Kimmie
​Kim Thomas was the Founder and Owner of Gotta Dance Atlanta, one of the city’s most renowned and successful dance studios. In 1990, Kim launched Atlanta’s professional dance studio movement with a vision and mission: to create a welcoming space for both dance professionals and enthusiasts. She established a studio that provided foundational training for beginners, advanced instruction for working dancers, and fitness classes for everyday enthusiasts. Kimmie earned her B.A. in Performing Arts & Dance from Oklahoma City University on a full scholarship and has been a vibrant part of the dance and arts community for over 40 years, studying under many celebrated choreographers and instructors.
After a successful career as a professional dancer and Founder/Owner of Gotta Dance Atlanta, Kimmie continues to express her love of movement by adding yoga as a complement to her well-rounded training. Kimmie is passionate about yoga and her teaching style is deeply rooted in alignment-based practices. Her journey into alignment-focused yoga began after experiencing a personal injury, which led her to discover the importance of proper alignment in healing and prevention. This experience profoundly shaped her approach to teaching, instilling in her a commitment to guiding others toward a safe and sustainable practice.
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Kimmie’s classes are known for their clear, precise instruction and thoughtful use of props and modifications, making yoga accessible to all levels of practitioners. She encourages her students to move mindfully, honoring their bodies' limitations while exploring the depth of each pose. Kim believes that through mindful alignment, students can achieve greater stability, strength, and awareness, leading to a more profound connection between mind, body, and spirit.
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“Yoga is not about the fancy poses, being skinny or being a vegetarian. You don't need to be flexible; yoga helps bring flexibility and strength.” Kimmie finds there are infinite benefits to yoga; and believes ANYONE can do yoga, they just need to honor and listen to their bodies.​ She believes that yoga helps her discover more about herself each day, and she envisions Just Breathe Yoga Center as a sanctuary where others can explore their own journey of self-expression and inner peace, carrying that sense of tranquility from the mat into their daily lives.
Kimmie received a 200-hour Ashtanga yoga certification at S.A.M.A. in Newport, RI., a 200-hour certification at Buddhi Yoga in La Jolla, CA., a 200-hour certification at The Asheville Yoga Center in Asheville, NC. She is certified to teach Aerial Yoga and has also completed a 300-hour RYT at The Asheville Yoga Center. Kim is registered with Yoga Alliance as an E-RYT (Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher) instructor and a YACEP (Yoga Alliance Continuing Education Provider).