As part of Leslieville Post’s ongoing effort to promote the unique people, businesses and institutions in the Leslieville community, we have started a program where we pose 5 questions to local individuals and proprietors.

Today we are proud to present 5 Questions with Anita Barnes, owner of Leslieville Yoga:

1. When and why did you first get involved with yoga?

I first became curious about yoga when I was around 12 years old. In the 1970′s my mother was always watching a TV show called Kareen’s Yoga and I wondered why she was standing on her head. It clearly was an escape for her. In my 20′s she gave me a booked called The ABC of Yoga and I practised on and off for years. I still refer to this now worn out book. My practice was inconsistent until I stumbled across the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre in Toronto in 1993 and my life changed forever. In 1998 I completed the Yoga teacher’s training course in Val Morin, Quebec and have been teaching ever since.

I was drawn to the simple practice of Hatha Yoga and the five principles of proper eating, exercise, relaxation, breathing, positive thinking, and meditation. It made so much sense to me.

2. Can you explain what the yoga discipline is about?

The discipline is about connecting mind, body and spirit. This is done through asanas (postures), pranayama (proper breathing), meditation and relaxation. When practised regularly one can create internal harmony and once we have harmony within, we are able to create harmony in all areas of our life. I consider yoga a lifestyle and I try to incorporate yoga into all aspects of my life and encourage my students to do the same.

3. What kinds of people are involved in yoga?

There are as many different kinds of people involved in yoga as the number of different cultures in Toronto. That is the beauty of yoga. What brings people to yoga is just as diverse; a desire to find ways to relax and distress, recovering from an injury or back pain, a need to physically challenge oneself, or longing for a way to have a spiritual connection.

4. How does yoga benefit individuals?

The benefits are endless; spiritual, physical and emotional. For me, spiritually, it helps me connect to the essence of who I really am, physically it was my saviour when I was pregnant with my daughter and has kept the scoliosis and kyphosis of my back pain free, and emotionally it has helped me overcome a tendency towards depression.

5. Tell us about your practice in Leslieville.

Leslieville Yoga opened in January 2010 and is a small Yoga studio in the basement of my home. The cozy space allows classes of up to eight students and gives me the opportunity to give my students lots of individual attention. I offer Hatha Yoga classes that are very gentle and slow paced, which seems to be what individuals that are brand new to yoga are looking for. Some individuals feel intimated in the beginning and going to a fast paced, large class would be very uncomfortable. The studio offers 5 classes a week for different levels. Saturday morning classes are karma classes, with some of the money earned from this class being donated to the Alzheimer’s society. In the spring, I will be offering Yin Yoga classes and will be offering more “Yoga On and Off the Mat” programs in the corporate world.

I’d like to personally thank Anita for taking the time to provide a view into her discipline and practice. Please contact her to learn more about Leslieville Yoga (leslievilleyoga@yahoo.ca or visit www.leslievilleyoga.ca ).

Music can help build skills that can change the way a person thinks. Learning and playing music requires both sides of the brain to work together – it is both an art and a science. Moreover, it helps the student learn to work through abstract problems, understand the value of practice and build confidence.

In Leslieville Post’s ongoing effort to bring you the best the Leslieville/Riverdale/Beaches areas have to offer, I thought it would be great to interview local musician and music teacher, Stephanie Sheri.

Stephanie Sheri has been teaching piano and voice for nearly 20 years. Having studied classical piano, vocal jazz performance and musical theatre, Stephanie went on to have a vibrant career as a recording artist performing in Canada and the US, and as a teacher in and around Toronto. In 1998 she formed her own company Dragonfly Productions, teaching over 200 students the joys of music in private study. Having settled in Halton Hills for the past 10 years, she is now returning to Toronto- accepting new students at Fraser Studios at Danforth/Broadview. Visit www.dragonflymusiclessons.com for more information.

1. At what age should a child begin music lessons?

Children as young as 7 can start private study. Having the parent(s) involved in helping a child of that age develop a regular routine of practice makes lessons that much more fun and inspiring as the child finds pride and joy from progressing forward week to week. My eldest student was 68 when she began studying with me. Its never too late to start!

2. What are some of the developmental benefits to learning to play piano?

Learning any instrument has so many benefits. It develops not just discipline in mastering the skill, but most importantly confidence in self expression that is truly priceless- at any age. I also have adult students who have never taken music lessons want to learn to sing as a way of exploring their artistic side. Some of my students have gone on to a successful career in music (see website dragonflymusiclessons.com) and some simply enjoy the lessons as an enrichment to their lives.

