Sarah Petronio: Yogi and First Lady of Swing

Sarah and Peter Petronio have a long storied history with Integral Yoga. Sarah was born in India, studied and taught Yoga and, with Peter, raised their children under the guidance of Swami Satchidananda, who was their frequent guest in Paris—where the family eventually settled. Peter, one of the original group that, along with Peter Max, hosted Swami Satchidananda’s first visit to New York City in 1966, was a creative director for a large international ad agency. He also designed the Integral Yoga logo and branding. Sarah became a highly accomplished tap dancer and teacher, mentoring the likes of Savion Glover! In her book Tap Dancing America: A Cultural History (2010), dance historian Constance Valis Hill described Petronio’s characteristic footwork as blurring “the boundaries between the music and dance”. The Chicago Tribune arts critic Howard Reich once exhorted the audience to “listen to her”, for they would find some “fascinating rhythms” in what she did. Sarah was recently profiled in an article lauding her artistry. Congratulations Sarah!