getting fingerprinted

Silver Lake Yoga
2810 1/2 Glendale Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90039
(323) 953-0496
website: www.silverlakeyoga.com

Hatha Yoga at a friendly neighborhood studio!

yoga teachers are like fingerprints; no two are exactly alike.

even if you had two instructors who were proponents of the same style of yoga, trained with and were inspired by the same guru, and taught in the same yoga studio, you can almost bet that your experience in each of their classes would be different.

why? it could be any number of things.

they have different personalities. one could teach her class much like a preacher giving a sermon: what we're doing is sacred; follow me and i'll show you the way to enlightenment. the other could teach his class like your best friend showing you how to do a backflip: try this out; it's really cool!

they pace their classes differently. one may believe in keeping the class moving continuously from pose to pose to build strength, but the other may want students to ease slowly into each pose and hold it to make sure they get the alignment correct.

they have different tastes in music. granted, this only applies to those who play any kind of music during their classes, but even in the so-called hip-hop yoga world, one teacher may find adult contemporary tunes inspirational while the other blasts rap and reggae hits to keep the energy high.

so is any one teacher better than the other? not at all. just as teachers have different ways of teaching a class, students have different ways of learning.

i remember talking to one student who complained that she lost her focus every time the teacher stopped his class to have the students check out how another student was doing a particular pose. see how she places her feet just so, and how her body lines up this way? this is what you're aiming for...

i actually thought that it was a useful learning aid and was totally surprised that someone else found it a nuisance.

there are the students who want to be lifted spiritually and those who just want to muscle through the asanas and sweat it out (and that, i suppose, makes me a yoga schizoid because i sometimes want one or the other or even both at the same time?)

anyway, my point is that no matter how or what a yoga instructor teaches, you are guaranteed to get something out of a well-taught class. maybe it's a new pose. or an easier way to get into and hold a challenging pose. or you learn a new chant. or hear a new song that you want to download to your ipod as soon as you get home.

take, for example, the class i took earlier this evening with sam graham at silver lake yoga.

he didn't look like the typical yoga teacher. he wasn't ripped like the power yoga studs. nor was he the serene yoga master like erich schiffmann or the human pretzel like will duprey. sam looks just like that guy who was on the yoga mat next to you in your last class.

he didn't spout out nuggets of wisdom and he didn't play music by sting, madonna, or eminem. sam just told us what to do and how to do it, accompanied by nothing but complete silence in the background.

just like many other well-known yoga teachers in los angeles area, sam traces his roots to the center for yoga, way before it turned into yoga works larchmont. so he knows his stuff.

in fact, he seems to know stuff that's pretty esoteric. like the moon salutations that he led us through in class. yes, that's moon, not sun. chandra namaskar. apparently, it's so obscure that no one seems to agree on the sequence of poses that comprise it. check out these sites:

holistic-online.com's version
yoga.about.com's version
yogaessential.com's version
and
george mcfaul's version

not only does sam's version match george's to the letter, but it also resembles one of the versions laura cornell describes in her book, The Moon Salutation: Expression of the Feminine in Body, Psyche, Spirit:

The Moon Salutation was created by a group of senior female teachers at the Kripalu Center in the late 1980s. Their goal was to honor women's bodies and women's rhythms while also complementing the Sun Salutation. For some women during menstruation and menopause, the more familiar Sun Salutation is too stimulating for the nervous system, and should be practiced gently or not at all. During pregnancy, several of its postures are contraindicated, as they could injure either fetus or mother. In contrast, the Moon Salutation cools and calms the nervous system, and includes several of the most beneficial postures for menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause.
Men also love practicing the Moon Salutation because it is such a powerful psychological and spiritual counterbalance to the Sun Salutation. While the Sun Salutation enacts the hero's journey-stepping forward to face life's challenges--the Moon Salutation enacts the journey of descent--sinking into the depths to discover one's creativity, the process of literal or metaphoric birth.
Just as the moon goes through dark phases and returns to its full brilliance, so the Moon Salutation drops into the depths of lunging and squatting, returning to triangle, star, and half moon poses with radiant joy and openness. Further, because it is oriented to the side it is perfectly suited to practicing in a circle or facing a partner, opening us to relationship and community in our Yoga practice. Its earthy squats help us to feel grounded and open to emotions. - Laura Cornell

sam also got bonus points for actually spending time with me while i executed a headstand. not only did he give me pointers on the best way to do one along the wall, but he took the extra time to spot me as i repeated it without the wall's help. plus he helped me find that elusive balance point so that i could stay upright without his assistance. after that lesson, i can't claim to have been magically turned into a headstand meister, but i now have the confidence that i need to be able to get there on my own. some day.

in short, every teacher leaves his (or her) mark on each one of us. and all these fingerprints, every little lesson learned, makes us more knowledgeable, more resilient, more powerful.

i truly believe that my yoga practice has grown immensely after having been touched by so many.

inhale . . . . . exhale. one.

inhale . . . . . exhale. two. inhale . . . . . exhale. three.

according to A Simple Guide to Contemporary Styles of Yoga found on the santosha.com website, the most popular contemporary styles of Yoga are:

Anusara: Founded by John Friend in 1997, Anusara Yoga is a hatha yoga system that unifies Universal Principles of Alignment with a non-dual Tantric philosophy that is epitomized by a "celebration of the heart." Each of us is regarded as essentially good, so there is a lot of acceptance and allowance in this system for difference and deviation.

Ashtanga: Taught by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois at the Ashtanga Yoga research institute in Mysore, India, this method of Yoga involves synchronizing the breath with progressive series of postures - a process producing intense internal heat and a profuse, purifying sweat that detoxifies muscles and organs. The result is improved circulation, a light and strong body, and a calm mind.

Bikram: Bikram Yoga's twenty-six posture exercises systematically move fresh, oxygenated blood to one hundred percent of your body, to each organ and fiber, restoring all systems to healthy working order, just as Nature intended. Proper weight, muscle tone, vibrant good health, and a sense of well-being will automatically follow. Bikram Yoga is named after its founder, Bikram Choudhury, who studied Yoga with Bishnu Ghosh, brother of Paramahansa Yogananda.

Hatha: The Sanskrit word hatha is thought to be the combinates of two words ha meaning "sun" and tha meaning "moon" and thus Hatha Yoga is said to balance the opposing energies of the body - sun and moon, male and female, etc. Hatha Yoga is most often identified with the practice of physical postures (asana) and breathing techniques (pranayama).

Integral: Sri Swami Satchidananda described Integral Yoga as: "...a flexible combination of specific methods to develop every aspect of the individual: physical, intellectual, and spiritual. It is a scientific system which integrates the various branches of Yoga in order to bring about a complete and harmonious development of the individual."

ISHTA: ISHTA stands for the Integrated Science of Hatha (the physical practice of yoga that creates balance), Tantra (the yogic philosophy that recognizes the perfection in all beings), and Ayurveda (the Indian science of healing). Developed by Alan Finger and his father Kavi Yogiraj Mani Finger, it is a tradition with roots in teachings by Paramahansa Yogananda, author of the spiritual classic, Autobiography of a Yogi.

Iyengar: Iyengar yoga was developed in India by B.K.S. Iyengar and responds to individuals with varying limitations and capacities for accomplishing postures. It emphasizes posture and the development of balance and alignment. To support students' explorations of postures, Iyengar yoga makes use of a wide variety of props: belts, blocks, pillows, and balls.

Jivamukti: Jivamukti, a Sanskrit word meaning "liberation while living," was developed by Sharon Gannon and David Life and combines a vigorous physical practice with an equally strong foundation in ancient spiritual traditions of Yoga. Its distinct style integrates the physical, psychological, and spiritual aspects of yoga practices into a modern lifestyle without losing sight of the ancient and universal goal of the practice - liberation.

Kripalu: There are three stages in Kripalu Yoga. Stage one focuses on learning the postures and exploring your body's abilities. Stage two involves holding the postures for an extended time, developing concentration and inner awareness. Stage three is called "Meditation in Motion," in which movement from one posture to another arises unconsciously and spontaneously. Kripalu Yoga was developed by Yogi Amrit Desai, who was inspired by his teacher, Swami Kripalvanandaji, a Kundalini Yoga master from India.

Kundalini: Kundalini Yoga in the tradition of Yogi Bhajan, who brought the style of Yoga to the West in 1969, focuses on the controlled release of kundalini energy, thought to reside at the base of the spine. This style of Yoga pays particular attention to breathwork, which aims to get energy moving quickly, but it also involves classic poses, coordination of breath and movement, and meditation.

Power: Power Yoga is a muscle-shaping, mind-sculpting workout that crosses all borders and appeals to any person who has the desire for true and permanent changes in his or her body and life. The most well-know proponent and teacher of Power Yoga is Baron Baptiste.

Restorative: This is a gentle, therapeutic style of Yoga that uses props to support the body to deepen the benefits of the poses. It is a soothing and nurturing practice that promotes the effects of conscious relaxation. Judith Lassater is perhaps the most well-known proponent, teacher and author on Restorative Yoga.

Sivananda: Developed by Swami Vishnu-Devananda and named for his teacher, Swami Sivananda, Sivananda Yoga follows a set structure that includes breathing, classic asanas, relaxation, as well as principles of diet and positive thinking.

inhale . . . . . exhale. four. inhale . . . . . exhale. five.

during my ongoing tour of the yoga landscape, i've made an attempt to try out the different styles, not only to satisfy my own curiosity, but to learn more about what the different yoga "gurus" believe is most important about the practice itself.

some stress the physical, some delve into the spiritual, some are light-hearted, and some are extremely rigid. maybe one style will work best for me in the end, but until i get a chance to try them all out, i'll never really know.

because they're taught in various studios all over town, i've managed to take classes in the anusara, ashtanga, hatha, iyengar, kundalini, power, and restorative yoga styles. i've even managed to find the sivananda vedanta center hidden away in some corner of marina del rey just to get a taste of that form of yoga.

what i was left with were bikram, integral, ISHTA, jivamukti, and kripalu.

finding a nearby bikram studio wasn't a problem for me; getting yelled at if i couldn't do a pose properly while feeling lightheaded in an overheated room was. once i get more confident in my balance poses, i'll give it a shot.

the closest integral and kripalu yoga classes i could find were in the san francisco area.

ISHTA classes were even farther away; they were taught only at alan finger's studio in new york city.

that left me with jivamukti, which is available in los angeles, but is supposedly taught by only TWO teachers: liz hage and krysta close.

inhale . . . . . exhale. one. inhale . . . . . exhale. two.

on monday, i showed up for liz's class at liberation yoga in west hollywood. it was on my way home from my jury duty responsibilities in downtown los angeles. very convenient.

the classroom was in the "garden studio", located in the patio behind the building. there was no door that closed off the room to the outside. during the summer months, it probably is a beautiful space to practice in, but when it's colder (like it was that evening), it got pretty drafty. fortunately, space heaters scattered about the room kept the temperature relatively comfortable.

liz started the class with a spiritual reading and some chanting. then she led us through a variety of yoga asanas. granted, her sequencing was a bit different, but for the most part, all the poses were fairly familiar. at times, she would play music while we were moving along in our poses; the music was a good blend of traditional yoga music and mellow contemporary hits.

call me slow, but it wasn't until we were about 20 minutes into the class that i realized liz was chanting the same mantra over and over again.

inhale . . . . . exhale. three. inhale . . . . . exhale. four.

not only did i realize that i was supposed to be breathing in time to her chant, but that i was supposed to be breathing in each time she said "inhale" and breathing out each time she said "exhale". duh. strangely enough, i seemed to find myself inhaling every time she said "exhale". ugh. at least i was breathing, which is more than some of my other teachers can give me credit for! note to self: something else to work on...

the class ended with savasana, meditation, and a prayer that she recited that everyone else responded to with "jai!".

ok, so jivamukti wasn't like ashtanga because we didn't turn ourselves into pretzels. and it wasn't like iyengar because we didn't use chairs and blocks. it wasn't restorative because it wasn't gentle and restive. we didn't chant enough to make it kundalini-like. and i didn't get that "happy" feeling that anusara gives me. but it did seem very much like hatha yoga. let's see... there was some inspirational reading. there was some chanting. there was a lot of asana practice. and there was time for rest and meditation. but i've done all of that in various hatha yoga classes. so did i miss something somewhere?

another jivamukti class appeared to be in order.

the next day, in the midst of a raging rainstorm, i made my way through bumper-to-bumper traffic to get from downtown to golden bridge yoga in hollywood for krysta's class.

again, the class began with a reading based on her selected theme of the day. then some chanting and some Kapalabhati pranayama (rapid nostril exhalations). while we were flowing through the asanas, krysta started up the music. and started chanting that familiar mantra...

inhale . . . . . exhale. one. inhale . . . . . exhale. two.

i was beginning to see a trend here.

inhale . . . . . exhale. three. inhale . . . . . exhale. four.

then savasana. meditation. OM. and once again:

Om bolo sat guru bhagavan, ki. Jai! God is the only teacher. Alleluia!

here's how www.jivamuktiyoga.com describes it:

"We promote the educational aspect of the practice and give students access to where these ideas have come from. Each class focuses on a theme, which is supported by Sanskrit chanting, readings, references to scriptural texts, music (from the Beatles to Moby), spoken word, asana sequencing and yogic breathing practices. The average Jivamukti student is more educated about the philosophy of yoga than most yoga teachers."

i still don't see the difference. maybe i have to pay a visit to the jivamukti center in new york to get the definitive answer... in the meantime, can i go back to breathing normally again?

an apres yoga treat

Jiva Yoga
15327 Sunset Boulevard
Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
(310) 454-7000
website: www.jivayoga.com

Jiva means "soul." Through the practice of yoga, we celebrate and honor the gift of life: body, mind, and breath. By honoring the individual self, we honor the ultimate Self, which shines within all life and all people.

it was while i was doing my usual yoga googling that i accidentally discovered another westside yoga studio that i had yet to visit. it was located in pacific palisades, a somewhat isolated community that one could liken to a very upscale version of small town america.

it's so isolated that you wouldn't normally drive through it to get from any point A to any point B; the only way to get there is to either take the long and winding drive down sunset boulevard from brentwood, or take the coast highway north from santa monica or south from malibu. you have to know it's there, know that you want to do something there, and then go out of your way to get there. which is the main reason why the locals (including some of la's wealthiest families) choose to live there.

it's very easy to feel like an outsider in the palisades. most everyone knows everyone else, either because their kids go to school together, their families worship together, or because they frequent the same stores and restaurants in the village. so when i showed up at jiva yoga this morning to sign up for a class, i was hoping that i wouldn't get the "you're not from around here, are you?" look from my fellow students. and i don't believe i did (or maybe i merely imagined that i didn't).

i had looked through the online class schedule before dropping by. william asad, part owner, was teaching a class that morning. and it just so happened that he had recently signed on to teach classes at yoga works on main street. perfect, i thought. i could check another studio off my still-growing list, and if i liked his teaching style, i wouldn't have to drive out as far to take more of his classes.

on my way to the studio, i noticed that the adjoining street was blocked off for the local farmers' market. so after registering and paying for the class, i walked over to the stalls to check out the selection. there was the usual assortment of fresh fruits and vegetables, fresh flowers, freshly-baked breads and cookies, gourmet cheeses and chocolates, and of course, free samples! but since it's recommended that yoga be practiced on an empty stomach, all that tasting had to wait until later...

william's level 2 class was appropriate for my ability. it was challenging enough, but not too difficult. he reminded us of what we needed to do to perform the pose correctly and gave options for those who wanted to take the poses a bit further. we also spent a good amount of time in headstand. luckily for me, there was enough wall space for all of us who needed the extra support. it was all good.

once the class ended, i thanked william, told him i looked forward to taking another class with him in the future, and made a beeline for those food stalls.

i was in sampling heaven! hummus. curry. chocolate. cheese. apples. pears. honey. lemonade. what a perfect way to end a wonderful yoga session!

so not only do i intend to drop by the palisades on a future sunday morning, but i also intend to plan my visits to other studios around the schedules of the farmers' markets near them!

here's a list of some farmers' markets that have yoga studios a short walk or drive away:

Atwater Village - bikram yoga silver lake (1 block), silverlake yoga
Sunday
Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Location: Glendale Blvd and Brunswick Ave.

Brentwood - maha yoga
Sunday
Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Location: Gretna Green Way and San Vicente Blvd.

Culver City - goda yoga (2 blocks)
Tuesday
Hours: 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Location: Main St. and Culver Blvd.

Hollywood - golden bridge yoga (3 blocks)
Sunday
Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Location: Ivar Ave. between Sunset Blvd. and Hollywood Blvd.

Larchmont Village - yoga works larchmont (1 block)
Sunday
Hours: 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Location: Larchmont Blvd. between 1st St. and Beverly Blvd.

Melrose Place - bks iyengar yoga, city yoga west hollywood, earth's power yoga, yoga inside out
Sunday
Hours: 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Location: Melrose Pl. and Melrose Ave.

Pacific Palisades - jiva yoga (1 block)
Sunday
Hours: 8:00 AM to 1:30 PM
Location: Swarthmore Ave. and Sunset Blvd.

Pasadena Villa Park - insight yoga
Tuesday
Hours: 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Location: East Villa St. and North Garfield Ave.

Santa Monica Pico - forrest yoga, santa monica yoga
Saturday
Hours: 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Location: Pico Blvd. and Cloverfield Blvd.

Santa Monica Saturday Organic - exhale santa monica (2 blocks), power yoga east (2 blocks), power yoga west (3 blocks), shakti's elements
Saturday
Hours: 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM
Location: Arizona Ave. and 3rd St.

Santa Monica Sunday - exhale santa monica, power yoga west, sacred movement, santa monica yoga, shakti's elements, yoga works main street (4 blocks)
Sunday
Hours: 9:30 AM to 1:00 PM
Location: Ocean Park Blvd. and Main St.

Santa Monica Wednesday - exhale santa monica (2 blocks), power yoga east (2 blocks), power yoga west (3 blocks), shakti's elements
Wednesday
Hours: 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Location: Arizona Ave. and 3rd St.

South Pasadena - mission street yoga (1 block), yoga house
Thursday
Hours: 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Location: Meridian Ave. between Mission St. and El Centro St.

Studio City - mark blanchard's power yoga
Sunday
Hours: 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Location: Ventura Pl. and Ventura Blvd.

Venice - sacred movement, YAS
Friday
Hours: 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Location: Venice Way and Venice Blvd.

West Hollywood - city yoga, earth's power yoga
Monday
Hours: 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Location: Plummer Park - N. Vista St. and Fountain Ave.

