Tamara Ashley

Ashtanga • Restorative • Mysore Practice • Subtle Body Work
Teaching since 2001

About Tamara

Tamara is an Ashtanga yoga teacher, dancer, and researcher, whose lifelong commitment to embodied movement is at the heart of her teaching. She was introduced to the Ashtanga method in 2001, and it became a central part of her practice when she discovered its powerful capacity for healing and transformation after a back injury.

A Yoga Elder and teacher trainer with Yoga Teachers Together, Tamara has studied extensively with renowned teachers including Petri Räisänen and Juha Javanainen, with whom she regularly assists and teaches internationally. She has also trained in Finnish Energy Healing with Petri, weaving this subtle energetic understanding into her assisting work and one-to-one sessions.

Her broader practice is influenced by teachers such as Sharath Jois, David Swenson, Eddie Stern, and Monica Gauci, and by her study of Buddhism in the Tibetan tradition. This unique background allows Tamara to approach teaching through the lens of compassion, presence, and awareness of the subtle body.

Tamara holds a PhD in Dance, a Master of Fine Art in Choreography, and a Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education. She is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, and continues to research the relationship between somatic practice, creativity, and well-being.

Her teaching style is open, inclusive, and individualised, supporting each student in developing their own embodied intelligence and agency through traditional practice.

Tamara’s Classes
Ashtanga Mysore Class

Mondays, 5:30 – 7:15 pm
A self-led Ashtanga class in the traditional Mysore style. Each student practices at their own pace and progression through the Ashtanga sequence, receiving one-to-one guidance and adjustments from Tamara.

This practice fosters deep concentration and independence, allowing you to explore the moving meditation of the Ashtanga system while focusing on areas of your practice you wish to refine or expand. Practice sheets are available, and all are welcome — from regular practitioners to curious newcomers.

Ashtanga Beginners Course

Mondays, 7:30 – 8:30 pm
A five-week beginner’s course introducing the foundations of Ashtanga yoga. You’ll learn the key postures of the Primary Series, explore alignment, vinyasa, and breath, and experience how this dynamic, meditative practice can build strength and focus.

Each class ends with relaxation to balance the energy of the practice. Open to all levels — no prior experience required.

Join Tamara at The Breathing Space — and explore Ashtanga yoga as a living, breathing meditation on strength, presence, and awareness.