The Loft Dance & Yoga Studio

You’re often told that to be a great dancer you have to start young. Though for Lyndel Quick, owner of Loft Dance & Yoga Studio in Newtown, she started later to the game and now champions how incredible dance is to undertake – regardless of your skill level or age.
Hi Lyndel, thanks for taking the time to chat with Forte Magazine, how are you and what are you up to at the moment? 
I’m very well thank you, currently preparing for my Yoga Teaching Training exams in less than a week. I’ve been studying for the last 12 months in Melbourne. It’s been a wonderful journey but with a young family and work commitments, glad the studying is drawing to a close!
So how did you first come to owning the business The Loft and to be located at the beautiful studio in Newtown?
We’ve been operating from this space for over 12 years! I was initially looking for a space to use for my choreographic work and I always loved this old factory. My grandmother actually worked here in the textile mill. There were only a few business operating when I arrived but I knew that one day we would get coffee down here and it would herald a thriving arts precinct! In the early days I used to offer only 1-2 classes. Now that my children are a little older I have been able to add a lot more classes to our timetable.
What kind of environment can attendees expect when they come to a class?
The Loft maintains a philosophy that dance and yoga is for everyone and everybody. We are committed to providing the highest level of tuition delivered in a holistic manner. We have classes for absolute beginners right through to advanced levels.
What’s your background in dance? 
Comparatively speaking, I started my dance training very late at age 20; studying ballet, contemporary dance and theatre in Melbourne full time for six years. I guess that’s why I’m so passionate about providing a specialist adult dance and yoga studio here in Geelong. You’re never too old to start moving your body.
What have you found are the main benefits of practicing in dance regularly? 
Dance and yoga offer so many benefits; from the purely physical aspects of building strength, toning the body, increased mental focus to an overall sense of joy and wellbeing. Movement gets people out of their heads. It fosters a shift from the outer world of to-do lists and external expectations to valuing and appreciating your inner life. Movement and breath work helps you to be more fully present which is also very beneficial to anyone suffering from anxiety and depression.
One of the greatest things about The Loft is that it offers an array of dance and yoga options. Could you give us a run down of a few of the types you offer and what kind of person they’d suit (someone looking to build flexibility, core strength etc)?
We offer a range of dance classes – Ballet, Contemporary and Jazz styles with a number of levels to choose from, depending on your previous experience. Often we get beginner students who have always wanted to try ballet but for one reason or another missed out as a child. We also have advanced classes for those returning to dance after an extended break. Our Beginner Hatha/Vinyasa Yoga class is perfect for those just dipping their toe in Yoga and Barre is a fun and energetic dance fitness class to get you moving but also developing technique from trained teachers. My favourite class is the Slow Flow Stretch class which is inspired by Yin Yoga where students hold poses for a longer duration, all set to an ambient music score surrounded by candlelight.
With all businesses there is the chance to grow and change, is there anything changing about The Loft in future?
Yes, there is lots happening at the studio! As I finish my Yoga Teacher training, we will be offering loads more Yoga classes to our timetable. We are also very excited to announce that we will be starting classes in the beautiful town of Inverleigh, 25 mins from Geelong next year. Another exciting development in 2016 is that we are teaming up with a wonderful Melbourne yoga academy who will be delivering an internationally accredited Yoga Teaching Training course (500 RYT) from our venue commencing in January.
Lastly, for those who haven’t done any form of dance before may be intimidated by coming to classes, how does The Loft make those new to dance feel welcome and what classes would you recommend?
Our students and teachers are very friendly and welcoming. Yes, we will teach you correct technique and a strong foundation in dance but more importantly students are valued for wherever they are at. We also offer new students a complimentary class to make sure it’s the right fit prior to committing to the term.
Where: 7 Rutland St, Newtown
Website: theloftstudiospace.com.au
Contact: 0419 619 996