Westwood Village - yoga works westwood (4 blocks)
Thursday
Hours: 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Location: Weyburn Ave. and Westwood Blvd.


additional los angeles-area farmers' markets are listed on this website:
http://www.farmernet.com/events/cfms

update, 4/1/06 - regarding the westwood village farmers market:
"After 12 years in Westwood Village, the market was shut down by the Fire Department on March 30th to accommodate Casden Properties' real estate development construction.
We have identified an alternate location, and am (sic) working now to secure that location."

will work for yoga, part 3

of course it had to happen.

i finally got summoned to appear for jury duty this past friday. not only that, but i was selected to sit in the jury box for what is expected to be a 2-3 day trial. actually, at this point i have a good chance of being selected to be on the jury; jury selection continues on monday and, so far, neither of the lawyers had an objection to my staying on the panel. it's amazing that with an initial pool of about 50 potential jurors, they couldn't find twelve citizens who could be considered unbiased enough to render a fair verdict! i could go on about the acting skills (or lack thereof) of those who were eventually excused, but i'm not allowed to talk about the case...

as is the procedure for all those who serve as jurors in los angeles superior court cases:

"California pays jurors $15 every day starting on the second day of service. Jurors also receive 34 cents for each mile they travel to court. The mileage payment, only for one-way travel, also starts on the second day..."

according to mapquest, the distance from my front door to the civil court building is around 15 miles (and should only take me 18 minutes?!? have they forgotten to factor in the normal stop-and-go traffic on the los angeles freeways?). so adding the $15 per diem to the $5 one-way mileage reimbursement gives me a whopping $20 A DAY. given that the current minimum wage in california is $6.75 AN HOUR, it sounds to me like i'm getting paid sweatshop wages :( and aah-nold the governator thinks this is acceptable?

of course, it can always be argued (by the court system, of course) that i'm doing my civic duty and that i should be honored to be able to play such an important role in the criminal justice system. yeah, right.

anyway, my daily stipend will be just enough to buy me a cheap lunch and a yoga class. after having to spend an entire day listening to both sides accuse the other of lying, i probably will need that yoga class to de-stress and re-center myself at the end of the day...

since i'm going to be on that side of town anyway, it's going to be the perfect opportunity to take classes in or around downtown.

speaking of which, i did just that last friday after my first day at court. ever since matt reyes stopped teaching at maha yoga, i hadn't had a chance to take any of his classes since it was such a schlep to get to his studio in los feliz. so not only was it nice to see him once again, but it was also a pleasant surprise to find out that his classes are now filling up quite nicely. good for him!

anyway, as much as i appreciate the yoga financial aid that i'm getting from the government, it would be nice to get my days back so i can start blocking off my time again with things i'd rather be doing.

i'm keeping my fingers crossed that by this time next week, i would have been thanked and excused by the court for my dedicated service... unless, of course, they're still trying to select a jury. at that point, would it be inappropriate for me to claim mental and emotional instability?!?!

yoga and the common cold

Bala Yoga
145 North La Brea Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 939-6424
website: www.balayoga.net

BALA is a Sanskrit word meaning power or strength. Through the practice of yoga we cultivate strength—not just physical strength, but also mental and spiritual strength. We begin to discover the truth of who we are. As we begin to live our lives in alignment with that truth, we become a conduit for positive change in the world.
The word yoga is derived from the root yuj, which means to yoke. The ancient yogis developed the science of yoga as a system to help us realize unity with the Divine. As we learn to yoke our individual self (ego) with the cosmic Self (Divine Consciousness, Quantum Field, Great Spirit), we discover the limitless source of joy and freedom that is at our core. If separation is the cause of suffering, then union is the cause of freedom and joy—yoga is union.
Bala Yoga offers a variety of classes for those seeking the bliss without the dogma.

i'd always wanted to take a yoga class at bala yoga. not only had i heard so many good things about the place, but some of the teachers i've enjoyed taking classes with teach there, too.

because i was supposed to be on jury duty this week, i didn't have any appointments nor errands planned. luckily, the court still didn't need me today, so i took advantage of yet another day of freedom. after dropping off my daughter at school, i stopped by a starbucks to pick up a large iced tea and a bagel, sat down and read the paper, then drove over to bala to register and take ginny biddle's class.

bala is an amazingly tranquil studio on busy la brea. it's bright and airy, and best of all, it has ample FREE parking in the building! it also has a good selection of high-end (in other words, pricey) clothing and accessories in its boutique. there's a large sitting room just outside the one classroom with complimentary tea and cookies. so while i was waiting for the earlier class to let out, i browsed through the merchandise, then sat on one of the large benches and munched while going over the class schedule.

again i lucked out. ginny's level 2-3 class had only 5 students. since i was still nursing my four-day old cold, i placed my mat at the far end of the room. this was my first day off the sudafed and i wanted to make sure that i didn't end up coughing and sneezing on everyone in the class...

the class started out with some om's, followed by some forward bends. it quickly progressed to a set of fast-paced sun salutation variations. i felt a bit off-kilter and wasn't quite sure if it was due to the congestion in my head or because her sequencing was very different from any of the other teachers i had taken classes with recently.

my mind was in such a fog that i don't really remember what we did. all i know is that i gamely kept up with the class even if there were times when i just wanted to sit in child pose and take a break. and thinking back, i probably should have. while in standing revolved and twisted poses, i kept feeling like i was going to fall over (and in one instance, i actually couldn't stay upright). and while trying to get into handstand (with ginny's assistance), my arms buckled once i got my legs vertical.

i was a basket case. could it be that i had pushed my body a bit too far this time? knowing me, i probably did. so while we were lying in savasana, i realized that's what i needed to do when i got home: lie down and get some rest.

i'll definitely pay bala another visit when i feel stronger. and hopefully, that'll be sometime soon.

by the way, i called the court this evening and found out that i have to report for jury duty early tomorrow morning. so much for being able to take time off to rest and recover!

where everyone knows your (one) name

Golden Bridge Yoga
633 De Longpre Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90028
(323) 936-4172
website: www.goldenbridgeyoga.com

Becoming aware of your body through yoga and meditation is the first step to accepting your body.

cher. sade. eminem. sting. bono.

there are musicians who go by a single name. everyone knows who they are, although many are unaware of their actual given names (if you really want to know, they're cherilyn sarkisian, helen folasade adu, marshall mathers, gordon sumner, and paul hewson).

likewise, there are yoga instructors in LA who go by a single name. they may not be as famous, but they have their own followers:

anaswara. govindas. light. (again, for the curious, they're lindsay wasserman, ira rosen, and derry watkins)

and now i've just taken a class with another single-named yoga instructor: mother.

this morning's hatha yoga class with mother was at golden bridge yoga, adjacent to the arclight cinemas (formerly the cinerama dome) in hollywood. golden bridge is the home of kundalini yoga, with specialized classes such as women's yoga & meditation, prenatal yoga, mommy & me yoga, children's yoga, and family yoga.

however, contrary to what you may think, mother ISN'T someone who reminds you of the woman who used to cook for you, help you with your homework, and remind you to clean your room when you were a kid.

mother is a he. and a young one at that (at least someone who looks like he isn't old enough to be YOUR mother. or father). so why "mother"? according to his bio, he chose the name because "MOTHER is the symbol of both the force of creation and the nurturing of that creation into its fullest enlightenment."

and i suppose that, in his way, his method of teaching yoga is very motherly. he was very attentive to the TWO students who showed up for his class today -- myself and a yoga newbie (to think my last post was about needing to attend smaller classes!).

my fellow student was unfamiliar with some of the asanas, but since her background was that of a dancer, she had no problem getting into the poses once mother showed her what she needed to do. she was willing to learn and he was more than willing to teach.

he did keep an eye on me and frequently came around to help me get deeper into my twists and bends. and considering that i've been nursing a cold and have been trying to twist out all those nasty germs from my body, it was much appreciated.

so what's mother's real name, you ask? it's eddie marashian. so do his friends refer to him as "eddie" or "mother"? i need to find out the next time i see him.

and yes, i've added him to my is this what you're looking for? post of yoga teachers...

sometimes smaller is better

after reading this description of yoga class levels, i'm clearly a level 2 student who's working her way up to a level 3:

INTRODUCTORY is for beginning students to introduce them to the fundamentals of alignment and breathwork. Primary poses and yoga basics will be taught, including the use of props. Emphasis will be on the standing poses, stretching and strengthening the legs, back and shoulders.

LEVEL 1 is for students having completed the Introductory level. The emphasis of this course is on refining and building endurance and introducing more advanced standing poses. It does not include shoulderstand. This class is suitable for students who have practiced other styles of yoga, but is not suitable for those who have never studied yoga before.

LEVEL 2 is for students who have completed Level 1 and focuses on refining the standing poses and introduces the revolved standing poses and shoulderstand. Preparations for inversions (handstand, headstand & shoulderstand ) will be introduced, as well as preparatory actions for backbends and forward bends.

LEVEL 3 is for intermediate/advanced students who have completed Level 2. Headstand, forearm balance, and full arm balance (handstand) will be introduced. Additional backbend poses and mini-arm balances are also included. Regular practice outside of class is strongly encouraged.

note that the key difference between level 2 and 3 includes the poses that i'm having the most difficulty with, that is, headstand, handstand, and mini-arm balances. and why? because i have a fear of falling. falling on my butt, falling on my back, falling on my face.

doing a headstand and handstand against a wall gives me some sense of security, mainly because i know that there's no way i can fall in that direction. so if i concentrate on leaning my body weight against the wall, i can somehow get into and stay in the pose without having a panic attack.

many of the classes that i've taken are so large that the teachers don't deal with headstands and handstands, either because stopping to do them breaks the flow of the class, or because there just isn't enough wall space to handle the crowd. there are a few teachers that do manage to throw in those harder inversions, but the students end up having to do them in the middle of the floor. that obviously doesn't work for me. at least not yet.

what i need are the smaller classes that have 20 or fewer students, where everyone can comfortably drag his/her mat to a spot along the wall and the teacher, an assistant, or even some advanced students can assist "stranded" students. like myself.

recently, i found two such classes.

both heath house's level 2/3 class at yoga works in westwood and peter barnett's level 2/3 class at black dog yoga in sherman oaks were just what i needed. both teachers helped spot me as i kicked myself clumsily into position. they made sure i was stable, then left me to hold myself upside down for as long as i could. eventually, i would let myself down gracelessly, then sit there and wonder how i could do that maneuver once again on my own because i was expected to try it again at least one more time without the teacher's help.

but being the wimp that i am, i'd make a few weak (and unsuccessful) attempts, then just go into child pose or downdog and scold myself for not trying to make a more valiant effort.

the same went with arm balances such as crow/crane pose (bakasana), scorpion (vrischikasana), and other poses whose names i can remember just about as well as i can do the poses themselves: i can't. am i unable to execute these poses because my arms and abs are too weak, or is it because i'm not trying hard enough?

the only way i can move along with my practice is to do more of what i can't do, rather than spending time perfecting what i already can. i think it's time for me to spend less time in classes that focus on the music and more time in classes that focus on the poses themselves.

it's time to roll up my sleeves, so to speak, and get cracking... and hopefully not my head nor any of my bones!

is this what you're looking for?

i recently added sitemeter.com's hit counter to my blog site, and the statistics that are being compiled are quite interesting. not only do i know how many people have visited my site at any point in time, but i also know what sites referred them to me.

almost everyone finds this site through a google search. more often than not, the search string contains the name of a yoga instructor. why? either yoga instructors are googling themselves to see what others have to say about them, or yoga students are googling teachers to get more information about them. at least that seems to be a logical assumption.

so this is where i think i can be of help.

here's a handy-dandy list of yoga instructors in LA that i've had the privilege to take classes with, along with their bios, their websites (if any), and the studios they teach at (excluding gyms that require membership). since class schedules are always in flux, i'll let you check out the studio websites directly to get the info you need.

note: this was last updated in january 2007, so there have been many teacher/studio changes since then. i know... i need to bring this up to date ASAP...

they're listed alphabetically; click on a name for info:
jane alpert
anaswara
marla apt
william asad
cathie baker
peter barnett
aras baskauskas
vytas baskauskas
michel bayan
sarah bates
tanya beilke
anthony benenati
camilla bergstrom
serge berkley
micheline berry
marie besso
ginny biddle
lucy bivins
mark blanchard
jodi blumstein
laura bogner
nate brewer
elyse briggs
sherry brourman
james brown
theresa brown
saraswati browne
christine burke
mela butcher
paul cabanis
brock cahill
brian campbell
ron capri
gianna carotenuto
venetia carotenuto
annie carpenter
manar chaaban
bikram choudhury
gillian clark
krysta close
jay co
sydney coale
matthew cohen
rick colella
seane corn
missy costello
stephen dean
jeanine del carlo
nichola dunne
william duprey
steven earth
jamie elmer
elsie escobar
genevieve fischer
kate foley
chappell foote
krista foster
kimberly fowler
tiffany fraser
amy friedman
shari friedrichsen
ben fritz
knekoh fruge
aljarreau galang
nancy goodstein
govindas
sam graham
terra green gold
liz hage
kyra haglund
ally hamilton
chad hamrin
pj haring
claire hartley
daniel head
jeanne heileman
greville henwood
kate hillman
heath house
vicki howie
joan hyman
sara ivanhoe
alicia johnson
kathleen kastner
rie katagiri
denise kaufman
guru jagat kaur
brad keimach
bryan kest
gurmukh kaur khalsa
gurutej kaur khalsa
hala khouri
beau king
tracy krosnoff
lisa l
amy lafond
wayne lehrer
light
anya longwell
dana marcoux
cristina marcu
andrea marcum
gary margolin
vinnie marino
landry matthews
denise mazan
noah maze
ted mcdonald
bibi mcgill
malachi melville
rudy mettia
kia miller
ish moran
tom morley
valerie moselle
cheryl moss
mother
catherine moulding
heather onori
ashley osler
larry payne
jeff perlman
romy phillips
ebony price
ducky punch
georgina purple
julie rader
kali ray
ross rayburn
saul david raye
shiva rea
aaron reed
kristen rentz
matthew reyes
lori rischer
david romanelli
amina ann rosen
sherri rosen
steve ross
lee rothman
john sahakian
adriano sarmento
liza savage-katz
erich schiffmann
kishan shah
robyn ann shumacher
guru singh
guru meher singh
annmarie solo
john sovec
jeff starin
chris stein
peter sterios
daniel stewart
stefan storace
suzanne strachan
swami pranavananda
jo tastula
meaghan townsend
dhyana tse
ashley turner
bahni turpin
ida unger
anne van valkenburg
dario velasquez
mas vidal
steven vincent
wah!
lisa walford
julian walker
jeff wells
ruthie zalduondo

>>click here to skip to end of post<<

jane alpert
santa monica power yoga
east: 522 santa monica boulevard, santa monica, CA 90401
(310) 458-9510

Power yoga is a dynamic tool for coping with the ups and downs of life. I always feel a strong sense of well being after my practice and this is what I want to share with my students. This practice teaches non-judgement, acceptance and equanimity. Students learn to quiet their minds by focusing on their breath. My students leave class happier, lighter and grateful to be alive and healthy. I practiced yoga with Bryan Kest for five years before completing his first teacher training. I was the first of Bryan’s students to begin teaching with him at Santa Monica Power Yoga. I have been teaching yoga for seven years.

anaswara
santa monica power yoga
east: 522 santa monica boulevard, santa monica, CA 90401
(310) 458-9510
west: 1410 2nd street, santa monica, CA 90401
(310) 458-9510

Over the years I have extensively studied various styles of yoga, from Ashtanga to Kundalini to Bhakti yoga. Borrowing pearls of wisdom from each of these forms and from the incredible array of amazing teachers that I have been blessed to study with, my classes are a synthesis of my personal practice and life experience. A continually evolving practice, I perceive the physical art of Yoga to be like a dance in which one plays with their innate creativity and power to give way to a deeper, internal experience of one’s authentic self. Through the process of breathing combined with a flow of challenging asanas, the intention is to bring the student into present time by working with the instrument of their own body. My desire as a teacher is not to command a yoga class, but rather facilitate the group to evoke an energetic environment conducive to healing, transformation and creative expression. The exalted spiritual state that is often spoken about on the yogic path is not something that can be forced, but rather cultivated. I believe that this Divine Intelligence chooses us and that it is our responsibility to create an internal environment to allow for its emergence.

marla apt www.yoganga.com/marla
b.k.s. iyengar yoga institute
8233 west 3rd street, los angeles, CA 90048
(323) 653-0357
liberation yoga
124 south la brea avenue, los angeles, CA 90036
(323) 964-5222
yoga works
montana: 1426 montana avenue, santa monica, CA 90403
(310) 393-5150
westwood: 1256 westwood boulevard, los angeles, CA 90024
(310) 234-1200

Marla Apt is a Junior Intermediate III certified Iyengar instructor. She has a B.A. in Buddhist Philosophy and has traveled to India numerous times for research and yoga studies. Marla has been teaching Iyengar yoga for over 11 years and has studied with B.K.S. Iyengar on several occasions in both Asia and Europe. She completed the three-year Teacher Training Program of the Iyengar Yoga Association of Southern California and in 1996 spent a year in India as a student of and assistant to B.K.S., Geeta, and Prashant Iyengar.
Marla served as President of the Iyengar Yoga Association of Southern California (IYASC) for four years. She was one the organizers of the Iyengar Yoga National Convention in 2001 and the chairperson for the coordination of the National Iyengar convention in 2004. And as of October 2004 Marla is the President of the Iyengar Yoga National Association of the United States (IYNAUS).
Aside from working as a full-time yoga teacher, Marla is a human rights advocate and has served on the board of Directors of Los Angeles Friends of Tibet for over ten years.

william asad
yoga works
main street: 2215 main street, santa monica, CA 90405
(310) 664-6470
pacific palisades: 15327 sunset boulevard, pacific palisades, CA 90272
(310) 454-7000

William Asad has been a student of yoga since 1993. His teachings carry an influence from the many different styles of yoga he has studied. Drawing from his athletic background, William incorporates poses that help strengthen and create flexibility in order to open the body. As one of the partners and head instructors at Jiva, William's mission is to help bring his passion for the outdoors to his students through his adventure retreats.

cathie baker
liberation yoga
124 south la brea avenue, los angeles, CA 90036
(323) 964-5222

no bio found

peter barnett www.twooceansyoga.com
black dog yoga
4454 van nuys boulevard #206, sherman oaks, CA 91403
(818) 380-0331
yoga works
larchmont: 230 1/2 north larchmont boulevard, los angeles, CA 90004
(323) 464-1276
montana: 1426 montana avenue, santa monica, CA 90403
(310) 393-5150
westwood: 1256 westwood boulevard, los angeles, CA 90024
(310) 234-1200

Peter brings a mix of styles to his classes. His yoga journey took him through the worlds of bikram, power yoga, vinyasa flow, kundulini, iyengar, and anusara yoga styles. In his classes you will be encouraged to explore the edges of your perceived boundaries guided by your true teacher within. He is skilled in ensuring his students enjoy a safe, challenging and rewarding practice. Peter would like to thank his many teachers for the wisdom, knowledge, and inspiration they have so generously shared with him.

aras baskauskas www.yogawitharas.com
maha yoga
13050 san vicente boulevard, 2nd floor, los angeles, CA 90049
(310) 899-0047
santa monica power yoga
east: 522 santa monica boulevard, santa monica, CA 90401
(310) 458-9510
shakti's elements
717 broadway, santa monica, CA 90401
(310) 313-5076

According to Vytas, his brother: "In 2004, Aras opened up his own donation-based studio in Capetown, South Africa. At the time, there wasn’t a single place in town to even buy yoga mats. With his open heart and his strong desire to share the gift that had so freely been given to him, people naturally found their way to Aras’ classes simply through word of mouth. By the time he left Africa, hundreds, even thousands, had been graced with the fortune that is yoga.
Now back in LA, when I go to one of my brother's classes, the first thing I notice is the energy in the room. He beams a smile from his heart and keeps that love circling for the entire hour and a half. Yes, the classes are challenging physically, but as a teacher, Aras does an amazing job of taking my focus off of my body and bringing it to my mind and breath; the true purpose of yoga. His classes are always an opportunity and a reminder to work on the things that will enhance my life; gentleness, non-attachment and compassion. Leaving the studio after a class with Aras, the smile he beamed to me seems like it will be plastered on my face forever, a smile that I will definitely be sharing with the rest of the world."

vytas baskauskas
santa monica power yoga
east: 522 santa monica boulevard, santa monica, CA 90401
(310) 458-9510

I am a Santa Monica native. Born and bred. I absolutely love this town. Living in Southern California we are so blessed to have such a wealth of amazing yoga instructors. My personal journey began with Bryan Kest a little more than 5 years ago. Through him, I learned that I don't have to beat the crap out of myself physically or mentally to do yoga properly. In fact, there is no one way to do yoga properly. All that is required from me is that I breathe deep, remain calm and listen to the teacher within myself. Yoga asanas have been evolved over the centuries so as to exercise every muscle, nerve and gland in the body. They secure a fine physique which is strong and elastic without being muscle-bound and keep the body free from disease. They reduce fatigue and soothe the nerves. But their real importance is in the way they train and discipline the mind. Sure, you can come to class and get a kick-ass workout. That is easy. The goal however, is to practice certain things that are a lost art in our society today; balance, compassion, moderation, and stillness. Try dropping out of the rat race for a mere hour and a half. Leave that insanity at the door and join us.

sarah bates www.downwarddogproductions.net
santa monica yoga
1640 ocean park boulevard, santa monica, CA 90405
(310) 396-4040

Sarah Bates invites those who think they can’t do yoga to think again. Learn in a safe, non-judgmental setting with a gentle, experienced yoga teacher/yoga therapist. Stretch, strengthen, balance, relax. Sarah holds RYT-500 certification and is a trained occupational therapist.

michel bayan
progressive power yoga
brentwood: 11740 san vicente boulevard, los angeles, CA 90049
(310) 826-YOGA

Michel Bayan is a hands-on instructor whose classes mix such yoga styles as Ashtanga, Anusara, Iyengar and Hatha. He also incorporates ideas from different movement techniques and uses music from all over the world. His goal is to help students cultivate a sense of fearlessness that can also manifest itself in their daily lives.

tanya beilke www.tanyabeilke.com
bala yoga
145 north la brea avenue, los angeles, CA 90036
(323) 939-6424

no bio found

anthony benenati
city yoga
1067 north fairfax, los angeles CA 90046
(323) 654-2125

