Meet our Celebrities: Jodi Myers

Jodi Myers is a North Carolina native, born and raised in the western part of the state. She is a proud fighting pickle, having graduated from the North Carolina School of the Arts. She also holds a BS in Nutrition from UNC Greensboro.   

Jodi has been a lifelong advocate and practitioner in the movement industry and is passionate about whole body wellness. She has owned and operated a certified Woman Business Enterprise (WBE), Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) for the past 25 years. In the spring of 2024, she launched Virge Yoga in downtown Durham and recently opened a second location in Holly Springs. 

Jodi is a Duke Certified Health & Well-Being Coach, an Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher at the 500-hour level (E-RYT500), and holds an Executive Education from Harvard in Lifestyle Medicine. 

Jodi is a firm believer in aligning the transformation of body and mind through the powerful connection between movement and community. She and her team have curated Virge Yoga to be a vibrant wellness sanctuary where all individuals are welcome to connect as they explore yoga and discover growth towards their strongest selves. Their goal is to nurture an environment where laughter, positivity, and authenticity thrive—cultivating a strong sense of community and personal growth. 

Let’s give a huge welcome to Jodi, a powerhouse of inspiration and leadership in our community, as she takes the stage at the Carolina Theatre! We also caught up with her to hear her story—here’s what she shared. 

Your new yoga studio, Virge Yoga, is located in the Durham ID building and is doing amazing! Tell us about what the studio brings to Durham and how does it connect with the community?

We are proud to be an integral part of the Durham Community and chose the Bull City with the purpose and intention to launch our first and flagship location. Virge Yoga brings authenticity, accessibility and affordability to boutique fitness.  We have curated a vibrant house of wellness where all individuals are welcome to practice the art of yoga.  Virge nurtures an environment where laughter and positivity thrive, cultivating a strong sense of community and personal growth.  We are proud sponsors of several downtown organizations including The Carolina Theatre, The Durham Bulls, and Reality Ministries. Virge has several key Community Partners including Sauna House, Rose & Lee, and Crank Arm Brewing where we partner to offer Community Classes on a regular basis.

As a dancer, I’m sure you’ve performed in or worked with all different types of venues. What role do you believe a historic theater plays in the local arts community?

Local arts are the critical foundation of any community as aspiring and emerging artists offer inspiration that ignite and set our souls on fire!  A historic theatre provides a physical reminder of the past, preserves perfomance space and ensures the survival of a safe venue for artists.  As a community, we have the privilege to embrace the theatre’s inspirational power and our collective and magical temporary suspension of disbelief.

What is your favorite memory or experience at the Carolina Theatre, and how did it influence your decision to participate in our annual fundraising event, Dancing With The Carolina Stars?

As a NC native, it has been a privilege to enjoy many events at the Carolina Theatre. When a Virge Member and Carolina Theatre Board Member approached me about participating it was an enthusiastic Hell Yes!  The Carolina Theatre has been a gathering place for local and diverse talent, affordable entertainment, and community engagement for ALL, offering a strong sense of local pride and ownership of the Bull City.

With your strong background in dance, is there anything you’d like to share with your fellow contestants to help them prepare for performing?

Dance is a passion and hobby for me.  I am proud HS graduate of UNCSA and hold a BS in Nutrition from UNC-G.  I would say the same thing that I share with our Virge Community:  Comparison is the thief of joy, so choose your own adventure and the enjoy the RIDE!

Is there anything you can share with us about what you and Jose Velasquez will be performing? What is the inspiration for the piece? 

Jose and I are excited to bring a hip hop piece to the stage. Even though I have danced and performed in the past, I have never done a hip hop piece.  I believe that personal growth begins at the end of our comfort zone, so my inspiration for this piece was two fold: 1. Personal growth in trying something new and fun!  2. To honor and recognize this incredible form of dance that has inspired so many youth throughout the country to explore performance art.

Jodi can’t wait to hit the stage with the hip–hop performance she’s been crafting and rehearsing alongside professional dancer, Jose Velasquez!  

Come be part of a magical night at the Carolina Theatre on May 21! We’ll celebrate our amazing dancers, enjoy tasty bites and sweet treats, and spend time with old and new friends—all in support of Durham’s treasured historic venue. With lively local music and powerful performances, it’s a night full of joy, community, and creativity. 

Get your tickets now to catch Jodi and Jose lighting up the stage with their high-energy performance!