INSTRUCTOR: Govind Das

DATE: Monday, September 7th

TIME: 7:30pm - 9:00pm

LOCATION: 3707 Portola Drive – Yoga Studio

COST: $30 - No one turned away due to financial hardship

DESCRIPTION:

Join Govind Das in the uplifting and heart opening practice of Kirtan. Kirtan is an ancient bhakti yoga practice using mantra and music as an expression of devotion and prayer. The literal translation of kirtan is "to praise.” Kirtan is described as a "jewel of a spiritual practice" because of its joyful, open-hearted, meditative, and communal feeling. Come sing, dance, and enjoy spiritual community. For the new people to kirtan/chanting, just bring yourself, no special clothes or yoga mat needed.

BIO:

Govind Das is the co-director/owner of Bhakti Yoga Shala. He just finished a world kirtan tour and is happy to be back in his home state of California. He is a kirtan leader and teacher in the path of Bhakti Yoga.   His inspiring kirtan and Bhakti Yoga teachings encourage the opening of the heart and developing a personal and intimate connection with Source.  He leads programs of kirtan, bhakti yoga workshops, and transformational retreats throughout the world. His lastest celebrated kirtan cd, "LUNAR MANTRAS"  spent many weeks at #2 on the Itunes World Music chart.  http://bhaktiyogashala.com instagram: @bhaktiyogashala @govind.das.108

INSTRUCTOR: Deborah Yates

DATES: September 6th

TIME: 12:30 pm - 1:45pm

LOCATION: 3603 Portola Drive – Dance Studio

COST: $22 drop in/class passes apply

BIO:

Deborah Yates, Veteran Fitness Pro and National Aerobic Champion, has been sharing her love for dance based fitness for over 30 years. Yikes! That’s a long time!

“I love combining my dance training with fitness and will continue as long as possible”.

Having spent the last several years managing Group Exercise programs for Silicon Valley Sport Resort Clubs, Mama Yates has returned to the life of a full time instructor. Certified in several formats spanning the field from Strength to Barre, Deborah finds her true heart while dancing and sharing that love with like minded humans.

INSTRUCTOR: Kirsten Cohen

DATE: Tuesdays

TIME: 9:00am - 10:00am

LOCATION: 3603 Portola Drive – Yoga Studio

COST: $22 Drop In / passes apply

DESCRIPTION:

WHAT IS SALSA RUEDA?

Salsa Rueda is a dynamic Cuban partner dance where dancers form a circle, follow calls and hand signals, and continuously rotate partners.

It's social. It's playful. It's challenging. And it's SO MUCH FUN.

NEW TO RUEDA?

You're welcome!

This class is a great introduction to Salsa Rueda, and Kirsten breaks down the patterns and calls so you can build confidence and practice your fundamentals.

Because we dance in partners and the class builds on Salsa fundamentals, we do recommend that new students already have some basic Salsa experience—including the basic steps and rhythm, even if you've only practiced suelta (solo).

No Rueda experience necessary!

ALREADY DANCING CUBAN SALSA?

Come join us!

If you're taking Ana's Cuban Salsa class, this is a wonderful opportunity to take those Salsa fundamentals into a whole new format—and practice them with a community of dancers.

And for our returning Rueda dancers...

We're so happy you're continuing to grow this circle with us!

Come dance with us, learn something new, and become part of the growing Santa Cruz Salsa Rueda community.

The circle is waiting for you.

Kirsten Cohen has been dancing since an early age, but once introduced to Salsa Rueda, she was hooked.  She has been dancing and teaching Salsa Rueda in Santa Cruz ever since.  She is very excited to meet you and to welcome you to the growing salsa rueda community.

INSTRUCTOR: Joy Smith

DATE: Saturday, August 22nd

TIME: 10:00am - 12:30pm

LOCATION: 3603 Portola Drive – Yoga Studio

COST: $35

DESCRIPTION:

IN THIS PERFORMANCE WORKSHOP, Joy will be teaching us a polished and stylish dance routine that we will be performing at Dancing in the Streets in September. This is for those who either want to learn sensational dance routing and / or know they will want to perform with us OR are almost performance ready and want to dig deeper into the refinement of a polished dance routine. 

Please consider attending her classes ahead of time to familiarize yourself with her stylish choreography:
✨Mondays 10:15-11:15am : Hip Hop & Zumba Basics
✨Wednesdays 10:30-11:30 am : Cardio HH & Zumba

INSTRUCTOR: Makenna Brown

DATES: August 17th

TIME: 9am - 10am

LOCATION: 3603 Portola Drive – Dance Studio

COST: FREE

LOCATION: 3603 Portola Drive, Santa Cruz
DANCE STUDIO

FREE Community Barre Fusion

Taught by our graduates of our Barre Fusion Teacher Training and Coaching Program

Total Body Expression Workout with elements of Ballet, Pilates, Fitness, & Flow

Lengthen, strengthen, tone, and revive with this class that combines ballet, Pilates and fitness for a full body expression of self care. Increase strength, balance and core stability while moving joyfully to music.

