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PrintNatural Awakenings Yoga Profiles for 2012
Find your favorite yoga studio in Westchester and Putnam Counties, NY
Westchester and Putnam Counties abound with experienced and skilled yoga teachers and spacious, serene yoga studios. Natural Awakenings presents the following profiles to help yoga students of all ages and ability levels find the right place to practice and the right teachers to guide them on the mat.
Basil Yoga
2 Keeler Lane, North Salem, NY 10560
646.338.9299 • info@basilyoga.com • BasilYoga.com
Studio owner: Basil Jones
Philosophy: Spiritually infused yoga classes emphasizing personal development through the eight limbs of yoga
Studio focus: Vinyasa Yoga with Yoga Philosophy Study
Classes offered: Vinyasa, Gentle, Beginners, Yoga Philosophy
Beginner friendly? Yes, classes offered for all levels and first class is free
Other teachers? Yes
What’s it like? Basil Yoga resides in an historic building built in 1848, with windows overlooking rolling pastoral land preserves in North Salem. The studio is spacious and bright, with natural light and plenty of parking.
Teacher training offered? Yes
Passion: “We believe in personal integrity and mindfulness in relationship with self, others, and the planet. We honor and support every student exactly where they are in their practice.”
Extras: Mom and Infant yoga classes; workshops in alignment, chakra balancing, Yamas and Niyamas and spiritual book study groups.
Birth of Venus Yoga
1600 Harrison Ave., Suite 203A, Mamaroneck, NY 10543
914.420.2523 • venushaman@hotmail.com • BirthofVenusYoga.com
Studio owner: Susan J. Wright
Philosophy: Yoga teaches ahimsa, or non-violence, on every level so that people can gently blossom as humans according to their natural capacity for consciousness and healthy union, opening to true balanced power and peace.
Studio focus: Helping people to ground, release tension and find spiritual meaning in the movements so that they can connect to support and guidance as they navigate the journey and evolution of their souls
Classes offered: Life Energy Yoga, a Kripalu-based technique blending Kundalini, Vinyasa, myofascial release, meridian-based release and chakra balancing; call in advance to reserve a space, as all classes are small with individualized attention
Beginner friendly? Yes
What’s it like? The studio is cozy and personal, relaxed and open
Teacher training offered? Shamanic Healer Training, which incorporates a yogic approach
Passion: “I study and teach practices that support people in living in balance within themselves and in relationship to other beings and Mother Earth, focusing on physical, emotional, mental, soulful and spiritual health.”
Extras: Monthly Medicine Wheel Meditation/Ceremony and a monthly women’s belly dance and sacred element ceremony
The Children’s School of Yoga of Upper Westchester
Various locations throughout Westchester County
914.579.2222 • upperwestchester@thechildrensschoolofyoga.com
TheChildrensSchoolofYogaUpperWestchester.com
Studio owner: Emily Flay
Philosophy: Children should be introduced to yoga in a fun, age-appropriate way
Studio focus: Children’s yoga classes from infant to young adult, including high-risk youth and special needs
Classes offered: For toddler and school-aged children: a thematic curriculum yoga class that changes every two weeks and includes yoga poses, breathing and relaxation techniques, yoga games and chants; also classes for older school-aged children and teens, Parent and Me, and family yoga classes
Beginner friendly? Yes, classes for beginners and advanced students
Other teachers? Currently hiring
What’s it like? It’s the largest children’s program in the Hudson Valley that goes directly to daycare centers, preschools, after school programs, community centers, health and fitness studios, yoga studios, camps and wherever children are.
Teacher training offered? Yes
Passion: Teaching children real yoga poses, breathing and relaxation techniques, yoga games and chants in an age-appropriate way
Extras: Children’s yoga birthday parties and an original CD, The Children’s School of Yoga Hello & Goodbye Chants, that’s available on Amazon, CD Baby and iTunes.
