Tara Porter (Vani) was brought up in a diverse community of artists, musicians and healers - setting the stage for her life-long passions. This environment allowed for many opportunities to deepen her studies and involvement with dance, music, theatre, visual arts and yoga.  She was first introduced to yoga in 1998 - taking a Sivananda Hatha class with her family in a Community College basement in Nova Scotia. With a committed dance and theatre involvement from her youth - practising yoga became a natural and complimentary practice to her passions.

This passion has continued to deepen and blossom over the years. She took her Kripalu Yoga Dance certification in the Berkshires of Massachusetts at the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health in 2007/08 and completed her Hatha Teacher Training at the Sivananda Ashram in Val Morin, Quebec in 2008. Most recently, she has acquired a Restorative Yoga certification from the states.  Tara is actively involved with the practice of Bhakti Yoga (yoga of Devotion) and Naad Yoga (Yoga of Sound) - leading Kirtans in Montreal and Ottawa on a regular basis.  A trained vocalist through the Royal Conservatory of Music; she has over 5 years experience instructing various styles of dance. Tara has a genuine love for all branches of Yoga and takes workshops and classes to enrich her understanding and experience when possible. She has spent time assisting Kripalu Yoga Dance teacher trainings at the Kripalu Centre, and in Toronto and has supported world experienced Yogis during their workshops in Ottawa with her voice and percussion abilities.

Tara has been working at Rama Lotus for over 3 years since moving to Ottawa from the East Coast. First as the Reception Supervisor and has gratefully welcomed the position as General Manager.

As an artist, performer and teacher - Yoga has allowed her to unite the strength of connection between body and movement, mind awareness and voice, and spirit and creativity. Her teaching promotes body and breath awareness; community and self connection as well as joyfulness, inner strength and humour.  She is honored and grateful to be a part of the Rama Lotus Family.