Barre Ballet Core Fitness Fun!

We have both Wall & Portable Barres AND 2.5lb & 5lb Dumbbells, Sliders, Bands, & Balls.

Come for a Core Blast!!

DATE:

• 08/16/26 with Kayla Copeland

TIME: 12:00pm - 1:00pm

LOCATION: 3707 Portola Drive – Yoga Studio

COST: FREE!

DESCRIPTION:

✨ Curious about Yoga Teacher Training?

Join us this Sunday for a FREE Yoga Teacher Training Information Session and discover whether one of our upcoming programs is the next step in your journey.

Meet Your Guides

Kayla Copeland
Lead Teacher, The Embodied Breath™ 200-Hour Yoga & Breathwork Teacher Training

Kayla brings together yoga, breathwork, mindfulness, meditation, and psychology into a teaching style that is both grounded and deeply transformational. With decades of study and practice, she creates spaces where students feel supported to grow with authenticity, curiosity, and confidence.

Jessica Weitzenhoffer
Co-Lead Teacher, 300-Hour Advanced Yoga Teacher Training

Jessica is known for her intelligent sequencing, embodied alignment, and wholehearted approach to teaching. Drawing from years of dedicated study, practice, and service, she inspires students to teach from lived experience while honoring the depth and tradition of yoga.

🗓️ Sunday

🧘 Strong Bhakti Flow
10:00–11:30 AM
Co-taught by Kayla Copeland & Jessica Weitzenhoffer

☕ FREE Information Session
12:00–1:00 PM

Come experience the teaching, meet the faculty, ask your questions, and learn more about both of our Fall programs:

🌿 The Embodied Breath™
200-Hour Yoga & Breathwork Teacher Training

✨ 300-Hour Advanced Yoga Teacher Training

Whether you're considering your first certification or continuing your path as an experienced teacher, we'd love to connect with you.

💛 Special for attendees:
Anyone who attends Sunday's Info Session and enrolls will receive Early Registration Tuition.

No pressure.
Just community, conversation, and the opportunity to explore what's possible.

We'd love to see you there.

Things you might learn: 

What you will learn

What's Inside the Training Modules

Who are the Guest Teachers

What you will walk away with

Who the training is for

What are the requirements

INSTRUCTOR: Joy Smith

DATE: Sunday, August 16th

TIME: 10:00am - 12:30pm

LOCATION: 3603 Portola Drive – Yoga Studio

COST: $25

DESCRIPTION:

IN THIS PERFORMANCE WORKSHOP, Joy will be teaching us a polished and stylish dance routine that we will be performing at Dancing in the Streets in September. This is for those who either want to learn sensational dance routing and / or know they will want to perform with us OR are almost performance ready and want to dig deeper into the refinement of a polished dance routine. 

Please consider attending her classes ahead of time to familiarize yourself with her stylish choreography:
✨Mondays 10:15-11:15am : Hip Hop & Zumba Basics
✨Wednesdays 10:30-11:30 am : Cardio HH & Zumba

INSTRUCTOR: Meg King

DATE: Saturday, August 15th

TIME: 11:00 am-12:30 pm

LOCATION: 3603 Portola Drive – Yoga Studio

COST: $25

DESCRIPTION:

The Lovely and Sensational Meg King is going to teach our dancers the routine she prepared for her daughters bridesmaids wedding party dance - that we will perform at Capitola Art & Wine! It's FIRE! Inspired by the Dallas Cowboy's Cheerleaders Netflix series! And has both Brazilian Samba meets ACDC's Thunderstruck Cheerleader flare!!

INSTRUCTOR: Makenna Brown

DATES: August 14th

TIME: 11:45 am - 12:45pm

LOCATION: 3603 Portola Drive – Dance Studio

COST: FREE

LOCATION: 3603 Portola Drive, Santa Cruz
DANCE STUDIO

FREE Community Barre Fusion

Taught by our graduates of our Barre Fusion Teacher Training and Coaching Program

Total Body Expression Workout with elements of Ballet, Pilates, Fitness, & Flow

Lengthen, strengthen, tone, and revive with this class that combines ballet, Pilates and fitness for a full body expression of self care. Increase strength, balance and core stability while moving joyfully to music.

Barre Ballet Core Fitness Fun!

We have both Wall & Portable Barres AND 2.5lb & 5lb Dumbbells, Sliders, Bands, & Balls.

Come for a Core Blast!!

