About
Michelle and Xtina are best friends and together they are Merlunah.
Merlunah was born from true friendship. When Michelle and Xtina met it was love at first sight. They are best friends. They in each other found the person you are searching for your whole life, the one that truly, unconditionally loves you and believes in you and most people never cross pass paths in a lifetime with that person.
Xtina could no longer watch her super talented friend run from studio to studio to teach, not getting the opportunity to allow anyone, anytime, anywhere to experience her extraordinary yoga and meditation teaching and so with Michelle used her business savvy and together they worked tirelessly for 6 months to make their dream, which was Merlunah - finally come to reality and launching Merlunah live to the world on the 30th September 2022.
This is Merlunah.
Philosophy
Yoga is not just about Asana and Pranayama, It is a way of life. As Stated in the Yoga Mala, Sri K. Pattabhi Jois "Yoga stands for Union or Upaya which means path, or way which we follow, or by means of which we can attain something." "The mind should seek to attain what is best."
Michelle’s Merlunah yoga practice teaches the importance of union with breath and movement, and far less about how flexible you are. Her classes provide a platform for mindfulness with increased strength and flexibility as a by-product of this. Incorporating yoga into your current routine improves your self-awareness, naturally detoxifies the body, and leaves you not only feeling better than when you started, but knowing Yoga is a way of life. Merlunah’s approach focuses on the physical, emotional, and spiritual body as a whole, with the inclusion and emphasis on the mind and its capabilities. Michelle believes that moving your body is paramount, a non-negotiable for optimal health. Movement with intention and staying intuitive with oneself.
Meet the Team
MICHELLE
YOGA DIRECTOR
XTINA
CREATIVE/BUSINESS
DIRECTOR
With over 20 years' experience in the performing arts industry as a professional dancer, having worked internationally with one of the highest grossing films of 2008 “Mamma Mia!” Where she was selected as one of the dancing casts members.
Michelle then moved into the fitness industry as a group instructor, Personal Trainer, Hosting Health and Wellness Retreats overseas, and coaching trainers since 2013, also teaching with a background as a qualified Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga teacher since 2017, and Yin Teachings, Michelle continues to ensure her clients achieve holistic physical and spiritual results.
Having lived overseas, and travelled the world, Michelle continues to bring motivation, energy and a high level of professionalism gained through her experience thus far.
Yoga is a big part of Michelle's life, and she understands the true importance and benefits of yoga, knowing that it's just not a physical practice, It is truly a way of life and she has been practicing almost daily for 15 years.
With her high level of passion together with her fierce desire to support, connect and share the practice with whomever she works with, Michelle will ensure to bring out the best versions of her students physically, emotionally, and spiritually through their journey and practice.
MICHELLE
Xtina has been the MD of her own top performing company in SA for the past 18 years and previously held corporate roles with 2 major banks in Australia and is about to commence her MBA. Xtina has had a lifelong love affair with horses which were her form of meditation until Merlunah was born. Xtina also danced from a young age until her teenage years. And fitness has been a daily ritual.
Xtina helped bring Merlunah to life using her entrepreneurial and creative flair and her business skillset gives Merlunah the edge, allowing best friend and business partner Michelle to concentrate on her Yoga Direction and classes.