ODDlight Teacher Feature: Elisa Barretta

Elisa took her position as a new teacher at a new studio and ran all the way with it! Not only is she pioneering one of the hottest classes in East Hollywood, UNWIND, with a mix of modalities from Reiki to restorative postures to essential-oil aromatherapy, but she will also leave every student in every class with at least one new discovery. Whether it's a thoughtful way to feel safer in a pose or even a way to unlearn and relearn something, Elisa's keeping things fresh and feeling-focused to revitalize and relax students in perfect balance. Keep reading to hear about her hobbies outside the studio, which language (that's not Sanskrit) she speaks fluently, and what inspires her practice.

What are your "Big 3?" 

Capricorn sun ♑  Virgo rising ♍  Sagittarius moon ♐ 

Five words to describe yourself?

Adventurous, Compassionate, Creative, Resilient, Introspective

What's an ODD fact about you?

I speak, read, and write Italian fluently because I lived in Rome for 10 years.

One thing you're working on in your personal practice right now?

 I am very flexible so I am working on adding more stability and strength, and additionally, like many fellow yogis, I am perpetually working on my Handstand!

Where are you when you're not on the mat?

 I am either in the kitchen ~ I love to cook, especially Italian cuisine, or on my computer studying something as I am one of those eternal student types, or somewhere snuggling with my golden retriever, Romeo

Favorite food or restaurant?

Pasta and pizza are my favorite foods. My own kitchen is actually my favorite restaurant, but I also enjoy dining at Avra in NYC and La Vecchia Locanda in Rome.

Something that inspires you?

Love,connection, and music inspire me. Love is a force that propels us forward, igniting a fire within us that drives us to connect, create, and contribute to the world around us. It's a powerful energy that fuels our actions and infuses our interactions with meaning and purpose. When we're inspired by love, we're motivated to show up for ourselves and others with an open heart and a willingness to connect with the world around us in a way that's authentic and compassionate. Add a good playlist, and what more do you need?!

What initially inspired you to become a yoga instructor?

My journey to becoming a yoga teacher began with my own healing. Years of poor posture as a fashion designer led to chronic neck and shoulder issues. Through regular practice, I discovered greater ease and freedom of movement, both physically and emotionally. Inspired by my transformation, I became determined to share yoga's healing benefits with others. Becoming a yoga teacher was more than a career change—it was a calling to serve and support others on their wellness journeys.

Where are you inviting play into your practice/day to day?

I infuse play into both my practice and daily life by maintaining an open mind and heart, welcoming the unknown with enthusiasm, and embracing the freedom to experiment and fully experience each moment, while letting go of expectations. It is much easier to be playful when there is a willingness to 'unlearn' and a freedom from expectation.

If your students take home ONE lesson from your class, what do you hope it is?

It is Balance. In my classes, I aspire to guide students to their equilibrium—encouraging just enough effort, complemented by an innate wisdom to release, thereby discovering the exquisite harmony between control and surrender, known as Balance.

What song/album/playlist do you have on repeat right now?

Currently listening to Keep a Little Soul by Tom Petty. Actually, pretty much anything by Tom Petty these days.

One affirmation you always come back to?

I have more than one: 1. Love over fear. 2. What got you here won't get you there. 3. Today and everyday, I give that which I wish to recieve. 4. I choose joy.

Get to know Elisa more by finding her on the class schedule!