INSTRUCTOR: Crystal Silmi

DATE: Sunday, August 9th

TIME: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

LOCATION: 3603 Portola Drive – Dance Studio

COST: $35

DESCRIPTION:

This special workshop is designed for dancers who attend the Beginning Belly Dance Workshop on July 19th. Building on the foundational techniques learned in class, participants will put their skills into practice while learning a complete beginner-level belly dance drum solo choreography. This workshop is a fun opportunity to develop musicality, improve performance skills, and experience the excitement of dancing a full-length routine.

BIO: Crystal is a San Francisco–born belly dance and fusion artist known for her dynamic style, blending classical Middle Eastern dance with modern influences. Drawing from her Arab American roots, she brings rhythm, athleticism, and cultural depth to the stage. A longtime student of Suhaila and Jamila Salimpour, she performed with both the Suhaila Dance Company and Bal Anat before founding her own troupe, RaksArabi, in 2006. Crystal spent nearly a decade in Madrid, Spain, where she taught, performed, and directed the student group Dance Junkies. Now based in Washington, DC, she teaches weekly classes locally and online, and performs regularly. Crystal is also a certified yoga instructor and holds a BA in Cultural Anthropology from UC Santa Cruz.

INSTRUCTOR: Joy Smith

DATE: Sunday, July 26th

TIME: 10:00am - 12:30pm

LOCATION: 3603 Portola Drive – Yoga Studio

COST: $35

DESCRIPTION:

IN THIS PERFORMANCE WORKSHOP, Joy will be teaching us a polished and stylish dance routine that we will be performing at Dancing in the Streets in September. This is for those who either want to learn sensational dance routing and / or know they will want to perform with us OR are almost performance ready and want to dig deeper into the refinement of a polished dance routine. 

Please consider attending her classes ahead of time to familiarize yourself with her stylish choreography:
✨Mondays 10:15-11:15am : Hip Hop & Zumba Basics
✨Wednesdays 10:30-11:30 am : Cardio HH & Zumba

NEW CLASS ADDED!

INSTRUCTOR: Ana Saroj

DATE: Thursday August 9th

TIME: 10:00am - 11:00am

LOCATION: 3603 Portola Drive – Dance Studio

COST: $20 Drop In / Class Passes Apply

DESCRIPTION:

Join Ana Saroj for a Salsa Cubana Class—a fun, all-levels class focused on solo footwork (salsa suelta), body movement, and authentic Cuban flavor. With over 20 years of international teaching and performing experience, plus deep training in Cuba, Ana brings her passion for dance straight to the Santa Cruz community. No partner needed—just bring your joy and love for music and dance!

INSTRUCTOR BIO:

Ana Saroj is a seasoned dancer with over 20 years of experience dedicated specifically to salsa and other Latin dances. She is known for her vibrant presence, deep musicality, and commitment to authentic Cuban dance. While based in the San Francisco Bay Area and later in Miami, Ana traveled the world teaching and performing, sharing her passion and expertise with dancers across continents.

In recent years, she has deepened her connection to the roots of Cuban dance by traveling regularly to Cuba to study with some of the island’s most respected masters in folkloric dance, salsa, and son.

Ana’s classes are fun, welcoming, and focused on solo movement—known in Cuba as salsa suelta—with no partner required. She emphasizes body movement, rhythm, and connection to the music, helping dancers of all levels experience the joy and richness of Cuban dance.

INSTRUCTOR: Alison Chesley

DATE: Sunday, August 2nd

TIME: 10:30 am-11:45 am

LOCATION: 3603 Portola Drive – Yoga Studio

COST: $25

DESCRIPTION:

CARDIO FUNK is a high energy all level choreography dance class to upbeat music where we build a fun and accessible dance routine over the hour for some serious satisfaction by the end. Starting with a warm-up then breaking down moves with a continuous cardio flow that includes some gut and ab toning, Alison’s clear and experienced style makes dancing our way to wellness AWESOME and available to all levels with no dance experience necessary!

Please consider attending her classes ahead of time to familiarize yourself with her stylish choreography:

✨Mondays 5:30pm - 6:30pm : Cardio Funk

INSTRUCTOR: Joy Smith

DATE: Sunday, July 26th

TIME: 10:00am - 12:30pm

LOCATION: 3603 Portola Drive – Yoga Studio

COST: $35

DESCRIPTION:

IN THIS PERFORMANCE WORKSHOP, Joy will be teaching us a polished and stylish dance routine that we will be performing at Dancing in the Streets in September. This is for those who either want to learn sensational dance routing and / or know they will want to perform with us OR are almost performance ready and want to dig deeper into the refinement of a polished dance routine. 