3. What sort of commitment (time, money) is reasonable?

I encourage all my beginner students to spend 20 minutes approximately 5 days in the week at practice. The more consistent the practice, the more the student looks forward to lessons and progresses forward. Aside from the cost of the lesson itself, books and CDs should cost no more than $50- $100 yearly. As an added incentive to put in their best, I offer my students the opportunity to record and perform their music. It gives them a goal to set and an opportunity to share with others the fruits of their labor.

4. Are there alternatives for parents without the means (or space) to buy a piano?

Children are so fortunate to live in an age of electronic advancements. A beginner student can simply learn on a small keyboard of $300 for the first and second level of learning and move up to a full size piano down the road. Digital pianos are excellent alternatives to acoustic pianos as well- often at a fraction of the cost. If singing lessons is your choice, a CD player is all you would need. There are loads of great backround tracks available out there to sing along to.

5. How do you recommend parents who don’t have a music background get involved with the process?

Its as simple as sitting and listening to the child play/sing. The child needs encouragment to practice and rewards for their efforts. A good teacher will take the time to explain homework thoroughly to both parent and student so that their lack of musical knowledge is not a disadvantage.

Thanks to Stephanie, and please contact her at 647-220-1223 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              647-220-1223      end_of_the_skype_highlighting with any questions.

If you have suggestions for future 5Qs, please contact Leslieville Post.

As part as Leslieville Post’s ongoing quest to help readers learn more about local businesses, residents and institutions, we had the opportunity to pose 5 questions to Steve Pelton of Joy Bistro.

For the one or two people that don’t know, Joy Bistro is a Leslieville landmark. It was one of the first places to truly see the value of the area and has been around for more than a decade. Joy is continuously steps ahead of area development, maintaining its place as a prime local hotspot for food, drinks and a good night out.

#1 – Can you describe Joy Bistro, for those who have never been?
Amidst the shops of vibrant Leslieville, Joy Bistro Bar is a cornerstone of the Queen Street East strip. With its cozy feel and candlelit warmth in the dining room, and the cool contemporary vibe of the new Bistro Bar, Joy delivers a memorable guest experience every time. Using sustainable ingredients whenever possible, Joy’s kitchen delivers Bistro classic’s, North American favourites, and cutting-edge dishes sure to excite every pallet. Joy offers a 3-course Prix Fixe menu 7 days a week for only $30. You can add wine that is perfectly paired with each course for another $15 and truly experience dining and wine the way it is meant to be. Sunday nights we bring the family together for a delicious Prime Rib dinner for only $20. The newly built Bistro Bar offers and more relaxed look and menu. Our Bar staff will mix up your favourite beverage while you enjoy our new Bistro Bar menu items that are perfect with wine, beer and friends.

#2 – Who are the main personalities at Joy?
Steven Pelton (Owner), Vince Tedesco (General Manager) and Cornel D`Silva(Chef).

#3 – Joy was one of the first businesses to recognize the potential in the East End, and has become a landmark. Can you explain Joy’s history?
Joy began as a small coffee shop with a light menu called `The Joy of Java`. As the neighbourhood changed Joy evolved to match the need of the local clientele. Several renovations within the building saw several aparments turn into a larger kitchen and a second floor dining room and lounge called `OverJoy`. Later, the East side of the lot, which was used to sell cars, was turned into the second patio space known as `B-side patio`. Most recently, Joy evolved again by finishing a renovation in mid-November 2010. Joy now proudly boasts a new kitchen (a new menu and chef, as well) and the Bistro Bar on the main floor, and the Joy Bistro Dining Room on the second floor is open 7 days a week. Not to meniton the West patio that over looks Jimmie Simpson Park, a second floor patio off the dining room and the previously mentioned B-side patio.

#4 – What unique value does Joy Bistro provide to its clientele?
Joy Bistro Bar now has 2 distinct and different atmospheres that we provide to our guests. As always we have high quality food sourced whenever possible, from local sustainable farms and suppliers, but now we can offer not only a formal dining experience but also a more casual fun Bistro Bar experience. We always have a 3-course $30 Prix Fixe menu, and we will pair wines with each course to create a very memorable dining experience. Once the summer weather arrives, we have 3 amazing patios that have been a draw for our local guests for many years, and this year will not disappoint.

#5 – How does the Leslieville nightlife differ from other areas in Toronto?
Leslieville is a small town inside a large city. Everybody is very neighbourly, friendly, and supportive of local businesses. It has a very proud artistic community, and a very industrious nature. Being a business owner here I am privileged to meet many more local people than most. I am always amazed with the diversity of the local people, and yet they still all have the same small town terrific attitude towards their neighbours.

I’d have to agree. And I hear this over and over about Leslieville…it’s a small town within a city.

A special thanks to Steve and everyone else at Joy Bistro for doing this interview and providing a great place to eat, drink and hang out in the neighbourhood. Be sure to contact us at Leslieville Post if you have any questions about Joy Bistro or this series.