Mountain Mama :: Rachel Sutherland
Rachel Sutherland, or maybe I should call her Rachel "Motherland" as her email address suggests, was a delight to get to know over these last few weeks. She is mother to four spirited children ages 11, 8, 6 and 4, and there was no shortage of fun and craziness at their home when I went for a visit after school. The biggest surprise (and inspiration) of my journey to learn more about Rachel was illuminated in a dance studio on a Saturday morning. I planned to come and take a few photographs of her leading an OULA class at the YMCA...Who I saw when I came into the studio was a completely different woman than the one I had met at a coffee shop a couple days before! Rachel was on fire - so ALIVE! She was in her element and I could see immediately that she was her happiest doing this thing she loves the most. My heart was huge watching her and photographing this dance. I asked her a few questions to learn a little more about her::
EMP :: How did you get into Oula in the beginning?
RS :: I've danced since I was a preschooler--loved it as a child and teenager and danced through college as well. I took about a decade off mostly due to moves, pregnancies, etc, but I got back into teaching children's dance when my oldest daughter was about three and wanted to try it. That was four years ago and I've been steadily increasing my teaching load ever since. OULA came along for me about two years ago as a great workout where I could let loose and dance myself instead of teaching.
EMP :: Why did you decide to become an Oula instructor?
RS :: I first decided to become an instructor because it was a challenge. I remember coming to my first group fitness dance class and thinking I could never be up front, but as I continued, I felt more of an itch to stretch myself in rediscovering dance within myself.
EMP :: I know that you find time for Oula, but what are some other activities you like to do solo or with your four children and husband?
RS :: We're happiest when we're doing something--preferably outside. We're not much for sitting quietly in my family. The kids love sports and gymnastics and Ryan and I both coach. We have lots of parties and gatherings at our house, in fact, our kids are usually disappointed if there's no one joining us for dinner. In the winter we like to ski and our favorite summer activity is rafting.
EMP :: How do you find balance in your daily life? Balance between mothering your children, taking care of yourself, and also finding time with your husband?
RS :: Well, that's a bit of a trick question, I don't feel all that balanced most of the time. Dancing and yoga help, prayer and community help more.
EMP :: How did you get into Oula in the beginning?
RS :: I've danced since I was a preschooler--loved it as a child and teenager and danced through college as well. I took about a decade off mostly due to moves, pregnancies, etc, but I got back into teaching children's dance when my oldest daughter was about three and wanted to try it. That was four years ago and I've been steadily increasing my teaching load ever since. OULA came along for me about two years ago as a great workout where I could let loose and dance myself instead of teaching.
EMP :: Why did you decide to become an Oula instructor?
RS :: I first decided to become an instructor because it was a challenge. I remember coming to my first group fitness dance class and thinking I could never be up front, but as I continued, I felt more of an itch to stretch myself in rediscovering dance within myself.
EMP :: I know that you find time for Oula, but what are some other activities you like to do solo or with your four children and husband?
RS :: We're happiest when we're doing something--preferably outside. We're not much for sitting quietly in my family. The kids love sports and gymnastics and Ryan and I both coach. We have lots of parties and gatherings at our house, in fact, our kids are usually disappointed if there's no one joining us for dinner. In the winter we like to ski and our favorite summer activity is rafting.
EMP :: How do you find balance in your daily life? Balance between mothering your children, taking care of yourself, and also finding time with your husband?
RS :: Well, that's a bit of a trick question, I don't feel all that balanced most of the time. Dancing and yoga help, prayer and community help more.
