Welcome back, Annie!
- Mar 3
- 3 min read
Updated: 7 days ago
In June 2025, we had the pleasure of welcoming Annie Niswanger, a New York-based registered Yoga & Meditation Teacher, Functional Strength Trainer, on retreat.
We shared beautiful moments together and bonded deeply, and stayed connected on instagram afterwards.
Seeing her regular posts was not only impressive and engaging, but also a testament to Annie's passion for sharing the teachings of yoga in a unique, practical, and applicable ways.
So, when the opportunity arose, we invited her return to Suncokret as the newest member of our visiting team!
Please allow us to introduce you to Annie...
Tell us a bit about your background. What else do you do besides teach yoga?
"I’m also a performer based in NYC! I grew up dancing competitively in Arkansas and moved to New York to attend a musical theatre conservatory.
After graduating, I worked as a dancer and singer on cruise ships, which allowed me to travel the world. Eventually, I returned to NYC to have a home base, and that journey led me to teaching yoga — a way I still get to move, connect, and travel while sharing what I love.
When I’m not dancing or teaching, you’ll usually find me curled up on the couch with my cat, Cali, reading, crocheting, or painting."
How did you get into yoga?
"I found yoga during the pandemic, when I had to move back home and suddenly lost the structure, community, and movement that had always been part of my life as a dancer.
I needed a way to keep moving and feel connected, so I turned to online classes — and yoga quickly became a daily practice for me.
It helped me reconnect to my body and gave me a new sense of clarity.
After the pandemic, I decided to get certified because of how deeply yoga supported me during that time, and I thought it would be a great complement to performing.
I never expected to fall so in love with teaching yoga, but now I truly cherish how yoga connects us to ourselves and to others."
What was your favorite thing about coming to Suncokret as a retreat guest?
"It’s hard to choose just one thing — honestly, everything!
From the moment you arrive, you’re welcomed so warmly by Evening and Stipe, and there’s an immediate sense of peace that settles in.
The Shala, the lodging, the views, and the quiet rhythm of the village all create wonderfully beautiful place to let yourself unwind and relax.
I loved the balance of yoga and exploring the island — it felt immersive and authentic, like being welcomed into the local way of life!
Getting to meet so many people I never would’ve otherwise and all bond through our shared love of yoga & travel is something I will always hold close to my heart!"
What do you hope participants will gain by attending your events at Suncokret?
"We live in such a fast paced world these days, it’s hard to take time for yourself to just be.
My hope is that the participants will gain some insight into themselves and take the time to slow down and listen.
We are so disconnected for our mind and body as we always look for what’s next, so I hope the participants will leave feeling like they learned something about themselves!"
At the end of the event week, what is one thing you hope retreat participants will walk away feeling?
"I hope participants leave feeling truly reset — physically, mentally, and energetically, and that they reconnect with the importance of caring for the whole self — mind, body, and spirit — while also remembering how good it feels to slow down, let go of stress, and not take life so seriously!"
Thanks, Annie, we hope so, too and we can't wait to have you here again!
*Annie will be leading two back to back events in August 2026:
9 - 15 August - Balance & Bliss
16 - 22 August - Yogi Explorer
Want to learn more about Annie?
Check out her biography on our Team Page here and follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annieniswanger/
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