Yogis Uncovered | Meet Pasquale
Step into the vibrant world of Pasquale, a dynamic wellness coach who merges Italian tradition with modern mindfulness. In this inspiring Yogis Uncovered episode, follow his journey from performing on stage as a professional dancer to guiding others through yoga, Pilates, and barre. Whether he’s leading workshops at Burning Man, indulging in Sicilian pizza, or finding serenity in a steam room, Pasquale radiates passion for movement and self-expression. Discover how this New Jersey native embraces the art of living fully—on and off the mat.
“Being fully seen, even when it’s uncomfortable, is one of the most liberating things you can do.”
Hi, I'm Pasquale! I am from New Jersey and I currently live in LA.
What was it like growing up in New Jersey?
New Jersey is a special place. I think people bash on Jersey unless you're from there. I loved growing up there. I grew up really Italian. I don't think I knew other cultures existed until I was probably 15, honestly. My friends, my family friends, everyone was just so immersed in Italian culture. I grew up very traditional, very Italian, I'm first generation. And I loved it. I loved being so close to my family and being close to more traditional upbringings.
What do you do for work?
I work full time as a yoga teacher. I've been teaching yoga now for about nine years. I also teach Pilates, I do barre, I do HIIT and conditioning strength training. I dabble in astrology consulting, so I'll read your chart. I'll do some things like future forecasting. And I also do mindfulness coaching.
How did you get into yoga?
I got into yoga when I was 18. I went to school for musical theater. And so I was always a good dancer, but not a trained dancer. So being in college and being in dance classes, I needed to get more flexible. I took my first yoga class in a small gym in New Jersey, it was me and like probably 15 moms, and I loved it. I felt myself really enjoying the movement. And even then, I would notice if a few days had gone by and I didn't go to yoga, that I was anxious or a little angry or uppity. And I [realized] there's something more to yoga than just movement and flexibility. I feel better holistically when I do yoga. After my performance and dance career stopped and I was over it, I took my first yoga training and started teaching immediately. So now it's been about nine years since then.
Do you have a favorite pose?
I guess it changes day to day, honestly. The old me would say I love a Dancer, which is a big hamstring opener backbend. [Today’s] me, I guess I really love Upavishkanasana or a wide-legged forward fold to get into the hamstrings more. I love extended side angle, which is a really nice, beautiful, lengthening side body stretch. I love a Baddha Konasana. I also love a crow. I love all of it.
What do you do for fun outside of work?
I do a lot of things. I am a burner, which means I go to Burning Man, and that's been a newer part of my life. The past three years I've been really invested in the Burning Man community.
I also love being in nature. I love the beach. I love to read. I love to eat. So if you want to cook me something, I would love to eat it. I also like low-key chilling at home and hanging out.
What’s your favorite food?
My favorite food is pizza. I know it's very like generic Italian but I love me some pizza. I love Sicilian style pizza. Heavy, crusty crust and pepperoni. Delicious. I love to cook breakfast. I think my brunches are my favorite thing. I love pancakes. I love an egg and omelet moment.
What’s a fun fact about yourself that people might not guess?
One of my favorite genres of music is punk emo screamo music. I'm a 90s kid and growing up in the 2000s as a teenager [I loved] Fall Out Boy, Dashboard Confessionals, Taking Back Sunday, like all those heavy rock punk bands. I love that music so much. People would never think I'm a punk kid because I don't look that way. But it's my favorite genre of music.
How did you become so comfortable being nude in front of other people?
Growing up Italian, I think we were just so open. My mom would go to the bathroom with the door open. We were always kind of naked in the house and not in a sexual way, of course. And it's a very European way of upbringing and bodies are bodies. And being around burners, everyone is so welcoming and people are always naked and no one cares. In fact, like, they just want to see you where you're at and hold you for who you are. And I was like, it's time to let people see me and people want to see me and I want to be seen. So I'm gonna let myself be seen fully, even if it's uncomfortable. And I'm gonna know it's okay.
What is your favorite self care practice?
One of my favorite self care practices that I don't do enough of is the steam room. I'm an athlete, I teach a lot, I move a lot, I work out a lot. And so my body takes a toll, it really is always going. I don't rest a lot. Growing up as an athlete, as a performer, you're kind of taught to go and go no matter what. I got used to always pushing my body to its limits and not taking as much care. [I love] getting into a steam room, lying down and being in the heat and sweating and having things soften and detoxify. Rest is so important. I can't stress that enough. If you don't rest your body, you won't see the results as quickly as you want to. So, resting, steam rooms, baths, are so needed in my life.
And where can our members find you online?
My Instagram is Pasquale_Guiducci. I do have a TikTok, mostly for astrology. I also have a website at www.practicalexpansion.com. Come find me!
*this interview has been edited for brevity and clarity