get to know us
Our Story
Yogaheart was founded in 2012 by Pauline and Dean Leppan. Opening a commerical studio in Hermanus has blessed them with the opportunity to welcome many feet through the doors, and to collaborate with talented local and international teachers.
Yogaheart is now in her third chapter – a beautiful bespoke studio.
Yogaheart continues to strive to offer you high-quality yoga, and complimentary movement classes, in a safe and caring environment. Yogaheart is a space, a community, a dream. She offers all who enter her doors the opportunity for transformation and healing.
Our History
Pauline Leppan
Pauline began her yoga journey while travelling through India in 2003. She has been keenly exploring this vast subject ever since. She is a certified Iyengar Teacher (Iyengar Institute of South Africa, 2017). She also certified to teach the Prana Vashya Primary Series in Mysore, India, 2007. David Jacobs, Jurgen Meusel and Vinay Kumar served as her primary mentors.
Pauline has been teaching yoga in Hermanus since 2008.
Pauline regularly attends workshops with local and international teachers. She enjoys learning fresh approaches to the subject but maintains great respect for yogic tradition.
She is inspired by nature, enjoys quiet places, and farm life with Dean and her two rescue dogs.
‘I am deeply grateful to be able to share the teachings of yoga to dedicated students who continue to teach me so much about the path of yoga.’
Dean Leppan
Dean’s practice started in 2003 with a month of intensive practice in Northern India with a wandering yogi named Zoltan. Dean’s yoga practice has continued to evolve ever since. He has been certified to teach by the Iyengar Institute of South Africa (in 2017) and the Atmavikasa Centre of Yogic Sciences in Mysore, India (in 2007)
Dean has been teaching, alongside Pauline, since they arrived in Hermanus in 2008.
‘I’ve always been drawn to the more traditional practices that have a clear lineage to the roots of yoga. I focus on holding poses that are well aligned and the breath. I continue to be inspired by many teachers including my wife Pauline, David Jacobs, Jurgen Meusel and Patrick Hattingh.’
‘My biggest inspiration is the dedicated students who continue even when the practice is tough – that’s when the magic happens.’
Nicolene Mylrea
Nicolene lives in Stanford with her husband and their two dogs, where life moves a little slower and a little softer. She’s happiest outdoors – on the cliff paths or in the ocean – and inspired by good food, thoughtful fashion, and exploring new places. When she’s not teaching yoga, she’s designing clothes for her own label, or working part time in quality assurance at an abalone processing facility – a balance of structure and creativity that keeps her inspired.
Nicolene completed her 200hr Yoga Teacher Training at The Shala in Cape Town in 2021 and has been teaching ever since.
‘I am passionate about living simply, moving intentionally, and soaking up life with the people she loves.’
Victoria Young-Pugh
Victoria’s love for movement began at 4 years old when she started ballet and dancing, which she continued to practice throughout her schooling. After matriculating, she was introduced to Yoga. She immediately knew that she wanted to teach, and completed her YTT 200h with Ananda Sangha Yoga Studio in Somerset West.
Victoria has been teaching yoga for the past 7 years. She has offered a wide variety of styles of yoga at various yoga schools, festivals and retreats, but her preferred style is a strong creative Vinyasa Flow.
‘Yoga is an incredibly important part of my life. I thrive off assisting people in improving their lives through the practice of yoga.’