Please consider attending her classes ahead of time to familiarize yourself with her stylish choreography:
✨Mondays 10:15-11:15am : Hip Hop & Zumba Basics
✨Wednesdays 10:30-11:30 am : Cardio HH & Zumba

INSTRUCTOR: Meg King

DATE: Saturdays, July 25th & August 15th

TIME: 11:00 am-12:30 pm

LOCATION: 3603 Portola Drive – Yoga Studio

COST: $25

DESCRIPTION:

The Lovely and Sensational Meg King is going to teach our dancers the routine she prepared for her daughters bridesmaids wedding party dance - that we will perform at Capitola Art & Wine! It's FIRE! Inspired by the Dallas Cowboy's Cheerleaders Netflix series! And has both Brazilian Samba meets ACDC's Thunderstruck Cheerleader flare!!

DATE:

• 07/19/26 with Kayla Copeland & Jessica Weitzenhoffer

• 08/16/26 with Kayla Copeland

TIME: 12:00pm - 1:00pm

LOCATION: 3707 Portola Drive – Yoga Studio

COST: FREE!

DESCRIPTION:

✨ Curious about Yoga Teacher Training?

Join us this Sunday for a FREE Yoga Teacher Training Information Session and discover whether one of our upcoming programs is the next step in your journey.

Meet Your Guides

Kayla Copeland
Lead Teacher, The Embodied Breath™ 200-Hour Yoga & Breathwork Teacher Training

Kayla brings together yoga, breathwork, mindfulness, meditation, and psychology into a teaching style that is both grounded and deeply transformational. With decades of study and practice, she creates spaces where students feel supported to grow with authenticity, curiosity, and confidence.

Jessica Weitzenhoffer
Co-Lead Teacher, 300-Hour Advanced Yoga Teacher Training

Jessica is known for her intelligent sequencing, embodied alignment, and wholehearted approach to teaching. Drawing from years of dedicated study, practice, and service, she inspires students to teach from lived experience while honoring the depth and tradition of yoga.

🗓️ Sunday

🧘 Strong Bhakti Flow
10:00–11:30 AM
Co-taught by Kayla Copeland & Jessica Weitzenhoffer

☕ FREE Information Session
12:00–1:00 PM

Come experience the teaching, meet the faculty, ask your questions, and learn more about both of our Fall programs:

🌿 The Embodied Breath™
200-Hour Yoga & Breathwork Teacher Training

✨ 300-Hour Advanced Yoga Teacher Training

Whether you're considering your first certification or continuing your path as an experienced teacher, we'd love to connect with you.

💛 Special for attendees:
Anyone who attends Sunday's Info Session and enrolls will receive Early Registration Tuition.

No pressure.
Just community, conversation, and the opportunity to explore what's possible.

We'd love to see you there.

Things you might learn: 

What you will learn

What's Inside the Training Modules

Who are the Guest Teachers

What you will walk away with

Who the training is for

What are the requirements

INSTRUCTOR: Crystal Silmi

DATE: Sunday, July 19th

TIME: 10:00am - 12:00PM

LOCATION: 3603 Portola Drive – Dance Studio

COST: $35

DESCRIPTION:

🌙 ✨ Curious About Belly Dance? Start Here. ✨

Perfect for absolute beginners or anyone wanting to reconnect with the fundamentals. You’ll learn beautiful foundational movements, build confidence, and dance a flowing combination in a supportive and encouraging environment.

This beginning belly dance workshop is perfect for dancers new to the art or looking to refresh the basics. We’ll break down foundational belly dance movements and bring them together into a fun, accessible combo that builds confidence and flow. Join us in surf city for a joyful, supportive introduction to belly dance!

BIO: Crystal is a San Francisco–born belly dance and fusion artist known for her dynamic style, blending classical Middle Eastern dance with modern influences. Drawing from her Arab American roots, she brings rhythm, athleticism, and cultural depth to the stage. A longtime student of Suhaila and Jamila Salimpour, she performed with both the Suhaila Dance Company and Bal Anat before founding her own troupe, RaksArabi, in 2006. Crystal spent nearly a decade in Madrid, Spain, where she taught, performed, and directed the student group Dance Junkies. Now based in Washington, DC, she teaches weekly classes locally and online, and performs regularly. Crystal is also a certified yoga instructor and holds a BA in Cultural Anthropology from UC Santa Cruz.

