Learn from experts, move with purpose
At The Loft, we’ve created a warm, serene, welcoming sanctuary where movement meets intention and every practice is an opportunity to grow, both on and off the mat.
Led by Kevin and Teresa Dennison, our team of expert teachers is dedicated to guiding you through intelligent, mindful movement that strengthens the body, calms the mind and nurtures overall well-being.
Whether you’re an experienced practitioner or taking your first steps into Yoga and Reformer Pilates, we’re here to support you.
Our Founders
Kevin Dennison
Kevin brings over 25 years of experience in movement, mindfulness and therapeutic practice. He is a Senior Jivamukti Yoga Teacher, having completed his 800-hour certification in New York under the direct guidance of Sharon Gannon and David Life.
In addition to his deep roots in Jivamukti, Kevin is an Advanced Yin Yoga teacher known for his grounding, soulful sessions and is fully certified in STOTT Reformer and Mat Pilates. His classes reflect a refined understanding of the body and breath, merging strength, stillness and awareness.
A registered psychotherapist, Kevin integrates psychological insight into his teaching, creating a safe and nurturing space for personal growth and self-inquiry. Prior to his career in wellness, Kevin worked at The Guardian newspaper, bringing with him a rich background in communication and storytelling that informs his thoughtful, articulate teaching style.
Teresa Dennison
Teresa is a deeply respected senior yoga teacher, known for her clarity, compassion and unwavering commitment to the transformative power of practice.
With over a decade of teaching experience and a strong foundation in the Ashtanga tradition, she brings both depth and discipline to her classes, alongside a generous dose of warmth and inspiration.
Originally working in high-level Human Resources for over 15 years, Teresa made the bold decision to leave corporate life behind to follow her calling. In 2016, she founded Yoga Loft Manchester, now The Loft, a space that has since become a trusted hub for movement, stillness and community.
Teresa’s classes are intelligent, grounded, and empowering. She teaches with precision, passion, and a deep respect for yoga’s roots, always encouraging students to move with intention and to meet themselves where they are.
As a lead teacher on The Loft’s 300-hour Yoga Teacher Training, Teresa shares her rich experience with grace and integrity, guiding aspiring teachers to find their voice, build confidence and step into their own power.
The Team
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Lena Basma – Yoga Teacher & Retired GP
A retired GP and advanced yoga teacher, Lena Basma seamlessly blends her deep medical expertise with the transformative power of yoga. With a profound understanding of the human body and mind, Lena’s teaching is rooted in both science and ancient yogic wisdom, creating a holistic approach to movement and well-being.
Her practice integrates breathwork, movement, and mindfulness, allowing students to build strength, resilience, and balance—both on and off the mat. Passionate about the healing potential of yoga, Lena creates a space where students can explore, evolve and reconnect with themselves.
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Sabena Metcalfe – Yoga Teacher & Bodyworker
A true expert in movement and holistic healing, Sabena Metcalfe brings a deep understanding of anatomy, alignment, and energy to her teaching. Trained under Travis Eliot and currently pursuing her Advanced Certification at The Loft, Sabena weaves together yoga, reflexology, and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to create a practice that is both intelligent and deeply restorative.
Her classes blend strength and softness, grace and effort, helping students move with precision, awareness, and ease. With a keen eye for alignment and an intuitive understanding of how the body functions, Sabena’s teaching is thoughtful, empowering, and transformative.
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Karen Davies – Yoga Teacher
From spreadsheets to Savasana, Karen Davies traded balance sheets for actual balance when she followed her passion for yoga. An accountant by day and a yogi at heart, Karen first stepped onto the mat as an escape from numbers—only to realize that movement, breath, and flow were the real formulas for a fulfilling life.
A self-proclaimed late bloomer in teacher training, Karen proves that it's never too late to follow your passion (or touch your toes). With hair like Pocahontas and the adventurous spirit to match, she’s practiced yoga everywhere—from Balinese beaches to dodgy airport lounges.
