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Aretha McKinney Blevins

Aretha McKinney Blevins is a certified Iyengar yoga instructor and the current owner and director of 12South Yoga.  She began her studies in the Iyengar tradition in 1996 with K-Lea Gifford.

The Iyengars' commitment and contribution to the field of yoga through art, literature, research, philanthropy, and an unparalleled zeal for practice is a continuing source of inspiration and joy. Of particular importance to Aretha is the transformative nature of yoga. As Iyengar says in Light on Life, yoga 'does not just change the way we see things; it transforms the person who sees.'

Aretha holds a Master's in Classical Studies from Vanderbilt University. She taught Latin for a number of years before taking on the roll of Director at 12South. Jan Campbell is Aretha's mentoring teacher. Aretha is thankful for her studies with the following teachers as well: Dean Lerner, Mary Dunn, Patricia Walden, and Mary Obendorfer. Aretha was honored to study with Mr. Iyengar and senior Iyengar instructors at the Estes Park conference for Iyengar's final visit to the U.S.  She travelled to Pune India in 2006 to study with the Iyengar family and most recently had the joy of studying with Geeta Iyengar at the 2007 IYNAUS conference.

Aretha's classes are welcoming and challenging. Her instruction emphasizes alignment and full body awareness. As an instructor, she seeks to challenge, inspire and share her love of yoga.

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