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We Shine a LIGHT on Those in Our Community ✨

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 20:03:32 GMT

MEET OREET ❤️

Tell us a little about who Oreet is — your background, your journey, and what ignited your passion for dance and movement. What early influences shaped you?

I’m a dancer, teacher, entrepreneur, mother, and lifelong mover. I grew up in a Yemeni Israeli household where music and movement weren’t hobbies - they were the heartbeat of our home. There was always music playing, bodies moving… and yes, a lot of loud opinions.

Outside my home? Whole different story. I was shy, awkward, and constantly felt like I didn’t quite fit anywhere. Dance became my refuge. The one place where I didn’t have to explain myself or apologize for taking up space. I could just be . It gave me confidence before I even knew I needed it.

I was shaped by American icons I actually saw myself in - Whitney Houston, Janet Jackson, Paula Abdul - women who moved with power, presence, and zero permission. And honestly? Thank God for them. Because between those women and dance itself, something clicked. They didn’t just influence me - they helped save me.

SharQuí blends authentic belly dance with fitness in a joyful, body-positive way. What inspired you to create this unique movement method?

Frustration. And a little rebellion.

I was a professional contemporary dancer in NYC, but landing gigs was hard - mostly because of how I looked. In the ’90s, the ideal was long, lean, and boob-less… and that wasn’t me.
I made more money and had more stability teaching fitness because it’s predictable.

So I asked myself:

How do I blend my love of dance with the stability of fitness?
How do I make it accessible for non-dancers?
And what dance form do I actually fit into - culturally, physically, energetically?

That’s when I went back to my roots. Bellydance!
(Yes, the same dance form I hated growing up.)

So I stopped waiting for permission and built SharQuí - a beat-based, repeatable system that honors authentic belly dance while making it approachable, joyful, and effective.

And yes… people told me it would never work.

Joke’s on them.

SharQuí is based on the spirit of belly dance but is designed to be accessible to all. How do you balance tradition with inclusivity in your classes?

With respect - and intention.
I don’t water down belly dance. Period.
I honor the aesthetics, the energy, the musicality, and the emotional depth - and then I teach it in a way that actually lets people do it .

Because tradition lives in the feeling, not in making people prove themselves or “earn” their right to dance.

And inclusivity doesn’t dilute integrity.
It expands the circle - and that’s how the art stays alive.

What’s one challenge you faced while building SharQuí as a business and brand, and how did you grow through it?

Artistically, people in the dance industry thought I was making belly dance inauthentic by combining the principles of fitness. Guess what… I’m still here.

Business wise… I let go of doing everything myself.

For a long time, SharQuí was a one-woman show. Visionary, teacher, marketer, tech support - all me. Guess what… that doesn’t scale.

I had to learn to trust others, build systems, and admit that leadership isn’t about being the smartest person in the room. It’s about being smart enough to invite them in.

That shift changed everything.

Movement can be deeply emotional and transformative. What does confident, joyful movement mean to you personally, and how do you help others access it?

Confident movement means feeling at home in your body - not fixing it, shrinking it, or apologizing for it.

Joyful movement is when your body stops being a problem to solve and becomes a place you want to live.

I help others access that by removing the pressure. No shame. No “keep up or else.” Just rhythm, repetition, encouragement, and permission to show up exactly as you are.

You’re not only an entrepreneur and artist, you’re also a parent - how has motherhood shaped your creative work and business philosophy?

Motherhood stripped the BS right out of me.

It taught me efficiency, boundaries, and the value of systems that actually work. It also made me deeply aware of the example I’m setting - especially for my daughter.

I want her to see a woman who takes up space, honors her culture, builds something meaningful, and doesn’t burn herself out trying to be everything to everyone.

Can you share a memorable moment that captures what SharQuí means to you?

A student once said to me, “This is the only class where I don’t feel watched — I feel supported.”

That stopped me in my tracks.

Because that’s it. That’s the whole mission. Creating spaces where people feel successful, seen, and strong. And honestly - sometimes for the first time in their lives.

For someone feeling intimidated by dance or fitness, what would you say to encourage them to try SharQuí?

My motto is, “If you can march, you can bellydance.” That’s how much I can break down the movement.

You don’t need rhythm.
You don’t need coordination.
You don’t need confidence.

You just need curiosity.

SharQuí meets you where you are - and then gently reminds you of who you are.

Where can people find your classes or offerings, and what can they expect when they join you?

