Sefali Dhani – Director & Lead Yoga Teacher
Heston Wellness Centre
Sefali Dhani is a seasoned yoga teacher and one of the Directors at Heston Wellness Centre. With over 20 years of teaching experience and a passion for holistic health, Sefali has dedicated her life to making yoga accessible to all communities. Her journey in yoga began at an early age and evolved into a lifelong commitment following her British Wheel of Yoga Diploma in Hatha Yoga. Sefali’s deep knowledge of the physical, spiritual, and psychological dimensions of yoga allows her to create friendly, safe, and transformative experiences for her students.
Education & Qualifications
British Wheel of Yoga Diploma (2009):
Sefali completed an intensive two-year course with Teach Yoga Limited under Elena Voyce. Her studies encompassed the anatomy and physiology of the human body, yoga philosophy, ethics, history, Ayurveda, and Sanskrit. The rigorous curriculum focused on both the academic aspects of yoga and its practical application in teaching diverse asanas—from standing and sitting postures to twists, backbends, and inversions. Sefali’s exemplary practical teaching skills were highly commended, with feedback noting her advanced practice and natural aptitude for instruction.BSY – Pre and Post-Natal Yoga Teacher Certificate:
With this qualification, Sefali has extensive experience working with pregnant women, guiding them through safe yoga practices before and after pregnancy, and supporting them during labour.BYTA Meditation Teacher’s Certificate (December 2013):
Under the guidance of Swami Saradananda, Sefali earned her certification and has since held meditation classes that focus on stress relief, mental clarity, and overall well-being.Calm for Kids Certificate (November 2013):
Sefali has delivered engaging yoga workshops for children aged 2½ to 12 years, both in community settings and schools, fostering early awareness of physical activity and mindfulness.Additional Training:
Sefali holds qualifications in breathwork (including Buteyko Breathing and Cardio Yoga), has explored fitness disciplines like Zumba, and is affiliated with MBF® (Muscle Balance Function) with Geoffrey Gluckman. This affiliation has enabled her to refine techniques for correcting postural imbalances and enhancing overall body mechanics.Legal Education:
In addition to her extensive yoga qualifications, Sefali is an LLB (Hons) graduate and is a postgraduate law student. This academic background supports her role as a Director and reinforces her commitment to ethical, well-governed practice within the community.
Teaching Experience & Community Involvement
Sefali Dhani has been deeply involved in teaching yoga within her local community for over 15 years. Her experience spans a wide range of demographics and settings:
Community & Charity Work:
Since 2005, Sefali has taught yoga on a voluntary basis in the London Borough of Ealing, often instructing classes of up to 30 students at local temple community halls. Her inclusive classes cater to both elderly participants and younger groups, integrating asana, pranayama, kirtan, and relaxation techniques.Specialist Programs:
Sefali’s expertise is evident in her work with pre and post-natal yoga, office workers, and specialized groups such as British Asian Women’s Association and Shewise Charity. She has successfully run classes tailored to mental health and destressing, as well as sessions focused on balance and fall prevention for the elderly, in collaboration with programs like Stay, Steady and Active in the London Borough of Hounslow.Private & Group Courses:
Through Sefali’s Yoga Limited, she has provided private courses at sports clubs, corporate settings (including law firms in Holborn), and community centres. These sessions emphasize breathing, posture correction via MBF techniques, and relaxation, ensuring long-term physical and mental benefits for her students.Media & Community Recognition:
Sefali’s profile has been raised by her media engagement, including an interview with the BBC on her experiences as a carer for her elderly parents with dementia. This public recognition has further solidified her reputation as a compassionate, knowledgeable, and dedicated yoga practitioner and educator.
Personal Practice & Philosophy
Sefali believes that yoga is not just an exercise, but a way of life. She practices yoga and MBF daily, dedicating at least 90 minutes to her personal practice over the past three years. This disciplined routine is complemented by her participation in mixed martial arts, including membership in London Shootfighters and All Stars Boxing Gym, which keeps her agile and in tune with diverse physical modalities.
Her personal journey reflects a commitment to continuous learning and self-improvement. Sefali regularly attends advanced courses and workshops—both privately and with organizations like Triyoga—to ensure that her teaching remains innovative and grounded in current best practices.
Professional Approach
Sefali’s approach to teaching is highly adaptive and student-focused. She emphasises safety, proper modification, and the effective use of props to tailor her sessions to individual needs. Her classes are structured to include a balanced mix of gentle warm-ups, dynamic asanas, guided meditation, and relaxation techniques. This methodical approach not only fosters physical strength and flexibility but also supports mental clarity and emotional resilience.
As a Director at Heston Wellness Centre, Sefali plays a pivotal role in shaping the organisation’s mission of providing accessible health and wellness services to the community. Her leadership and extensive experience ensure that the Centre’s programs are both effective and inclusive.
Testimonials & Community Impact
Numerous testimonials from students, colleagues, and community partners highlight Sefali’s profound impact. Her ability to connect with individuals from all walks of life, her deep understanding of the challenges faced by the elderly, and her innovative teaching methods have made her a beloved figure in Heston and beyond.
Her work not only improves the physical and mental well-being of her students but also strengthens the social fabric of the community. By fostering a welcoming environment where people feel supported and motivated, Sefali continues to drive positive change and build a healthier, more connected society.
Sefali Dhani embodies the spirit of holistic wellness through her extensive teaching experience, professional qualifications, and unwavering commitment to community service. As a Director and lead yoga teacher at Heston Wellness Centre, she brings together decades of expertise, personal passion, and a deep understanding of the needs of diverse populations. Sefali’s work is a testament to the transformative power of yoga and a cornerstone in the Centre’s mission to provide accessible health and wellness programs to all.
For more information about Sefali’s classes or to get in touch with her, please contact Heston Wellness Centre.
References available upon request: Saima Khan at Shewise Limited, Swami Saradananda at Yoga Mentor