Anthony is the owner of City Yoga and a Certified Anusara Yoga Teacher. Anthony's introduction to yoga began after years of competitive weightlifting and a disabling shoulder injury in 1989. Since then he has learned from some of the leading teachers in the world including John Friend and Dr. Douglas Brooks in the Anusara style of yoga. Anthony is known nationally for his enthusiastic and dynamic teaching style and playful way in which he encourages his students to unlock their full potential.

camilla bergstrom www.camillabergstrom.com
black dog yoga
4454 van nuys boulevard #206, sherman oaks, CA 91403
(818) 380-0331
still yoga
2395 glendale boulevard, los angeles, CA 90039
(323) 906-8960

Camilla teaches nationally and internationally and is known for her passionate, insightful, and inspirational style of teaching that incorporates both physical and spiritual aspects of Yoga.
She discovered Anusara Yoga in 1999 after years of practicing different styles such as Ashtanga, Iyengar, and Kundalini. She became a certified Anusara teacher in 2004 and continues to study with her teacher, John Friend, founder of Anusara.
Through her unique skill as an instructor, her amazing intuitiveness, her background in dance and physical fitness, and also her deep knowledge of therapeutics, Camilla is able to focus on individual needs. It is her deepest passion to work with people and help them find the beauty in life and in themselves.

serge berkley
dancing shiva yoga and ayurveda
7466 beverly boulevard, los angeles, CA 90036
(323) 934-8332
liberation yoga
124 south la brea avenue, los angeles, CA 90036
(323) 964-5222

Serge Berkley has been an avid meditator and Sadhaka (yoga practitioner) since the 1990's. After studying Native American spiritual traditions at a young age, he received his first meditation instruction from one of the late Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche's Acharyas. At the age of 19 he was then initiated into the practices of classical Raja and Tantric Hatha Yoga.
Serge's teaching draws on his knowledge of Ayurveda and Asana gathered at Dancing Shiva, and blends together elements of his training in Ashtanga, Rudra Yoga, and traditional Hatha Yoga. In addition to teaching, Serge continues to study Yogic philosophy, Tantric meditation practice and Puja (ceremony). He is also a DJ, music producer and collector of rare records.
His approach to practice evolves out of a deep transmission from years living in a Sufi/Tantric school, engaging in rigorous pre-dawn Sadhana and continuous study with his Teachers. Classes focus on breathwork, opening the root chakra to ground the individual and release base tensions, and vinyasa sequencing to invigorate, enliven and liberate the body. All classes culminate in meditation and often end in Siva or Ganesa japa.

micheline berry www.zendancing.com
exhale center for sacred movement
venice: 245 south main street, venice, CA 90291
(310) 450-7676

Micheline Berry's Liquid Asana Vinyasa Flow Yoga Classes combine Kundalini, Ashtanga, Forrest and Iyengar influences and are informed by her years of study of Tibetan Buddhism & Native American purification ceremonies. Dynamic yet deeply nurturing, her yoga classes focus on opening the heart, creating an ecstatic flow of energy within the body, stilling the mind and releasing psychological & physiological contractions. Also a dancer, musician and award-winning filmmaker, Micheline has a powerful ability to bring people together and to inspire their creativity, transformation and joy through the healing arts of yoga, dance and music. She is the founder of Zen Dancing, a highly recognized world music & ecstatic dance event. Micheline leads yoga, ecstatic dance and world music retreats internationally.

marie besso
angel city yoga
12408 ventura boulevard, studio city, CA
(818) 762-8211

Marie's passion for yoga started 30 years ago in France where she was a stage actor with a classical background. She has been practicing yoga since and became a Certified Hatha Yoga Instructor while simultaneously pursuing a 16-year career as a French teacher for adults and children during which she developed extensive skills in teaching and motivating large groups of people.
Her training in Traditional Hatha Yoga encompasses Yoga Philosophy, Prenatal Yoga, Yoga for kids, Restorative Yoga and Yoga therapy.
She teaches at the other end of the valley at the 360 Health Club (previously known under Mid Valley Athletic Club), where she was required to take the NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SPORTS AND MEDICINE EXAM. Through studying for the exam she gained more knowledge in anatomy and biomechanics, and realized the benefits of an in depth knowledge of how the body works and she passes it on to her students.
Her goal is to make a difference in people's life just like yoga has made a tremendous one in hers! She aims at having people leave her classes feeling perfect harmony between their body-mind and spirit, with greater vitality, strength, self confidence and clarity of mind to face the challenges of their day.

ginny biddle
bala yoga
145 north la brea avenue, los angeles, CA 90036
(323) 939-6424

Ginny has practiced yoga for 15 years, and has completed teacher-training certification with Alan Finger, Beryl Bender Birch and Peter Rizzo. Before deciding to open a yoga studio, Ginny ran an independent film production company, and spent 12 years working as a film, television & music video producer. After the death of her sister Kathy in 1999, she found herself turning more and more to the yogic teachings for guidance and understanding. Ginny teaches a strong Ashtanga-based flow class, with emphasis on cultivating one’s own individual truth—one’s own source of joy—so that it may be fully expressed in life.

lucy bivins
yoga house
11 west state street, pasadena, CA 91105
(626) 403-3961
yoga works
larchmont: 230 1/2 north larchmont boulevard, los angeles, CA 90004
(323) 464-1276

Upon discovering yoga at Jivamukti NYC in 1996, Lucy felt an immediate kinship with this ancient yet thoroughly relevant art. "Yoga is movement expressed from a sacred source, a form which compassionately and strongly affirms life. I love this dynamic nature of yoga, how it’s a fascinating process of continual learning and rediscovering." After completing the Yoga Works Teacher Training, Lucy began teaching in 2000. Having studied various yoga styles, she is now happily on the Anusara path. Lucy aims to create a sense of healing and joy in her classes and is known for the sense of playfulness and self-discovery she brings to her teaching.

mark blanchard
progressive power yoga
brentwood: 11740 san vicente boulevard, los angeles, CA 90049
(310) 826-YOGA
studio city: 4344 tujunga avenue, studio city, CA 91604
(818) 76-YOGA7

One of the defining roles of Mark Blanchard's life is that of an athlete. While playing semi-pro baseball and college football in New York, Blanchard suffered through several major knee operations and shoulder injuries. Urged by his orthopedic surgeon to attend a yoga class to rehab his body, he was utterly hooked from the first downward dog at Norman Allen's studio in Manhattan. "I watched this lean little yogi bend into powerful poses while maintaining the most serene expression," says Blanchard. "I was intrigued, excited."
He has continued to practice yoga every day of his life since then. While pursuing his love of this ancient art of yoga, Blanchard also began modeling and acting on soap operas, including All My Children and Guiding Light. He moved to Southern California to film a dozen movies and television roles, and even began teaching informal yoga sessions on movie sets. Finally, after studying with India's Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, father of the modern Ashtanga movement, and being a serious student of yoga for 20 years, Blanchard began teaching full-time in 1993.

jodi blumstein
yoga works
larchmont: 230 1/2 north larchmont boulevard, los angeles, CA 90004
(323) 464-1276
montana: 1426 montana avenue, santa monica, CA 90403
(310) 393-5150

From 1999 to 2005 Jodi was the director/owner of Priya Yoga, the first Ashtanga/Vinyasa yoga school in Chicago. Her practice and teaching have been strongly
influenced from her exposure to a wide range of long time ashtanga teachers from all around the world. Jodi’s main teachers include Pattabhi Jois, Tim Miller and Dena Kingsberg.
Jodi sees the practice as a highly transformative experience; it is physical exercise to keep the body clean, it is mental exercise to keep the mind sharp; and it is a tool for waking up to who we truly are, beyond name and form. She has the unique ability to work with students of all levels, ages, and physical ability and to guide them towards establishing consistent, daily practice to improve health on all levels.

laura bogner
glendale yoga
746 north glendale boulevard, glendale, CA 91206
(818) 956-1621

no bio found

nate brewer
yoga works
main street: 2215 main street, santa monica, CA 90405
(310) 664-6470
montana: 1426 montana avenue, santa monica, CA 90403
(310) 393-5150

Nate has a very diverse background including gymnastics and a variety of dance forms. Through all of his experience with movement, nothing has captivated him like yoga. “I find the beauty of yoga is that everything relates to the Spirit, whether moving or in quiet contemplation, anything can be used as a spiritual tool. I love that there is yoga in every action and inaction.” As a practitioner of both Iyengar yoga and Astanga based vinyasa yoga, his classes are thorough as well as challenging.

elyse briggs
yoga at the village
1306 sonora avenue, glendale, CA 91201
(818) 265-9833

Elyse is Nationally Certified in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, a Licensed Massage Therapist and a certified and nationally registered teacher of both massage and yoga therapies with a private practice in Glendale, CA, Elyse holds certificates in Medical Technology, Massage Therapy, Yoga and has received her teaching certificate in Thai Massage from teacher, Chongkol Setthakorn while studying at the Institute of Thai Massage in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Elyse works in close association with M.D.'s, Chiropractors, Acupuncturists and Homeopaths and practices many body work modalities. She is currently on the faculties of the Massage School of Santa Monica and Yoga at the Village in Glendale.

sherry brourman www.walkright.com
exhale center for sacred movement
venice: 245 south main street, venice, CA 90291
(310) 450-7676

Sherry has been a Physical Therapist for thirty years, and deeply involved in Yoga for six. Her therapeutic focus has always been movement, both for understanding injury and pain and as a healing tool. The movement that she has studied most deeply is walking. That served as the inspiration for her book, Walk Yourself Well, which defines not that one should walk, but rather, how to walk to create balance in the body.
When first exposed to the depths of Yoga, it became the perfect confluence of all that she loves and studies around the physical and spiritual bodies and their ever-present interconnectedness. Now, due to her ever growing exploration into the structural depths of asana, the realization that body balance is the same, no matter the movement or the asana, is the core of her yoga teaching. Sherry combines the therapeutic principles of symmetry and core strength to every moment in class, whether it is the transition to or the actuality of, every asana. Sherry has studied extensively with Max Strom and Sarah Powers and had some study with Georg Feuerstein, Gary Kraftsow, Gabriella Giubilaro and Saul David Raye.

james brown
yoga works
montana: 1426 montana avenue, santa monica, CA 90403
(310) 393-5150

James Brown has been teaching yoga since 1996. His practice and teaching is influenced by the Ashtanga method as taught by Maty Ezraty, the alignment principals and philosophy as instructed by Lisa Walford and the Yoga Works’ flow-style taught by Annie Carpenter. He has been teaching at Yoga Works since 2001 and was the first Adjunct Professor of Yoga at the American University in Washington D.C. James enjoys guiding his students toward an understanding of the sacred and ancient instructional texts that yoga practice is based upon. He also encourages an understanding that yoga is primarily a personal practice that engenders an invaluably rich and informative individual experience. In his classes he balances humor, self-awareness and self-acceptance with respect for the opportunities for self-discovery that this practice provides.

theresa brown
crenshaw yoga and dance
5426 crenshaw boulevard, los angeles, CA 90043
(323) 294-7148

no bio found

saraswati browne
yoga works
montana: 1426 montana avenue, santa monica, CA 90403
(310) 393-5150

A certified yoga instructor and masseuse specializing in the Iyengar and Asthanga systems, reflexology and pre/postnatal massage and yoga. I offer a simple and compassionate introduction to the rejuvenating experience of yoga and the healing benefits of massage. My customized programs are designed to develop the individual's potential for peace and good health. On-going private and group lessons incorporate breathing (pranayama), postures (asanas) and relaxation techniques to improve balance, circulation, concentration, body alignment, muscle tone, flexibility, endurance and over-all fitness.

christine burke
liberation yoga
124 south la brea avenue, los angeles, CA 90036
(323) 964-5222

Throughout my life I have been searching and have always felt most comfortable when asking the big questions of life while fully immersed in the small moments of existence. Yoga is a practice that allows me to live my life as a quest, a magical journey and the gift of sharing that with others is my eternal good fortune. I stepped into Yoga as an actress in New York at Jivamukti in their earlier days. I studied there as well as Integral Yoga and Om Yoga until moving to Los Angeles in 1994. I met my husband to be (Gary) and he introduced me to Center For Yoga via Frank White and Steve Walter who became my two main teachers for the next 5 years. I began teaching in 1999 and received my certification from CFY in 2000. Other main influences are Patricia Walden, Paul Cabanis, Mother Nature and too many poets, musicians and artists to mention. Liberation Yoga is the realization of an ever evolving reality to create community, awareness, and meaning out of the everyday fabric of our lives and through this creation share with one another the freedom that is the love that is who we truly are.

mela butcher
yoga works
larchmont: 230 1/2 north larchmont boulevard, los angeles, CA 90004
(323) 464-1276
main street: 2215 main street, santa monica, CA 90405
(310) 664-6470

Mela Butcher began teaching yoga in 1980. The daughter of Yogis, and raised in the Self Realization tradition, Mela finished her two year Kriya training in 1978. She was initiated as a Kriyaban in 1980 by her guru Jyotiananda, who, like Paramahansa Yogananda, is in the lineage of Sri Yuketeswar and Babaji.
In addition to her Kriyaban training, Mela is certified in the Iyengar style, having studied with Richard Schactel. Mela is also trained and certified in Yoga Therapy and particularly enjoys working with students who are either new to yoga or who are working through injuries. Mela received her Masters in Science from the University of Washington, specializing in Brain Chemistry and Nervous System Disorders. Mela also completed a five year training in Ayurvedic medicine specializing in internal medicine (Kayachikitsa). She has been practicing Ayurvedic medicine since 1990 and is the Director of the Center for Ayurveda in Los Angeles. She is a frequent lecturer on Yoga and Ayurveda in the U.S. and abroad, and is the author of Everyday Ayurveda.

paul cabanis
b.k.s. iyengar yoga institute
8233 west 3rd street, los angeles, CA 90048
(323) 653-0357
yoga works
larchmont: 230 1/2 north larchmont boulevard, los angeles, CA 90004
(323) 464-1276
main street: 2215 main street, santa monica, CA 90405
(310) 664-6470
montana: 1426 montana avenue, santa monica, CA 90403
(310) 393-5150
westwood: 1256 westwood boulevard, los angeles, CA 90024
(310) 234-1200

Paul's teaching combines the precision and detailed instruction of Iyengar with enthusiasm, warmth and a great sense of humor. He encourages students to practice in a spirit of inquiry and to bring the subtle layers of each asana fully to life. Paul then weaves the philosophical and historical aspects of yoga into his classes, providing an invaluable context. Having studied for two years at the Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute in Pune, India, Paul holds an Iyengar Intermediate Junior certificate.

brock cahill
malibu yoga
22333 pacific coast highway, malibu, CA 90265
(310) 456-5772
yoga works
main street: 2215 main street, santa monica, CA 90405
(310) 664-6470
montana: 1426 montana avenue, santa monica, CA 90403
(310) 393-5150
westwood: 1256 westwood boulevard, los angeles, CA 90024
(310) 234-1200
yoga loft manhattan beach
313 11th place, manhattan beach, CA 90266
(310) 372-7334

Brock was wearing a pair of cowboy boots and a bit of a fog from the previous evenings festivities when he accidentally stumbled across the path of yoga. He was out there fumbling around in the dark, looking for himself, when the light of yoga clicked on and pointed him in the right direction. Through the physical nature of the practice, and his intense dedication to it, brock has been able to enliven the body and clarify the mind, preparing him for a momentous trek on the winding road leading to the self and the soul. It is a road he loves to share... wanna go for a walk?
Brock has spent the majority of his life as a professional musician, but also has a strong background in athletics. He has fused these two together in a rhythmic and vigorous yoga practice. His classes tend to be very focused and challenging, while encouraging his students to search inward, to breathe, to cultivate strength, and discover peace of mind. ...not to mention, have a little fun while you're at it. He has been lucky enough to have trained at Yogaworks in Santa Monica with Chuck Miller and Maty Ezraty, and continued his education with Annie Carpenter, and Seane Corn.

brian campbell
forrest yoga circle
1430 olympic boulevard, second floor, santa monica, CA 90404
(310) 581-8900

Brian Campbell is a licensed massage therapist and yoga teacher living and practicing in Los Angeles since 1996. He has a degree in Ancient History, and has worked and traveled extensively throughout the Near East, Central and Eastern Europe. In 2002 he completed the Forrest Yoga Teacher Training Course and in 2003 and 2005 the Forrest Yoga Advanced Teacher Training Course. Always a different sequence, Brian's classes are challenging and deeply engaging. Guidance into breath and core strength are his major tools in assisting students to feel and release blockages, power, and underlying potentials. Brian implements these same elements in his successful bodywork practice helping his clients deepen their intent. His work is safe, highly individualized and pulls from a deep understanding of human anatomy, energetic & emotional anatomy, deep tissue bodywork, and cranial sacral work.

ron capri
goda yoga
9711 washington boulevard, culver city, CA 90232
(310) 287-1255

no bio found

gianna carotenuto
forrest yoga circle
1430 olympic boulevard, second floor, santa monica, CA 90404
(310) 581-8900

Gianna has studied with Ana Forrest for eleven years and completed the Forrest Yoga Teacher Training Course at the Forrest Yoga Circle in 1999. Gianna teaches classic Forrest Yoga, specializing in intermediate and advanced students at the Forrest Yoga Circle. As an ongoing student, Gianna has attended numerous workshops and training sessions with many of the top teachers in Los Angeles including, Heather Tiddens, Shiva Rea, Max Strom, Rod Stryker, and Eric Schiffman.A practicing Buddhist, Gianna reads Sanskrit and has attended meditation retreats with various teachers and participated in four week-long teachings with the Dalai Lama.For the past 20 years Gianna's professional life has centered around various aspects of the arts. While living in Paris, New York and Los Angeles, she has worked in galleries, museums, and organized exhibitions.

venetia carotenuto
forrest yoga circle
1430 olympic boulevard, second floor, santa monica, CA 90404
(310) 581-8900

Venetia's classes remain true to the traditional style and intent of Forrest Yoga - breath, strength, integrity, and spirit. They are powerful and exhilarating. She exhibits a richness of spirit and confidence of self that is infectious and inspiring. Her classroom is a safe haven of openness, compassion, and acceptance for all levels, ages, and abilities of students. She will guide you on your healing journey through her grounding, core building, and sweaty classes. Venetia has completed the Forrest Yoga Teacher Training Foundational Course and the Forrest Yoga Advanced Teacher Training Course twice. She excels in hands-on adjustments, injury modification, and believes in self- empowerment. Ana Forrest continues to be an inspiration and influence on her life, practice, and teaching. Venetia also holds a MA in East Asian studies from Stanford University and has lived and worked extensively throughout East Asia.

annie carpenter
yoga works
main street: 2215 main street, santa monica, CA 90405
(310) 664-6470

Annie Carpenter began the study of yoga in 1974, and has been studying and teaching about the body and its movement ever since. She has studied the Iyengar system extensively, and as an Ashtanga practitioner, has studied with Sri K. Pattabi Jois in India. Formerly a professional dancer, Annie has taught at the Martha Graham center in New York as well as many leading studios in Europe and Asia. She has studied anatomy, kinesiology and developmental movement and emphasizes clarity of body mechanics in her classes. Known as a teachers’ teacher, she has developed an intelligent blend of sequencing with detailed instruction that maintains her love of movement and flow. Annie has a playful spirit and encourages a balance between working hard and a light, joyful exploration into one’s own practice.

manar chaaban
back for yoga
255 main street, el segundo, CA 90245
(310) 322-6525

Manar is a teacher and student of yoga. She completed teacher training at Yoga Works in Santa Monica with Lisa Walford, Annie Carpenter, and James Brown.
Manar teaches vinyassa flow with an emphasis on proper alignment and continuous awareness. She is mindful of student needs and necessary modifications. Her practice and her teaching also combines elements of Iyengar and Ashtanga yoga.
Manar is a full time high school science teacher and she hopes to see more teens discover the path of yoga.

bikram choudhury
bikram's yoga college of india
1862 south la cienega boulevard, los angeles, CA 90035
(310) 854-5800

Yogiraj Bikram Choudhury is the founder of the worldwide Yoga College of India. Born in Calcutta in 1946, Bikram began Yoga at the age of four with India's most-renowned physical culturist at that time, Bishnu Ghosh, the younger brother of Paramahansa Yogananda.
At the age of thirteen, he won the National India Yoga Championship. He was undefeated for the following three years and retired as the undisputed All-India National Yoga Champion.
At seventeen, an injury to his knee during a weight-lifting accident brought the prediction from leading European doctors that he would never walk again. Not accepting their pronouncement, he had himself carried back to Bishnu Ghosh's school, for he knew that if anyone could help to heal his knee, it was his teacher. Six months later, his knee had totally recovered. Ghosh was a celebrated physical culturist and the first to scientifically document Yoga's ability to cure chronic physical ailments and heal the body.
Bikram was asked by Ghosh to start several Yoga schools in India. The schools were so successful that at Bishnu's request Bikram traveled to Japan and opened two more. He has since brought his curative methods of Yoga therapy around the world.