You can find us at www.sharqui.com . We have the SharQuí Virtual Studio at www.sharqui.com/online , the SharQuí Instructor Academy at www.sharqui.com/teach , along with our original beat-based music, and our apparel made for real bodies and real movement.

Now, what to expect?
A whole lotta joy, sweat, clarity and community. And “Ohhh sh*t… I CAN dance.”

Looking ahead, what are you most excited about for SharQuí and your creative evolution?

I’m excited for deeper community, smarter systems, more storytelling and more space for instructors and students to thrive.

SharQuí is growing, but more importantly, it’s maturing. And so am I. The best is still coming.

Why We’re Obsessed with the Hoberman Sphere Breathing Ball (and Why Your Kids Are Too)

Sun, 30 Nov 2025 15:11:52 GMT

Breathe in… your body expands.
Breathe out your body lets go.
… And right there, in that rhythm, is calm

If you’ve been to a Yoga@Play class lately — whether it’s kids yoga, family yoga, or a mindful movement session — chances are you’ve met our favorite little “magic tool”: the Hoberman Sphere Breathing Ball .

We love this prop so much that it’s basically part of the Yoga@Play family. It shows up in every single class we teach, and there’s a good reason for that: it helps kids understand breath in a way they can actually see and feel.

What is a Hoberman Sphere Breathing Ball?

A Hoberman Sphere is an expandable ball that grows and softens as it opens, then gently folds back in as it closes. In kids mindfulness and yoga spaces, it’s often called a “breathing ball,” because it visually mirrors what our lungs and belly do when we breathe. As the ball expands, we inhale; as it contracts, we exhale.

That simple motion makes breath concrete for kids. Instead of asking a child to “take a deep breath” (which can feel abstract, especially when they’re upset), we give them a clear, engaging visual to follow.

Why we use it in every class

At Yoga@Play, breath is the foundation of everything we do. The Hoberman Sphere helps kids:

Practice slow, steady breathing
Learn belly-breathing (using the diaphragm instead of shallow chest breaths)
Stay focused with a visual anchor
Feel calm and grounded in their bodies

Kids naturally sync their breathing to the ball’s rhythm. They watch it grow, and their inhale grows with it. They watch it soften and close, and their exhale follows. It turns breathwork into something playful, tangible, and even a little magical.

And honestly? They love it.

Breath helps regulate the nervous system

One of the most powerful things we teach at Yoga@Play is this:
your breath is a remote control for your nervous system.

When we’re stressed, excited, or overwhelmed, the breath gets short and fast. When we slow the breath down and breathe deeply, our heart rate lowers and our body receives the signal that it’s safe to relax. That’s nervous system regulation in action.

This is true for kids and grown-ups.

So every time your child practices breathing with the Hoberman Sphere, they’re not just “doing a yoga thing.” They’re learning a lifelong skill:

how to calm themselves
how to reset when emotions feel big
how to find steady ground in their body

It’s confidence-building from the inside out.

Bringing the breathing ball home

Because we use this tool so often — and because we’ve seen how much it helps kids (and families!) — we decided to make it available to as many people as possible.

We’re so excited to share that the Hoberman Sphere Breathing Ball is now in our new online store , alongside other tools for bringing yoga and mindfulness into home life.

�� You can purchase the breathing ball directly from us here:
https://www.yogatplay.com/e-books--courses---at-home6ffa6a13

Whether you’re a parent looking for a calm-down tool, a teacher building mindfulness into your classroom, or a family wanting a simple way to breathe together before bed — this little sphere can make a big difference.

A simple moment that changes everything

We’ve watched kids walk into class wound-up, wiggly, nervous, or frustrated… and five slow breaths later with the breathing ball, their shoulders soften, their eyes brighten, and the whole room settles.

That’s why we love it.
That’s why we use it every class.

And that’s why we want it in as many homes and hands as possible.

Because sometimes the smallest tools teach the biggest wisdom:

Breathe in… your body expands.
Breathe out… your body lets go.
And right there, in that rhythm, is calm.

SELF COMPASSION

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 16:02:06 GMT

Why We Love Kristin Neff (and Why Yoga@Play Is Better Because of Her)

At Yoga@Play, there are certain teachers and thinkers who feel like guiding stars—people whose work resonates so deeply with our mission that it becomes woven into the heart of everything we do. Kristin Neff is one of those guiding stars.

If you’ve explored the world of mindfulness, emotional resilience, or inner well-being, you’ve likely crossed paths with her pioneering research in self-compassion . And if you haven’t yet, we highly recommend starting with her bestselling book, which you can find here: https://amzn.to/48nPufe .

