Choosing a yoga teacher training isn’t really about choosing a course. It’s about choosing the people who will guide you through one of the most transformative experiences of your life.
At Shades of Yoga, our trainers are the heart of everything we do — and every single one of them began as a Shades of Yoga student. Handpicked for their knowledge, experience, and genuine care, they’ve guided hundreds of students from all corners of the globe on the journey from student to confident teacher — a journey they once took themselves.
Meet the team who will walk beside you, every step of the way.
Tracey — Director & RYT 200 Trainer
Every great school begins with a great teacher — and for Shades of Yoga, that teacher is Tracey.
Tracey’s journey spans more than two decades in fitness, health and holistic living, beginning in her early twenties. But it was yoga that changed everything. She studied extensively with the original yogis in India — including Pattabhi Jois and B.K.S. Iyengar — and immersed herself in deep psycho-spiritual practices that shaped her vision of what teacher training could be: not just asana-based, but a profound, life-transforming journey.
In 2007, Tracey opened her first commercial yoga studio in Umhlanga Rocks, South Africa, offering immersive teacher trainings that inspired practitioners from all walks of life. Over the years, she expanded trainings across South Africa, Zimbabwe, Mauritius and Costa Rica. Then, in 2010, she returned to Bali — where she had first studied yoga in 2005 — and Shades of Yoga as we know it was born, nestled in the heart of Ubud.
Students describe Tracey’s teaching as energetic, dedicated, and deeply encouraging. Her strength and confidence in her students have transformed even the shyest beginners into strong, confident yogis. Her wealth of knowledge — built over 20 years of teaching — creates a deep and enriching training experience you simply won’t find anywhere else.
As Director, Tracey guides the deeper heart of the training: self-inquiry. She works closely with students, helping them go deep within — beyond the postures, into the patterns, beliefs and breakthroughs that create true transformation from the inside out.
Want to go even deeper? Tracey also offers personal 1:1 life coaching sessions. Whether you’re navigating a life transition, seeking clarity, or ready for profound personal growth, you can book a private session with her directly.
Helen — RYT 200 Trainer
Helen is one of our internationally accredited RYT 200 trainers — and like all our trainers, a Shades of Yoga graduate herself. Students consistently thank Helen for creating a truly safe space to grow and learn, guiding each group with warmth, patience and genuine care so everyone can give the best of themselves.
Annabell — RYT 200 Trainer
Annabell is an internationally accredited RYT 200 trainer who brings her own journey from student to teacher into every course she leads. Her first-hand understanding of the training experience means she knows exactly how to support you at every stage — from your first nervous practice teach to your final confident class.
Annabell is a Yin Yoga teacher as well as a Hatha and Vinyasa yoga teacher, bringing a well-rounded blend of stillness and flow into her teaching.
Inspiring Guest Teachers
Alongside our core team, we regularly invite inspiring guest teachers to speak about Ayurveda, bringing unique perspectives and expertise to your training. Every voice adds another layer of depth to your learning experience.
Our Trainers Walked the Same Path You’re About to Walk
Here’s what makes our team truly different: our trainers are our own past graduates.
Every trainer who guides you at Shades of Yoga once sat exactly where you’ll sit — as a student on their own 200 hour journey. They know the nerves of the first practice teach. They know the breakthroughs, the challenges, and the transformation from the inside, because they lived it themselves.
After graduating, our future trainers continue their journey with us — deepening their practice, gaining teaching experience, and growing step by step from student, to intern, to trainer. Each one is handpicked by Tracey, and only those who truly embody the Shades of Yoga way — safety, alignment, humility and heart — go on to guide our courses.
For you, this means something powerful: your trainers don’t just teach the method. They are the method. They understand exactly what you’re going through at every stage, because they’ve been through it too — and they know exactly how to guide you to the other side.
Our Teaching Philosophy
Whoever guides your course, you’ll experience the same Shades of Yoga approach — the result of over a decade of refining what makes teacher training truly transformative:
- Safety above everything. We strongly emphasise technique and alignment throughout our courses, because safety is paramount to our teaching philosophy. You’ll learn to practise and teach in a way that protects and empowers every body.
- Small groups, real attention. Classes are intentionally kept small — maximum 12 students, with one primary teacher per course — ensuring the personalised guidance and support you deserve. Your trainer knows your name, your practice, and your goals.
- Yoga beyond the mat. We teach yoga as a lifestyle and spiritual practice, not just an exercise — exploring all aspects of living a life of balance and harmony.
- Confidence from day one. Our method has student teachers practice-teaching within days, with individual coaching and honest feedback at every stage. You don’t just learn to teach. You become a teacher.
- Taught by those who’ve lived it. Because our trainers are our own graduates, the Shades of Yoga way is passed down authentically — from teacher to student, generation after generation. Some of our best students become our next trainers. Maybe one day, that could be you.
What Our Students Say
Don’t take our word for it — here’s what graduates say about training with our team:
“Such an amazing experience! I gained — among so many other skills and insights — so much knowledge in asana alignment and how to teach safely. Even though I was not planning on teaching at all, I developed so much joy doing it. The small group size allowed for a truly safe space to grow and learn. Thanks a lot to Tracey and Helen for making this possible!” — 200 Hour YTT Graduate
“This yoga teacher training program is the best I’ve ever come across! The location is breathtaking, with a mesmerizing view of rice fields. Tracey, the owner, possesses an incredible wealth of knowledge, providing a deep and enriching training experience — undoubtedly the best place for yoga teacher training in Bali. A truly exceptional 10,000/10 experience.” — 200 Hour YTT Graduate
“The YTT with Shades of Yoga was so beautiful. In the middle of Ubud, so calm with the rice field and the river — seeing nature all day calms you down in an extraordinary way. Helen, the teacher, is not only an amazing person, she is also an amazing teacher.” — Google Review
“What made the training even more enriching were the special workshops. Annabell brought in experts — a handstand master and Ayurvedic practitioners — who shared their wisdom and expanded our understanding of yoga beyond the mat. It’s not just a certification — it’s a journey of transformation, connection, and awakening.” — Google Review
“I had only ever taken one yoga class in my life, and we moved at a pace where I fully understood everything we were being taught. If you are new to yoga, this is the perfect school for you! I made the most beautiful friendships, and I am now confident enough to teach yoga back home.” — 200 Hour YTT Graduate
Both Helen and Annabel are incredibly knowledgeable, and their approach to alignment “changed how I understand and feel each posture.” Practicing while overlooking the rice fields made the whole experience even more special, and she left with genuine, instant friendships from all over the world. — Tina DeLeonardis, Google Review
Training with Helen and Annabel felt deeply connected — a group of very different people who still found each other and built real friendships, not just training connections. The teachers brought precision and clarity paired with real warmth, and he left with “stronger teaching skills, but also feeling more like myself.” — Robin Nelischer, Google Review
Watch what our graduates have to say: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEhaQmuf0mE
With hundreds of reviews across Google and Yoga Alliance, see why Shades of Yoga is the gold standard of yoga teacher training courses worldwide.
Train with Us
Since 2010, our trainers have guided students from all corners of the globe through the Yoga Alliance accredited RYT 200 Yoga Teacher Training — in the heart of Ubud, Bali and other exceptional destinations. Well-rounded, qualified, and genuinely invested in your growth, they’re ready to guide you too.
Book your place on our next 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training
Come meet them in person. Your transformation is waiting.