gillian clark
swerve studio
8250 west 3rd street, los angeles, CA 90048
(323) 782-0741

Gillian Marloth was born and raised in West Los Angeles. This urban girl moved back to So Cal for the vibrant lifestyle--sunshine, happy people and health food -- after living in New York and San Francisco. She is a former competitive Ice Skater, for which she began ballet training. Her movement studies also include, Jazz, Modern, Laban, and Alexander Techniques, in addition to 3 years of study with Movement Guru James Donlon. She has been a dedicated student of Kundalini Yoga, under the tutelage of Siri Sat Nam since 1998, and an avid student of John Friend's Anusara Yoga since 2001. She created Yoga Booty Ballet in 1998 from an unforgettable dream she had one evening, originally developing the class format, concepts and techniques at CRUNCH. In 1999 Gillian collaborated with friend and partner Teigh McDonough to produce "YBB" on home video. Together, they opened SWERVE, a boutique fitness, dance and Yoga Studio in 2001. The Yoga Booty Ballet line is currently featured on TV by a national infomercial. Gillian has been practicing daily meditation since September 2002 and has seen blissful improvements in her life ever since. She is happily married to artist Andy Clark and she is the proud step mom of two up and coming Goddesses in Training: Kimberly and Courtney.

krysta close
golden bridge yoga
6322 de longpre avenue, los angeles, CA 90028
(323) 936-4172

Krysta Close began her study of yoga as a young child with her grandmother, a certified Hatha yogini and a lay Catholic nun. Her first experience with Jivamukti yoga was with Michele Baker (Vani Devi) in Costa Rica, and she was drawn in by the style’s focus on spirituality, yogic philosophy, and the use of sound. After this enlightening experience, she studied with the founders of Jivamukti, David Life (Deva Das) and Sharon Gannon (Tripura Sundari), whenever possible, while pursuing various artistic avenues as a professional classical singer at home in Los Angeles. It was her work with underprivileged middle-schoolers in an after school arts program that cemented her commitment to teach yoga. While sharing a yoga lesson with several students and artists in the program, she became deeply aware of the transformational power of yoga and her calling to spread its teachings. Krysta’s teaching style flows from the Source, returning the love that she has been so blessed to receive.

jay co
santa monica power yoga
west: 1410 2nd street, santa monica, CA 90401
(310) 458-9510

I’ll tell you what: I’ve been practicing yoga for eight years and martial arts for another ten years on top of that, but I’ve never been able to figure out how to touch my heart center to the heavens or reach my roots down into the ashes of the Earth. Yeah, my feet are a little dirty sometimes. But roots?
What I have been able to figure out with the help of Bryan and many other instructors over the years is that yoga has made me a little more familiar with my body. It has made me a little more accepting of my weaknesses, and a little more comfortable with my life.
At the very least, I just want to be able to pass some of that juicy goodness on to you. At most, I want to send you off after shavasana with a yoga coma that hangs with you long after you leave the room and never quite goes away.
My classes are open to all levels. Sometimes the room will feel strong, and we’ll roll a little more intensely. Sometimes it’ll be one of those days and we’ll cruise a little more gently. We’ll feel it out, go with the flow, and let the sweat drip where it may. You can always push a little harder or back off a little depending on how you feel when those moments come around. In the end it’s your class anyway, right?

sydney coale www.coalelightyoga.com
santa monica power yoga
west: 1410 2nd street, santa monica, CA 90401
(310) 458-9510

Celebrate and join the wave of higher consciousness spreading across planet Earth. Combine deep muscle work with breath, music and visualization to promote genuine physical and mental well-being. Yoga is a science of self-transformation almost as ancient as man. It is as alive today as ever. Let every cell sing!

matthew cohen
sacred energy arts
220 pier street, santa monica, CA 90405
(310) 403-3124

Matthew holds a fifth degree black belt in Shaolin Temple style Kung Fu and advanced degrees and training in Indonesian Martial Arts, Chi Kung, Hatha and Taoist Yoga, dance, and healing. He completed Teacher Training in Hatha Yoga with Max Strom, Sarah Powers, Tim Miller, Eddie Modestini, Tias Little, and Sherry Brourman and has taught at many yoga centers in the US and abroad.

rick colella
insight yoga
95 north marengo avenue, pasadena, CA 91101
(626) 796-1102

Rick Colella has been a part of the yoga and meditation community for 12 years with 7 years of teaching experience in many of the top yoga studios in Los Angeles. His unique dedication to healing and transformation have put him in extremely high demand. He has a thriving private healing and bodywork practice and also privately teaches yoga to many celebrities and high powered entertainment professionals such as Flea and John Frusciante of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, rock and roll producer Rick Rubin, and Rivers Cuomo of Weezer. Rick holds advanced yoga instructor certification from White Lotus Foundation and Center for Yoga, practitioner certification from the Center for Thai Yoga Therapy, and Emotional Release Bodywork certification from master healer James Hyman. He is a dedicated Vipassana meditator, and a meditation facilitator with Vipassana Support International. Rick has spent the past 5 years developing Insight Yoga, a unique style of yoga which is the fusion of Insight Meditation (Vipassana, mindfulness meditation) and a vigorous flow yoga series. He is the founder and owner of the Insight Yoga studio in Pasadena, CA.

seane corn www.seanecorn.com
exhale center for sacred movement
venice: 245 south main street, venice, CA 90291
(310) 450-7676

Seane has been motivated by yoga and Spiritual self-reflection since the late eighties. Her style is evident in her unique self-expression, and as an eloquent and inspired communicator, her vinyasa classes are an eclectic fusion of various healing and Spiritual modalities making them challenging, intuitive, insightful and uplifting.
A long time activist for various political, social and health efforts, she continues to use her influence and national platform as a yoga teacher to raise awareness and money. In 2000, she created the yoga program at Children of the Night, a shelter that houses and educates adolescent prostitutes and is the National Yoga Ambassador for YouthAIDS. She was honored with the 2005 Sacred Sounds of Arts Conscious Humanitarian Award for her Off the Mat, Into the World campaign in benefit to YouthAIDS and is committed to helping globalize the yoga community to raise awareness and funds for HIV/AIDS. She leads workshops and retreats internationally.

missy costello
yogahop
1612 montana avenue, santa monica, CA 90405
(310) 829-5000
yoga works
pacific palisades: 15327 sunset boulevard, pacific palisades, CA 90272
(310) 454-7000

Missy Costello has been a student of yoga for over 10 years. She completed her teacher training in 2003 and has been teaching ever since at popular studios in the Los Angeles area.
Her gift is encouraging those she teaches to grow, experience joy and reach their highest potential through inspiring music, lightness and laughter.

stephen dean
still yoga
2395 glendale boulevard, los angeles, CA 90039
(323) 906-8960

no bio found

jeanine del carlo
yogahop
1612 montana avenue, santa monica, CA 90405
(310) 829-5000

Yoga has given me an inner strength and peace that radiates from my heart. I love watching different souls come together to laugh, stretch, and get their groove on!
After every class, I hope you walk away with an open mind, heart, and spirit, along with some funky melodies playing through your mind, giving you an extra "Hop" in your step. I want you to feel the heart of the music and the heart of your own life.
I believe we all beat to a different drum that delicately weaves the music of the world. Let's make music together!
Come and let your "MoJo" go in my class!

nichola dunne
yoga works
pacific palisades: 15327 sunset boulevard, pacific palisades, CA 90272
(310) 454-7181

no bio found

william duprey www.williamduprey.com
bala yoga
145 north la brea avenue, los angeles, CA 90036
(323) 939-6424
maha yoga
13050 san vicente boulevard, 2nd floor, los angeles, CA 90049
(310) 899-0047
santa monica yoga
1640 ocean park boulevard, santa monica, CA 90405
(310) 396-4040

William Duprey is an initiate of Sri Dharma Mittra and teaches Hatha Yoga and Raja Yoga. Will views yoga as a system of personal transformation and exemplifies intention, humility and compassion in teaching and life. His uplifting teaching style encourages students to discover inner awareness and reach new heights. Outside of his regular class schedule, Will teaches workshops, private instruction and international retreats. Will studies Kayakalpa (Ayurveda) and Siddha with Dr. Raam Pandeya.

steven earth
earth's power yoga
7901 melrose avenue #208, los angeles, CA 90046
(323) 655-YOGA

Though I was introduced to Yoga at a very young age I began seriously studying Yoga after an accident that left my whole body in a lot of pain. I knew that Yoga would help me heal my body but I did not know all of the other calming and centering benefits to this ancient practice.
The classes that I teach are some of the most vigorous classes in the world. I feel that when you work hard in asanas it not only improves your physical body but also increases your focus and concentration. Which in turn enhances meditative states of consciousness.
It has affected me so profoundly that I decided to devote my life to it. And I only hope that I can share this experience with others.

jamie elmer www.jamieelmer.com
exhale center for sacred movement
venice: 245 south main street, venice, CA 90291
(310) 450-7676

Jamie Elmer has practiced Vinyasa based Hatha Yoga since 1997. She holds a degree in dance and has studied movement and Pilates for the past fifteen years. Jamie has had the privilege of studying with and assisting Max Strom, as well as completing his Teacher Training in 2001. Her practice and style of teaching has also been greatly influenced by the work of Sherry Brourman, PT., focusing special attention on alignment of the body as a means to openness and balance. Jamie is known for her consistent expression of grace, strength, and joy.

elsie escobar elsieyogakula.wordpress.com
bala yoga
145 north la brea avenue, los angeles, CA 90036
(323) 939-6424
swerve studio
8250 west 3rd street, los angeles, CA 90048
(323) 782-0741
yoga works
larchmont: 230 1/2 north larchmont boulevard, los angeles, CA 90004
(323) 464-1276

Elsie Escobar, a native of El Salvador began her love affair with yoga in 1997. She completed her formal training at the Center for Yoga in Larchmont under the guidance of Diana Beardsley, and the Integrative Yoga Therapy Program created by Joseph Le Page, focusing on the therapeutic aspects of yoga, mainly geared toward introducing yoga as a healing modality to those encountering either physical or emotional health challenges. In 2000 she found the wild joy in her heart through Anusara Yoga developed by John Friend, "a uniquely integrated style of hatha yoga in which the artistic glory of the human heart blends magically with the scientific principles of biomechanics." She continues to study fervently with John Friend and many amazing certified Anusara teachers including Naime Jezzeny, Sue Elkind, and Noah Maze. Her yoga philosophy teacher is the amazing Dr. Douglas Brooks whose wisdom and spirit inspires her teaching and helps her continually deepen her understanding of this wondrous practice both on and off the mat. She is currently deeply commited to the practice and application of Ayurveda guided by her teacher Arun Deva. Her classes are full of playfulness, inspiration, challenges, smiles (and/or laughter) and a strong deep commitment to each students' recognition of how amazing they truly are!!!!

genevieve fischer
yoga loft manhattan beach
313 11th place, manhattan beach, CA 90266
(310) 372-7334

Genevieve began practicing Yoga in 1997 and has taught in the South Bay since 2000. She received her teacher training first through YogaFit® (Levels 1-2 and Prenatal) and later through Yoga Works, Santa Monica, under Annie Carpenter and Lisa Walford. Her primary influences in teaching have been Seane Corn, Laura Miles, Saul David Raye, and Vinnie Marino.
Genevieve has studied classical ballet since age 7, and her classes emphasize precise alignment, grace, balance, and joyful movement. A Connecticut native, she was formerly a buyer for Bloomingdale’s and Tiffany & Co. in New York, a retail PR account executive, and manager of a South Bay yoga studio – a winding path that prepared her to venture out on her own and open Yoga Loft. In her free time, Gen still dances, avidly hikes and cuddles her cat, Spike.

kate foley
santa monica yoga
1640 ocean park boulevard, santa monica, CA 90405
(310) 396-4040

Kate Foley leads dynamic and therapeutic classes in the Iyengar style. An experienced and dedicated teacher of mixed-level classes, she welcomes beginners, people with injuries, dancers, seniors, pre-natal mothers and intermediate students alike to the study and practice of yoga. She currently teaches at UCLA in the Department of World Arts and Cultures, has a 20-year history as an Iyengar yoga teacher and professional dancer/choreographer, and is a Thai massage therapist.

chappell foote
harmony yoga
redondo beach: 901A north pacific coast highway, redondo beach, CA 90277
(310) 379-6905
manhattan beach: 3701 highland avenue, manhattan beach, CA 90266

With a background in health and fitness in general which includes competition in triathlons and surfing contests, long distance paddleboard and volleyball, Chappell knows the benefits of exercise. "Yoga has been a serious challenge for me physically but adds the spirituality I need to feed my soul. Yoga has it all. It challenges you in every aspect physically, every muscle. But, more importantly beyond that, it challenges your patience, acceptance and equanimity."
He completed teacher training courses with Maty Ezraty and Lisa Wolford in 1999 and with Erich Schiffmann in 2000, and the Thai Yoga Therapy certification course with Saul David Raye in 2000. Since 1996, Chappell has been involved in intensive studies with Rodney Yee, Patricia Walden, John Schumacher, John Friend, Dona Holeman, Edward Clark, TKV Desikachar, Judith Lasater, Gary Kraftsow, Ganga White and Tracy, Shiva Rea, Ramanand Patel, Gabriella Giubilaro, Kofia Busi, Richard Freeman, Bryan Kest, Shandor Remenete, and David Life and Sharon Gannon. Studying with this eclectic group of teachers has helped increase Chappell's vast knowledge of yoga as well as help him to define his own unique and playful style of teaching.

krista foster
yoga loft manhattan beach
313 11th place, manhattan beach, CA 90266
(310) 372-7334
yoga works los angeles
montana: 1426 montana avenue, santa monica, CA 90403
(310) 393-5150
westwood: 1256 westwood boulevard, los angeles, CA 90024
(310) 234-1200
yoga works orange county
costa mesa: 1835 newport boulevard, costa mesa, CA 92627
(949) 642-7400
huntington beach: 301 main street, huntington beach, CA 92648
(714) 960-9740

Krista came to Yoga searching for a life of balance and equanimity; during her first Yoga session immediately fell in love with the grace and passion of the practice. Krista’s classes have a deep focus on alignment and anatomy which is built by a focus on clear, accessible instruction and precise hands-on adjustments, helping the practitioners to achieve the utmost benefit from their practice while embracing a soulful and graceful flow. Krista has completed the Yoga Works Teacher Training as well as serving as the Assistant to two additional Yoga Works trainings; she continues her studies with Heath House, Laura Miles, Vinnie Marino, Annie Carpenter and many other talented teachers of Yoga Works LA. Krista also enjoys sampling from the vast pool of Yoga in Los Angeles.

kimberly fowler
YAS
1101 abbot kinney boulevard, venice, CA 90291
(310) 396-6993

kimberly’s decades of yoga practice and competitive experience as a triathlete were the foundation of a studio with a focus on yoga for athletes. YOGA for ATHLETES is a practice combining elements of Iyengar, Ashtanga and Power Yoga. Selected poses are sequenced to benefit the athletic body by focusing on the hips, hamstrings, core abdominals and upper body. “These are the areas that need special attention in athletes. They are used and abused in sports,” she says.Professional athletes frequent her one-hour YOGA for ATHLETES classes and some attribute their best-ever seasons to kimberly’s yoga classes. Athletes comment that kimberly’s yoga classes are like a secret weapon that keeps them one step ahead of the competition and off of the injured list. Results like this are what fulfill kimberly. She continues to live the healing benefits of yoga and wants to share her experience that you really can do anything if you set your mind to it. “Anything is possible if you believe in yourself,” she says with confidence.

tiffany fraser www.tiffanyfraser.com
bala yoga
145 north la brea avenue, los angeles, CA 90036
(323) 939-6424

Tiffany has been practicing yoga since 1994 and teaching since 2000. She has found her heart and spirit through John Friend and his teachings, and she is proud to be a Certified Anusara instructor.
Tiffany's unique teaching style uses themes and stories from her own life that connect this practice of Yoga with the challenges and joys of today's realities. Her classes are joyous, meditative and often downright funny, while deeply rooted in the Universal Principles of Anusara Yoga.
A native Los Angeleno, she spent 12 years in New York City. Along the way, she became a dedicated yoga practitioner at Jivamukti and Om Yoga. Upon returning to her roots in Los Angeles in 1997, Tiffany discovered Anusara Yoga and completed teacher trainings at both The Center for Yoga and City Yoga, including an apprenticeship with Anthony Benenati. She has also traveled throughout the country to complete many Anusara Teacher Trainings, retreats and workshops with Anusara founder John Friend.
Tiffany is inspired and awed on a daily basis by her amazing students. If you would like to laugh and think while opening your heart to grace, she would be honored to see you in one of her classes.

amy friedman
yoga madre
300 east foothill boulevard, arcadia, CA 91006
(626) 303-1004

Amy is a registered Yoga Therapist with the Yoga Alliance and received her formal training at Integrative Yoga Therapy. She practices Gentle Yoga, Thai Yoga healing, Reflexology, and Reiki healing. Amy is also a loving mother, and her son Q—short for Quinton—is her favorite student. Her classes are tailored to address the individual needs of her students. One student said that taking a class with Amy "feels like a dried plant being watered."
Amy looks forward to sharing her practice with the members of Yoga Madre, and welcomes all types of yoga practitioners to participate with and enhance her spiritual community.

shari friedrichsen
santa monica yoga
1640 ocean park boulevard, santa monica, CA 90405
(310) 396-4040

Shari Friedrichsen is world-renowned for her work helping students and teachers fine-tune their understanding of and commitment to the dynamics of yoga. She uses the wisdom gained from 30 years of asana practice, 27 years of teaching yoga, 18 years of chakra study, 15 years of meditation practice and continued journeys to India.

ben fritz www.deserthealer.com
forrest yoga circle
1430 olympic boulevard, second floor, santa monica, CA 90404
(310) 581-8900
progressive power yoga
brentwood: 11740 san vicente boulevard, los angeles, CA 90049
(310) 826-YOGA

A former collegiate athlete, he played for the 1997 Arizona State University Rose Bowl football team, pushing his physical body to extremes and eventually suffering a debilitating back injury. Frustrated with traditional therapies, Benjamin turned his studies to an inner path, restructuring his own body and healing through breath, yoga, and massage. Having studied Ashtanga, Iyengar, and Bikram yoga, to name a few, Ben got frustrated with the lack of attention and detail put into core strengthening poses. Seeking more specific instruction he gravitated to Pilates and was in the midst of certification when he was turned on to Forrest Yoga. He is passionate about the practice Ana Forrest has shared and enriched his life with. Ben uses the vibration of sound through chant in his class to calm the mind and heal the voice. As a performer he is aware of the healing aspects of recovering your voice and speaking your truth. Ben is also a bodyworker and has spent his life mapping the internal and external workings of the human form. He specializes in working with people with injuries, developing a yoga plan specifically to target the injury, and complementing it with deep restructuring bodywork.

knekoh fruge
yoga circle downtown
400 south main street, los angeles, CA 90013
(213) 620-1040

Teacher Knekoh Fruge teaches a tough flow class, and though fast-paced, cardiovascular flow classes often prioritize sweat over getting the poses right, Fruge pays attention to her charges' form.

aljarreau galang
*** he's moved to manila to spread the bikram gospel; he was last at:
bikram yoga downtown LA
700 west 1st street, los angeles, CA 90012
(213) 626-9642

no bio found

nancy goodstein
santa monica yoga
1640 ocean park boulevard, santa monica, CA 90405
(310) 396-4040

Nancy Goodstein has been teaching yoga for 15 years. Now, as a student of Pattabhi Jois, she focuses on Ashtanga yoga. The method is a highly disciplined continuous flow, which creates a meditative mind and develops a strong body. Nancy asks her students to work very hard, while keeping a sense of humor about it.

govindas www.kirtanwithgovindas.com
santa monica power yoga
west: 1410 2nd street, santa monica, CA 90401
(310) 458-9510