Karen’s classes are grounded, playful, and full of heart—expect intelligent sequencing, a sprinkle of humour, and the occasional philosophical gem (because, let’s be honest, yoga is just life training in disguise).
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Vanessa Youd – Yoga Teacher
From managing people to mastering practice, Vanessa’s journey from Personnel Manager at Sainsbury’s to dedicated Ashtanga teacher is a story of passion, transformation and a whole lot of breathwork.
A proud Salford girl, Vanessa found Ashtanga Yoga at a pivotal moment in her life, it redirected her path and focus as well reigniting her purpose. After years of disciplined practice, she took the leap to become a teacher in 2020 and is now deep in her Advanced Certification studies.
Grounded, gentle and always approachable, Vanessa believes yoga isn’t about perfection, it’s about showing up, breathing, and allowing the practice to meet you where you are.
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Bettina O’Connor – Yoga Teacher
From theatre nurse to yoga teacher, Bettina O’Connor knows firsthand the power of movement, breath and stillness in restoring balance and well-being.
Originally from Germany, Bettina has practiced yoga for years, refining her deep passion for alignment and mindful movement. Training at The Loft, she became a teacher after the pandemic, inspired to give back by offering yoga to burnt-out hospital staff, helping them reconnect with their bodies and minds.
Now, as she continues her journey towards her Advanced Certification, Bettina brings her gentle yet powerful teaching style to every class.
Bettina creates a space where students can move with intention, physically and mentally. Whether you're seeking structure, release, or simply a moment of stillness, Bettina’s classes offer a calm refuge in a busy world.
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Andrea Plimmer
With over 28 years in Further Education, I’m currently the Assistant Director of Health and Social Care at Bury College, leading all health-related full-time programs. Before education, I honed my skills as a spa and beauty therapist, working across the UK, cruise ships, and overseas as both a therapist and manager.
A dedicated yogi for 20+ years, I became a certified teacher to fuse my passion for health and wellness—bringing the transformative power of yoga to staff and students, helping them unlock its therapeutic magic
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Donna Brownson – Yoga Teacher
Tiny in stature but a powerhouse of strength and agility, Donna Brownson brings precision, passion and power to every class she teaches.
A lifelong fitness enthusiast, Donna has completed 300 hours of Vinyasa Yoga training and is currently pursuing her Advanced Certification. Known for her intelligent sequencing and skillful choreography, she blends strength and fluidity in a way that keeps students engaged and challenged.
Her classes are an experience, expect to be pushed but supported, challenged but nurtured, and taken to your edge while always feeling held with care.
Beyond the movement, Donna brings warmth and kindness and her infectious energy makes you feel strong, capable and inspired long after you step off the mat.
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Karl Brown - Yoga Teacher
Karl is a dynamic and intuitive yoga teacher known for his energising Vinyasa classes that flow seamlessly with breath, rhythm, and intention. His teaching style encourages students to explore movement with strength, curiosity, and self-awareness.
Karl’s classes offer a balance of challenge and ease—inviting you to move with purpose, connect deeply, and leave feeling grounded and uplifted. His calm, encouraging presence makes every class feel both empowering and accessible.
Step onto the mat with Karl and discover how yoga can be a powerful tool for transformation, inside and out. -
Sonya Gordon - Yoga Teacher
Sonya is a soulful and grounded teacher whose yoga journey began in 2013 during a time of deep personal transformation. Seeking peace and clarity after loss, she found healing through movement and meditation—igniting a lifelong love of yoga.
Her training took her to the Himalayan foothills of Uttarkashi, where she completed her 200-hour certification at the Sivananda Ashram, steeped in the wisdom of Raja Yoga. Later, she deepened her understanding of stillness and surrender with a Yin Yoga training under Norman Blair at The Life Centre, Manchester.
Sonya’s classes are a space to move with intention, feel deeply, and connect inward. She invites students to explore both strength and softness, guiding them with warmth, presence, and gentle encouragement.
Join Sonya on the mat and reconnect with the joy, compassion, and calm that yoga brings.