DATE: 07/19/26with Kayla Copeland & Jessica Weitzenhoffer

TIME: 10:00am - 11:30am

LOCATION: 3707 Portola Drive – Yoga Studio

COST: $24/class passes apply

DESCRIPTION:

Strong Bhakti Flow
(Devotional Moving Meditation: A more vigorous Vinyasa)

Level 2/3

"Bhakti" means devotion—devotion to spirituality, ethics, and integrity. Bhakti Vinyasa Flow is a moving meditation, a prayer in motion, where we dedicate our practice to the higher good of all beings. Expect chanting, breathwork, and a weaving of yoga philosophy and principles throughout this sweaty Vinyasa practice taught by one of our most seasoned teachers. Be ready to move, flow, sweat, and let go! This is an amped-up version of our mixed flow class, with a faster pace and more intensity. Previous yoga experience and a strong foundation are recommended.

After the Bhakti flow attend a Free Info Session on our upcoming yoga teacher trainings:

Like the:

• Embodied Breath: 200hr Yoga & Breathwork Teacher Training

• 300 hr Advanced Embodied Breath Yoga Studies & Teacher Training program.

Come meet your instructors and learn about the training, ask questions, and help us pull out any stops to get you there!

Things you might learn:

• What you will learn

• What's Inside the Training Modules

• Who are the Guest Teachers

• What you will walk away with

• Who the training is for

• What are the requirements

INSTRUCTOR: Joy Smith

DATE: Saturday, July 18th

TIME: 10:00am - 12:30pm

LOCATION: 3603 Portola Drive – Yoga Studio

COST: $35

DESCRIPTION:

IN THIS PERFORMANCE WORKSHOP, Joy will be teaching us a polished and stylish dance routine that we will be performing at Dancing in the Streets in September. This is for those who either want to learn sensational dance routing and / or know they will want to perform with us OR are almost performance ready and want to dig deeper into the refinement of a polished dance routine. 

Please consider attending her classes ahead of time to familiarize yourself with her stylish choreography:
✨Mondays 10:15-11:15am : Hip Hop & Zumba Basics
✨Wednesdays 10:30-11:30 am : Cardio HH & Zumba

INSTRUCTOR: Alison Chesley

DATE: Sunday, July 12th

TIME: 10:30 am-11:45 am

LOCATION: 3603 Portola Drive – Yoga Studio

COST: $25

DESCRIPTION:

CARDIO FUNK is a high energy all level choreography dance class to upbeat music where we build a fun and accessible dance routine over the hour for some serious satisfaction by the end. Starting with a warm-up then breaking down moves with a continuous cardio flow that includes some gut and ab toning, Alison’s clear and experienced style makes dancing our way to wellness AWESOME and available to all levels with no dance experience necessary!

Please consider attending her classes ahead of time to familiarize yourself with her stylish choreography:

✨Mondays 5:30pm - 6:30pm : Cardio Funk

INSTRUCTOR: Allison Haley

DATES: Saturday June 27th

TIME: 10:00 am-11:00 am

LOCATION: 3603 Portola Drive – Dance Studio

COST: $20 Drop In / Class Passes Apply

DESCRIPTION:

Join Allison Haley for Tropical Fusion Sunday Pop Up!

Tropical Fusion is a high-energy dance fitness class with music from Brazil, the Caribbean, Latin America, and beyond.

We’ll journey through dance styles like Samba, Salsa, Dancehall, Afrobeats, Soca, Rhumba, Cumbia, Calypso, and more resulting in one hour of juicy and joyful movement!

Class includes a warmup, cardio dance, easy-to-learn choreography, and cool down.

Open to all levels and abilities!

Come free your hips, shake your booty, open your heart, express yourself, and feel the Tropical rhythms feed your soul!

INSTRUCTORS: Dayākar Dās & Living Devotion

DATE: Saturday, June 20th

TIME: 7:30pm - 9:00pm

LOCATION: 3707 Portola Drive – Yoga Studio

COST: $20-$30 sliding scale at the door - No one turned away due to financial hardship

DESCRIPTION:

Kirtan is The Music of Bhakti Yoga

Relax - Chant - Meditate - Sing - Pray - Dance

FEATURING:

Dayākar Dās – Harmonium & Vocals

Steve Robertson – Tabla

Anne Cleveland – Flute & Vocals

Robert Hansen – Sarod, Guitar & Vocals

Corinne LeBlanc – Harmonium & Vocals

ABOUT THE MUSIC OF YOGA:

Kirtan is a spiritual service with five parts that is found in the path of Bhakti Yoga. One of the parts is the chanting of Sanskrit healing and empowerment mantras and the singing of devotional songs called bhajans. Kirtan is a musically guided meditation practice. Practicing this yog calms the mind, relaxes the body and energizes the Spirit. Reciting mantra with a devotional attitude, especially the singing of bhajans, has a calming effect on the brain, quieting the mind so that we can experience the opening of our hearts, allowing us to taste the blissful reality that is our true nature.

Come dive into the depths of your own heart in this safe, supportive environment. No previous yoga, meditation or singing experience is necessary to participate.

