Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Iyengar Yoga Studio in Victoria, BC
Founded in 1975, our center has been dedicated to promoting the transformative practice of Iyengar Yoga for nearly five decades. Our mission is to foster physical, mental, and spiritual growth through a structured, inclusive approach led by certified instructors. With a legacy of excellence, we provide a welcoming space for all skill levels, emphasizing precision, alignment, and holistic well-being. Our experienced teachers, many of whom have studied directly with the Iyengar family, ensure a rigorous yet accessible practice.As a non-profit organization, we prioritize community building and accessibility, offering flexible pricing, membership options, and both in-studio and online classes. Our commitment to quality education and personalized attention has made us a trusted leader in yoga instruction across North America.
Services
Iyengar Yoga Classes
Pranayama Instruction
Restorative Yoga
55+ Yoga Classes
Beginner Workshops
Online Yoga Sessions
Membership Programs
Teacher Training
Community Practice
Yoga Retreats
Details
- Year established: 1975
Highlights and features
- We offer over 45 years of experience in Iyengar Yoga instruction with certified teachers.
- Our non-profit status ensures accessible, community-focused programming.
- Classes cater to all levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners.
- Teachers have studied directly with the Iyengar family and senior instructors.
- Flexible pricing includes Pay What You Can and discounted memberships.
What people say
Sense of inclusivity
Experienced teachers
Clean bright space
Improved flexibility
Stress relief
Services
Iyengar Yoga Classes
Our Iyengar Yoga classes emphasize precision, alignment, and progressive sequencing to build strength, flexibility, and mental clarity. Certified instructors provide individualized adjustments and use props to ensure safe, effective practice for all levels. Students benefit from a structured approach that integrates yoga philosophy with physical postures.
Pranayama Instruction
Pranayama sessions focus on controlled breathing exercises to enhance energy, reduce stress, and improve respiratory health. Teachers guide students through gradual, methodical practices tailored to individual capacity, emphasizing the connection between breath, mind, and body in a supportive environment.
Restorative Yoga
Restorative Yoga uses supported poses and extended holds to promote deep relaxation and recovery. Classes incorporate props like bolsters and blankets to ease physical tension, making it ideal for stress relief, injury recovery, or balancing busy lifestyles with mindful self-care.
Beginner Workshops
Beginner workshops introduce foundational postures, alignment principles, and yoga terminology in a non-intimidating setting. Instructors break down complex poses into accessible steps, helping new students build confidence, understand safety practices, and develop a sustainable home practice.
Teacher Training
Our teacher training program follows the Iyengar apprenticeship model, combining rigorous asana practice, anatomy studies, and teaching methodology. Students train under certified mentors, gaining hands-on experience and philosophical insights to become skilled instructors committed to ethical, precise yoga instruction.
People
Shirley Daventry French
Founder
Shirley has taught Iyengar Yoga since 1979, studying directly with B.K.S. Iyengar for over 40 years. She founded the Victoria center and mentors teachers nationally, blending yoga philosophy with practical instruction.
Ann Kilbertus
Senior Teacher
Ann has taught since 1988, traveling to India for intensives with the Iyengar family. A Level 3 certified instructor, she integrates occupational therapy expertise and yoga philosophy into accessible, insightful classes.
Ty Chandler
Senior Teacher
Ty has practiced Iyengar Yoga since the 1980s and holds a Level 3 certification. She mentors teachers, leads retreats, and serves as a national assessor, combining precision with warmth in her instruction.
Adia Kapoor
Certified Teacher
Adia discovered Iyengar Yoga in 2001 and became certified to share its benefits for managing modern stress. Her teaching focuses on practical tools for integrating yoga into daily life with approachability.
Gary Wong
Certified Teacher
Gary has taught since 2009, emphasizing individualized effort and mindful exploration. A Level 2 instructor, he challenges students to deepen their practice while fostering a supportive learning environment.
Questions
What is Iyengar Yoga?
Iyengar Yoga emphasizes precise alignment, use of props, and sequential posture progression to build strength, flexibility, and mindfulness through structured, therapeutic practice.
Are classes suitable for beginners?
Yes! We offer Intro classes and workshops designed to teach foundational techniques, safety, and confidence-building in a supportive environment for new practitioners.
What should I bring to class?
Please bring your own yoga mat. Props like blocks and straps are available at the studio, but you may prefer to bring your own for hygiene purposes.
Do you offer online classes?
Yes, we provide live-streamed and on-demand online classes with the same expert instruction, accessible from anywhere with an internet connection.
What payment options are available?
We accept cash, credit cards, and online payments. Flexible pricing includes Pay What You Can options and discounted rates for multi-class packages.
Is there parking available?
Paid parking is available on Meares Street behind the studio. Free 2-hour street parking is possible in residential areas, but be mindful of time limits and enforcement.
