the classes online via Zoom and it's GREAT!!! It is amazing how much can be achieved online with simple modifications. And Deanna, who teaches the Scoliosis and Back Care classes, always finds ways to change things up and keep it interesting. This team is so generous they offered to make grocery runs during the stay at home order for those with compromised immune systems. Can't recommend them highly enough and wouldn't even consider going anywhere else!” ~ Diane H., NJ

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"After learning from Deanna for close to two years, it is clear to me that she is both, 1) thoughtful in her preparations, and 2) flexible in her approach so that she may shift the plans to meet the group, or individual, in the moment. She is very gifted in matching what she has to offer to where the student(s) seems to be in their journey.   She is creative and incredibly warm and compassionate. I feel blessed and fortunate to have Deanna as a teacher. Learning and practicing yoga with her is more than practicing asana, it is a full experience. She is incredibly intuitive and receptive, and her knowledge base is very well-rounded and thorough. Her sequencing is creative and thoughtful, her approach is genuine and enthusiastic, and her interest and investment in the students are apparent and heartfelt." ~ Hope, NYC

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"I'm grateful for Deanna's teachings both on and off the mat. Her focus on alignment and safe modifications allowed me to continue my practice while recovering from a shoulder injury. By creatively weaving mindfulness and meditation into each class, she makes learning about these areas of yoga accessible and relatable. The Dhyana YogaArts community that Deanna has cultivated includes passionate teachers and dedicated students, and I'm proud to be a part of it. " ~ Erin, NYC

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"I don't think I can say enough about the Dhyana Yoga Arts family. I am incredibly thankful for the teachers of this studio - thankful for their guidance, support, and warmth. I have felt welcomed and nurtured from my very first class onward. I attend flow classes and classes for back care, scoliosis, and realignment, working with Deanna, Dana, and Gabby - these ladies are wonderful! Regarding my scoliosis, I have been working with Deanna for about a month and a half now, attending her Yoga for Back Care & Alignment and Yoga for Scoliosis. I can't speak highly enough. I used to feel ashamed of my curves due to scoliosis and I always felt misaligned. Through time with Deanna, I have learned not only to embrace my curves, but to also about anatomy, lengthening and strengthen, creating new habits as I practice breaking the old. All of the teachers offer their incredible wealth of knowledge. Every teacher here is thorough with their pose explanations, and they offer corrections & encouragement. The studio is filled with good energy, is clean and tidy, and there are plenty of props, a rope wall, and slings. At Dhyana, each teacher is thankful to have the opportunity to teach us; I am thankful for them!" ~ Stacy, NJ

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"Deanna is a terrific teacher!  She's insightful and encouraging, and keys in to the needs and level of each student.  Her Backcare classes are challenging yet calming, and always beautifully paced.  Deanna uses just the right amount of words to explain asanas and postures. Her sense of humor and warmth are a plus, and Deanna has a delicate and effective touch when she includes some of the philosophy of yoga in her teaching." ~ Nina, NYC

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"I heartily endorse Deanna's skill as a teacher especially with students who have complex back problems.  I am a 66-year-old woman who has scoliosis since birth and very much appreciated the skill and encouraging approach that Deanna brings to every class." ~ Sharon, NYC

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"It has been a year now that I have been attending Deanna's back care classes. Before I started with Deanna I had undergone surgery for my right shoulder followed by physical therapy knowing that I needed the same surgery on my other shoulder. I decided that I would try another path. My wife being a Yoga person did some research and came up with Dhyana Yoga Arts. I met with Deanna and told her of my shoulder and back problems much of which came from sitting behind a computer screen 8 hours a day.
I began with private instruction to make sure I was going in the right direction. After about a month I started to attend classes in her old studio. She has since moved to her new facility which is very well equipped and suited to all the different types of Yoga practiced at her new studio.
Regarding Deanna as a follower and teacher of Yoga her practice is nothing short of amazing. What makes Deanna different in my opinion is the fact that she listens, understands and shows compassion for her students. The direction/instruction she supplies before every pose, stretch or exercise is second to none. She shows everyone the right and wrong ways to proceed by performing the exercise first before you begin. Deanna then comes around to each student to supply any corrections needed and more importantly the encouragement that everyone wants to hear for the effort put forth.
I suggest that you should give her classes a try. I hope that her expertise helps you the way it has helped me. I am pain free thanks to Deanna. In addition there are many other classes dedicated to the practice of Yoga.
... I think that everyone who comes to this site should know how great she and her classes are." ~ Mike, NJ

Teacher Training Graduate Testimonials

"It has been such a privilege to be a part of the Yoga Teacher Training with Deanna.  I have grown so much more in my physical practice and as a person than I ever thought I could. 

