Hannah Taha puts her heart into everything she does, whether it's going deep in a yoga pose (she can bend over backwards and touch her ankles—in a split), making art or traveling the world. Her latest venture? Teaching vinyasa every week at our Soho studio! The yogi just moved to New York from Abu Dhabi to start a brand-new chapter, and she's already leaving a mark all over the city. You might just see her on the subway or in the street, stretching back into one of her signature heart-openers! Find out what she loves most about backbends, what to expect from a class with her and what it's like practicing with her sister, @aminahtaha, plus, check out the yoga playlist she made just for us, below.
How did you get into yoga?
It was an ordinary Tuesday, I was just at home reading, and my sister walks in and says, "Come on, we’re going to a yoga class!” After refusing and trying to get out of it, I just said okay and tried it. I was 13 at the time, and I’ve been practicing ever since. I fell in love with the practice and how it made me feel. It taught me to be grateful always.
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Delight Bralette, High-Waist Moto Legging[/caption]
You’re a 500hr YTT teacher! What was one of your biggest takeaways from the teacher training?
Definitely trust. When I first started my yoga practice I was always so eager to see the final result. During my teacher training I was learning so much that I just had to trust myself.
You’ve said that your biggest aspiration is to create, and you also write, paint and make music. How does yoga fit into this?
I think yoga gives you a lot of freedom, both physically and mentally. It inspires me to move my body and tune in with my breath, and it expands my imagination in so many different ways.
Do you feel like you’re creating when you’re practicing or teaching yoga?
Yes! Each class I teach is unique because it’s a different sequence that I’ve created. I feel like I’m creating energy and spreading love.
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Siren Long Sleeve, High-Waist Moto Legging[/caption]
What's it like practicing with your sister?
It’s so much fun to have someone to share a love of yoga with. We started practicing together and would always spend so much time helping each other learn new poses. She always inspires me to learn more and try new things.
Major life change... you just moved to New York from Abu Dhabi, and you're teaching at our Soho studio! What are your hopes for the coming year?
I’m so excited to be living in NYC—it’s one of my favorite cities. I’m hoping to learn more about myself and grow as a yoga teacher. Now I will finally be able to take weekly classes with all my favorite teachers!
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Ripped Warrior Bra, High-Waist Coast Capri[/caption]
How would you describe your teaching style?
I always teach vinyasa flow classes that are inspired by the Ashtanga and Bikram series. I usually teach a lot of backbending and hip opening. It’s definitely a fun challenge!
What are the biggest lessons that yoga’s taught you?
To trust myself and the universe. Practicing yoga every day and seeing my body do all these things gave me so much faith and gratitude. I started to trust myself.
You’re a backbend pro. What do you love most about them? Fave heart-opener?
I love the feeling of being in a backbend. My heart feels so open and I always feel grateful for the ability to move my body. It’s hard to pick only one, but if I had to, I would probably say bow pose.