Creation Yoga: Yoga for Birth
Full Circle Family Care, 1241 Mamaroneck Ave., White Plains, NY 10605
914.421.1500 • Beth@CreationYoga.net • CreationYoga.net
FullCircleFamilyCare.com
Studio owner: Beth Gibney-Boulden
Philosophy: Yoga class becomes community when women join together to encourage and support one another through both the challenging and blissful poses of life
Studio focus: Yoga for women and childbearing
Classes offered: Women’s Yoga, Yoga for Birth and Fertility, Prenatal and Couples Yoga and Mommy & Me Yoga
What’s it like? Studio is located within a holistic health center so women can easily combine yoga with acupuncture, chiropractic, women’s physical therapy and more to attain wellness goals.
Passion: Creation Yoga women stay connected off the mat in online communities, including: Yogi Moms Facebook Group, a private Fertility Yoga email forum and daily Creation Yoga Facebook posts to inspire yogic living.
Extras: Monthly workshops in Fertility Yoga for Two and Couples Yoga for Birth, no experience needed.
Dragon and Crane, American Chinese Cultural Center
481 Rt. 202, Stoneleigh Ave., P.O. Box 368, Somers, NY 10589
914.669.0888 • jasminescatt@aol.com • DragonandCrane.com
Studio owner: John Scattaretico
Philosophy: Wellness where East meets West
Studio focus: Chinese Martial Arts
Classes offered: Shaolin Yoga
Beginner friendly? Yes, for adult, children, beginner or advanced students
Other teachers? Yes, Jasmine Scattaretico
What’s it like? Dragon and Crane offers world class instruction in a most unique environment, bringing a taste of the Orient into our backyard.
Teacher training offered? Yes
Passion: “We are most passionate about preserving traditional Chinese Martial Arts in a modern day world.”
Extras: Kung Fu for Kids, Shaolin Kung Fu, Meditation, ADHD, Martial Arts Dance, Chinese Language.
Devoted Yoga
1992 Commerce St. #203, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598
914.318.6972 • devotedyoga.net • devotedone@optonline.net
Studio owner: Ann Justi
Philosophy: Devoted to helping students with their yoga practice
Studio focus: Specializing in yoga using chakras, mantras, meditation, and mudras
Classes offered: Anusara, Hatha, Kriya, Kundalini, Partner, Restorative, Tantra, Vinyasa Flow, Core Strengthening, and Modified (adaptive/rehabilitation)
Beginner friendly? Yes, all levels are welcome
What’s it like? Private in-home lessons based on client’s interests at affordable rates
Passion: “Living the meaning of yoga–to be in union with God.”
Extras: Chanting and Meditations.
Golden Temple Yoga Studio
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223 Katonah Ave., Katonah, NY 10536
914.232.3473 • GoldenTempleYoga.com
Studio owner: Rai Kaur
Philosophy: To help deliver each student to his or her true self
Studio focus: Kundalini Yoga and Meditation and the Healing Sound of the Gong
Classes offered: Kundalini Yoga and Meditation with an expanded class schedule coming soon
Beginner friendly? Yes, all levels are accommodated and developed
Other teachers? Yes
What’s it like? Golden Temple is a sacred space, a non-competitive environment and a hidden refuge in downtown Katonah, tucked behind the Courtyard Building.
Teacher training offered? “Yes, and it’s an amazing, transformational process.”
Extras: Kirtans, Meditation, Gong Baths, Art & Yoga, Yoga &Therapy, Group and Individual Therapy, Tai Chi, Feldenkraiss, Reiki Circle and Pilates.
Hari Sangat Kaur
Offering classes and private sessions at two locations:
Golden Temple Yoga Studio, 223 Katonah Ave., Katonah, NY 10536
Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Danbury, 24 Clapboard Ridge Rd., Danbury, CT 06811
914.450.7642 • ckorganic@gmail.com
Philosophy: Align, Breathe, connect with your spirit
Classes offered: Kundalini Yoga
Focus: The practice includes mantra, breathwork, kriya (a specific set of exercises designed to raise the energy and prepare for meditation) and savasana (corpse pose) along with relaxing music and/or guided relaxation to integrate the entire practice
Beginner friendly? Yes, and exercises can be modified to suit the individual
Passion: Kundalini Yoga, which works on the nervous and glandular systems of the body provides a great tool to help us navigate through the stresses of everyday life and maintain a calm center.
