Marge Gale (she/her)
About the Artist
I grew up in the mitten state and attended college in Ohio. I appreciate my Midwest roots but had an itch to explore the west coast upon graduating from Miami of Ohio. I went back to school in my late 20’s and received a teaching degree, honing my skills in California and Oregon.
My family made our way to Hood River in 2014 from Portland, OR. and I've called Hood River home ever since, raising my now adult daughters in this stunning area. Ten years ago, I took a wonderful, transformative training called Imagination Yoga and became hooked on sharing yoga with children. I later expanded my expertise to include teen yoga.
Through my work with Arts in Education, I've become a 'Movement Specialist' and have shared the practice of yoga across every school in Hood River, including Whitson Elementary in White Salmon. Over the years, I've noticed a shift in classroom dynamics, with an increasing number of students facing stress and self-regulation challenges, often leading to behavioral issues. Sharing the mind-body-breath connection with students and teachers has been incredible.
I love creating a safe community in classrooms where we can get silly, get strong, get quiet, and really connect with each other and ourselves. At the end of each class we practice shavasana, or the resting pose. Students surrender completely to the tranquility and stillness they desperately need. Often, when I return for another class, I'm greeted with eager requests: "Mz. G, do we get to do that laying down pose again?" It’s nothing short of magical.
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Connect with like-minded learners from across the Pacific Northwest to exchange ideas, resources, and support our Arts in Education programs here in the Gorge.
About THE ARTIST
Yoga, School Residency
I have shared yoga and still minds with schools in a variety of ways. I have worked with a particular grade level. I have also seen all kids, for shorter sessions, where we practice yoga at our school desks! My dream residency is one where I can share yoga with an entire school, including staff, creating an environment that supports increased self-esteem and confidence, promotes positive attitudes, improved concentration, increased physical strength along with a reduction in stress and anxiety! Working with PE teachers is one path but I have also worked with one particular grade level and have had shorter sessions in every class where we learn how to practice at our desks! I am grateful to share yoga and still minds with all and am happy to discuss how we can be creative to make that happen!
Yoga, Group Residency
I enjoy residencies where I can focus on a particular grade level and establish community, safety and a rythm of learning and practicing together. I have worked in classrooms where our space is the reading rug. I have worked in classrooms where we learn how to incorporate yoga while at a desk!
Artist contact
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