I view the yoga practice as a sadhana, a spiritual practice designed to help us embrace the mysterious mandala of our own existence. My classes are a reflection of the spiritual traditions that I have studied over the past 14 years: Hatha Yoga, Ayurveda, Buddhism, and Bhakti Yoga. On the physical and energetic level my soulful style vinyasa classes open our bodies and nourish and restore our vital energies. As well, each class becomes a tapasya, a fire of purification that cleanses our impurities. Yet on the level of the Heart, my classes are a form of Bhakti or Devotional Yoga: a longing to be connected to something greater than ourselves. Paradoxically through devotion to our practice, we begin to see that what we are longing for is the essence of our very Being. Kirtan, call and response traditional devotional chanting, is used to help us get in touch with our hearts. Lastly, all of my students are encouraged to take the wisdom that they develop within the class setting into their lives and become Karma Yogis: Those that selflessly serve all beings to uplift the collective vibration. We're all connected. We're all One. Come join the group prayer! Be prepared to Sweat, Pray, and Sing!

sam graham
glendale yoga
746 north glendale avenue, glendale, CA 91206
(818) 956-1621
silver lake yoga
2810 1/2 glendale boulevard, los angeles, CA 90039
(323) 953-0496

Sam Graham began practicing yoga sometime between the New Wave and New Age eras, and has been teaching at a variety of Los Angeles area centers (including five years at Silverlake Yoga) for longer than he'd care to remember. He's experienced at teaching all levels, from beginner to advanced, and he wants to reassure all students that his reputation for teaching hard classes is greatly exaggerated and mostly undeserved. And while he takes his yoga very seriously, he also tries to inject a certain degree of humor and irreverence into his classes, believing that students who are relaxed and enjoying themselves will get more out of their practice. In surreal life, Sam is a writer, currently plying his trade in cyberspace for the Time Warner site Entertaindom.com.

terra green gold
santa monica power yoga
west: 1410 2nd street, santa monica, CA 90401
(310) 458-9510

Terra Green Gold has been teaching in the Los Angeles area for nine years. Her instruction blends elements of Iyengar, Ashtanga, Anusara, and yoga therapeutics creating a balance of vinyasa flow and energy cultivation techniques. Terra has had extensive teacher training with John Friend, Shiva Rea, Erich Schiffman, Judith Lasater, Maty Ezraty, and Chuck Miller. Her unique style includes her knowledge of Sound and Vibrational Healing Tools, Dance Movement Therapy, Traditional Chinese Medicine Practices, and Integrational Body Work. Each class is taught with the intention to help people empower themselves back to balance through their own body awareness, in a sacred and celebratory environment.

liz hage www.lizhageyoga.com
liberation yoga
124 south la brea avenue, los angeles, CA 90036
(323) 964-5222

Liz Hage fell in love with Yoga when she moved to New York City . Upon walking into the Jivamukti Yoga Center she had a feeling of “coming home.” She found that a daily asana practice and the spiritual teachings were essential to adjusting to big city life. As she felt her life transforming through her practice she decided to study with David Life and Sharon Gannon and became a certified Jivamukti teacher.
Liz has continued her education by studying with John Friend (Anusara) and Gurmukh (Kundalini). Their emphasis of seeing the perfection, grace and beauty in both the darkness and the light inspires her. She resonates with this positive spin on yogic philosophy and strives everyday to look for the good.
Liz teaches yoga privately and at Liberation Yoga and Home Simply Yoga in Los Angeles. Her classes include a vigorous form of vinyasa asana practice, infused with inspiring music, chanting, spiritual teachings, meditation, and breath awareness. As a teacher, Liz is committed to acting as a conduit for people to experience their true self and their inner guiding light.
She is grateful to all of her teachers and the students in her classes who enlighten her daily. Om Bolo Sat Guru Bhagavan, ki!

kyra haglund
exhale center for sacred movement
venice: 245 south main street, venice, CA 90291
(310) 450-7676
santa monica yoga
1640 ocean park boulevard, santa monica, CA 90405
(310) 396-4040

Kyra teaches Hatha-Raja yoga in a compassionate, knowledgeable, and energetic manner. She has lived and studied yoga, dance, and culture in both India and Nepal, having practiced extensively with Sri K. Pattabhi Jois and Sharath Rangaswamy. Kyra also received certification to teach from Acharya V. Venkatesh of the Atma Vikasa Center in Mysore, India. Most recently, she has had the privilege of studying with and assisting Max Strom who has greatly influence her practice and teaching.
Kyra views yoga as a spiritual, philosophical, and energetic journey that inspires greater understanding of and connection to the true Self within. Her vinyasa-style classes integrate elements of movement, meditation, pranayama and chanting, transforming the practice into a holistic exploration of the mind, body and soul. She also draws on her background as a dancer to evoke inner grace and balance in a safe, creative environment.

ally hamilton www.allyhamilton.com
santa monica power yoga
west: 1410 2nd street, santa monica, CA 90401
(310) 458-9510

Ally grew up in New York where she began practicing yoga a little over 10 years ago with Dharma Mittra during her senior year at Columbia University. Since then, she has studied with many gifted teachers including Shiva Rea, Saul David Raye, and Baron Baptiste. In 2001, she began studying and continues to study with Bryan Kest who has most influenced her teaching, and in 2003 she started a six-mornings a week Ashtanga yoga practice with Jorgen Christiannson, who will probably not be satisfied until she is levitating. Ally also practices Vipassana meditation two hours a day. She teaches because her yoga practice has been the greatest gift in her life, and she is passionate about sharing it. She feels a consistent yoga practice enables students to get to know themselves in a profound and life-altering way, that the class, the experience on the mat, is really an opportunity to get acquainted with physical and emotional habits that fuel feelings of self-doubt, of being "stuck", disconnected, alone, and to begin to eradicate these blocks with patience, compassion, sensitivity, and a little humor. Students should be prepared to breathe deeply and sweat profusely.

chad hamrin
yoga works
main street: 2215 main street, santa monica, CA 90405
(310) 664-6470

Chad Hamrin has been a yoga practitioner since the early 1970s, studying Iyengar, Viniyoga, Ashtanga and Kundalini yoga styles as well as the Martial Arts. He has taught Yoga for 28 years and also holds a black belt in Karate. He is a skilled body worker with extensive experience in Polarity Therapy, Reiki, Jin-Shin Do and Deep Tissue Massage. His teaching brings together aspects of all these elements; resulting in a style which emphases investigative awareness of the body, flow, mindfulness and breath--leading students naturally into a deep insightful practice.

pj haring
exhale center for sacred movement
venice: 245 south main street, venice, CA 90291
(310) 450-7676
kamalalove yoga
2533 federal avenue, los angeles, CA 90064
(310) 403-8567

PJ Haring has been many things on his way to becoming a yoga teacher: a professional dancer, a personal trainer, a psychology professor and therapist. He began practicing yoga as a dancer to help increase his strength and flexibility.
When he was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma he began to discover the spiritual truth of yoga. Psychology and dance had trained his mind and body, but yoga united them with Spirit. PJ began practicing with Erich Schiffmann, who taught him how to use meditation to open his heart and deepen his practice. Eventually, Erich Schiffmann trained him to teach yoga; combining the mind of a psychologist and the strength of a dancer with the soul of a yogi.
Today, PJ teaches yoga and meditation at his studio, KamalaLove Yoga, and elsewhere in Los Angeles, as well as at workshops around the United States.

claire hartley www.clairehartleyyoga.com
rising lotus yoga
13557 ventura boulevard, sherman oaks, CA 91423
(818) 990-0282

British born Yoga teacher, Claire Hartley, found her passion for the practice of yoga amidst the hustle and bustle of New York City in the early 90s. Fate brought her to her first teachers at the Jivamukti Yoga Center in the East Village. The teachings and the practice were challenging exciting and incredibly purifying. After studying for seven years at the center she moved across country to Los Angeles, and pursued a full-time career as a teacher. Her first training program under the tutelage of Peri Doslu was a vigorous and well-rounded program that was spread out over eight months and included the study of asana, pranayama, meditation, philosophy and anatomy. Peri introduced her to Iyengar Yoga which has become an important part of her practice and teaching. She immediately entered the Yogaworks teachers training program with Annie Carpenter and Lisa Walford, and then became Lisa's apprentice for six months.
Claire believes that there is an unending source of joy and well-being that exists within all of us at all times that we merely have to uncover. Yoga is the path to uncovering and unlocking that hidden well, so that we may all share and experience the greatness and potential that each being is here to offer.

daniel head www.powerthroughyoga.com
santa monica power yoga
west: 1410 2nd street, santa monica, CA 90401
(310) 458-9510

Daniel grew up in Redlands CA, where he began his yoga practice at age 12. He has used yoga as a foundation for different activities that he has done throughout his life. It helped him with his martial arts training, in which he studied karate, tae kwon do, muy tai kickboxing, jui jitsu, and boxing. He also used yoga to develop the strength and coordination for a professional acrobat company he worked with, in which he specialized in Chinese poles, and aerial ribbons. Yoga is a major part of his life physically, keeping him strong and loose, but believes that best tool yoga provides is the strong mental and spiritual foundation.Daniel has studied movement in depth, and received a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology from Cal State San Bernardino at age 25. He has done numerous workshops and trainings; the most recent was with Bryan Kest in Tulum Mexico, whom he feels has been his greatest inspiration and mentor for the past 9 years. Daniel has also opened up a yoga center in Redlands, CA three years ago, which he still owns and operates currently.

jeanne heileman
silver lake yoga
2810 1/2 glendale boulevard, los angeles, CA 90039
(323) 953-0496
yoga house
11 west state street, pasadena, CA 91105
(626) 403-3961
yoga works
larchmont: 230 1/2 north larchmont boulevard, los angeles, CA 90004
(323) 464-1276
montana: 1426 montana avenue, santa monica, CA 90403
(310) 393-5150

Jeanne Heileman has been practicing yoga in Los Angeles, Chicago, London, and San Francisco since 1985 and is a Registered 500-Hour Yoga Teacher with the Yoga Alliance. She became a Certified Yoga Instructor through the Center for Yoga in 1996 where she served as an Iyengar apprentice for one year and separately apprenticed with one of Ana Forrest's students for six months.
She completed her second teacher training in Pure Yoga with Rod Stryker in 2002 and traveled in India studying with Pandi Rajmani Tigunait in 2003. Jeanne draws from her past (and current) training with Desiree Rumbaugh, John Friend, Erich Schiffman, Kofi Busia, Judith Lasater, Gary Kraftsow, Chicago's Suddah Wexler, and of course Rod Stryker. Classes combine pranayama, flowing asana and meditation/mantra set in a playful environment while discovering a deeper meaning to one's practice.
She has been teaching at yoga studios, a drug and alcohol rehab center, and privately throughout Los Angeles since 1996.

greville henwood
yogahop
1612 montana avenue, santa monica, CA 90405
(310) 829-5000
yoga works
main street: 2215 main street, santa monica, CA 90405
(310) 664-6470
montana: 1426 montana avenue, santa monica, CA 90403
(310) 393-5150
pacific palisades: 15327 sunset boulevard, pacific palisades, CA 90272
(310) 454-7000

Greville began studying Yoga in Paris in 1986 and has throughout the years maintained a strong interest in all forms of Yoga. Having studied the disciplines of Bikram yoga, Kundalini Yoga, Iyengar Yoga and currently Astanga Yoga, his classes are alignment based flow yoga. Greville believes that spiritual disciplines can be fun, and that lightness leads to freedom. Greville is proud to have studied with Maty Ezraty, Lisa Walford, Annie Carpenter and many other luminaries in the field.

kate hillman
insight yoga
95 north marengo avenue, pasadena, CA 91101
(626) 796-1102

Kate Hillman began teaching herself Yoga from old library books at the age of 14. After finishing University, she moved to Los Angeles where her formal education in Yoga began. Kate studied with Tatiana Urquiza for over four years, learning the poses slowly and with great attention to detail, while studying Yogic texts and eventually apprenticing with Ms. Urquiza. She feels very blessed to have had the unique experieince of having her Yogic training passed down to her one-on-one. Kate teaches Classical Yoga with an emphasis on anatomy, pranayama, and approaching the asanas mindfully. She encourages her students to move slowly and gently, and to use the elements of Time and Breath, not force, to open and change the body. When she is not practicing or teaching, she is training her Irish Thoroughbred gelding, Bell.

heath house www.heathhouseyoga.com
*** he's moved to dallas for grad school; he was last at:
yoga works
main street: 2215 main street, santa monica, CA 90405
(310) 664-6470
montana: 1426 montana avenue, santa monica, CA 90403
(310) 393-5150
westwood: 1256 westwood boulevard, los angeles, CA 90024
(310) 234-1200

After twenty years as a competitive gymnast, Heath was introduced to yoga in a New York City Sports Club and immediately fell in love with mind/body connection that he experienced as a result of the practice.
He has studied at some of New York's renowned yoga schools, as well as with leading instructors, such as Jon Cassota, Jivamukti, Eddie Stern and Carrie Schnider. Many have influenced, inspired and guided him through his practice. These have included Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, John Friend, Alan Finger, Noah Maze, and Maty Ezraty. His students would say that his class is fun and challenging, finding that there's always something more to learn. He sees the asana practice as a method of learning both about one's self and nature.

vicki howie
yoga blend
2918 1/2 magnolia boulevard, burbank, CA 91505
(818) 943-3880

Vicki fell in love with Hatha Yoga over 12 years ago, and has been teaching it --in studios and privately -- since 2000. She completed her teacher training at Yoga Villa, in North Hollywood, where she learned Hatha Yoga basics, as well as the unique practice of Female Balancing, developed by Brenda Strong. Over the years, Vicki has also studied Ashtanga, "Power Yoga", Pre-Natal, and Tai Chi. Her classes emphasize Vinyasa flow, the union of breath and movement in a sort of "dance" that calm the mind and allow one’s spirit and self-expression to emerge more fully. Vicki is fascinated with the processes of self-growth and spiritual awakening. She has a Master’s Degree in Behavioral Communications, and uses her yoga practice to progressively uncover her deepest, truest self –- including the "shadow" elements that need looking at -- and she passionately invites her students to do the same. Her teaching style is simultaneously nurturing and challenging. Along with teaching yoga, Vicki writes and acts, and is a mother and life coach.

joan hyman www.joanhyman.com
yoga works
larchmont: 230 1/2 north larchmont boulevard, los angeles, CA 90004
(323) 464-1276
montana: 1426 montana avenue, santa monica, CA 90403
(310) 393-5150
westwood: 1256 westwood boulevard, los angeles, CA 90024
(310) 234-1200

Joan Hyman began dancing professionally when she was 18. Joan first experienced yoga in her early twenties at Jivamukti in New York, and continued her studies with Cindy Lee, and Dana Strong at OM. After moving to Los Angeles, Joan took the Yoga Works teacher training program with Lisa Walford Maty Ezraty. Joan continued to study the ashtanga practice in the Mysore tradition with Maty for next three years. She became one of Maty's most well-liked and knowledgeable assistants, and went on to apprentice with Annie Carpenter. Joan has also been privileged to study under Gabriella Giubilaro and Marla Apt. Joan sees yoga is a journey, one which helps us to evolve to our highest potential and keep us in the light.

sara ivanhoe www.saraivanhoe.com
yoga works
montana: 1426 montana avenue, santa monica, CA 90403
(310) 393-5150

Sara Ivanhoe is the host and instructor of the best-selling Yoga for Dummies and the Crunch Fitness yoga series. You may have come across Sara on television or in magazines, as she is continually used as a resource by some of the most popular media including, The Los Angeles Times, Self Magazine, Cooking Light Magazine, Women's Health, PBS, and CNN.
Combined, she has starred in 16 videos and sold over a million copies. Sara began studying the ancient art of yoga 15 years ago while attending New York University, and has continued with teacher-training courses led by Erich Schiffmann, John Friend, and the staff of Yoga Works in Santa Monica, CA. Her teaching style focuses on postural alignment while maintaining a light-hearted attitude and sense of humor, all while using her calm and soothing voice.

alicia johnson www.buomyoga.com
liberation yoga
124 south la brea avenue, los angeles, CA 90036
(323) 964-5222

Funny as it may sound, I ended up learning about yoga because I started out wanting to be a kick-ass boxer. A close friend and fellow boxing student told me about Ashtanga Yoga. I decided to check it out, and, at that first class, I remember looking around and seeing how amazingly flexible and strong all the yogis were. I couldn’t even touch my toes at the time. I dedicated myself to the practice of yoga right then and there. The deeper I got into yoga, the more I realized that it transcended the mere physicality that had drawn me to it in the first place. Yoga opened a door to something greater.
Long story short, in 2002 I ditched all of my belongings and took off for Southeast Asia. In Northern Vietnam I had the honor of being introduced to the teachings of a Vietnamese monk, Thich Nhat Hanh. I was deeply moved by his simple, loving explanations of living and breathing mindfully.
I teach a challenging, strength building, vinyasa-style class that incorporates classical Ashtanga yoga principles. All levels are welcome, and there are modifications for the beginning student and variations for the advanced student. In my class, students are encouraged to have fun, and to reach beyond their physical comfort zone and go deeper.

kathleen kastner
maha yoga
13050 san vicente boulevard, 2nd floor, los angeles, CA 90049
(310) 899-0047
progressive power yoga
brentwood: 11740 san vicente boulevard, los angeles, CA 90049
(310) 826-YOGA

Kathleen Kastner is the Founder and Owner of Maya Yoga and has been teaching yoga in Kansas City for the last ten years. Kathleen is originally from Salina, KS and has a Master's degree in Exercise Physiology and a Bachelor's degree in Journalism, from the University of Kansas. After college, Kathleen worked in San Diego for Dr. Deepak Chopra as his Personal Trainer and she also worked for the Pritikin Longevity Center in Santa Monica as an Exercise Physiologist. Kathleen has completed yoga teacher trainings by Tim Miller of Encintas, CA and Max Strom of Venice Beach, CA. Her other Ashtanga teachers include: Bhavani Maki, David Williams, Danny Paradise and Karen Noble, all from the Hawaiian Islands. Trish O’Reilly and Laura Yon Brooks, formerly of Solona Beach, CA, were her very first yoga teachers. “I would like to thank all of my teachers and students for giving me the gift of yoga.”

rie katagiri
forrest yoga circle
1430 olympic boulevard, second floor, santa monica, CA 90404
(310) 581-8900

Rie, a former operations manager at a high profile sound studio in Los Angeles, decided to change her life path. While resting in Savasana after an Ana Forrest intensive, it suddenly dawned on her that there must be more to her existence than long hours in front of a computer and under fluorescent lighting! A few months later Rie left a tension filled world and enrolled in the Shiatsu Massage School of CA where she completed 500 hours of training. She also completed the Forrest Yoga Teacher Training Program. Discovering yoga and bodywork, Rie found the essential ingredients necessary to shift into a more balanced lifestyle. With a keen understanding of the physical and mental states of people working 9 - 5 daily, Rie teaches with compassion and a curious mind, working to modify each pose to meet the individual's specific needs. Rie is currently training with Ellen Heed and Julian Walker to be a Core Sequencing Practitioner. She integrates yoga, bodywork, traditional Chinese medicine and emotional anatomy to all of her healing work. Rie teaches yoga to give back to the universe the sweetness yoga has blessed her life with.

denise kaufman
exhale center for sacred movement
venice: 245 south main street, venice, CA 90291
(310) 450-7676

Denise Kaufman has been exploring yoga, movement, energy flow and community/connectedness for over thirty-five years. Her teachers include Robert Nadeau Sensei, Sadao Yoshioka Sensei (aikido/meditation), Gia-Fu Feng (meditation), Yoji Bhajan, Bikram Choudury, Danny Paradise, Sri K. Pattabhi Jois (yoga), Paulie Zink, Paul Grilley (Taoist Yoga), Auntie Margaret Machado, Roselle Keli'ihonipua Bailey (hula/mana), Christopher Key Chapple, Vyaas Houston (Sanskrit/Patanjali), Rabbi Mordecai Finley (Kabbalah), Wavy Gravy (heart and community) and the Pacific Ocean (source and juice).
Yin Yoga particularly targets the connective tissue of the hips, pelvis and lower spine. It is of great aid in learning to sit for meditation. By relaxing and releasing into floor poses which leverage the joints open in various ranges of motion we can open new flexibilities and energy channels. Denise considers her class to be a community of spiritual friends who gather to open and stretch together in a safe, supportive and soulful environment. Good World music and some laughter help keep our hearts soft as we melt into deeper openings.

guru jagat kaur
yoga west
1535 south robertson boulevard, los angeles, CA 90035
(310) 552-4647

