Willow Tree Yoga: Bardonia & Rockland's Hidden Gem

Beatrice Mattaway has led and lived a very interesting life.

The Bardonia Elementary School PTA (ParentTeacher Association) President has lived in different cultural locations, as an actress had roles in motion pictures Nightmare On Elm Street (she played Freddy Krueger’s mom) and Stakeout, had a recurring role on 21 Jump Street, and now resides on two acres of serene property in Bardonia, raising a family and six chickens, as well as operating a hidden gem, Willow Tree Yoga.

“Take a look at the willow tree,” she said, pointing to the huge willow tree in her back yard for which her yoga studio is named. Recent poor weathered has damaged a branch, and it (the branch) droops. “Even with the bad branch, it’s still beautiful.”

Willow Tree Yoga is located a few blocks from Rockland County’s Route 304, and occasionally Mattaway and her students will leave the comfy confines of her serene studio for the further serenity of nature—underneath Grandmother Willow.

She herself visits alone, even in the snow. “She’s always been a grand tree, and doubled in size since I named the studio after her.”

That’s how beautiful—magical, if you will—this spot, and Willow Tree Yoga, are. In addition to Mattaway, Ashley DiMeglio, Bill Rosenfeld, Jyothi Vastare and Sharie Sofair also help classes of normally 9 – 12 people feel better as individuals through “flexibility & strength, moving with grace.” And at Willow Tree Yoga, age, size nor experience matters not. Mattaway and crew offer both a Kids Yoga and Senior Yoga, and also cater to ages in between. Willow Tree Yoga also offers prenatal classes should a need arise.

It’s all about the individual.

Consider the oldest Willow Tree Yoga student. “She’s 83—and incredible!” said Mattaway. “She started off with a chair,” she recalled. “We’ve had students start off with a cane; they can’t balance on one foot. It’s such a joy working with seniors. They’re rediscovering movement.”

Mattaway, who initially taught yoga at another studio before opening Willow Tree Yoga, began learning and practicing yoga in Japan, where she lived from age 5 though 9. “My parents were Asian art historians,” she said, “and at age 9 (since she was so fluent in Japanese), I had to learn the American alphabet.” She also, due to the Zen Buddhism atmosphere in Japan, leaned how to sit properly.

“The culture,” she recalled, “is much quieter in Japan.” From there, she moved with her family to New Jersey and then to Canada, where she began her acting career. "I loved the craft of acting, but for actors, the job is so much more than craft. 80 percent is auditioning; a tough thing to do.” From there, she headed to Los Angeles, and then onto Taiwan and India, where she focused on spiritual teaching. “All teaching is about guiding people to their own inner wisdom – in touch with the inner voice. It’s not about bringing wisdom in, but drawing it out.”

At Willow Tree Yoga, you will reduce your pain – both mental and physical – and relax and rejuvenate. A full schedule of classes is available on the website, www.willowtreeyoga.net.

Willow Tree Yoga, 17 Whispering Court, Bardonia, (914) 588-4066, www.willowtreeyoga.net