Our Story
A Lifelong Journey of Movement and Creativity
Juliana’s journey with movement began in childhood. At just 10 years old, she joined the Long Island Synchronized Swim Team, competing at the Empire State Games. It was through a teammate, Valerie, that she discovered yoga and its remarkable benefits for flexibility, inspiring her to begin a home practice soon after.
After earning a BA in Visual Arts and studying Education at Dowling College, Juliana completed her first 200-hour yoga teacher training and began teaching community classes at a local church. She has since earned her 500-hour RYT certification, as well as certifications in children’s yoga, chair yoga, and Reiki Master Practitioner, teaching at studios across Long Island before founding Ahimsa Arts.
Dance: A New Language of Expression
In 2014, Juliana discovered ballroom dancing at The Ballroom of Huntington. Her passion and skill quickly led her to become an instructor, teaching Latin dances, hustle, and swing. Over the years, she has taught students ranging from 7 to 97 years old and even appeared as a ballroom dance instructor in the film Rich Boy, Rich Girl.
What Juliana Teaches
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Yoga Styles: Vinyasa, Hatha, Hatha Flow, Yin, Chair, Gentle, Restorative, Yoga Nidra, Kids, and Prenatal
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Dance Styles: Salsa-on-1 & Salsa-on-2, Argentine Tango, Cha Cha, American Rumba, Bachata, Hustle, East Coast Swing, and Merengue
Ahimsa Arts: Where Creativity Meets Compassion
Ahimsa Arts reflects the many facets of Juliana’s creative passions. From an early age, she has found sanctuary in the arts—including movement practices like yoga and dance—which cultivate mindfulness and deepen one’s connection to the present moment.
Inspired by the Sanskrit word Ahimsa, meaning active non-violence, Juliana is a dedicated animal advocate and vegan, currently serving as vice president of the 501(c)(3) charity Humane Long Island.
Advocacy and Recognition
Juliana is a recognized advocate for animals exploited by the fashion industry. She was featured in the 2021 documentary The Face of Fashion is Fear, appearing body-painted as a victim of the cruel down feather industry. PETA honored her with a “Hero for Coyotes Award” following Canada Goose’s decision to go fur-free. She also appears in the documentary Real Fur and regularly contributes to The South Asian Times, writing on animal protection, environmental stewardship, and compassionate living.
Art with a Purpose
A patron of the arts as well as animal welfare, Juliana alternates roles as artist, model, and even canvas, donating a portion of her portfolio to support animal advocacy and rescue.
Ahimsa Arts is more than yoga and dance—it’s a creative sanctuary where movement, mindfulness, and compassion converge. Whether on the mat, the dance floor, or through artistic expression, Juliana guides students and community members toward connection, growth, and joy.