Guru Jagat Kaur (Katie Athena Day Griggs) is a yogi by day and stargazer by night. Growing up in an amazing community of artists, healers, scientists, and wizards, Katie became keenly aware of her own gifts in healing. She is a KRI Certified Kundalini Yoga Teacher, a Wholeness Practitioner, Bodyworker, Astrologer and Artist. Currently working on her first book "Saturn in Cancer: Home is where the Heart is", she is having a lot of fun being alive.

brad keimach
exhale center for sacred movement
venice: 245 south main street, venice, CA 90291
(310) 450-7676

Brad has studied Hatha yoga with Max Strom, Saul David Raye, Sarah Powers, Georg Feuerstein, Gabriella Giubilaro, and Tias Little. He has taught yoga at Sacred Movement since its opening, and has also instructed at Maha Yoga, Dance Home, and Brentwood Yoga. For Brad, yoga is a transformational and healing practice for and from the heart. This is what inspires and motivates him to share this path with others. With a background as a symphony and opera conductor, Brad has been profoundly influenced in his life and teaching by the heart-first example of his mentor, Leonard Bernstein.

bryan kest
inner power yoga
22233 mulholland highway, calabasas, CA 91302
(818) 592-2639
santa monica power yoga
east: 522 santa monica boulevard, santa monica, CA 90401
(310) 458-9510

Now 41, Bryan Kest has been practicing yoga for more than 26 years. He initially studied in Hawaii with David Williams, the first person to bring Ashtanga yoga to America. He then studied in India with K. Pattabhi Jois, the main proponent of Ashtanga yoga. Kest has been teaching yoga for 21 years. "My primary objective", says Kest, "besides turning more and more people on to a healthier, more peaceful lifestyle that continually challenges them to grow, is to teach a system of exercise that fully integrates the body, mind, and spirit.
The new trend towards yoga is not surprising, given that the body is limited and the mind is limitless. The combination of body and mind creates an incredibly broad range of fulfillment, including top physical condition and a calm, peaceful, clear mind."

gurmukh kaur khalsa
golden bridge yoga
6322 de longpre avenue, los angeles, CA 90028
(323) 936-4172

Gurmukh is the co-founder and director of Golden Bridge Nite Moon, Los Angeles' premier center for the study and practice of Kundalini Yoga and Meditation. Since being baptized 35 years ago with the Sikh spiritual name meaning "One who helps people across the world ocean," Gurmukh has dedicated her life to fulfilling her namesake. For nearly three decades, students in Los Angeles and from around the world have sought out her classes in Kundalini Yoga, meditation, and pre-and post-natal care.

gurutej kaur khalsa
blessings center
1310 south carmona avenue, los angeles, CA 90019
(323) 930-2803

For over 36 years, Gurutej has been teaching people how to connect to their higher consciousness through yoga, chanting, mediation and healing. Everyday she lives the meaning of her Sikh name, which translates as “the one who brings you from darkness into light at the speed of light.”
In 1969 Gurutej met Yogi Bhajan. Bhajan is credited for having brought Kundalini Yoga here to the United States. As one of his original students, Gurutej emerged as a founding practitioner of Kundalini. Through his instruction and spiritual guidance, Gurutej is considered a foremost authority on Kundalini and internationally recognized as one of a handful of Kundalini Yoga Masters in the World.
In 1970, Gurutej co-founded 3HO Canada. She ran 3HO for 17 years, where she facilitated the duplication of the successful yoga centers throughout the Canadian market and in due course helped take the organization worldwide. Gurutej’s obvious head for business did not overshadow her commitment to Toronto’s children, which is why she introduced yoga to surrounding communities by teaching staff at Toronto General Hospital and students at The School House and The Alternative Schools.
A co-founder of The Golden Bridge Yoga Center in Los Angeles, Gurutej, has lived and practiced out of The Blessings Center in the same market since 1999. But as a mother, her greatest achievement is in successfully raising two dynamic and consciously aware adult children, who like Gurutej, take great pride in their commitment to making the world a better place.
A prolific writer and media contributor, Gurutej is the subject of much media attention. She has been featured in/on Vogue, L.A. Yoga, Yogi Times, Fit Yoga, Common Ground, Splendora.com, The Discovery Channel and MTV. She was awarded Yogi Times’ July 2003 Service Award and Teacher of the Month for August 2003.

hala khouri www.halakhouri.com
exhale center for sacred movement
venice: 245 south main street, venice, CA 90291
(310) 450-7676

Hala Khouri's journey towards yoga began with her studies in psychology and religion at Columbia University followed by a four year study of energetic healing. She has studied and trained in yoga, somatic psychology, pilates, dance, Capoeira, NIA and CORE energetics. She has been teaching movement and the healing arts for over fifteen years. Hala has taught yoga to people from all walks of life ranging from schizophrenics and at-risk youth to mommies and rock stars.Teaching is her absolute favorite thing to do!
Hala also has a Master’s degree in Psychology and has a private practice in Venice.

beau king
progressive power yoga
brentwood: 11740 san vicente boulevard, los angeles, CA 90049
(310) 826-YOGA
studio city: 4344 tujunga avenue, studio city, CA 91604
(818) 76-YOGA7

no bio found

tracy krosnoff
exhale center for sacred movement
venice: 245 south main street, venice, CA 90291
(310) 450-7676
yoga house
11 west state street, pasadena, CA 91105
(626) 403-3961

Tracy's classes are vigorous and inspiring, blending vinyasa flow with healthy alignment. She is known for being positive and motivational and radiates her philosophy that yoga is a joyful practice. Tracy was privileged to study with and complete teacher trainings with Max Strom and Erich Schiffmann, and now assists in the Sacred Movement Teacher Training each summer. She has been practicing Vinyasa based Hatha Yoga since 1995.

lisa l
planet yoga
518 pier avenue, hermosa beach, ca 90254
(310) 376-5354

no bio found

amy lafond
yoga works
larchmont: 230 1/2 north larchmont boulevard, los angeles, CA 90004
(323) 464-1276
montana: 1426 montana avenue, santa monica, CA 90403
(310) 393-5150
westwood: 1256 westwood boulevard, los angeles, CA 90024
(310) 234-1200

Amy led her first Yoga class in 1997 and has been learning and teaching every since. She brings her generosity of spirit to all the classes she teaches and is greatly interested in helping students learn. Her enthusiasm and ability to connect with students and deliver personalized instruction make her classes refreshingly unique. Amy completed her first Teacher Training at Yoga Works in 1998 and a second at Yoga Works in 2004. In her life before yoga, Amy graduated from Vassar College with a B.A. in Art History. While seemingly unrelated fields, both require acute skills of visual analysis. Amy says that "Studying art literally taught me a new way to look at the world. This ability to see what’s in front of me has been as invaluable as a yoga teacher!"

wayne lehrer
inner power yoga
22233 mulholland highway, calabasas, CA 91302
(818) 592-2639

What I love about Yoga is that it offers us a perfect microcosm of life. A place to discover our limitations, challenge our beliefs, wrestle with our tendencies, release our attachments, liberate our bodies and ultimately breakthrough to a deeper and more intimate relationship with our true Self and the world around us. The byproducts are balance, poise, grace, beauty, strength, stamina, focus, joy, heightened intuition and the ability to fully manifest our highest intentions.

light www.akalight.com
maha yoga
13050 san vicente boulevard, 2nd floor, los angeles, CA 90049
(310) 899-0047
swerve studio
8250 west 3rd street, los angeles, CA 90048
(323) 782-0741

Light teaches vinyasa flow, accented with elements from all of the major styles of yoga. His focus is spiritual philosophy and breath awareness. In his classes, Light utilizes an eclectic blend of music, movement and spiritual insight to create an accessible, fun and meditative yoga experience for students of all levels.

anya longwell
inner power yoga
22233 mulholland highway, calabasas, CA 91302
(818) 592-2639
santa monica power yoga
west: 1410 2nd street, santa monica, CA 90401
(310) 458-9510

I love Yoga. All forms of Yoga (that I've tried). It is a tool for me. It is a necessity. I always feel like I get what I need whenever I practice.
My classes are simple, "let's flow through this thing called Life with grace and simplicity and do our best to love ourselves"
BREATHE, BREATHE, and BREATHE … I teach a fun, fluid flow class and every day is different. The one constant is focusing on staying present and honoring you. 15 years ago, when my mom died, I thought I might too! That is when I found Yoga and I never looked back. (It probably found me) There is no time like the present and life is to be worshipped and enjoyed! YOGA! THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!!!

dana marcoux
santa monica yoga
1640 ocean park boulevard, santa monica, CA 90405
(310) 396-4040
silver lake yoga
2810 1/2 glendale boulevard, los angeles, CA 90039
(323) 953-0496

Dana’s practice of the art of awareness, alignment and intent began over 20 years ago with Transcendental Meditation. Zen Master Rama expanded his practice to include Buddhism in 1985 which brought Dana to Los Angeles to study. In 1994 an Ashtanga practice began in earnest with Maty Ezraty of Yoga Works in Santa Monica.
Teacher training began in 2001 with Yin Yoga teacher Paul Grilley who’s influences include Paulie Zink (Taoist Yoga) and Dr. Hiroshi Motoyamas (Modern Meridian Theory).Training continued with Erich Schiffmann at Sacred Movement Yoga who’s greatest lesson was to “pause” throughout ones practice to absorb and process the experience while practicing. Dana’s class will stir, warm, move, build, store, exert and strengthen ENERGY. His hatha flow class is spirited, musical, fun and personally infused with energetic theories of meridians, charkras, shamanic energy work and Yogic alignment.

cristina marcu
illumination yoga
19100 ventura boulevard #11, tarzana, CA 91356
(818) 758-9808

no bio found

andrea marcum www.andreamarcum.com
u studio yoga
5410 wilshire boulevard #500, los angeles, CA 90036

Andrea Marcum grew up on the beaches and among the Redwoods of Santa Cruz California. In pre-school, she dressed in costumes, swung on the swings and sang songs at the top of her lungs while the other kids were inside learning math. Things have not really changed much since then. While the other kids have applied their math skills to their 9-5 jobs, she has traded in her swing for a yoga mat. A graduate from U.S.C., Andrea has been a competitive gymnast, a dancer and an award winning songwriter (including ASCAP’s Sammy Cahn National Songwriting Award). In her over 10 years of practicing yoga, she has had the privilege of studying with Vinnie Marino, Tim Miller, Brian Kest, Seane Corn, Steven Earth and many more. She is grateful to all of her teachers, both on and off the mat!

gary margolin
home simply yoga
1547 6th street, santa monica, CA 90401
(310) 899-1930

no bio found

vinnie marino
yoga works
main street: 2215 main street, santa monica, CA 90405
(310) 664-6470
montana: 1426 montana avenue, santa monica, CA 90403
(310) 393-5150

One of the most popular vinyasa flow teachers in Los Angeles. Vinnie began practicing yoga as a teenager in New York. After years of exploring different types of yoga, he felt a deep connection to the Vinyasa Flow style. He took his first teacher training in Santa Barbara at the White Lotus Foundation. In 1997, he completed the Yoga Works Teacher Training and has since completed his second YW Teacher Training and the Advanced Teacher Training Program. Vinnie teaches a strong, physically challenging practice set to great music with a playful attitude. His blend of music and alignment has attracted a devoted following of advanced practitioners throughout the country.

landry matthews malick
city yoga
1067 north fairfax, los angeles CA 90046
(323) 654-2125
bala yoga
145 north la brea avenue, los angeles, CA 90036
(323) 939-6424

no bio found

denise mazan
your neighborhood studio
11154 washington boulevard, culver city, CA 90232
(310) 621-2083

"Yoga has become the foundation of my life. Through my practice I have the opportunity to practice dealing with every emotion there is from joy to anger." Denise has been teaching in Los Angeles for six years. She began her practice and initial teacher training with Bryan Kest of Santa Monica Power Yoga. Since then she has studied with Jorgen Christensen, Ana Forrest, and Lisa Walford. Denise's classes focus on finding your personal rhythm in your yoga practice. Denise teaches with live drums which allow you to connect with the beat of your heart as you move. By linking with the breath, the movement and the music you have the opportunity to lose yourself in the flow of practice, and in that moment, you are present! Be prepared to get sweaty!

noah maze www.noahmazeyoga.com
*** noah currently only teaches workshops; he was last at:
city yoga
1067 north fairfax, los angeles CA 90046
(323) 654-2125

Noah’s teaching style is uplifting, energetic, and expressive of the depth of his knowledge and experience in the principles and practices of yoga. He is recognized in the yoga community as one of the most advanced and proficient practitioners and teachers of Anusara Yoga. Noah’s students consistently soar to new levels.
In addition to teaching regular classes in Los Angeles, Noah teaches workshops, retreats and trainings, nationally and internationally.

ted mcdonald
inner power yoga
22233 mulholland highway, calabasas, CA 91302
(818) 591-BODY
malibu yoga
22333 pacific coast highway, malibu, CA 90265
(310) 456-5772

Ted is a yoga teacher, endurance athlete and freelance writer. He teaches his students to lessen fierce competition and increase compassion and acceptance in the yoga room, athletics and in all aspects of life. He regularly contributes to the Yogi Times and is the founder of Adventure Yoga Retreats, a company that assists yoga teachers in organizing, marketing and administrating their yoga retreats worldwide, some of which include surfing, scuba diving, skiing and other outdoor activities.

bibi mcgill www.myspace.com/bibimcgill
earth's power yoga
7901 melrose avenue #208, los angeles, CA 90046
(323) 655-YOGA
yoga house
11 west state street, pasadena, CA 91105
(626) 403-3961

Faithful Yogini, Reiki Attuned Guitarist for the Soul Retrieved, Emotionally Charged.
Have integrity with your word. Take responsibility. If you fall, get back up again making no excuses and justifying nothing. From our mistakes, if we learn our lessons, we can raise the vibration to the frequency of LOVE and turn this planet back to ONE. So let's live, learn, love evolve, forgive, explore, create, and be kind, respectful and compassionate to every living thing!!!

malachi melville www.malachiyoga.com
yoga works
main street: 2215 main street, santa monica, CA 90405
(310) 664-6470
montana: 1426 montana avenue, santa monica, CA 90403
(310) 393-5150
pacific palisades: 15327 sunset boulevard, pacific palisades, CA 90272
(310) 454-7000

Malachi Melville came to yoga in 1996 by way of an injury. Having been a long distance runner, Malachi first found yoga as a way to work through a spinal injury. After rehabilitating her back, she became more interested in yoga as a tool for meditation and as a mindfulness practice. Malachi has been teaching yoga since 1998, exclusively at Yoga Works since 1999. She has been both a practitioner of Ashtanga and Iyengar and most currently is working with a blend of practices that care for her old sports injuries. Her experience with injury has helped Malachi become sensitive to creating a practice that nurtures the individual. Having previously worked as a massage therapist, she is well known for her hands-on adjustments. Malachi is influenced by Maty Ezraty and Lisa Walford, and places strong focus on alignment, breath and moving with deep awareness.

rudy mettia http://www.malachiyoga.com
santa monica power yoga
east: 522 santa monica boulevard, santa monica, CA 90401
(310) 458-9510
west: 1410 2nd street, santa monica, CA 90401
(310) 458-9510

My students are indeed YogaWarriors and I am honored and blessed to be able to lead them in their practice when they choose to study with me. I coined the name "Yoga Warriors" as a basis to the philosophy I try to practice in my day to day life and in the teaching of my classes. As with all great warrior traditions from the Samurai, to the Sioux, to the mythical Amazon women warriors, we also have a cause. Ours is the great battle for the liberation of our minds. A victory in this battle must be assured if we are to obtain our goals of a liberated mind and a disease and stress free body. However, to achieve this goal will take a bit of suffering (tapas) and perhaps many years (even lives) of a consistent, dedicated, and pious practice. Or as written in the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, "Success in yoga follows he who practices, not he who practices not."

kia miller
home simply yoga
1547 6th street, santa monica, CA 90401
(310) 899-1930
yoga works
montana: 1426 montana avenue, santa monica, CA 90403
(310) 393-5150
westwood: 1256 westwood boulevard, los angeles, CA 90024
(310) 234-1200

Kia Miller found yoga at the age of 15 and has been studying with world-renowned teachers in India, Europe and the US ever since. In 2004 she completed the Yoga Works Teacher Training with Chuck Miller and Maty Ezraty and continues studying with Annie Carpenter and other senior teachers. She is also certified in the Kundalini Yoga Tradition as taught by Yogi Bhajan.
Kia is a devoted Yogini and teacher who imparts her wonderful passion for life and well-being in her teaching. Her style pulls from multiple yogic disciplines, and is both intuitive and steeped in the traditional aspects of yoga. Kia views the science and spirituality of Yoga as a path to elevate our consciousness and create a counter-balance to the stresses of modern life. Her classes focus on breath, alignment and the interconnection between mind, body and spirit. She encourages students to work at their own pace in a safe and transformational environment.
Kia’s mission in life is to inspire, elevate and educate as many people as possible, to encourage all to live to their fullest, most creative and most joyful potential. Come prepared to breathe and sweat your prayers!

ish moran
inner power yoga
22233 mulholland highway, calabasas, CA 91302
(818) 591-2639
maha yoga
13050 san vicente boulevard, 2nd floor, los angeles, CA 90049
(310) 899-0047

Combines music, structure and Iyengar influenced alignment with an intense flow series to create an active yoga meditation.

tom morley www.yogatom.com
maha yoga
13050 san vicente boulevard, 2nd floor, los angeles, CA 90049
(310) 899-0047

Tom Morley has been studying and teaching yoga for over a decade. His yogic journey began as a natural extension of his practice as a massage therapist, and evolved into a unique style of teaching that has attracted a loyal Los Angeles following of students and private clients. Using a unique blend of music, vigorous asana flow, long holds, partnering and meditation, his classes are designed to strengthen and stretch – integrating the body while quieting the mind.

valerie moselle
*** valerie will be india through the end of 2006; she was last at:
exhale center for sacred movement
venice: 245 south main street, venice, CA 90291
(310) 450-7676
santa monica yoga
1640 ocean park boulevard, santa monica, CA 90405
(310) 396-4040

Valerie offers an invigorating and challenging practice, emphasizing the union of movement and breath and encouraging a safe exploration of yoga postures. Her class is designed to develop strength and flexibility in both body and mind, with an emphasis on personal awakening and transformation. Valerie has been a devoted student of yoga for 13 years. A dancer all of her life, she was first drawn to the practice as a kinetic expression of spirituality. She guides her students through a soulful vinyasa flow influenced by teachings of K. Pattabhi Jois and B.K.S. Iyengar. She has studied with Max Strom, Manuso Manos, and Rusty Wells. She holds an advanced certification from the Interdisciplinary Yoga Institute in Costa Rica, and has also received teacher training from Chuck Miller and Maty Ezraty at Yoga Works in Santa Monica, and from Lisa Walford in San Francisco

cheryl moss
goda yoga
9711 washington boulevard, culver city, CA 90232
(310) 287-1255

no bio found

mother
golden bridge yoga
6322 de longpre avenue, los angeles, CA 90028
(323) 936-4172
bala yoga
145 north la brea avenue, los angeles, CA 90036
(323) 939-6424

Mother studied under nationally renowned Yoga Guru, Rod Stryker, and was one of the founding teachers at Yoga Zone, Los Angeles. For 5 years, MOTHER has headed the Yoga program at Body & Soul Workout in West Hollywood. MOTHER is a Yoga trendsetter with a unique teaching style. His fusion of classical Hatha technique and Buddhist philosophy help students get more than just a great workout. He helps students get into alignment with their highest Self and many are successfully battling everything from obesity to HIV as a result.
“My teaching is centered around the idea of helping my students develop the sensitivity to feel, to trust and to allow the unique expression of their own life to manifest in the world.” MOTHER says. In the spirit of this philosophy, MOTHER changed his name (formerly Eddie Marashian) as an expression of his total commitment to his unique spiritual vision. “For me,” he says, “MOTHER is the symbol of both the force of creation and the nurturing of that creation into its fullest enlightenment.”

catherine moulding
harmony yoga
redondo beach: 901A north pacific coast highway, redondo beach, CA 90277
(310) 379-6905
manhattan beach: 3701 highland avenue, manhattan beach, CA 90266

