Overview
The Dancing Cat Yoga Center, New Westminster’s first yoga studio, has been serving the uptown community since 1999. Owner Gail Leslie brings over two decades of teaching experience, with advanced training in yoga therapy and somatic yoga. The studio offers small Hatha-based classes that emphasize breath, alignment, and a holistic mind-body-spirit connection. Teachers include a team of experienced instructors, and a Zoom option is available for remote participation. The sunlit studio provides all necessary props, and parking is plentiful. Drop-in classes are $20, with multiple payment methods. The atmosphere is welcoming and focused on individual growth, making it a calm retreat for practitioners of all levels.
Yoga Format
Studio Amenities
Studio Business Hours
| Day | Status | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Open | 10:00 am – 8:30 pm |
| Tuesday | Open | 9:00 am – 10:45 am |
| Wednesday | Open | 9:00 am – 8:15 pm |
| Thursday | Closed | – |
| Friday | Closed | – |
| Saturday | Open | 9:15 am – 10:45 am |
| Sunday | Open | 9:00 am – 10:45 am |
Studio in Details
Overview and History
Opened in May 1999, the Dancing Cat Yoga Center holds the distinction of being New Westminster’s first dedicated yoga studio. Located in the city’s uptown area at 704 Sixth Street, it has remained at the same address for over two decades. The studio was founded by Gail Leslie, who completed her initial yoga teacher training in 1998 with Prana Yoga & Zen Teaching Academy in Vancouver before teaching at local schools and gyms. Over the years, she has continued her education, studying the Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga with Deepak Chopra and completing a Yoga Therapy Training course with a focus on experiential anatomy. More recently, she has integrated Level One and Level Two Somatic Yoga into her classes, which emphasize small movements to relax the central nervous system. The studio’s longevity and the fact that some original members still attend speak to the welcoming community that has developed.
Classes and Philosophy
Classes are rooted in Hatha yoga, with an emphasis on uniting body, mind, and spirit. Each session begins with a brief discussion of yogic philosophy, inviting students to consider the connection between their physical practice and broader spiritual awareness. The approach encourages noticing one’s unique rhythm and embracing both progress and setbacks as part of the journey. Breath work is central, with poses entered, held, and released with conscious breathing. Teachers bring a range of experience; besides Gail, instructors include Mary Vickars, Beate Gudmundson, Karyn Austin, and Amanda Koble, who offers meditation. Class sizes are intentionally small, allowing for personalized attention. For those unable to attend in person, a live Zoom option is available on a sliding fee scale from $15 to $20.
Visitor Experience and Practical Details
The studio itself is a large, sunlit room in a central uptown location with ample easy parking nearby. Props such as blankets, pillows, bolsters, and extra mats are provided, and washrooms are available for changing. The atmosphere is calm and unpretentious, with a focus on individual needs. Drop-in classes are $20, payable by e-transfer, cash (exact change preferred in a bag at the back), or cheque made out to Gail Leslie. A punch card system is used for those who wish to prepay. The space is accessible and welcoming, with an emphasis on making each practitioner feel at home. Students are encouraged to take what resonates with them and leave the rest, fostering a sense of personal exploration.