Joan Ivars Ribes is the original Spanish Sweetheart with pointed toes. He promotes yoga as a means for personal and social transformation. Along with a disciplined approach to his yogic practices, he is dedicated to serving others with a empathetic heart. Listen to our conversation to discover why Chris gave him the nickname Hanuman after the interview concluded.

Some non-yogic background on Joan: he began his dance training at the Institut del Teatre in Barcelona, then studied at the School of American Ballet in New York from 2015 to 2017 and finally graduated from the Palucca University of Dance in Dresden in spring 2020. As a student, he attended various summer courses, e.g. at Het Nationale Ballet and the Paris Opera School, and took part in productions at the Semperoper Dresden, Kampnagel Hamburg, the New York City Ballet and the Prix de Lausanne Choreographic Project with Didy Veldman. After a guest engagement at the Ballett am Rhein in fall 2020, Joan Ivars Ribes was engaged by the Staatsballett Karlsruhe from the 2021/22 season, where he danced roles such as Albrecht in David Dawson's “Giselle”, the Pas de Trois in Glen Tetley's “Voluntaries” and Mortimer in Bridget Breiner's “Maria Stuart”. Joan Ivars Ribes is a member of the Ballett am Rhein from the 2024/25 season.

Joan’s Website => joan-ivars.com

Hearts on Fire Retreat 

The Yoga Sutra translation Joan refers to => Four Chapters on Freedom by Swami Satyananda Saraswati (it’s free online) 

Music referred to can be found on => Spotify Public Playlist Ultimately for Chris ;o)

Sandy Boutros and her work in Lebanon Koun.org