Heart Full

I met Danielle at Yogalocal. She was one of the first instructors I took at the studio, and I’ve since been hooked. Her liquid flow, and inventive sequencing always surprises me with fresh new challenges. I recently got to catch up with after her recent penthouse class.

NYC Yogini: So how did you get started in yoga?

Danielle: I first started exploring yoga in college. I have a dance background so yoga seemed natural, I really connected to the alignment.

NYC Yogini: When did you decide to become a teacher?

Danielle: I actually really struggled with the decision to become a teacher. I thought that if I started teaching it would take away from my practice, and I enjoyed the practice *so* much! I was wrong of course (smile). It’s deepened my practice.

NYC Yogini: How would you describe your class?

Danielle: It depends. Alignment focussed, while still connected to the physical, mental, and emotional practice through the breath. Lately, I’m trying to incorporate the chakras into my class more.

NYC Yogini: Are you working on a particular pose?

Danielle: Eka Pada Galavasana.

(side comment from Ben) What is that exactly?

Danielle: It’s a kind of flying side crow. You know it’s funny, because I use to be able to do it, and then I somehow lost it (puzzled shake of her curls). I structure my classes with a pinnacle pose in mind — even if we don’t do in class, so lately I’ve been doing more hip openers for galavasana.

Metrotech — a commercial complex in Downtown Brooklyn bound by Jay St, Johnson, Flatbush and Myrtle has stood at the center of Downtown Brooklyn’s resuscitation from a rather messy dilapidated district with few residents, to signs of a real neighborhood, including my favorite — Brooklyn’s first 2 Michelin Star — Brooklyn Fare. And while the neighborhood isn’t here yet; DoBro’s early pioneers can enjoy the play of lights this Holiday season, and its periodic public art. This one is an inflated cow which was paired with what looks like an inflated couch. I think it might be missing the TV to complete the piece. I’m not sure what it all means, but it was interesting enough to inspire me to unzip my parka in the super cold, and show off my own wobbly / slightly crooked, cow face. Moo!

It seemed everyone was anxiously awaiting the opening of Kula Williamsburg. Even the Brownstoner couldn’t help but run a shout-out for this much anticipated opening. I couldn’t wait to try it and see if it was similar to Tribeca. I was giddy that I still qualified for the $30 for 3 classes first-timers special, even though I’d been to the Tribeca studio. I noticed they’ve maintained the same pricing structure, and many of the same teachers that teach at Tribeca are also in Williamsburg. But the Brooklyn studio (at least to me) seemed to have a decidedly Williamsburg feel. I’d read that they had used reclaimed wood from the Catskills to give it it’s cabin like architecture, and while it nods to Williamsburg with its industrial/ steel accents it has a more minimalist-retreat like aesthetic, with a sauna in the back, and a working shower (yum!). My favorite piece is the wooden sink with its flirty mermaid in the corner. This studio also has a small cafe, called the shakti-shack. I haven’t tried any of the treats yet, but I fully appreciate the inviting smells of their baked goods that greet me before and after class. It adds to the retreat-like feel.

The classes I took have all been fantastic, the studio still new isn’t as packed as the Tribeca location, but still very well attended. So there’s enough yogis to generate heat and help you find depth in your poses, plus the extra room allows you to play with transitions and movements that would have been restricted in the Tribeca space. The classes are familiar, they’ve brought over the kula flow, honey flow, Kula Hour and Multi-intenso as a few examples, and they’re all just as sweetly challenging as I remembered.

Having been transplanted to Brooklyn a few months ago, several veterans warned me to “get to know the bus system”. I have stubbornly refused, the dizzying matrix of multi-color routes intimidates me. And I figured after one or two classes at Kula, I’d go back to a local studio, so there wouldn’t be any need for me to learn the bus system. But having become a recent kula junkie, I’ve accepted that the bus is the fastest and easiest way to get there, making the  B62 my new BFF. I also once confidently told my husband that generally “people go to studios that are convenient”, and don’t make a pilgrimage to follow a teacher even if they want to — time on the road means less time (with family) at home, not an easy sacrifice. But to take classes at THIS studio, I’m doing all the things I said I never would.

Back in 2008, Kula Yoga Tribeca was one of the first studios I visited with my newly minted Yoga Pass Book. I gave it perhaps one of my worst studio reviews. After my first admittedly unusually bad experience, I couldn’t understand why it got the amazing reviews it did. I have since become a believer. In part due to the guiding light of my inspiring friend Yadana, but also because after awhile I went back. I discovered some teachers who taught at other studios, and I liked their classes. I had also heard that Kula had undergone some renovation and had expanded their studios and dressing areas, so it wasn’t so cramped. The renovations did open up the space a lot and allowed more air circulation so it wasn’t stifling. The classes were still packed. But since 2008 I’ve learned this is a good thing. It’s hard to believe I’d do a complete 180 — but practicing in a cramped sweaty room with poor air circulation not only brings you to the precipice of blacking out, but opens you up to poses that may not otherwise be possible. There’s also something to be said about the ecstatic energy. But not all their classes are sweaty, Kula’s gone a long way in redefining the standard asana practice. They’ve introduced new styles and flows that I haven’t readily seen anywhere else. Their honey flow class — part asana, part restorative, and all yumminess shouldn’t be missed, their esoteric classes will move your mind and your body.

Now, I still don’t get the vibe that it’s the most friendly studio around. And there still isn’t a lot of sanskrit — which given all the controversy around that maybe that’s not a bad thing, and there still is a long hike up the stairs  (which my pregnant friends have found problematic), but if you’re in good health, good condition, and are looking for a challenging asana practice no other studio turns you inside out quite like Kula. Seriously.