From Broadway to the Yoga Mat: Kris Blunt’s Inspiring Journey

When most people think of Broadway, they picture dazzling lights, packed theaters, and show-stopping performances. For Kris Blunt, Broadway was once her stage — but today, her stage looks a little different. Now a respected yoga teacher, Kris’s journey from professional dancer to spiritual guide is a story of passion, resilience, and transformation.

Dancing from the Start

Kris discovered her love for dance as a little girl, twirling around her living room before her parents enrolled her in her first class. That love grew into a career, leading her through performing arts school, college, and eventually into the professional world of dance.

While Kris initially trained with contemporary ballet and modern companies, an unexpected audition brought her to Broadway. “It wasn’t what I planned,” she recalls, “but it turned out to be one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.” From 2005 to 2011, Kris performed under the bright lights, with her parents cheering her on every step of the way.

The Turning Point: Yoga

Kris first encountered yoga in college, but she didn’t connect with it right away. It wasn’t until years later, while dancing with a contemporary ballet company, that she witnessed a fellow dancer’s serene practice of sun salutations. Drawn to the peace radiating from her colleague, Kris gave yoga another chance.

This time, it clicked. What began as a way to balance her body from the repetitive stresses of dance quickly grew into something deeper. “On stage, dance was about performing for others,” Kris explains. “On my mat, yoga was about turning inward. It gave me the chance to ask deeper questions and connect with myself in a way I never had before.”

Discovering Yin and the Power of Breath

Like many practitioners, Kris started with vinyasa flow and power yoga, drawn to the physical intensity and rhythm. But over time, she gravitated toward slower, more meditative styles such as yin and restorative yoga.

Yin yoga, in particular, became transformative. Holding poses for several minutes created stillness, patience, and self-reflection. “In a world that’s always moving so fast, yin asks us to slow down,” she says. “It’s not about pushing harder — it’s about cultivating kindness and patience with yourself.”

Breathwork also became central to her teaching philosophy. Even a few mindful breaths in traffic, Kris notes, can help anchor us in the present moment and invite peace into busy lives.

Lessons for Beginners

For those just beginning their yoga journey, Kris offers practical tips:

  1. Start small. Try short YouTube classes from teachers who resonate with you.

  2. Explore studios. Many offer affordable intro packages to help you get started.

  3. “Date” yoga teachers. Not every teacher will be your match. Don’t give up after one class — find someone whose style and energy feel right.

  4. Commit. Like any relationship, yoga requires showing up consistently.

  5. Stay patient. Progress takes time. Kindness toward yourself is just as important as the poses themselves.

Yoga as a Way of Life

For Kris, yoga is no longer just a practice — it’s a way of life. The same discipline, clarity, and devotion that fueled her Broadway career now guide her journey on the mat. “There’s no separation for me,” she reflects. “Yoga is life.”

Her story is a powerful reminder that transformation often begins when we step off the stage of performance and turn inward. Whether you’re an artist, athlete, or simply someone seeking balance, Kris’s journey shows that yoga has the power to align body, mind, and spirit — and help us all find a deeper truth within.

Gabriella Forte