Practice is led by Dayākar Dās who is a Certified Ashtanga Yoga Teacher and practitioner of 32 years, who has been teaching meditation for over two decades.

INSTRUCTORS: Danielle Vaden Barr & Ellen Strzalkowski

DATE: Sunday, June 14th

TIME: 12:00 pm -4:30 pm

LOCATION: 3603 Portola Drive – Dance Studio

COST: Sliding Scale $88-$98-$108

Ellen and Danielle bring a combined 25+ years of teaching and assisting experience and bow deeply in gratitude to their teachers, Janet Stone and Jody Greene, whose mentorship helped shape this work as a living and evolving practice rooted in humility, compassion, and service.

Facilitator Bios:

Danielle Vaden Barr

“Pushpa” Danielle Barr is a longtime yoga and meditation teacher (500 E-RYT, RPYT) known for blending clear, grounded alignment with breath-led flow and a touch of soulful magic. Her classes are steady, heartfelt, and designed to help students feel at home in their bodies, stronger, softer, and more present from the inside out.

 A devoted student of yoga and meditation, Danielle weaves in ancient teachings, simple philosophy, and chanting in a way that feels natural, uplifting, and approachable. She teaches to the whole human on both physical and subtle levels, helping students unwind habitual tension, refine alignment, and move with more clarity and curiosity.

Danielle is also a passionate lifelong learner. Her heart lives in study, always deepening her understanding of the body, breath, subtle energy, herbalism, Montessori principles, and the yogic wisdom she cherishes, along with whatever else feels alive. She brings this evolving curiosity into every class, always learning, always refining, always growing alongside her students.

 Outside the studio, Danielle is an AMI Montessori educator, an evolving herbalist, a mother, and a lover of tea, cooking, music, nature, and life in the redwoods. Her teaching is warm, intuitive, playful, and always rooted in presence.

 Expect thoughtful sequencing, functional alignment, breathwork, and space to land. A beautiful balance of effort and ease.
Expect to feel supported.
Expect to feel good.

 Pushpa also leads women’s circles, retreats, workshops, and community gatherings that inspire deeper connection, clarity, and gratitude for this beautiful, wild life.

Ellen Strzalkowski is a 500-hr certified yoga teacher, a student of Life, devotee of the Sacred,  and steward of the wild world. She has been walking what her root teachers call "the path of assisting" for over twelve years: a devoted, embodied practice of “karma yoga,” sharing the teachings of yoga through skillful, compassionate space-holding and hands-on support. Alongside over fifteen years of personal practice in yoga and meditation, she has spent more than a decade in supporting her primary teacher, Janet Stone, in transmitting the teachings of yoga in Janet’s classes, trainings, and retreats, as well as through mentoring students on their yoga teacher training journeys. 

Ellen found her way back to a yoga practice after a health crisis caused her to step away from her chosen career in law. Her healing journey took her first from the more physical practice of yoga asana deep into its spiritual heart, as well as into the heart of its sister traditions in zen and tantric buddhism exploring both the subtle body energetics of practice as well as the earthy rubber-meets-the-road realities of showing up in relationship, community, and to the many facets of human experience. And through it all, her assisting practice has remained a through-thread and template for how to live into and express the teachings.

For Ellen, the practice of assisting is less about offering “adjustments” to students moving through yoga postures, it is a profound orientation to the heart of the practice of yoga itself, to a life lived with presence, compassion, discernment, and embodied wisdom. This understanding infuses her approach to assisting, which she experiences not merely as a series of techniques to be learned, but as a living practice to be inhabited. She brings a deeply grounded, heartful presence, skillful touch, joy, and curiosity to every encounter, meeting each person where they are and creating a safe space for transformation. There is nothing that delights her so much as getting to share this practice with others and witness them awaken to the power of healing, supportive, aligned touch, to the place where the distinction between “giver” “receiver” and gift dissolves into Oneness.

When she is not traveling to San Francisco or Big Sur to practice with and support her teacher, she stewards close to five acres of wild oak woodland in the Santa Cruz Mountains. She is also known for the devotional altars she creates for many of the events she supports, weaving her love of the sacred into every space she inhabits.

INSTRUCTOR: Alison Chesley

DATE: Sunday, June 14th

TIME: 10:00 am-11:30 am

LOCATION: 3603 Portola Drive – Yoga Studio

COST: $25

DESCRIPTION:

CARDIO FUNK is a high energy all level choreography dance class to upbeat music where we build a fun and accessible dance routine over the hour for some serious satisfaction by the end. Starting with a warm-up then breaking down moves with a continuous cardio flow that includes some gut and ab toning, Alison’s clear and experienced style makes dancing our way to wellness AWESOME and available to all levels with no dance experience necessary!

