A Special Thank You...
The redevelopment of 588 Claude St. into the inviting locale it has become was a creative process in itself.
It began with a man who's vision he was determined to bring to life, even as his own was fading.
Dennis McIntyre saw the potential of this space and applied his imagination to the re-design of this old cedar furniture building and former old Silk Net sewing factory, into a beautiful home for his family with commercial studio space for dance, yoga, movement, mediation and wellness in a grand centre for overall community betterment.
This beautiful space incorporates the nostalgic character of this unique property into an inspiring and healing environment. Untold amounts of blood, sweat, tears and passion were poured into the construction of this space in a labour of love that you can't help but sense when you are present here.
Dennis McIntyre; the devoted father and loving husband and partner of Michele Hopkins; Align Body | Mind Studio owner and director; sadly passed away shortly after just turning 50 on June 15, 2023 from the terrible disease of ALS.
We continue to be inspired by such an incredible man, and hope to make him proud by contributing the programs and services of Align Body | Mind to the extended community of Wiarton, Ontario, and by offering a space for local culture and development. All of the work done here and going forward will forever be dedicated to the strongest, bravest and most selfless man we were all so fortunate to know and love...
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Thank You, Dennis McIntyre!
Meet Your Team!
Michele
Michele Hopkins is a seasoned dance and movement artist with over 35 years of experience, dedicated to teaching students of all ages, levels, and abilities. Her extensive training spans a wide range of disciplines, including ballet, contemporary, and creative dance at prestigious institutions such as the National Ballet School and American Ballet Theatre. Michele's expertise also encompasses yoga, Pilates, and various somatic and healing modalities like Essential Somatics, Atlas Yoga, and BodyMind Therapy.
Michele’s approach to teaching emphasizes the importance of movement in enhancing vitality and healing in everyday life. She passionately believes in the transformative power of embodying our physical and emotional experiences to foster relaxation, release tension, and heal ailments. Through her diverse classes and personalized sessions, Michele helps her students align with their inner body wisdom, enabling them to lead fuller, more balanced lives. Her holistic philosophy underscores the necessity of integrating physical alignment and emotional awareness to achieve optimal well-being.
Leila
Leila has been dancing for fourteen years and has received professional training at the Royal Winnipeg Ballet.
She has performed extensively and competed at international ballet competitions. She has also been assisting and teaching for over five years. She has studied Russian ballet methods and American Ballet Theatre as well as modern dance, contemporary, jazz and acro. She placed first at the Youth American Grand Prix ballet competition in Toronto.
She also has extensive performance experience. Leila is looking forward to sharing her joy of dance with young aspiring dancers.
Iris
Iris has been dancing for ten years and has received professional training from the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School.
She has performed extensively and competed at international ballet competitions. She has experience assisting in dance classes and rehearsals for five years. She has studied ballet, contemporary, jazz, acro, musical theatre and modern. She has attended numerous summer intensives in Toronto.
She performed the role of Clara in the Nutcracker with the Cambridge Symphony. Iris loves children and sharing the joy of dance and movement with them. She will be teaching a stretch and strength and fitness for young people.