For Catherine, pure joy in and dedication to the practice of yoga began in 1997. Under the tutelage of a diverse group of instructors, she has completed thousands of hours of studies and numerous teacher-training courses. Catherine has graduated from courses with Shiva Rea, Paul Grilley, David Swenson, Chappell Foote, and Cloud Nine yoga school. She has studied under many other luminaries in the field like Donna Farhi, John Friend, Richard Freeman, Patabhi Jois, Julie Kleinmann, Vinnie Marino, Laura Miles, Erich Schiffmann, and Rodney Yee. Catherine is certified as a multi-discipline instructor with Yoga Alliance at the 500-hour level and also holds a bachelor's degree from UCLA. Music, humor, spiritual and energetic work add to the atmosphere of Catherine's class. Each class is a unique journey where students find presence and discover connectedness to the universe. Catherine creates an environment where students feel at home to change, grow, and contribute their own signature to the world through self.

heather onori
forrest yoga circle
1430 olympic boulevard, second floor, santa monica, CA 90404
(310) 581-8900

Heather Onori became a certified Forrest Yoga instructor in 1997. Heather's understanding and passionate belief that one can heal the spirit through the body has evolved through her own personal experiences and through her extensive training. She affirms traditional therapy, but says, "Ultimately to heal the spirit, we must release the cellular memory of emotional pain that resides in the physical body." Those with a history of physical, emotional or sexual trauma often experience dissociation from their emotions, physical body and their spirit. These painful experiences often manifest in depression, anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder, eating disorders and self mutilation. Heather combines the modalities of yoga and psychology as a progressive method of healing and liberating the spirit. Heather's gift for providing a safe environment to guide students through patterns of old pain and trauma is remarkable. Her classes are challenging and with a sense of purpose. Students experience a new sense of integration, groundedness and freedom through Heather's dynamic approach to healing and yoga.

ashley osler
body mind & spirit
19710 ventura boulevard, woodland hills, CA 91364
(818) 702-0390

Ashley's classes offer a combination of many practices dependent on the needs of her students. Combining Yoga, including Restoratives, Pilates,Tai Chi and Qigong she emphasizes self knowledge in body mind and spirit while teaching each student the practices most suited to their Prakruti, their individual constitutions, and the practice as it relates to the Lunar cycle. The class ends always with a meditation.
Ashley is a student of Kriya yoga and is in an ongoing study of the Patanjali Yoga Sutras, the Vedas, the Bhagavad Gita and the science of Ayurveda. Ashley has been inspired by and trained under some of the best teachers of our time including Shiva Rea, Eric Schiffmann, Ana Forrest, Maty Erzaty, Chuck Miller, Lisa Walford, Shandor Remete, Rodney Yee, Steve Ross, Andrey Lappa, Donna Hollerman and Saul David Raye.

larry payne www.samata.com
yoga works
pacific palisades: 15327 sunset boulevard, pacific palisades, CA 90272
(310) 454-7000
samata yoga center
4150 tivoli avenue, los angeles, CA 90066
(310) 306-8845

Larry Payne, Ph.D. is an internationally respected yoga teacher and back specialist. The L.A. Times named Dr. Payne "One of America's most respected Yoga teachers." He is co-author of "Yoga Rx", "Yoga for Dummies" and "The Business of Teaching Yoga". Dr. Payne is founding president of the International Association of Yoga Therapists, founder of the corporate Yoga program at the J. Paul Getty Museum, the first Yoga teacher to offer Yoga classes at the World Economic Forum, co-founder of the yoga curriculum at The UCLA School of Medicine, and the founding director of the new Yoga therapy certification program at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles.
In 1981, Payne founded the Samata Yoga Center in Los Angeles and later earned Doctorate and Masters Degrees in fitness education with emphasis in Hatha Yoga from Pacific Western University. His background is in Psychology, and he has also completed graduate work in Physical Therapy at Cal-State University Long Beach. He was the U.S. representative to the first World Congress of Yoga in Montevideo, Uruguay, and has received Outstanding Achievement Awards for Yoga in Europe and the United States, the Golden Lotus Award from South America, as well as, was a panelist & yoga instructor for the World Economic Forum 2000 in Davos, Switzerland. In addition, he is the founder of the "Healthy Back Program" at the world-famous Rancho La Puerta Fitness Spa.

jeff perlman
yoga garden studios
2236 26th street, santa monica, CA 90405
(310) 450-0133

no bio found

romy phillips
santa monica yoga
1640 ocean park boulevard, santa monica, CA 90405
(310) 396-4040

Romy Phillips utilizes her training in various yoga styles, especially Anusara, to create a welcoming class that places an emphasis on developing a firm foundation for an individual yoga practice. Students are encouraged to explore principles of alignment through the use of breath and language that will help them to achieve the full expression of each pose.

ebony price
alive & well
528 pacific coast highway, malibu, CA
(310) 318-8449

no bio found

ducky punch
yummy yoga
1717 hillhurst avenue, los feliz, CA 90027
(323) 953-8449

no bio found

georgina purple
the absolute yoga and pilates studio
20855 ventura boulevard, woodland hills, CA 91364
(818) 226-0695
true yoga
3625 east thousand oaks boulevard, suite 322, westlake village, CA 91362
(805) 449-4225

Georgina Purple comes from a background of sports and martial arts. An injury to her back in 1997 kept her from continuing those kinds of aggressive activities. In 1998 she started taking hatha yoga at a gym and then was introduced to Anusara yoga in 2001. One week of yoga opened her eyes to a world she was ignoring and it turned her life upside down and inside out. She quickly dove into a new world of Anusara yoga and the most amazing journey called her life.
She took her very first teacher training and advanced teacher training at City Yoga, and has completed many hours of additional training in therapeutics, philosophy and Sanskrit. As she has arthritis in her lower back and knee problems, her therapeutics training and the alignment principals of Anusara have guided her safely in her practice and helped her work with students with their own limitations. She found that the heart oriented teachings of Anusara helped her co-create her new life and her new career as a yoga teacher. Her yoga has helped her surrender to aligning with nature and embracing life's fastballs. She openly shares her personal journey with her students and hopes that her experiences help guide her students on their journey. All of this training has allowed her to offer a fun, compassionate, challenging and heart centered class that will hopefully guide the students to continue their own journey on and off their mats.

julie rader www.juliesyoga.com
planet yoga
518 pier avenue, hermosa beach, CA 90254
(310) 376-5354


Julie has always been a yogi at heart. As a child she expended her yang energy in gymnastics. Julie studied Psychology and Physical education at Union college in Kentucky. She continued on her path to earn a Master degree in Exercise Physiology from Northern Arizona University.
After finishing her formal education Julie became a certified Yoga teacher under the accomplished Efat Erez, now known as Shakti, at the Prana Yoga and Zen Center in Vancouver Canada.
Julie spent three months in the winter of 2002 studying Kriya yoga under Swami Janakananda at the Tantric Yoga and Meditation Ashram in southern Sweden. During this intense training 33 days were spent without talking, reading or writing.
In 2003, Julie spent 3 months in Shanghai, China teaching yoga and learning Tai Chi.
She continues to study under the top yoga teachers in the world because there is always more to learn in yoga and in life.
Yoga is about finding balance. A truly balanced person is firmly grounded on earth, but reaching toward heaven.

kali ray
kali ray triyoga
6449 merritt drive, malibu, CA 90265
(310) 589-0600

In the tradition of ancient yoga, the origin and development of TriYoga's hatha yoga practice is guided by kriyavati siddhi as expressed through Kaliji since 1980. From this inner guidance, she has fully systematized TriYoga Flow and Prana Vidya (the trinity of breathing, concentration and meditation) from Basics to Level 7. With a natural ability to integrate Eastern tradition and Western culture, she shares these practices and philosophy in a way that has inspired and transformed countless lives.
A practicing vegan for 30 years, Kali Ray has given many presentations on the benefits of a vegetarian/vegan diet. Her example has inspired thousands to make healthier food choices.
In her early twenties, Kaliji chose the Sannyasa lifestyle. Twelve years later H. H. Sri Ganapati Sachchidananda Swamiji of Mysore, India initiated her as a Swamini in the Jayalakshmi Datta Avadhoota lineage. Presently, she serves on the executive board of Datta Yoga Center, USA.

ross rayburn
bala yoga
145 north la brea avenue, los angeles, CA 90036
(323) 939-6424

Ross is a certified Anusara teacher and owner of YogaInsideOut in Los Angeles. Known for his corny sense of humor and warm teaching style, Ross makes his classes both fun and energetic for every level.
For Ross, yoga is about seeing our worth and the beauty around us. It’s learning how to be free of pain and reaching new heights. It’s about a clear understanding that we’re not alone and should therefore dream big and shoot for the stars.
Anusara is a school of Hatha yoga founded by John Friend based on the idea that we are all beautiful expressions of the divine. We simply have to open our hearts to the idea that we are a part of something wonderful and offer our best in every moment. Along with the biomechanics of the Universal Principles of Alignment this heart-opened path provides us the wisdom and balance to remain in the flow of grace.

saul david raye www.thaiyoga.com
exhale center for sacred movement
venice: 245 south main street, venice, CA 90291
(310) 450-7676

Saul's life has been deeply rooted in Yoga, healing and meditation for over 16 years, and has been blessed with the opportunity to live and study with many renowned teachers in different traditions. He began practicing Yoga and meditation as a teenager inspired by his father Denis and his first Dharma teacher Yogavachara Rahula. He spent a year living in the forest at Bhavana Society, a buddhist Monastery and retreat center, practicing Yoga and Mediation. He then spent several years in Asia and India, studying different healing traditions, including two years in Thailand learning and practicing Traditional Thai massage, pranic healing and Vipassana meditation. He was personally certified to teach Thai massage by Asokananda, one of the world's foremost experts in Thai massage.
Saul's unique and powerful style of teaching is deeply intuitive and grounded in many years of study and practice. He is able to weave together all the different aspects of Yoga and healing in a way that is clear, powerful and accessible. Saul is considered by his students as a master guide helping people to connect more deeply with their own authentic power and spirit. He holds a sacred space in which healing and transformation arise naturally.

shiva rea www.shivarea.com
exhale center for sacred movement
venice: 245 south main street, venice, CA 90291
(310) 450-7676

Shiva Rea began studying yoga at the age of fourteen as a way to understand her name given to her by her father, an artist and surfer. She teaches flow (vinyasa) based yoga integrating alignment and intuition, strength and fluidity, meditation and wisdom in action. As a yogic usher, she guides you to the seat inside your Self and then supports your experience with your life-long teacher - the intelligence within. Shiva looks for your potential and both challenges and nurtures you to embody your being with vitality and grace.
Her classes at Sacred Movement are special mandalas to experience the whole range of energy cultivated in yoga from the sweaty purification of vinyasa and the tapas of standing and balance poses to the multi-dimensional opening of backbends and the release work of deep twists and hip openers and the stillness of inversions and meditation. She works with world music in her classes and chanting as a means to help people syncopate with their natural rhythm and feel more at home in our skin.

aaron reed
exhale center for sacred movement
venice: 245 south main street, venice, CA 90291
(310) 450-7676
sacred energy arts
220 pier street, santa monica, CA 90405
(310) 403-3124

Aaron's studies of over twenty-five years include Martial Arts and Taoism with Master Soon Ho Song, ballet and professional dance training with Mia Slavenska, Donald Byrd, and Michael Owens, and extensive yoga training with Erich Schiffmann, Saul David Raye, Donna Holleman, Lisa Walford, and Chris Stein. He has also traveled to India for studies at the Iyengar Institute.

kristen rentz
yoga works
westwood: 1256 westwood boulevard, los angeles, CA 90024
(310) 234-1200

Kristen discovered her passion for yoga while pursuing her law degree at UCLA. Upon graduating, having been profoundly affected by her own personal practice, she decided to shift her focus to the study and teaching of yoga. Kristen leads a dynamic Vinyasa Flow class that incorporates elements from both Ashtanga and Iyengar traditions. She emphasizes working with the breath to cultivate self-awareness and encourages students to bring this heightened attention into their daily lives. Her Kid's class offers a child the opportunity to stretch and strengthen their body while exploring their mind and spirit in a non-competitive and fun environment. Kristen completed her teacher training at Yoga Works. In addition, she has studied teaching yoga to children with Marsha Wenig of "YogaKids," Shakta Kaur Khalsa of "The Radiant Child Yoga Program," and with Leah Kalish and Abby Wills.

matthew reyes
yogahop
1612 montana avenue, santa monica, CA 90405
(310) 829-5000

In the ten years since Matthew Reyes has been teaching, he has come to be recognized as one of the prominant yoga figures in Los Angeles. His sold out yoga classes, attended by everyone from Ashley Olsen to Helen Hunt, David Duchovny to Dennis Quaid, have been the choice style of yoga for thousands of students and is regarded citywide as the epitome of feel-good yoga. Hailed as a pioneer for his hybrid of traditional Eastern style yoga with a Western flavor, Matthew’s Hip-Hop Yoga classes have hot, groovy music and yogi men and women who love to stretch, bend, and twist to the rhythms of Nelly, Lenny Kravitz, Coldplay, Sade and other urban beats.
Profoundly inspiring are his Spiritual Yoga classes. Matthew weaves world music, inspirational quotes from Rumi to Gandhi to Tony Robbins, and has a dynamic hatha yoga sequence. His yoga practices cultivate learning, spiritual growth, and spark insights all to bring his students to greater happiness.

lori rischer
*** she's returned to the corporate world for now; she was last at:
earth's power yoga
7901 melrose avenue #208, los angeles, CA 90046
(323) 655-YOGA

Lori has been practicing and studying yoga for 10 years. She has spoken at worldwide conferences on topics such as: healthy lifestyles and proper breathing technique for singers. She took her teacher training with Steven Earth and has attended yoga workshops and lectures around the world. Lori's class combines two of the biggest tools to self enlightenment: YOGA & MUSIC. The class is a vigorous blend of Earth's Power Yoga combining Ashtanga and Iyengar styles. Each class is choreographed with music that touches the heart and helps you on your journey to self discovery. The class is rich with amazing facts about the body, anatomy, the chakra systems and touches on spirituality. Lori is also actively involved with community outreach in South Central Los Angeles.

david romanelli www.yeahdaveyoga.com
exhale
venice: 245 south main street, venice, CA 90291
(310) 450-7676
santa monica: 1422 2nd street, santa monica, CA 90401
(310) 899-6222

How often do you listen to music for an hour without interruption? A road trip, a concert, a workout - combine those three and you have Yeah Dave Yoga, David's innovative fusion of music and yoga. Growing up loving the Grateful Dead, The Allman Brothers and other jam bands who play a unique set list at every show, David brings that same fresh approach to each yoga class with new music and an insightful message to accompany his vinyasa flow style.
Currently a featured blogger for Yahoo! Health, David also presented The Power of Being Present at the 2005 Inc. 500 Business Conference. He travels around the country presenting the Yoga + Chocolate experience which has been featured in the New York Times, Marie Claire, Fit Yoga and Breathe. A co-founder of Arizona's At One Yoga which is widely recognized for its modern presentation of the ancient practice, David received training from John Friend, Erich Schiffman, Ashtangis Anthony Carlisi and Dave Oliver and Anusara specialist Kat Puralewski.

amina ann rosen
yoga at the village
1306 sonora avenue, glendale, CA 91201
(818) 265-9833

A former Registered nurse and Marathon runner, Amina has been studying yoga for 9 years, She completed her Teaching training in Anusara Yoga at City Yoga in West Hollywood. Anusara Yoga is "heart oriented" and spiritually inspiring but also focuses on a strong foundation and proper body alignment. Anusara Yoga is not a cure but enhances physical and emotional wellness and brings a calmness many had thought they 'd lost forever. As a Breast Cancer Survivor, Amina is also dedicated to those with Cancer and those physically challenged to achieve emotional harmony and inner peace.

sherri rosen
YAS
1101 abbot kinney boulevard, venice, CA 90291
(310) 396-6993

no bio found

steve ross
maha yoga
13050 san vicente boulevard, 2nd floor, los angeles, CA 90049
(310) 899-0047

Steve Ross has practiced various styles of yoga for almost thirty years and has been an instructor for over twenty years. He has explored the physical aspects of yoga as well as the philosophical and spiritual roots of yoga. He spent four years as a monk in the Vedic tradition, and since that time, he has ceaselessly sought out and reveled in the presence of some of the most notable masters of our time - in India and elsewhere. He is honored to have the opportunity to share his knowledge and experience with other spiritual seekers. Steve combines upbeat, inspirational music with a relaxed, easy spirituality that make his classes at Maha Yoga some of the most popular in Los Angeles. His events are ecstatic. His retreats are well known to produce a blissful state of being.

lee rothman
the awareness center
2801 east foothill boulevard, pasadena, CA 91107
(626) 796-1567

Lee is a graduate of the Awareness Center Teacher Training Program. She loves to uplift and inspire using the teachings of Yogi Bhajan. Her class is a beautiful way to end the week.

john sahakian www.wholebreath.com
black dog yoga
4454 van nuys boulevard #206, sherman oaks, CA 91403
(818) 380-0331
exhale center for sacred movement
venice: 245 south main street, venice, CA 90291
(310) 450-7676

John believes that how we breathe reveals how we live. By linking breath with movement and asana, a great personal transformation can be experienced. "As our breath begins to flow, our lives begin to flow. The more we value our breath, the more we value life." John's approach to Hatha yoga sharply focuses on becoming more conscious of breath to fee one's natural state of peace, cultivating a practice that will enable one to respond to life's challenges in a healthier way, and integrating breath - presence - practice - into every aspect of life.
John's classes challenge the practitioner to find balance between inner and outer experience, strength and vulnerability, stamina and relaxation, spirit and matter. He sees sequence variation as a vital part of his teaching style, yet recognizes that the ritual of practice preserves one's rhythmic alignment with all creation, and ultimately helps cultivate the true foundation of life that is Spirit and love. Expect to sweat and stretch your awareness.
John is a certified Breathing Therapist, and is trained in Stress Management. He is forever thankful to his teachers for helping him better understand yoga and life, and how the two are one and the same.

adriano sarmento
*** he's moved to brazil; he was last at:
maha yoga
13050 san vicente boulevard, 2nd floor, los angeles, CA 90049
(310) 899-0047

no bio found

liza savage-katz
*** she's now involved with kidsgetmovin.com; she was last at:
jiva yoga
15327 sunset boulevard, pacific palisades, CA 90272
(310) 454-7000

Liza grew up in Rochester, New York and received a bachelor of Fine Arts from RIT. Liza began an interest in yoga about 10 years ago while living in London, England. She lived in London for six years where she worked as a Senior Art Director in advertising for clients such as L'Oreal, Disney and Coca-Cola. While in London, Liza began to get more and more interested in yoga, and she started practicing and attending workshops with instructors such as John Scott, Mark Hill and Baron Baptiste. In 2001, Liza left London and the corporate world to pursue her passion for yoga. She traveled to Katmandu, Nepal where she received her Hatha Yoga teacher training certification. After Nepal, she traveled to Thailand and New Zealand to broaden her life experience and later to Australia, where she deepened her practice studying with instructors Matthew Sweeny and Lance Schuler. She moved to Los Angeles about three years ago. In 2004, she received certification with YOGA ED.

erich schiffmann www.movingintostillness.com
exhale center for sacred movement
venice: 245 south main street, venice, CA 90291
(310) 450-7676

Erich is an internationally renowned and accomplished teacher, known for his best-selling book, Yoga: the Spirit and Practice of Moving into Stillness, and his award-winning video, Yoga, Mind and Body. He began practicing yoga as a teenager and began teaching after studying with T.K.V. Desikachar and B.K.S. Iyengar in India. Besides his classes at Sacred Movement, he regularly teaches workshops and retreats throughout the U.S. and abroad.

kishan shah www.kishanshah.com
truyoga
2425 colorado avenue, santa monica, CA 90404
(310) 829-2420

Kishan Shah teaches Hatha vinyasa yoga with a dynamic synthesis of solar and lunar energetics, encompassing asana, pranayama, bandha, mantra and mudra. His classes are a challenge to the body, a practice for the breath, a focus for the mind, and a delight to the soul.

robyn ann shumacher
santa monica yoga
1640 ocean park boulevard, santa monica, CA 90405
(310) 396-4040

Robyn Ann Shumacher teaches an energetic class, using her eclectic background to creatively engage students. She emphasizes conscious breathing to inspire, enhance and support the student's focus and attitude, while encouraging physical expression and exploration. Robyn Ann is a certified yoga instructor and has training in and experience with various styles of yoga including Hatha, Iyengar, Kundalini and Anusara.

guru singh www.gurusingh.com
yoga west
1535 south robertson boulevard, los angeles, CA 90035
(310) 552-4647