Extras: Workshops on the importance of alignment and form within the practice.
Hot Yoga Yonkers
881 Yonkers Ave., Yonkers, NY 10704
914.920.5070 • info@hotyogayonkers.com • HotYogaYonkers.com
Studio owner: Juniet Rodriguez
Philosophy: Transform your body to transform your life
Studio focus: Traditional Hot Yoga
Other teachers? Yes
Classes offered: Traditional Hot Yoga
Beginner friendly? Yes
What’s it like? It’s Yonkers’ own place of Zen and tranquility. The atmosphere is warm, friendly, relaxing and peaceful.
Passion: “Teaching people to reach their full potential through yoga.”
Teacher training offered? Coming soon, this winter
Extras: Small classes and Juniet’s personal attention to every student make Hot Yoga Yonkers a truly unique, rewarding and healthy experience.
Inner Balance Studio
1072 Rt. 311, Suite 2B, Patterson, NY 12563
845.878.7800 • info@innerbalancestudio.org
InnerBalanceStudio.org
Studio owners: Alma Pink, Kate Petagine and Gabrielle Semel
Philosophy: Transformation becomes you
Studio focus: Yoga, Pilates, Zumba, Massage Therapy
Classes offered: Raja-Hatha yoga, Yoga flow, All-levels yoga, Restorative yoga, Pilates, Zumba, and other fitness modalities
Beginner Friendly? Classes are available for beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels
What’s it like? Inner Balance Studio is a warm, welcoming place to find strength, peace, and renewal under the guidance of caring, dedicated instructors.
Passion: “We are passionate about sharing the beneficial practices that we have discovered, through our own experience, and helping others to enjoy a happy, healthy lifestyle.”
Extras: Meditation and monthly workshops in various disciplines.
Katonah Yoga
39 Main St., Bedford Hills, NY 10507
914.241.2661 • Liana@KatonahYoga.com • KatonahYoga.com
Studio owner: Nevine Michaan
Philosophy: Skillfully using mind, body and breath to potentiate a state of well-being, defined as being balanced, buoyant, well-adjusted, and radiant
Studio focus: Teaching students to practice classical hatha yoga and breathing techniques (pranayama) in order to use the poses as channels for the breath, energy, and consciousness to move through like currents through electric circuitry
Classes offered: Hatha Yoga, Pranayama
Beginner friendly? Yes
Other teachers? Yes
What’s it like? Katonah Yoga promotes a rigorous physical practice that encourages students to participate in their own health and well-being.
Passion: “The goal of my work is the attainment of skillful, well-adjusted dialogue between the self and the world taking place around it.”
Extras: Pranayama and meditation.
Laughing Hearts Yoga
Hudson Yoga, 5 Old Post Road South, Croton on Hudson, NY
914.319.4010 • info@laughingheartsyoga.com
LaughingHeartYoga.com
Studio owner: Elisha Fernandes Simpson
Philosophy: Connect, breathe, empower
Studio focus: Kids and family yoga aimed at heightening a child’s awareness of their own strength and love for themselves and others; helping kids become more grounded in their ever-evolving world
Classes offered: A multidisciplinary approach to yoga combining play, creativity, meditation and movement.
Beginner friendly? Yes, and support for advanced practitioners, too.
Passion: Helping kids find the tools they already have to positively empower themselves and find peace and compassion for themselves and others; teaching kids mind-body awareness and raising their sense of who they are so they can become more confident and stable physically, mentally and emotionally.
Extras: Pranayama.