Why Kristin Neff’s Work Matters

Kristin Neff doesn’t just talk about compassion—she gives us the tools to practice it in a real, grounded, human way. Her research bridges the world of academic psychology and lived experience, reminding us that self-kindness isn’t a luxury. It’s a necessity. Especially in a world that often demands perfection, performance, or constant productivity.

Her work gently says:

“You deserve kindness, even from yourself—especially from yourself.”

At Yoga@Play, where we guide children, families, and educators in mindful movement and emotional literacy, this message couldn’t be more aligned with our purpose.

How She Inspires Yoga@Play

Here are a few ways her work shapes ours:

1. We teach from compassion, not correction.

In children’s yoga and story-based mindfulness, we aim to create safe, imaginative spaces. Neff’s research strengthens our commitment to meeting children where they are—with understanding, patience, and unconditional acceptance.

2. We embrace “being human” as part of the curriculum.

Mistakes happen. Feelings happen. Growth happens.
Self-compassion gives kids (and grown-ups!) a healthier inner voice—one that supports rather than criticizes. This shows up in our Wonderstories, our movement flows, and our language choices in every class.

3. We model the behavior we want children to learn.

When we practice self-compassion as educators and facilitators, children feel it. Our calm becomes their calm. Our kindness becomes their model for navigating big emotions.

4. We integrate her teachings into our storytelling and mindfulness practices.

Through metaphors, movement, and simple practices, we translate Neff’s science into child-friendly magic. The result: kids who feel connected, confident, and capable of offering kindness inward and outward.

A Gift to Our Community

If you're curious to go deeper, or want to bring self-compassion practices into your home, classroom, or inner world, Kristin Neff’s book is a powerful place to begin. You can check it out here: https://amzn.to/48nPufe .

Her work reminds us daily that we don’t have to wait to be “better” before we treat ourselves with love. And at Yoga@Play, that truth fuels the heart of everything we create.

Thank You, Kristin Neff

For the research.
For the practices.
For the permission to be tender with ourselves.
And for inspiring a community—like ours—that believes kindness can change the world, one breath at a time.

If You Let Me - The Beginning of a Movement

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 14:19:02 GMT

There’s a moment, right before we try something new, when our mind whispers, “I can’t.”

At Yoga@Play, we’ve learned that’s the moment where transformation begins.

When you feel safe enough to play… you feel free enough to try.

And when you try, even with shaky hands or wobbly feet, confidence takes root.

That’s what inspired the If You Let Me series.
It began as a poem — a love letter to freedom.

A reminder that inside every child (and every grown-up) lives a quiet, courageous part that just wants permission to be.

To swing, to fall, to laugh, to shine — to remember what joy feels like.

Through these poems, written for kids, parents, and teachers, we celebrate that moment when play becomes transformation.

Because when we fly, we don’t just move our bodies… we move something deep within us.

Ofrit

IF YOU LET THEM FLY 🦋

Wed, 01 Jan 2025 14:19:02 GMT

I watched it happen again last week.

A mom stood at the edge of our FLYoga studio, arms crossed, watching her 8-year-old daughter climb into an aerial hammock for the first time. The girl was hesitant. Quiet. The kind of kid who watches from the sidelines.

But then—something shifted.

Suspended three feet off the ground, wrapped in silk, she started to smile. Then giggle. Then full-belly laugh as she spun slowly in circles.

Her mom's arms uncrossed. Her shoulders dropped. And when her daughter called out, "Mom! Look at me!" I saw tears in that mother's eyes.

This Is What Happens When We Let Children Fly

We spend so much time teaching our kids to be careful. To not take up too much space. To stay safe, stay small, stay quiet.

But what if we gave them permission to do the opposite?

Aerial yoga isn't just about hanging upside down in pretty silks (though that's definitely part of the fun). It's about:

Building body confidence when the world tells them their bodies aren't enough
Learning to trust themselves when they're surrounded by messages of doubt
Discovering strength they didn't know they had
Feeling proud of what their bodies can DO, not just how they look

And Here's the Secret Part

When your child learns to fly, you remember that you can too.

That mom? She signed up for our adult FLYoga class the next week. Because watching her daughter be brave reminded her that bravery isn't reserved for childhood. It's available to all of us—we just have to reach for it.

The Question Isn't: "Is My Child Ready for This?"

