Q&A with Anh Dao

What is your favorite thing about teaching?  

I absolutely love the camaraderie, community and energy that teaching sparks!  There's nothing better than leading an incredible group each week, who has the shared goal of feeling strong, confident + connected at Peace Power Soul.  

 

What can clients expect from you when they attend your classes?  

Lots of laughs, sarcasm + shoutouts - we're all rooting for each other every step of the way each class.  Creative use of props - I'm all about unconventional ways of incorporating our equipment that is challenging, interesting and unexpected.  

    

What is one thing about you that people would be surprised to know? 

My name (Anh-Dao) means Cherry Blossom in Vietnamese.

 

What would the title of your autobiography be? 

The title would probably just be the crying laughing emoji

 

What song gets you pumped up every time you hear it? 

Just Dance, Lady Gaga

 

Who is your role model and why?  

My grandmother, Catherine, was the encapsulation of the Shakespeare quote "Though she be but little she is fierce."  She was a petite powerhouse.  After fleeing from Vietnam in 1975, she re-established a life in the US for her family and worked her way up in hospitality for 20 years, establishing a reputation for her consistent demonstration of pure good will - every action positively impacted another person.  She was self-taught in English and had so many admirable characteristics - courage, sacrifice, devotion, generosity, kindness, love. 

 

How do you relax? 

Some days relaxing means listening to Ginger's voice + hugging a bolster and other days may be hanging with the kids

 

Do you prefer breakfast, lunch or dinner? And what is your favorite thing to eat for that meal? 

All of the above.  Breakfast - Mochi Donuts or Chicken + Waffles (from TFD), Lunch - a Cuban sandwich with fries , Dinner - Bolognese.  I also prefer Dessert - Ice Cream all day!

 

What type of music/artist do you love? 

Love Pop Remixes.  Favorite artists in the regular rotation are Dua Lipa, Doja Cat, Ava Max, Ed Sheeran + The Weeknd.

 

How do you take your coffee or tea? 

Dunkin' Decaf Iced Latte with Almondmlik + Cold Foam or Iced Matcha

 

Where is one place in the world that you haven't been to that you are dying to go? 

Vietnam.

 

Why is working out important to you? 

While we work out as individuals, I love working out with others and sharing in the moments of crushing a challenge together, while also enjoying the mutual moments when we perservere through another 8 count or eye-rolling in the mirror together ;)  For me, working out is also the time that I carve out for myself and break out of the day-to-day.  

 

What is one thing you struggle with and how do you manage it? 

Slowing down.  I enjoy the thrill of constantly being busy, on the go and having too much to do!  Sometimes I have to tell myself that things can wait to be done and it's okay to not tackle it all, even though it's tempting and so fulfilling.  

 

What movie can you watch over and over again? 

Dumb and Dumber.