Liberation Yoga and Wellness Center
862 Rt. 6, Mahopac, NY 10541
845.803.8389 • info@liberationny.com • MahopacYoga.com
Studio owners: Adrea and David Robles
Philosophy: Creative, spirited, philosophy-based yoga and healing for everyday life
Studio focus: Vinyasa
Classes offered: Vinyasa Flow, Yin yoga, Gentle Yoga, Hatha Yoga
Beginner friendly? Yes, beginner classes offered each day and intermediate and advanced classes offered twice a week
Other teachers? Yes
What’s it like? Liberation Yoga is a vibrant, openhearted and fun sanctuary.
Teacher training offered? Yes, Yoga Alliance 200-hour course
Passion: “We are passionate about building a community of like-minded individuals looking to empower themselves and each other in a safe and accepting space.”
Extras: Two weekly meditation classes, kirtans several times a year, workshops, Reiki circles, philosophy classes and a Wellness Center offering massages, Reiki sessions, and acupuncture from a talented staff of healers.
Living Yoga - Opening in October!
3182 Rt. 9, Cold Spring, NY 10516
LivingYogaStudios.com • info@livingyogastudios.com
Studio owners: Liz Schulman, Courtney Tarpley, Richard Villella
Philosophy: A contemporary studio committed to making the teachings of yoga relevant and meaningful to all of our students
Studio focus: Strong physical practice, connecting dharma to everyday life
Classes offered: Vinyasa
Beginner friendly? Yes, beginner classes and orientations will be offered in addition to a well-developed program for advanced practitioners. Living Yoga is excited to welcome new students and build upon the long-standing relationships that the instructors already have.
Teacher training offered? Yes, Yoga Alliance 200-hour course
Extras: Will be offering special events throughout the year.
The Mind-Body Collective at Pilates on Hudson, Inc.
8 John Walsh Blvd., Ste. 323, Peekskill, NY 10566
914.739.1178 • info@pilatesonhudson.com
PilatesOnHudson.com
Studio owner: Marilyn K. Miller
Philosophy: All types of mind-body conditioning, including dance, yoga, Pilates, the Alexander Technique and the Feldenkrais Method, take from one another and share the goal of bringing awareness of the mind and spirit to the corporeal body
Studio focus: For Pilates, the focus is on orthopedic post-rehabilitation and teaching clients about their anatomy and physiology; for yoga, the focus is to offer high-quality, eclectic classes that have a commonality to them
Classes offered: Pilates and Iyengar, Vinyasa, Hatha, and Restorative Yoga
Beginner friendly? Yes
Other teachers? Yes
What’s it like? The collective features an eclectic group of highly skilled and experienced instructors who share a similar vision and have a deep love of, and curiosity about, all types of movement.
Teacher training offered? Some teacher workshops this fall, and a teacher training program will be up and running within the next 6 months
Passion: “As a studio owner, I realize that many people are bored with the classes offered at their gym. That’s why I’m excited to be offering a wide variety of mind-body techniques, both as ongoing classes and short-term workshops
Ohra Wellness and Ohra Yoga
Teacher training programs held at two locations:
Saw Mill Club, 77 Kensico Dr., Mount Kisco, NY
North Ave., New Rochelle, NY
1.888.980.6472 • michelle@ohrawellness.com • OhraWellness.com
Founder and Director of Teacher Training: Michelle Briks-Weiss
Philosophy: Ohra Yoga’s teacher training programs are for anyone who wants to deepen their yoga practice, feel empowered, improve the lives of others and enhance health and wellness within their community
Studio focus: Ohra Yoga is a Yoga Alliance® 200-hour Registered Yoga School (RYS®) offering teacher training programs in such styles as Vinyasa, Prana Flow and Yoga for Athletics
Beginner friendly? Yes
Teacher training offered? Yes
Other teachers? Yes
What’s it like? Ohra Yoga offers two different 200-hour teacher training programs. The Ma’ayan Program for Jewish Women in New Rochelle focuses on health and wellness within the context of a Torah lifestyle and honors Jewish values and spirituality. The Tagar Program is a Vinyasa-based training program for those who want to focus on Yoga for Athletics, Functional Movement and Yoga Therapeutics for both the general public and sport-specific populations.