The question is: "What becomes possible when I say yes?"

From Shy to Shine

Thu, 01 Nov 2001 14:19:02 GMT

From Shy to Shine

By Ofrit Barash

I was that shy girl.
The one walking around the playground pretending to be busy — holding a snack, looking down — just to avoid being seen alone.

When teachers called on me, my face burned red. My voice shook. I learned early that staying quiet felt safer than being seen.
And even though my mom meant well when she pushed me to “speak up,” all it did was make me shrink further inside.

But here’s what I know now: shyness isn’t weakness. It’s sensitivity waiting for a safe place to bloom.

Years later, yoga became that safe place for me.
On the mat, I didn’t need to prove or perform — I could just be .
And for the first time, my body and heart felt like home.

When I became a mom, I wanted to give my kids — and every child — that same gift.
I started teaching yoga in preschools. I thought it would be a small thing, a few classes a week.
But the children’s joy, their wonder, their calm — it was magic.

And then, in 2020, it was gone.

COVID shut down everything. Overnight, the Yoga@Play programs I had built disappeared.
For a moment, I felt lost — that same quiet girl again, not knowing where she belonged.

But this time, I knew the question that could change everything:
“What else can I do?”

That question became the seed of FLYoga.
I imagined kids in hammocks — six feet apart, but still laughing, still connected, still flying.
That vision became my mission: to create spaces where children could rebuild confidence, courage, and joy through play.

Because what I’ve learned — what I live — is that transformation happens in small, safe spaces.
It happens when we are seen, not for who we should be, but for who we already are.

Today, when a shy child walks into my studio, I see myself.
The hesitation in their steps. The quiet “what if I can’t?” in their eyes.
And I promise them what I once needed to hear:

“You’re safe here. You don’t need to be perfect. You don’t even need to speak.
Just breathe. Just play. Just be you.”

And then it happens — that moment when they try, when they smile, when they fly.
And I cry almost every time.

Because play isn’t just fun — it’s freedom.
It’s how we rediscover who we are.
It’s how we heal.

From the little girl who was afraid to be seen to the woman who now helps others shine — that’s my journey.

And this is our mission.

To give every child — and the child within all of us — a place to feel seen, safe, and free to fly. ��

And if you or your child has ever felt shy, afraid, or unsure — you’re not alone.
You’re already enough!

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We Shine a LIGHT on Those in Our Community ✨

MEET OREET ❤️

Tell us a little about who Oreet is — your background, your journey, and what ignited your passion for dance and movement. What early influences shaped you?

SharQuí blends authentic belly dance with fitness in a joyful, body-positive way. What inspired you to create this unique movement method?

SharQuí is based on the spirit of belly dance but is designed to be accessible to all. How do you balance tradition with inclusivity in your classes?

What’s one challenge you faced while building SharQuí as a business and brand, and how did you grow through it?

Movement can be deeply emotional and transformative. What does confident, joyful movement mean to you personally, and how do you help others access it?

You’re not only an entrepreneur and artist, you’re also a parent - how has motherhood shaped your creative work and business philosophy?

Can you share a memorable moment that captures what SharQuí means to you?

For someone feeling intimidated by dance or fitness, what would you say to encourage them to try SharQuí?

Where can people find your classes or offerings, and what can they expect when they join you?

Looking ahead, what are you most excited about for SharQuí and your creative evolution?

﻿

Why We’re Obsessed with the Hoberman Sphere Breathing Ball (and Why Your Kids Are Too)

Breathe in… your body expands. Breathe out your body lets go. … And right there, in that rhythm, is calm

What is a Hoberman Sphere Breathing Ball?

Why we use it in every class

Breath helps regulate the nervous system

Bringing the breathing ball home

A simple moment that changes everything

SELF COMPASSION

Why We Love Kristin Neff (and Why Yoga@Play Is Better Because of Her)

Why Kristin Neff’s Work Matters

How She Inspires Yoga@Play

1. We teach from compassion, not correction.

2. We embrace “being human” as part of the curriculum.

3. We model the behavior we want children to learn.

4. We integrate her teachings into our storytelling and mindfulness practices.

A Gift to Our Community

﻿ Thank You, Kristin Neff

If You Let Me - The Beginning of a Movement

IF YOU LET THEM FLY 🦋

And Here's the Secret Part

From Shy to Shine

From Shy to Shine

Breathe in… your body expands.
Breathe out your body lets go.
… And right there, in that rhythm, is calm

Thank You, Kristin Neff