Please consider attending her classes ahead of time to familiarize yourself with her stylish choreography:

✨Mondays 5:30pm - 6:30pm : Cardio Funk

DATE: 06/14/26 with Kayla Copeland & Katie Jacobson

TIME: 10:00am - 11:30am

LOCATION: 3707 Portola Drive – Yoga Studio

COST: $24/class passes apply

DESCRIPTION:

Strong Bhakti Flow
(Devotional Moving Meditation: A more vigorous Vinyasa)

Level 2/3

"Bhakti" means devotion—devotion to spirituality, ethics, and integrity. Bhakti Vinyasa Flow is a moving meditation, a prayer in motion, where we dedicate our practice to the higher good of all beings. Expect chanting, breathwork, and a weaving of yoga philosophy and principles throughout this sweaty Vinyasa practice taught by one of our most seasoned teachers. Be ready to move, flow, sweat, and let go! This is an amped-up version of our mixed flow class, with a faster pace and more intensity. Previous yoga experience and a strong foundation are recommended.

Kayla & Katie are Co-leads in our Upcoming Yoga Studies and Teacher Trainings and this is a fun opportunity to see how they teach together!:

Like the:

• Embodied Breath: 200hr Yoga & Breathwork Teacher Training

• 300 hr Advanced Embodied Breath Yoga Studies & Teacher Training program.

INSTRUCTOR: Ana Saroj

DATE: Saturday, June 13th

TIME: 10:00am - 11:00am

LOCATION: 3603 Portola Drive – Dance Studio

COST: $20 Drop In / Class Passes Apply

DESCRIPTION:

Join Ana Saroj for a Salsa Cubana Pop Up Class—a fun, all-levels class focused on solo footwork (salsa suelta), body movement, and authentic Cuban flavor. With over 20 years of international teaching and performing experience, plus deep training in Cuba, Ana brings her passion for dance straight to the Santa Cruz community. No partner needed—just bring your joy and love for music and dance!

INSTRUCTOR BIO:

Ana Saroj is a seasoned dancer with over 20 years of experience dedicated specifically to salsa and other Latin dances. She is known for her vibrant presence, deep musicality, and commitment to authentic Cuban dance. While based in the San Francisco Bay Area and later in Miami, Ana traveled the world teaching and performing, sharing her passion and expertise with dancers across continents.

In recent years, she has deepened her connection to the roots of Cuban dance by traveling regularly to Cuba to study with some of the island’s most respected masters in folkloric dance, salsa, and son.

Ana’s classes are fun, welcoming, and focused on solo movement—known in Cuba as salsa suelta—with no partner required. She emphasizes body movement, rhythm, and connection to the music, helping dancers of all levels experience the joy and richness of Cuban dance.

INSTRUCTORS: Johanna Beekman

DATE: Monday June 15th

TIME: 7:30 PM-9:00 PM

LOCATION: 3707 Portola Drive – Yoga Studio

COST: By donation (suggested $24-30) or use your Pleasure Point class pass.

No one turned away for lack of funds—come sing!!

DESCRIPTION:

Johanna Beekman has toured the festival circuit for 15 years with her uniquely healing heartsong and sizzling mantra-soul fusion concerts. She is a respected member of Bhakti & Shakti communities. She traveled with Festival of Colors USA tour, co-produced Sedona Yoga Festival and other festivals, and produced her own festivals. She has received International recognition for her video Mantra Sangha Health and Healing. She is an active member of the recording academy. She has performed and collaborated with many kirtan luminaries, starting with learning from Ram Das & others. Recently she has co-created recordings with Equanimous, Heather Christie, and Luke Rain in addition to her work with Krishna Das and others in the Mantra world. 

We hope you can join us.

INSTRUCTORS: Hannah Muse & Johanna Beekman

DATE: Tuesday June 16th

TIME: 5:30pm - 7:00pm

LOCATION: 3707 Portola Drive – Yoga Studio

COST: $24 Drop In / Class Passes & Memberships Apply PLUS ‍ ‍Please bring $5-$20 in Cash for the LIVE Musician!

DESCRIPTION:

Yoga, Mindfulness, & Mysticism WITH LIVE MUSIC!

Please bring $5-$20 in Cash for the LIVE Musician!

A welcoming class for new and experienced folks alike, this class explores: the deeper philosophy of the yoga tradition, a richly nourishing sequence of familiar yoga poses with mindfulness-based somatics, and a heart-opening community vibe. Led with compassion and inquiry by one of our most seasoned teachers. Come if you want to feel truly alive.