Extras: Ohra yoga teachers learn how to become leaders in promoting fitness and well-being in their communities and become a part of Ohra Wellness initiatives. They may also have the chance to assist subsequent Teacher Training programs.
Quest Yoga Arts
11 E. Main St., Mt. Kisco, NY 10549
914.241.YOGA (9642) • info@questyogaarts.com • QuestYogaArts.com
Studio owner: Susan Draper
Philosophy: To offer classes for everyone, from a gentle flow to a powerful Vinyasa
Studio Focus: Primarily a vinyasa studio, with slower moving classes as well
Classes offered: Vinyasa, Hatha, Restorative; workshops for Beginners, Basics, Stretching for Athletes, Pre-natal, Post-natal, Kid’s from 2-12, Teen, and Family Yoga
Beginner friendly? Yes, with a six-week Beginner and Basics Workshops focusing on alignment and preparing students to move into regular classes and get the most from their practice; advanced students can attend strong flow classes which present a more vigorous practice and more challenging poses.
Other teachers? Yes
What’s it like? Quest is a warm, welcoming, sun-drenched studio offering a class for everyone taught by extremely knowledgeable and dedicated instructors.
Passion: Making yoga accessible and healing for everyone who wants to practice.
Extras: Two Pilates classes a week and specialty workshops throughout the year.
Riverstone Yoga
2 Hudson View Way, Tarrytown, NY 10591
914.332.YOGA (9642) • patricia@riverstoneyoga.com
RiverstoneYoga.com
Studio owner: Patricia Donohue
Philosophy: “Joyology” is the art of living an authentic life
Classes offered: Hot Yoga, BIkram Barkan, Hot Vinyasa, Ashtanga, Iyengar, Forrest, Power, Flow, Mesh Power Fusion, Pilates and Skybody FLOAT aerial yoga classes,
Beginner friendly? Yes
Other teachers? Yes, many
What’s it like? Riverstone Yoga features wide-planked floors and reclaimed wood throughout their green, state-of-the-art studio next to the Tarrytown Metro North station. Full amenities include showers and lockers.
Passion: “Riverstone is more than a yoga studio. We are your center for wellness in the historic Hudson Valley and Westchester’s first aerial yoga studio.”
Extras: Free outdoor classes, nutritional counseling, yoga therapy and massage services and bridal, birthday or holiday parties and corporate retreats.
Sage Yoga
99 Business Park Dr., Armonk, NY 10504
914.393.6517 • Sageyoga@aol.com • ArmonkYoga.com
Studio owner: Susan Rubin
Philosophy: Supporting the process of discovering the beauty and true nature within each person
Studio focus: Alignment inspired by Anusara yoga, yoga philosophy
Classes offered: Anusara, Vinyasa, Gentle, Men’s, Kids, Beginner’s yoga for athletes and Restorative yoga; Sage Yoga also sponsors international teachers to guest teach and lead workshops
Beginner friendly? Yes, and the studio also hosts an advanced practice that is free to all teachers who want to explore and share new ideas in the yoga community
Other teachers? “Yes, an incredible staff of skilled instructors.”
What’s it like? Sage is welcoming space of learning with teachers who are serious professionals with a light-hearted attitude and a goal of serving the students.
Teacher training offered? Yes, next teacher training begins September 28, 2012
Extras: An intro to meditation course is offered each year.
The Yoga Garden of White Plains
82 Prospect St. (@ St. Bart’s), White Plains, NY 10606
914.325.7180 • yogagardenwp@gmail.com • YogaGardenWP.com
Studio owner: Patty Holmes
Philosophy: Yoga is about transformation, and a warm welcome, helpful encouragement and a healthy sense of humor make transformation exciting and fun
Studio focus: The four principles of yoga (breath, alignment, centering and grounding), which allows the focus to be on each individual’s journey, rather than a particular style of yoga
Classes offered: Eclectic mixed-level classes for physically active beginners and experienced yogis; Yoga Basics for beginners; Restorative yoga for ease and calm; Flows & Salutations for yogis with some experience; Vinyasa mixed levels; Private classes
Other teachers? Yes
What’s it like? The Yoga Garden is a very user-friendly studio, with classes that pay attention to detail and are wrapped in a warm vibe of humor, love and light.
