Yoga Teacher Farron Davis has started a pop-up within Carrow House orangery in Norwich this summer. Here, Farron explains why it’s such a special space
Who are you and what do you do?
Hello! I’m Farron and I teach Vinyasa Yoga at the Glasshouse Studio and Hotpod Yoga Norwich. I’m also a part-time University Lecturer on the Fashion Marketing & Business course at the Norwich University of Arts. Along with offering my skills and knowledge to brands as a Wellness Creative Consultant.
What led you to becoming a yoga teacher, and what were you doing before (or what do you do alongside?)
I discovered yoga when I moved to London whilst working at my first job after university for a health and beauty website. At the time, Sweaty Betty held free in-store weekly classes, and the Ledbury Road store was close by to my office – little did I know I’d end up working for the brand!
Instantly, I felt the benefits of yoga both physically and mentally, fully immersing myself within the practice. I knew at some point I’d love to train to teach, bringing the practice to others.
Yoga continued to support me throughout my time working within the fast-paced nature of the creative industry. And fairly recently I felt I needed to shift my working week away from the screen, building in more movement, creativity, flexibility and connection. I trained as a yoga teacher last year and I’m truly grateful that what I’d initially set out to achieve is now unfolding.
What do you love about living and working in Norfolk?
The community and creativity. Norwich/Norfolk holds the platform for people to start something new and to take risks, whilst being supported by those who want to see others grow and succeed. I also love that we’re surrounded by nature with the beaches close by. One of the reasons why I left London, I craved the expansive outdoor space.
How has the Glasshouse Studio come about?
Towards the end of last year I was sitting with colleagues over lunch, and a friend J, was showing pictures of the beautiful Carrow House Orangery, she was working with the Norwich Unity Hub to restore the house before opening it up to the public. As soon as I saw the Orangery, I just knew I had to bring yoga to the space in some way shape or form. I believe life is short, and I wanted to dive headfirst into an opportunity to blend my previous career with my newfound skills and knowledge to create a space that brings people together.
What do you love about Vinyasa yoga in particular?
The creative freedom. The initial structure is there. Starting with slow mindful movement, building up energy as you reach peak poses, then slowly grounding down to ultimate rest. You can change the energy of the practice, choosing to keep it slow and restorative or playful and dynamic. I also appreciate how Vinyasa yoga encourages aligning movement with breath. By doing this it creates a sense of lightness and calm within the body and mind by tapping into our nervous system – something we all need with the busy lives we now lead.
How can people find out about your pop-up – and how long are you there for?
Glasshouse Studio is available Monday evenings at 6.30-7.30pm and Tuesday mornings at 7.30-8.30am until the end of August. There are also more exciting plans ahead to add more classes over the summer. For more information, you can follow on Instagram @glasshouse_studio_ or you can book online via eventbrite.
What makes Carrow House orangery a special space to practice yoga in?
So many reasons. One is the history, previously it was once home to the Colman Family. They were forward-thinking in terms of the health and welfare of their employees and would often open up their home, to bring people together to rest and enjoy. It feels like a full-circle moment, for what the space is now used for today.
Also, the evening and morning light shining through the Orangery is really special. You get a sense of being outside yet protected by the elements. It’s a peaceful and calm setting that allows conversations to flow and connections to form.
What are your plans beyond the pop-up?
To see where and how it all unfolds, I would love to watch Glasshouse grow. And secure a permanent physical wellness space in the future.
Glasshouse Studio is available Monday evenings at 6.30-7.30pm and Tuesday mornings at 7.30-8.30am until the end of August. Visit Eventbrite. Follow Glasshouse Studio on Instagram.
Featured image of Farron Davis teaching yoga at Carrow House – supplied
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