Kim Hankins

Dr. Kim Hankins (they/she) has been practicing yoga for over 15 years and teaching for the last 8. As a professional violist with a doctorate in musical arts, they love teaching in a unique way that combines yoga and live music improvisations woven throughout a vinyasa or yin class. When creating sound meditations, Kim draws inspiration from ancient tuning systems and natural sounds. Often there is a rain sound, wind, birds, water, or sometimes drum beats as a background to the viola. There's also an energy component, allowing whatever feelings or emotions Kim perceives in the space to inform the sound being created. Students often share after class that they felt able to move through their own emotions more effectively, have a clearer mind, or experienced something truly unique during these sound meditations. Kim is passionate about incorporating yogic philosophy, anatomy, and breath practices into each class, while also holding space for individuals to have whatever experience they need. As a trauma-informed RYT500, Kim has been a long-time advocate for musicians' wellness, being featured as a musician-accessible yoga teacher and guest speaker at the American Viola Society, Arizona State University, the Vancouver Symphony Orchestral Institute, the Tetra Chamber Music Institute, and more. Kim currently teaches in person in Tucson, Arizona.

Read more