Guru Singh m.s.s., is a yogi, teacher, writer, composer-musician, shaman, ordained minister, healer, and most importantly as he says "a family man". Living with his wife and their two children, his life exemplifies a delicate and vital balance; honoring family and personal commitments while maintaining his spiritual dedication to working with the people of this world.
In early 1966 Warner Bros. Reprise Records heard his music which was focused on the 'Peace Movement' and the challenges of honoring real life. In less than a year of playing professionally in San Francisco, Guru Singh had his songs on the radio and TV shows nationwide. As a powerful voice against the war in Vietnam, Guru Singh became the target of the 'Co-Intel-Pro' operation that was J. Edgar Hoover's answer to the Peace Movement in America. To avoid the insanity of this dangerous and unchecked power, Guru Singh spent the next 13 months training in an ancient form of musical healing in the remote mountains of southern Mexico's wilderness.
After returning from this adventure, Guru Singh met Yogi Bhajan, a spiritual leader from northern India and master of Kundalini yoga. From January 1969 through the present, Guru Singh has been studying and teaching Kundalini yoga and meditation, a science taught in India for over four thousand years.

guru meher singh
yoga west
1535 south robertson boulevard, los angeles, CA 90035
(310) 552-4647

no bio found

annmarie solo www.annmariesolo.com
yoga desa
120 north topanga canyon boulevard, topanga, CA 90290
(310) 455-9551
yoga works
main street: 2215 main street, santa monica, CA 90405
(310) 664-6470

Annmarie has been studying Yoga since 1995 and teaching since 2000. She discovered Yoga in N.Y.C at Jivamukti and after an introspective year of intense asana and pranayama she was inspired to go to India where she lived for 6 months. In India Annmarie studied with Patabi Jois as well as many other teachers. This trip changed Annmarie’s life: “It gave me a deeper perspective on suffering and also a richer sense of joy....India allowed my spirit to breathe, my compassion to grow....In my class you arrive and allow everything you’re feeling to be present. You meet yourself on the mat....without judgment without a destination or agenda...we let the heart out to breathe” Annmarie is also a singer –songwriter, currently recording her album.

john sovec
yoga house
pasadena: 11 west state street, pasadena, CA 91105
(626) 403-3961
toluca lake: 3808 riverside drive, auite 101, burbank, CA 91505
(818) 567-0471

An accomplished writer, John is a regular contributor to Yogi Times Magazine. He is a certified Yoga teacher and massage therapist whose spiritual journey has allowed him to open up to the healing power of the heart. "Learn to get in touch with the silence within yourself and know that everything in life has a purpose." - Elisabeth Kubler-Ross

jeff starin
urth yoga
2809 west sunset boulevard, los angeles, CA 90026
(213) 483-YOGA

Waiting for my first yoga class to begin was a little disconcerting. I didn't know what to expect, wasn't very flexible, and was secretly hoping I didn't see anyone I knew...or anyone who knew someone I knew...or even someone whose dog had played with a friend's dog and might be able to recognize me by scent when she got home.
From my very first day, a yoga studio felt like home. I knew nothing of the different styles of yoga, schools of philosophy, methodologies, or even that we would turn ourselves upside down at some point. What I did know was that I wanted to learn more about all of it. I practiced almost daily from the start. I read everything I can get my hands on, attend workshops and retreats, and consistently find that the more I learn, the more I want to learn. There is no part of my life that has not benefited from my yoga studies. Having had extensive opportunity to study with gifted teachers including Peter Barnett, Anthony Benenati, Tiffany Fraser, John Friend, and so many others has been a blessing.
I offer a heart full of gratitude to those who have selflessly given inspiration, encouragement, support, and wisdom, whether they knew it or not.

chris stein
b.k.s. iyengar yoga institute
8233 west 3rd street, los angeles, CA 90048
(323) 653-0357
yoga works
main street: 2215 main street, santa monica, CA 90405
(310) 664-6470
montana: 1426 montana avenue, santa monica, CA 90403
(310) 393-5150
westwood: 1256 westwood boulevard, los angeles, CA 90024
(310) 234-1200

Christine Stein is a Jr. Intermediate II Iyengar Yoga teacher. She began studying BKS Iyengar's method of yoga at the Iyengar Yoga Institute in 1987 and graduated from the very first Teacher Training Program at the Institute in 1993. Every year since graduation, Chris has attended classes and apprenticed in the medical classes in Pune, India (the home of the Iyengar family). For Chris, the joys of teaching Iyengar Yoga include introducing BKS Iyengar's method to beginning yogis and to those who have previously practiced other styles of yoga, and to teach the BKS Iyengar method in such a manner that provides a deep appreciation for this great Yogimaster. She has been teaching at Yoga Works for almost ten years and has been an integral part of the growing community of Iyengar students.

peter sterios www.petersterios.com
truyoga
2425 colorado avenue, santa monica, CA 90404
(310) 829-2420

Peter Sterios is an internationally recognized yoga teacher who has led workshops and teacher trainings since 1987. His yoga practice began as therapy for numerous sports injuries, and is a unique style of hatha yoga, inspired by the crossover disciplines of chi-gung and south Indian dance. His teaching reflects over 30 years of study and practice in the US and India. A writer and former contributing editor for Yoga Journal, he has been featured in their yoga calendars, Beginners Column, Master Class Column and website. He is also CEO of Manduka, a leading yoga products company he founded in 1997 in San Luis Obispo, CA. He lives and teaches in Santa Monica, California, and currently is director for Truyoga, a comprehensive yoga school and body therapy center, which he also designed, and is one of the first totally "green" centers in Southern California.

daniel stewart www.yogapath.org
santa monica yoga
1640 ocean park boulevard, santa monica, CA 90405
(310) 396-4040
rising lotus yoga
13557 ventura boulevard, sherman oaks, CA 91423
(818) 990-0282

Daniel Stewart studies yoga and other wisdom traditions to explore the practice of becoming fully alive in each moment. His playful, heart-centered teaching, combines alignment, meditative breath, music and spirit, in vigorous vinyasa-flow classes that encourage students to quiet their minds and reconnect to themselves, releasing energy for renewal and joy.

stefan storace
garden of yoga
22284 buena ventura street, woodland hills, CA 91364
(818) 932-9849

Stefan Storace was born and raised in Los Angeles and was formally trained and received his yoga certification from the White Lotus Foundation in Santa Barbara, CA. Over the years he has attended several workshops, retreats and trainings including Vipassana meditation courses. He also completed a second teachers-training program with Erich Schiffmann in December 2002. Most recently he completed an advanced teachers training with Rod Stryker and has been studying Chi Kung and Tai Chi privately with Matthew Cohen since January 2005.
Stefan began his yoga journey more than 10 years ago when a fellow musician friend brought him to his first Yoga class. Physically, mentally, spiritually and emotionally the yoga practice and lifestyle totally transformed his life from the inside out. His goal has been to heal, inspire, and teach yoga to anyone and everyone who is interested in this dynamic practice.
Stefan has had the opportunity to work hands on with spiritual healers, yoga teachers, and meditation groups. "I am dedicated and committed to spiritual growth and continue to read, study and learn so I can expand my knowledge of yoga and life. My classes are fun, challenging, and filled with philosophy and wisdom".

suzanne strachan www.4yogaandmassage.com
in the mudra yoga and dance studio
21835 sherman way, canoga park, CA 91303
(310) 340-YOGA

Suzanne Strachan has been teaching yoga, practicing massage therapy, shiatsu and acupressure since 1985. As a yoga instructor, Suzanne is available for both individual or group classes for adults, children and pre-natal, pregnancy yoga instruction. Suzanne’s yoga instruction services include hatha yoga, meditation and breathing exercises especially tailored to suit busy life styles. Suzanne has experience working with a wide range of serious physically debilitating conditions and athletic injuries. Suzanne has experience working with clients with a wide range of conditions, including but not limited to thoracic outlet syndrome, kyphotic upper thoracic curvature, carpal tunnel syndrome, herniated discs, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis in the elderly, work related injury and rotator cuff injuries. Suzanne uses yogic breathing techniques to help those with respiratory conditions such as emphysema and asthma.
Suzanne is a former yoga instructor for the Simi-Rancho Park System in Oak Park, CA. and for the Boeing Recreation Center in Canoga Park, CA. Suzanne has taught for West Hills Hospital at “Pregnagym”, a program for prenatal and postnatal patients in West Hills, CA.

swami pranavananda
sivananda yoga vedanta
13325 beach avenue, marina del rey, CA 90292
(310) 822-YOGA

Swami Pranavananda is the Spiritual Director of the LA Center. Swami Pranavananda took the holy vow of Sannyas in 1995. He co-directed the San Francisco center for five years and was based at the Sivananda Yoga Farm in Grass Valley for the past 12 months.

jo tastula
exhale center for sacred movement
venice: 245 south main street, venice, CA 90291
(310) 450-7676
sacred energy arts
220 pier street, santa monica, CA 90405
(310) 403-3124
yoga loft manhattan beach
313 11th place, manhattan beach, CA 90266
(310) 372-7334

Over 10 years of practice exploring styles and teachers, Jo has come to embody Dharma Yoga. The yoga of right truth, right action. She encourages her students to expand awareness through all layers of self and practice according to their own energetic feedback systems. Jo teaches a strong vinyasa flow class with emphasis on breath, heart, balance, and creativity understanding that on the most fundamental level, we are the sum of all of our thoughts.
The energy and discipline of her very first teachers; Trevor Tangye (Australia), Lino Miele (Italy), Pattabhi Jois, Sharath Rangaswamy and Yogacharya V. Venkatehsa (India) inspired a commitment to practice. Jo is evermore thankful to her senior teachers in Los Angeles; Annie Carpenter, Max Strom, Eric Schiffmann, Shiva Rea, Lisa Walford and Rod Stryker, whose insightful teachings she continuously draws upon.

meaghan townsend www.sunleaps.com
exhale
venice: 245 south main street, venice, CA 90291
(310) 450-7676
santa monica: 1422 2nd street, santa monica, CA 90401
(310) 899-6222
yogahop
1612 montana avenue, santa monica, CA 90405
(310) 829-5000

I learn more from my students and classes on a daily basis than in my lifetime of academic studying and book-learning. I thank and honor the privilege of teaching every student who takes my class.
The divine light in me salutes the divine light in you: Namaste!

dhyana tse
truyoga
2425 colorado avenue, santa monica, CA 90404
(310) 829-2420

no bio found

ashley turner www.ashleyturner.org
santa monica power yoga
west: 1410 2nd street, santa monica, CA 90401
(310) 458-9510

Ashley Turner grew up in Illinois and has a degree in International Relations from USC, where her passionate study of Self, philosophy and wisdom traditions began. She has been an avid yoga practitioner for over 10 years, studying traditional Ashtanga yoga with Baba Hari Dass and Vinyasa yoga with Shiva Rea. Currently, she practices with Chuck Miller and Maty Ezraty and continues her insight meditation daily. Her deepest influence is the profound work of Ram Dass. Her eclectic, compassionate teaching style eloquently weaves devotion (bhakti yoga) and philosophy (jnana yoga) into a strong, transformative asana flow. The sublime depth and intention of her classes challenge students to observe their habits and expand their potential. The foundation of her class is a vigorous physical practice underscored by continual self-inquiry. Classes usually begin and end with a brief meditation while Ashley plays the harmonium.

bahni turpin
yoga works
main street: 2215 main street, santa monica, CA 90405
(310) 664-6470

Bahni began her practice of Hatha yoga with David Life and Sharon Gannon of Jivamukti yoga in New York. She completed Yoga Works' teacher training in 1997 with Maty Ezraty and Lisa Walford . Bahni assisted Seane Corn for three years and later assisted Maty. Bahni taught classes at Paramount studios, Yoga Body and Spirit, and Earth's Power Yoga prior to joining the staff at Yoga Works in 2001. In 2002 Bahni met Krishna Kaur and subsequently began her study of Kundalini Yoga. She completed the kudalini yoga level one teacher training in 2003. Through Krishna Kaur, Bahni became a member of the International Association of Black Yoga Teachers, an organization dedicated to making yoga available to people of the African Diaspora. In 2003 Bahni traveled with a group of IABYT teachers to Ghana on a teaching tour. A practitioner of Mysore style Astanga Yoga, Bahni's class is vinyasa based in the style we've come to know as "flow". Though these classes are strongly rooted in the physical aspect, she hopes to bring her students to the awareness of their own divine nature, and to strengthen the conscious connection to that higher self.

ida unger
yoga garden studios
2236 26th street, santa monica, CA 90405
(310) 450-0133

Ida Unger is an Iyengar yoga instructor with over fifteen years experience in guiding students to understand and practice the art of yoga. She opened her own studio the Yoga Garden in 1987, offering just two classes a week. Ida Unger began studying yoga in 1978 and received her Iyengar Teaching Certificate in 1989.
Ida has studied with numerous international masters including B.K.S. Iyengar, Aadil Pahlkavali, Faeq Beria, and Manouso Manos. In 1998, she spent time in Pune India, studying with the Iyengar family. While pregnant, she studied with Sandra Jordon, certified Iyengar yoga instructor and author of Yoga During Pregnancy. She continues to study advanced yoga and therapeutics via the BKS Iyengar Yoga Institute in West Hollywood.
In 1996, as a result of a miraculous series of coincidences, Ida began to connect her Jewish "roots" with her "spiritual wings", yoga. She has developed an expansive curriculum that examines the connections and similarities between the two traditions, as an enhancement, a deepening to both. She has taught her "Yoga and Judaism" course to hundreds of people, via Temple Beth Shir Shalom, the Chavurah movement, the 1999 & 2001 Alef Kallah, among others. Her work is motivated by her own deep yoga and meditation practice and a belief that she is guided to share this work.

anne van valkenburg
yoga works
larchmont: 230 1/2 north larchmont boulevard, los angeles, CA 90004
(323) 464-1276
main street: 2215 main street, santa monica, CA 90405
(310) 664-6470
pacific palisades: 15327 sunset boulevard, pacific palisades, CA 90272
(310) 454-7000

Growing up a southern California girl, Anne spent years swimming, playing sports and running. In 1999, she turned to yoga out of curiosity and hasn't turned back. Now a committed Iyengar student, Anne incorporates the knowledge and wisdom of correct alignment with slow and deep movements, resulting in a calm, well-balanced and mindful asana practice. She encourages students to challenge themselves in a safe and methodical way. By bringing your mind to the physical actions of the postures, students are motivated to dwell in a state of focus. In a nurturing and supportive class, Anne inspires her students to look for harmony in building strength while maintaining a calm and peaceful state of mind. The practice is about self-study and investigation of what lies beneath the exterior surface of one's self.

dario velasquez
annie's yoga studio
4521-A van nuys boulevard, sherman oaks, CA 91403
(818) 788-5960

Dario is a certified and dedicated practitioner of yoga. He has practiced yoga since 1982 and has been teaching since 1993 and holds a grandfather certification (over 500 hours of teaching) from the Yoga Alliance. Dario teaches a combination of Iyengar, Ashtanga and Krischnamacharya styles. His flow classes are intense and known to be rigorous. He also teaches restorative classes based on the Iyengar style.

mas vidal
dancing shiva yoga and ayurveda
7466 beverly boulevard, los angeles, CA 90036
(323) 934-8332

Mas Vidal is the Spiritual Director of Dancing Shiva Yoga and Ayurveda (DSYA) in Los Angeles California, a center dedicated to the practice, education and lifestyle of the Great Vedic sciences of Yoga and Ayurveda. He teaches group classes, offers private Ayurvedic lifestyle counseling and administers Pancha Karma, the ancient healing therapies. He is the creator of Veda Yoga, an original approach based on authentic Yogic and Ayurvedic principles. Dancing Shiva is the home of Veda Yoga, the first center in the west to offer a complete practice aimed at achieving a balance of the Ayurvedic science of tri-dosha. Shortly after completing his BA in Liberal Arts & Sciences at the University of Florida in 1990, he encountered the teachings of his guru Paramahansa Yogananda. After journeying through world religions and metaphysics he realized that yoga was everything he was looking for. With a ceaseless quest for an understanding of life's great mysteries he became a Kriyaban devotee, the ancient science of Kriya Yoga, which was reintroduced to the modern world by Mahatvatar Babaji. As a Yoga and Ayurveda practitioner his primary study was under the tutelage of pundit Vamadeva Shastri (Dr. David Frawley) of the American Institute of Vedic Studies. He has also developed his knowledge through various other Vaidyas (doctors) of Ayurveda who are visiting staff at DSYA.

steven vincent www.pranayoga-la.com
angel city yoga
12408 ventura boulevard, studio city, CA
(818) 762-8211
progressive power yoga
studio city: 4344 tujunga avenue, studio city, CA 91604
(818) 76-YOGA7
yoga at the village
1306 sonora avenue, glendale, CA 91201
(818) 265-9833
yoga house
pasadena: 11 west state street, pasadena, CA 91105
(626) 403-3961
toluca lake: 3808 riverside drive, auite 101, burbank, CA 91505
(818) 567-0471
yoga loft woodland hills
21228 ventura boulevard, woodland hills, CA 91364
(818) 710-9057

Steven Vincent has been a dedicated Yogi for 15 years. Through the diligent study and practice of yoga, he has healed multiple dislocations to both knees, chronic lower back pain, sacroiliac joint problems, insomnia and asthma and has also calmed and centered his once very turbulent mental and emotional bodies. Steven teaches Pranayoga, an integrated practice blending elements from a range of Yoga practices: the movement linked to deep yogic breathing of Ashtanga and Vinyasa/Flow, the attention to alignment of Iyengar and Anusara, the strength development of Power Yoga, the pulsation and the emphasis on function rather than form of Viniyoga, as well as Chakra energy work, Tai Chi and Buddhist and Raja Yoga meditation.
Discover the core of your being and develop deep physical, mental, emotional and spiritual strength as well as ease and flexibility of body and mind. Pranayoga is a transformational practice which cultivates every aspect of your being. Classes range from Gentle/Beginner to Intermediate/Challenging. Begin your practice today!
Steven also leads the "Hearts of Peace" Sangha of Peace Is Every Step, which organizes monthly walking meditations inspired by the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh.

wah! www.wahmusic.com/yoga.html
planet yoga
518 pier avenue, hermosa beach, CA 90254
(310) 376-5354

I have practiced yoga and meditation since I was a teenager. I offer chanting programs, yoga classes and workshops to share and introduce this experience to others.
There are many forms of yoga and countless Gurus, ashrams, temples and yoga centers. I would like to share with you what I have found... my understanding and experience.
It is my belief that we are guided internally. Our hearts desires lead us in the direction of discovery. It does not matter what style of yoga you practice or who your Guru is or what lineage you are in. What matters is, are you growing?
The changes come ... some are harsh, some are beautiful. Come to yoga class, let's come together.

lisa walford www.walford.com/lisa.htm
yoga works
montana: 1426 montana avenue, santa monica, CA 90403
(310) 393-5150

Lisa Walford, teaches exclusively in the Iyengar tradition as taught by the Iyengar family in Pune, India. She holds an intermediate senior Iyengar teaching certificate and has been teaching yoga in Los Angeles since 1982. She was on the faculty of several National Iyengar Yoga Conventions and continues her studies annually with the Iyengars. Over the years she has been a central figure in the Yoga Works Teacher Training Course, and continues to teach many of the courses in our certification program. In her rigorous and technically informative classes, she creates an ambiance of internal focus inspiring to beginning and advanced students. Through yoga she continues to explore the introspective process of balancing the physical with the energetic body while deepening her appreciation for the creative spirit. In her words: Yoga brings us from the finite to the infinite, from pain to purpose and passion, and from dis ease to discriminative awareness. Our body gives us the most immediate and intimate tool to develop this awareness. This process of refining attention through the practice of postures is at the core of every yoga class.

julian walker www.julianwalkeryoga.com
santa monica yoga
1640 ocean park boulevard, santa monica, CA 90405
(310) 396-4040

Julian Walker has been teaching yoga since 1994 and brings a fascination with psyche, spirit and healing transformation to his work. He was mentored and certified by Ana Forrest, has studied extensively with energy master Vincent Saporito and is co-creator of the Core Sequencing system that integrates yoga, bodywork, emotional healing and nutritional counseling. His classes are sweaty, energetic, stretchy and meditative, cater to students of all levels and include music and poetry.

jeff wells www.jeffwells.net
maha yoga
13050 san vicente boulevard, 2nd floor, los angeles, CA 90049
(310) 899-0047

Jeff has been teaching yoga for over six years and has a true understanding of spiritual fitness, health and wellness.

ruthie zalduondo
progressive power yoga
studio city: 4344 tujunga avenue, studio city, CA 91604
(818) 76-YOGA7

no bio found


this is a work in progress; there will be more to come...