Community is the cornerstone of Power Life, and the backbone of our community is our strong, diverse, powerful teachers. We want to carve out space each month to highlight the amazing folks that make Power Life possible! This month I spent some time getting to know our Two Light Studio Manager, Malcolm Baker.

Abby: How long have you been teaching?

Malcolm: started instructing at Power Life the summer of 2018 so 18 months, going strong!

 

A: I know that you aren’t a Kansas City local, where are you from?

M: Lafayette, Louisiana, but moved to Kansas City from Fort Worth, Texas. TCU, Horned Frogs baby!!

 

A: Your students love you and are always giving rave reviews! What is your favorite part of teaching at Power Life?

M: It’s for sure the people. From instructors, to trade staff, to students, the people that walk into a Power Life are looking for depth whether it be in their practice, in themselves, or connection to others. And they are so ready engage in that and share it with others as well.

 

A: What is your mantra, and what does it mean to you?

M: Know yourself: I think it’s so important to learn who you are and constantly reflect on that as you grow and evolve. Once you do, you can be unapologetic in living out your values which will make you happy as you attract energy that serves you and repel energies that don’t.

 

A: What do you enjoy doing outside of teaching?

M: I love spending time with my friends, good food, and my lil kit-kat, Olive. I’ve been getting more into rock climbing and reading all the books that I own and haven’t read yet. And exploring the neighborhoods of Kansas City never gets boring, when there’s also new stuff popping up where you’d least expect it.

 

A: Last book you read? (Or show you binged, podcast you listened to, magazine you read – whatever resonates with you)

M: Diagnosis on Netflix was incredible: This badass physician who works at Harvard also writes for the New York Times and partnered with Netflix to crowdsource ideas and answers for people struggling to figure out what ailments they are struggling with. Literal goals!

 

A: We know Malcolm the instructor well, are there any interesting fact you’d like to share with our community?

M: Ya boy is bilingual 😊 English & French—and the French has actually come in handy quite a few times since moving to Kansas City! I also know a bit of Swedish as well! Languages are sooo beautiful!

 

A: Lastly, if you could give one piece of advice to someone thinking about going through teacher training what would it be?

M: If it’s crossed your mind, dive in! I promise it will augment your life in ways that you would have never thought of. I was a high school teacher when I went through my first training and wow, I was many times over more confident in my classroom and who I was as a person after committing to TT. It’s a lot, and it does change your perspectives. You don’t need experience. I had literally taken three Barre classes when the idea popped in my head, didn’t really work out, had NO dance background whatsoever…and here I am. I’m no more special than you are 😊