Claire Blackwood
“I’m a brown belt in karate but nothing makes me feel the way yoga does. On my mat I’m humbled, my strengths and limitations all play out – and the magic happens.”
Claire had her first taste of yoga while managing the iconic North Bondi Italian. Lying in savasana in the small, dark, incense-scented studio, she tried to go through her to-do list and couldn't hold a thought. Best feeling ever.
Growing up between her family home in Hobart and “the shack” on the east coast of Tasmania, Claire had a solid crew of real and imaginary friends. She played netball, did athletics, got her brown belt in karate, but, “Nothing makes me feel the way yoga does. I like to move slowly, so I get all the subtleties. On my mat I’m humbled, my strengths and limitations all play out – and the magic happens.”
Ditching a psychology degree for a Bachelor of Business in Hospitality Management in Sydney, she found a job at Icebergs before she found a place to live. Training under Maurice Terzini taught her everything she knows about fine dining, how much the details matter and how to make people feel spoilt.
“When I looked after guests in the restaurant I wanted them to feel cared for. That their needs had been anticipated and met. When I teach yoga my focus is to create a safe space, without judgement or criticism. A level playing field where a PA and a CEO can practice in the same room and no one feels like their better than the other person. I also really love to go upside down.”