IN THE KITCHEN WITH: JoAnna Ross

Program introduces kids to yoga; By Laurie Gordon JoAnna Ross is an accomplished yoga teacher, dancer and fitness educator from Andover. She is the founder of an exercise program for children that fosters respect, coordination, and self-confidence called Yoga by the Dozen. “Children are natural yogis because of their in the moment attitude,” she said, “Yoga nourishes their mind, body and spirit and paves the way for a life-long tradition of health and fitness.” This ignited an idea, and Ross decided to create a DVD to promote a healthy lifestyle for kids ages two to six in the context of yoga. Now, Ross’s trademarked Yoga By The Dozen DVD and her company’s complete line of lifestyle products for yoga are top-sellers. It all started in Sparta where Ross embarked, at the age of three, on an extensive dance background. First it was ballet and tap, jazz classes soon followed. By age 10, Ross was competing in the tri-state area and training at Dance By Kempson in Sparta. Trips to New York City for advanced classes were not far behind, and to help finance her continued training, Ross started teaching dance to young children at local studios. Kids responded to her playful energy and her passion for dance, and Ross soon began teaching at the competition level. After graduating from Newton High School, she moved to New York City to pursue a fulltime career in dance. While there she performed on Broadway as one of the original cast members of the hit musical “Footloose.” She also appeared in national commercials, and guest-starred on the Rosie O’Donnell Show, the Today Show, the David Letterman Show and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. “As my dancing career came towards an end, I moved to LA and that is when yoga became a daily part of my life,” Ross said. “I practice yoga to help me relax, focus find some inner peace.” After three years of practicing yoga, she decided to become a teacher. “I wanted to spread the word. After my teacher training program, I was teaching yoga to everyone who asked. I had an opportunity to teach at a Montessori School, and immediately fell in love with the kids. Those kids inspired me to create Yoga By The Dozen.” The Yoga By The Dozen DVD starts with a warm up, then Ross and her 12 young friends demonstrate 12 yoga poses. Ross said, “My personal philosophy is that with repetition you will learn, but with laughter you will grow ... Any parent can tell you that sometimes it just doesn’t work out the way you thought it would, so keep it light.” For more information about Yoga by the Dozen, visit www.yogabythedozen.com. Straus Newspaper readers a 25 percent discount on any Web orders by using the promotion code: SUSSEXCOUNTY.

JOANNA’S BLACK BEAN HUMUS
Mix the following in a food processor
1 cup black beans
1 Garlic clove
1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 Tablespoon tamari soy sauce
1 Tablespoon tahini
1 teaspoon honey
Less than a teaspoon Tabasco sauce
Salt and pepper to taste and grab your favorite chips