Our Teachers
About Our Teachers
Our wonderful team consists of experienced professionals who have honed their craft through extensive training and years of teaching experience.
We take immense pride in the caliber and dedication of our teachers. Each instructor possesses a deep-rooted passion for the practice of yoga and a genuine commitment to guiding others on their personal journeys of self-discovery and well-being. With their unwavering dedication, they create a supportive and inspiring environment for students to explore the transformative power of yoga. Whether you are a seasoned practitioner or new to the practice, our teachers are here to guide you with expertise, compassion, and a profound understanding of the mind-body connection.
Victoria Albrektsen
I was born and raised in northern Norway, but for the past 12 years, I’ve called Stellenbosch my home. My journey with yoga and mindfulness began 17 years ago, and for the past decade, I have been fortunate enough to share my knowledge and passion through teaching. My initial training took place at YogaLife in Cape Town, where I immersed myself in the practices of vinyasa and power yoga. Since then, I have continued to expand my skill set by delving into mindful Yin and Bhakti yoga, as well as undertaking advanced studies in anatomy, yoga adjustments, functional yoga, and hip anatomy.
Creating an environment that fosters a strong sense of community is something that deeply resonates with me. I believe in the power of conversation and connection, and I strive to incorporate these elements into my teaching approach. My classes are influenced by the profound interconnectedness found in nature, everyday experiences, and the unending journey of self-discovery. I encourage each student to dive into their practice, following what feels good in their own body. Throughout the class, I hold space for you to be your authentic self, approaching each moment with curiosity, tenderness, and a focus on deep breaths.
Currently Studying
– Pre- and postnatal yoga with Andrea White
– Finishing doula certification through Mamabamba South Africa
Judy Sendzul
I have been practicing yoga in various genres for the past 25 years, and completed my 200 hour teacher training with Johannes de Villiers at The Hot Yoga Studio in Stellenbosch in 2019. I recently added a 60 hour creative sequencing course in Vinyasa to blend creativity and flow movement to science principles and I weave this into my teaching.
I encourage a playfulness while bringing attention to foundational principles, building strength and encouraging flexibility through mindful movement. Yoga has no ego and each person’s practice is their unique, authentic and intentional journey to build a safe practice for life.
Nolene Nel
I practice and teach yoga, a non linear journey of learning and unlearning through breath and movement with the aim to tap into the unique creative expression wanting to flow through us. My focus is Vinyasa with a strong Ashtanga influence and intermittently weaving parts Hatha and parts Yin into my teaching.
‘It is through the alignment of body that I discovered the alignment of my mind, self and intelligence.
‘When I practice, I am a philosopher,
When I teach, I am a scientist,
When I demonstrate, I am an artist.’
B K S Iyengar
Damien Joubert-Winn
After years of chasing success through a persona that wasn’t truly mine, I changed my drive at 45—shifting gears from performance to presence. With 8 years of dedicated Ashtanga-based vinyasa practice, I took the leap into a 200hr YTT to deepen my understanding and share the tools that helped me reconnect to my most authentic self. My teaching is rooted in transformation—where movement becomes a mirror and the mat, a path back home.
Eugene Vogel
Eugene is an experienced yoga teacher, with a background in aerobics, who transitioned to Bikram yoga in 2007. He completed a 200-hour Teacher Training course in 2015, specializing in Vinyasa flow. Eugene currently teaches at Pow-Wow yoga studio in Somerset West and substitutes in Cape Town, embracing creativity and valuing the balance of gentleness and spirituality in yoga.
Lulu Gomes
Lulu fell in love with hot yoga years ago in Johannesburg, and from her very first Hot 26 class, she was hooked. What started as a sweaty obsession quickly grew into a daily ritual and a core part of her lifestyle.
Over time, she explored different styles and deepened her practice, completing her RYT 200-hour training at The Shala in Cape Town.
Currently, she is studying psychology at The University of Stellenbosch with the intention of becoming a therapist who incorporates yoga as a healing tool — blending mind, body, and breath to support wellbeing. Her teaching style is grounded in mindfulness and body awareness, with plenty of room for play, joy, and a good sweat.
Calming the mind is yoga, not just standing on YOUR head.
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