Meet Halle Becker…
Halle (“Homegirl”) Becker does not pull punches. She wants the “truth to lead the way”, and has absolutely no qualms about passionately spreading that dharma. She’s 53, lives “loudly and proudly” neither denying the process of aging nor necessarily embracing it but rather extracting its very essence and bringing that ripening forward into the light. A bright light she has emitted for nearly twenty years holding court as one of New York City’s most beloved yoga and spin instructors. Known for her Sweat and Surrender signature classes, Boston bred Becker teaches in layers – seamless layers of music, grit, kicks and perhaps most thundering… heart. Never, ever scripted, either on mat or bike. The only thing you can expect in a Halle class is to be swept up on a fantastic voyage over which the mind has only a remote chance of getting in the way. When it’s all said and done, you are left stretched. Stretched in ways that you never saw coming.
This week we catch up with Ms. Becker as she looks ahead to next month when she brings her “gospel” to New England for what promises to be a transformative weekend at the Stowe Mountain Ranch Yoga Retreat Center. Just a scenic two or so hour drive from Boston, the ranch was recently featured in Yoga Journal as one of the “Seventeen Dream Destinations for Yoga Retreats”. Beyond its pastoral setting, the Stowe Mountain Ranch is know for its signature Yoga with Horses Program. Never without hopeful thoughts, Halle has great expectations for this weekend retreat happening on April 28th through May 1st. And, in honor of her return to New England, Ms. Becker and co. are offering a $100 discount for Find Bliss Boston readers. Visit Earth Yoga for registration and additional information.
wind up… your go to class or ritual that keeps you prepped for monday mornings?
Monday is big teaching day for me between yoga and SoulCycle, so I start with a hot power class to get the juices flowing and the bones warm.
other direction… and, when you need to exhale?
When I just CAN’T… I lie in bed with coffee Pop Tarts and my new puppy.
what three things are you never without?
I am never without hopeful thoughts, water and enough cash to get in trouble if need be…
your absolute favorite place to practice yoga?
My favorite place to practice is Tulum Mexico.
what one book have you most often given as a gift?
The book I gift is I Will Not Die an Unlived Life, by Dawna Markova.
the sound of music… you have room for only 3 tracks on your playlist, they are…
Top three: For What it’s Worth, DJ Drez mix, Sweet Home Alabama, by Leonard Skynard , I’m
About to Come Alive, by Train
breaking news… something clever your students don’t know about you?
Breaking news… I am an introverted extrovert – I DO like to chill with a great book my man and daughter and those Pop Tarts !
finish the following sentence? i’d like to teach the world to…
I’d like to teach the world that a global ice cream social with a toppings bar may solve all our problems.
Learn more about Halle, the upcoming Stowe Mountain Ranch Retreat and her ongoing teaching schedule through her website.
Profile compiled by Susan Currie.
Author Susan Currie is an Associate Editor at LA YOGA magazine. Her words and images have been featured in the Boston Globe, Elephant Journal, Yogi Times, the Tishman Review, the Huffington Post, Spirit of St. Bart’s and on the cover of the book Moving into Meditation (Shambala) by Anne Cushman.
Susan is also the creator of the Daily Inhale and an RYT 200 registered yoga instructor. She unpacks her various professional experiences through the creative and yoga workshops she leads throughout the country. Her new book, GRACENOTES (Shanti Arts 2017), a blend of words and images, is now available in wide release.