Born to Indian parents, Hemalayaa’s earliest lessons came from her father. She later immersed herself in yoga, philosophy, and meditation, evolving into a powerful yogini, dancer, mentor, coach, and fitness educator. Now based in Los Angeles, she travels worldwide, changing lives through her unique blend of yoga and Indian dance. This year, she’ll be teaching at the Hanuman Festival, and we’re thrilled she took the time to speak with us.
How did you come across yoga? What made you want to delve into the practice so deeply?
My father introduced me to yoga when I was a child, but my own journey was 26 years ago. When I understood that yoga would be able to change my life—allowing me to release false personas and accept the real me—I was ecstatic, opened, and hungry to share this finding. It was profoundly transmuting, particularly the practices whereby I was able to disengage from unwholesome patterns keeping me immobilized.
What is the emphasis of your instruction?
My teaching and practice are about liberating ourselves from constraints, remaining open, connected, and free. The intention is to transcend the mind and open up to unlimited possibilities.
What are your current projects?
I’m leading a movement called EMBODY, guiding women to align with their spiritual selves. It’s about owning their power, embracing truth, and moving swiftly toward their dharma. EMBODY is a 3-day immersion where women reclaim their worth, power, and joy—a training ground for living awakened, making an impact, and stepping into leadership.
What is enlightenment to you? How do you foster freedom, love, and devotion in your life and in teaching?
Enlightenment is being me—the real me—constant, connected to the Divine, and deeply connected to others. It’s loving with passion, even in the presence of fear.
I get back to freedom, love, and devotion through the EMBODY path:
Releasing self-sabotaging limitations that stand in the way of my power.
Rejuvenating with yoga, dance, and moving expression.
Realigning with my vision, transcending inner obstacles.
What has been your greatest hindrance to gazing at your inner radiance?
The notion that “I am not enough” or “a failure,” and intense self-loathing, obscured my light. Study of yoga philosophy led me to discover again my authentic, radiant self.
What is your largest achievement as a teacher? Largest failure or disappointment?
My highest delight is empowering others to their birthright of joy and freedom through dance and yoga, leading from the heart. My biggest regret? Allowing my shadow side—anger, self-judgment—to hurt others and myself unintentionally.
What yoga practices do you use to shine your light brightest?
The most powerful practices blend dynamic movement with the mindset that we’re already perfect—spiritual beings in physical form. Continuous awakening isn’t just safe; it’s essential for sharing our light with the world.