A Real MISFIT- Amber Joliat
Amber Joliat, Creator of MISFITSTUDIO
For over 20 years, Amber Joliat has moved Toronto. In 2010 she created a home for her signature movement series and MISFITSTUDIO was born. Amber’s unique approach to movement encourages a deep untangling allowing the mind, body and soul to open from the inside. Dance-like sequences set to powerful playlists drive the elements of connection, physical and emotional release and intentional therapeutic vibration. Calling in strength and grace with creativity and magic, Amber teaches the unraveling, exploration and dance with freedom. MISFITSTUDIO now has to two beautiful studios, an expansive growth of community, budding teachers thriving in the MISFITMETHOD 200 hour movement program created by Amber.
How do you measure your success as a teacher?
This is one of the MOST important elements to me
to ensure everyBODY feels connected, seen, and heard.
I do my best to honour the choice to show up
at MISFITSTUDIO to feed your body, mind, soul. The studio has been built on word of mouth.
This to me is a sign that what occurs in class is something special, far deeper than what one looks like or is aiming for as a goal. It’s not just a workout, it’s a WAY OF LIFE, to choose to live with awareness and practice presence in each moment. Living with intention, the MISFIT way.
What inspired you to start MISFITSTUDIO?
SEEKING FREEDOM
Freedom to move in the way that inspires me. The freedom to play loud music and to experiment and practice and to get as close to clarity as possible. And, the freedom to do what my heart desires with like minded-humans and to show that the path of healing can be beautiful, rich and full.
The most important wisdom you wish to impart to your students
To practice presence in every moment. To live and love mindfully. The more this practice becomes a way of life, the more inclined one is to embody mindfulness and presence in EVERY aspect of life.
I call on the wisdom of The Four Agreements to be impeccable with your word, take NOTHING personally, never make assumptions and to always do your best. This wisdom, when practiced in class lingers on and on,
and suddenly, you are LIVING with deep awareness.
How much does dance play a role within your teachings?
I describe the MISFITMETHOD as rooted in yoga, informed by Pilates, and inspired by dance.
The dance element is the freest, the openness that washes over someone (especially skeptics) is magic.
To remind humans that we are ALL dancers. When we hear music that moves us, the desire is to dance.
It’s the primal rhythm, we all have it and feel it and intuitively know it.
Releasing the concern or fear of what you look like, and rather focus on how to FEEL!
Is there a quote or saying that you consistently use in your teaching or that you live by?
“Learn to work WITH yourself, rather than against. Enough of that BS.”
What are you known for as a teacher?
I’m best known for offering a challenging and creative movement journey that becomes a spiritual experience
This movement heals me.
It is my gift to pass it on.
Who is your most impactful teacher?
All the women I know who get knocked down by life, and do the hard work to pull themselves up.
THAT is fearless, that is courageous, and with that, I learn.
The greatest lesson you’ve learned in the studio setting as an owner?
To listen to the wise woman inside. Intuition. I always know what to do. It’s when I tune into others, or fear, or doubt, I get pulled off course and lose my way.
Intuition is our superpower! We all have access to it, if we do the work to get calm and quiet enough to listen.
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