Intermediate Junior III
Nikki Costello was introduced to yoga asana during her studies at New York University. As part of the conservatory curriculum for actors, yoga, The Alexander Technique, Jacques Lecoq Mask training and extensive vocal studies were primary modalities for developing self- awareness. Upon graduation, she continued, as a teacher’s assistant at The Stella Adler Conservatory of Acting and in 1995, was offered a position teaching yoga to actors.
Light on Yoga was her first introduction to B.K.S Iyengar and this text became a constant source of inspiration, guidance and support. In 1997, she met Kevin Gardiner and began her formal studies as a student of Iyengar Yoga. Ten years later she completed her teacher training with Mary Dunn and James Murphy, who also served as her mentors through certification. Mary encouraged her to take her first trip to Pune to study with the Iyengar Family. She spoke about the experience as if she knew a secret that you could only discover on your own.
“When I observed Mary as she taught, I always felt that she had one impeccable eye focused on us and the other eye reached deep inside to the heart of yoga where she wanted us to look.”
This image stays with me always and serves as a touchstone as both a student and teacher of yoga.