About Hannah Muse: One of Hannah’s greatest joys in life is welcoming folks of all backgrounds into kind, curious, brave, compassionate spaces that restore, heal, and bring us truly alive. Deemed the “midwife of possibility,” Hannah Muse is an award-winning, internationally-recognized teacher of mindfulness, mysticism, and yoga. As a mother and devoted student of Buddhism, neuropsychology, and mythology, Hannah is known for weaving complex teachings into accessible, heart-opening, world-shifting experiences. And for being just as silly as she is deep.
With a background in social and environmental advocacy, Hannah’s flavor of spirituality is inspired by our shared humanity and nourished by her deep love for the world. Hannah serves as President for the Yoga for All Movement, an organization that makes yoga and mindfulness accessible to individuals experiencing incarceration, people in recovery from substance abuse, survivors of domestic violence, and other underserved communities.

Over the past ten years, Hannah has trained hundreds of yoga and mindfulness teachers who bring these beneficial practices to various populations and communities throughout the world. She facilitates transformational retreats at the Esalen Institute, service retreats in Guatemala, spiritual pilgrimage in India, mythopoetic journeys in Greece and other yoga retreats in Mexico and Bali. She has been a featured presenter at dozens of conferences and festivals including Electric Forest, Bhakti Fest and Wanderlust.

When she’s not facilitating Awake Heart yoga teacher trainings, in practice with her beloved online meditation sangha Shelter in the Heart, or making healing accessible for underserved communities, you can find her in the ocean with her daughter, Ruby, and dancing wildly with her beloved, Brian. Find out more about her work/play at www.hannahmuse.com and follow Hannah’s adventures/musings at www.instagram.com/Hannah.J.Muse.

P.S. If you’re reading this, Hannah bows to you for finding your way here – through all the staggeringly beautiful and terrifying twists and turns of life – to this path of practice, where possibility awaits us. Welcome. May our practice be for the benefit of all beings!

About Johanna Beekman: Johanna is a long time studio favorite and friend! Johanna’s love of singing and songwriting led her on a journey through a wide variety of styles—soul, gospel, folk, pop, rock, world beat, reggae, a cappella, jazz, dance, and more. Today her performances and recordings are generally grounded in kirtan—the music of yoga—and other forms of conscious music. But Johanna incorporates the most compelling elements of all of those styles into her songs no matter what she’s singing. And above all else, her spirit shines bright in every note. Come chant, meditate, pray, sing, and open your hearts together in an evening of devotion.

Johanna Beekman has toured the festival circuit for 15 years with her uniquely healing heartsong and sizzling mantra-soul fusion concerts. She is a respected member of Bhakti & Shakti communities. She traveled with Festival of Colors USA tour, co-produced Sedona Yoga Festival and other festivals, and produced her own festivals. She has received International recognition for her video Mantra Sangha Health and Healing. She is an active member of the recording academy. She has performed and collaborated with many kirtan luminaries, starting with learning from Ram Das & others. Recently she has co-created recordings with Equanimous, Heather Christie, and Luke Rain in addition to her work with Krishna Das and others in the Mantra world.

INSTRUCTORS: Lily Webber & Buck Shelton

DATE: Saturday, June 13th

TIME: 4:00pm - 6:00pm

LOCATION: 3707 Portola Drive – Yoga Studio

COST: Sliding Scale $65-$70-$75

DESCRIPTION:

Our Breathwork Sessions Support:

• emotional release

• nervous system unwinding

• softening and clearing of trauma patterns

• heightened states of awareness

• expanded inner connection

• energetic/frequency elevation

• processing and integrating stored or suppressed emotions

• deepened intuition and somatic clarity

This style of breathwork creates a safe, powerful container for personal healing, spiritual insight, and profound embodied transformation.

Participant Preparation:

Participants simply need to arrive with a relatively empty stomach for comfort.

Facilitator Bios:

Lily Webber

Lily is a Registered Nurse, licensed massage therapist, plant medicine facilitator, and breathwork facilitator with a deep background in trauma-informed healing and somatic awareness. She brings over 25 years of experience holding space for individuals in emotional, physical, and spiritual transformation.

Her work is rooted in nervous system regulation, compassionate presence, and helping people access the innate intelligence of their breath. Drawing from her clinical background and her intuitive connection with the healing process, Lily guides participants into states of clarity, release, and expanded self-connection.

Buck Shelton

Buck is a plant medicine facilitator, breathwork facilitator, strength & conditioning coach, and mycologist who brings grounded wisdom, emotional depth, and lived experience to his work.

Having moved through his own shadows, particularly around anger, identity, and early-life adversity, Buck's path has shaped him into a powerful mentor for those emerging from difficult chapters.

He excels at supporting troubled youth, individuals healing from dark or challenging periods, and anyone ready to step into greater emotional freedom and strength.

His presence is steady, compassionate, and deeply supportive, helping participants release stored tension, reclaim personal power, and find meaning in their healing journey.