Teacher training offered? Not yet, but coming soon
Passion: “What gets me most jazzed is witnessing someone become so much more than who they thought they were, and seeing the tangible and real changes occur as they discover their inner strength, power and wisdom!”
Extras: Meditation included in classes; and a “pay what you can” option is available.
Westchester Yoga Arts
82 Centre Ave, 2nd Floor, New Rochelle, NY
914.632.1101 • admin@westchesteryogaarts.com
westchesteryogaarts.com
Studio owner: Wendy Vigroux
Philosophy: Changing the world one yoga class at a time
Classes offered: Hatha, Vinyasa mix in the lineage of Integral Yoga
Beginner friendly? Yes
Other teachers? Yes, about 15
Passion: “Yoga means union and I’m most passionate about uniting all aspects of life to find the ideal balance.”
Teacher training offered? Yes, RYT 200 Teacher Training and next year RYT 500 teacher training and Kids Yoga Teacher Training
Extras: Meditations and kirtans: Lisa Ferraro has studied the yoga of sound and how and why the sounds of Sanskrit in chant can literally raise our vibration. They also offer hands-on-healing sessions by donation and a zumba program.
Yoga on Lake Rippowam
17 North Lake Circle, South Salem, NY
914.274.0007 • Scharding@optonline.net • RippowamYoga.com
Studio owner: Stephanie Harding
Philosophy: Breath-centered yoga adapted to the individual
Studio focus: Yoga for specific conditions such as back and shoulder pain, stress reduction
Classes offered: Viniyoga, chair yoga, kids yoga, therapeutic yoga
Beginner friendly? Yes
What’s it like? Intimate classes with attention to the individual take place in a lovely lakeside setting.
Passion: Helping people to find their true nature
Extras: Day-long workshops including asana, pranayama, chanting, meditation and guided relaxation; private sessions and tailored on-site group classes.
YogaShine
7-11 Legion Dr., Valhalla, NY 10595
914.769.8745 • yogashine@verizon.net • yogashine.com
Studio owner: Vitalah Simon
Philosophy: Being compassionate and creative while causing no harm; practicing yoga is an opportunity for people to befriend themselves on all levels and learn tools to maximize their health and help soften the hard edges of life
Studio focus: Special needs such as Autism, ADHD, PDD and physical and emotional disabilities
Classes offered: Kripalu-based, influenced by Viniyoga; extra gentle classes for people with health concerns; most classes are gently paced and have a strong spiritual foundation that welcomes everyone
Beginner friendly? Yes, all ages and levels welcome, from pre-natal to age 103
What it’s like? Quietly tucked behind the main thoroughfare in the hamlet of Valhalla, YogaShine is a simple and non-commercialized yoga studio where the deeper roots of traditional yoga are taught.
Passion: “As a yoga teacher, I am deeply moved by participating in people’s lives and creatively finding ways to help others move forward in their development.”
Extras: Dance/Movement Therapy sessions are also available, along with individual sessions to address personal concerns and needs.
Yoga Teachers Association (YTA)
72 Underhill Rd., Ossining, New York 10562
914.478.0694 • info@ytayoga.com • YTAYoga.com/index.html
Co-presidents: Laurice D. Nemetz, and Sylvia Samilton-Baker
Studio focus: Not a studio, but workshops on various yoga topics are held at Wainwright House in Rye, NY, on the second Saturday of each month
Classes offered: Workshops feature different types of Yoga, Pranayama, Mediation, Philosophy and other related topics
Beginner friendly? Yes
What’s it like? YTA is a non-profit, educational organization dedicated to continuing and improving the quality of Hatha Yoga teaching in accordance with the high standards of the Hatha Yoga Pradipika and as developed by great yoga masters.
Extras: Membership and workshop information is available on YTA website.
