Meet Instructor and Owner at Ib Yoga & Barre: Irina Burlack

Today we’d like to introduce you to Irina Burlack.

Irina, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My yoga journey began in Russia with my dad teaching me fun yoga postures at the age of five. Since then Yoga has been a big part of my life including my transition to the US from Russia after I was adopted. Though I didn’t initially envision teaching as a profession (I hold a degree in Political Science from Brenau and interned with the GBI/FBI), I quickly realized that this was the path I wanted to take.

In 2007, I had the completed an apprenticeship with Yoga for Exercise Studio where I studied Vinyasa yoga. During my apprenticeship, I enrolled in the Aura Wellness Teacher Training and earned my 200-hour yoga certification. In 2012 I earned a teaching certification in the Yoga Lean program and studied bodyArt fitness with Internationally renowned instructor Robert Steinbacher. I continued my yoga education with Cheryl Zach at Forsyth Yoga Center and have acquired my RYT 200 from Yoga Alliance.

In addition to teaching classes around Atlanta over the past several years, I’ve more recently managed a wellness program for a physical therapist’s office, have been building a roster of corporate clients and started my own yoga & barre studio (ib yoga+barre) in the Old Fourth Ward in early 2016.

Has it been a smooth road?
My journey has had many ups and downs. At the age of 13, I was adopted from Russia. When I began my yoga study I was adjusting to my new life and my new adoptive family. I was also battling with an eating disorder which I used as a coping skill to deal with things that I could not control. It was definitely a rough journey of healing in which yoga took a great part. I truly believe that during this time my yoga practice saved my life.

What role has luck had in your life and career?
I believe in hard work but I am lucky to have met many wonderful mentors and teachers along the way.

Is there a quality or characteristic that has played an outsized role in your success?
Passion for yoga and making sure that I get to know each student’s needs and interests.

Tell us about your favorite and least favorites things about our city.
I love Atlanta’s cultural diversity and delicious food.
Dislike: driving in traffic.

Pricing:

• New students can purchase 3 classes for $30 and 5 classes for $50 at our studio where we offer semi-private classes.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.ibyogabarre.com
• Phone: 770-756-6395
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ibyogabarre
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ibyogabarre

Image Credit:
The backbend picture in the coral top is by Ed Hetherington Photography