One of our first assignments was to create a goal for our physical practice ... I chose forearm stand. I have always been the one in yoga classes, admiring the teacher when they demonstrate forearm stand, thinking sarcastically, 'Oh sure no problem, I can do that.” But I figured, “Why not make a crazy goal? If I don't achieve it, oh well, at least I tried…'  With Deanna’s help, I reached my goal within a couple weeks of the training.  I truly believe I was able to reach my goal so quickly because of the unique way that Deanna teaches.  Her compassionate and supportive nature makes for a safe environment to practice teach, allowing me to feel confident in my abilities as a yoga instructor.  I would strongly recommend this training to anyone, whether you want to become a yoga teacher, or just want to learn more about yourself and advance your practice.  Thank you so much Deanna for this life changing experience!"  ~ Meghan Farrell, DYTT 200hr Graduate

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“Atha yoga anushasanam (“Now, the teachings of Yoga”). 3 months ago I would not have known what that meant or how to say it. Through a wonderful happenstance, I discovered DYA. As I started practicing and taking classes there, the opportunity to take the 200DYTT arose, and I took the plunge! I wanted to deepen and enrich my practice but had no desire to teach. What a wonderful journey it has been. Yoga is so much more than the asanas. From anatomy to the subtle body, a wealth of information has been passed on. With my sangha, I have developed a deeper understanding of yoga and will continue on my journey. I have been so pleased with the training, that I have enrolled in the next teacher trainings, again not to teach but to broaden and deepen my knowledge and practice. I would encourage anyone who is interested in yoga to take the training. Yoga is the stilling of the mind (Yogas citta vrtti nirodhah).” ~ Cecilia, DYTT 200hr Grad & trainee currently in 500hr

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"When the opportunity to take yoga teacher training at DYA presented itself, I intuitively knew it was the right time and most importantly THE RIGHT STUDIO. Through what I have learned via DYA 200 hour TT, I have established a strong foundation that will support me as I walk forward on my Journey with yoga. DYA TT is TRULY teaching with depth, clarity and heart." ~ Karen Aidala, DYTT 200 Grad & trainee currently in 500hr

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“I’ve practiced yoga off and on for 15 years.  When I began practicing at DYA, I had no idea there were 8 limbs of yoga.  I had never chanted, never practice pranayama, and never knew how to care for my back.  I realized there was much more to yoga than Downward Facing Dog. I wanted to learn more and deepen my practice.

Deanna sets her standards high.  But isn’t that what you want from a teacher?  If you want to truly dig in to the history and science of yoga; If you want to learn the proper way to sequence a class; If you want to learn in an environment that cultivates friendship and loving kindness, then DYA is for you.  It certainly was for me.” ~ Katie Greer, DYTT 200 Graduate

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“After 'falling off the yoga wagon', I found Deanna's studio.  She quickly re-ignited my dedication to the practice of yoga and I knew that I could learn so much from her.  I quickly decided to take the plunge and apply for her TT program.  I am so glad that I did.  I appreciate the way that she arranged the program - providing us with the opportunity develop our teaching skills from early on was such a brilliant plan as it really allowed me to break that ice and gain confidence and experience.  She provided me with a deeper knowledge of so many aspects of yoga - its traditions and history, the importance of understanding anatomy, the benefits of meditation, and an understanding of what makes a great teacher.  Like any great teacher or coach - she encouraged me outside of my comfort zone and kept me moving forward even when various challenges entered my path.  Deanna's training has expanded both my physical and mental practice and I am eternally grateful.” ~ Terri Teasdale, DYA 200hr Yoga Teacher Training Graduate

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“I had never met Deanna, nor anyone at her studio,when I decided to take her Kurma Restorative Yoga Certification. I’d never even been to New Jersey. I decided I couldn’t wait for this certification to be offered by someone near me, so I booked a flight, a hotel, a rental car, and I traveled the 1,000 miles to Chester. I walked in about 15 minutes late, nervous, and having traveled MANY hours that day. Deanna’s caring and compassionate disposition put me at ease as she trained me to bring Restorative Yoga to my students. In my 14 years of practicing and teaching, I have never experienced compassion and love like Deanna pours onto those who are privileged to know her. In 3 short days she brought me on a journey that I wasn’t expecting. One where I learned to loved and trust myself more. One that ended with me opening my own studio after 12 years of teaching for someone else. Restorative Yoga is a practice that is all about slowing down, opening up, and allowing yourself to completely relax and rest. Whether you are looking to add more restorative elements to your current curriculum, or a dedicated Restorative Yoga class, this training will deepen your understanding of the stress-relieving and healing elements of Yoga. Try a class. Take a certification course. You won’t regret it.

~ Cassandra Sykes

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“This training has been a wonderful springboard that has inspired me to pursue possibilities to further deepen my skills as a teacher and seeker. Deanna planned and led a very comprehensive and balanced program from spiritual theory to mindful practice with detailed alignment. While a very gifted and knowledgeable teacher trainer herself, she brought guest lecturers with very specific areas of expertise to augment her instruction and further enrich our experience. Getting to know Deanna throughout this intensive program, what stands out most is the manner in which she exemplifies the Yogic lifestyle. Her spiritually guided personal practice, teaching style, work ethic and interactions are the finest examples of the true meaning of Yoga! Personally, I have accomplished things physically that I wasn’t sure I could, and learned and practiced tying it all together with a much richer spiritual practice . And I’m not done as Yoga never is! With much gratitude, Namaste!” ~ Lisa Foster-Clarke, DYA 200hr Yoga Teacher Training Graduate