Overview
Ashtanga Yoga Vancouver has been a dedicated Ashtanga shala in the city since 2004, located at Hemlock Station on West 6th Avenue. Founded by Fiona Stang after life-changing trips to Mysore, the studio was born from a determination to bring the traditional Mysore method to Vancouver. With over two decades of history, it has cultivated a strong community of dedicated practitioners. Mysore-style classes allow individuals to work at their own pace with personalized guidance from experienced teachers like Fiona and Maria. Led Primary Series classes are held online Friday mornings with optional chanting. A video library with tutorials, meditations, and deep relaxations is available to passholders. The practice is rooted in yoga therapy, where postures are learned one by one and tailored to each student. The atmosphere is quiet and supportive, with teachers providing attentive feedback and follow-up via email. Regular practitioners report improvements in energy, sleep, and well-being, and many experience life-changing benefits. The studio aims to share knowledge and healing with a broad community, striving to plant seeds of transformation. Teachers meet each student as an individual, fostering relationships that support personal growth. The community is described as welcoming and body-positive, with a focus on personal transformation. Online classes extend the reach beyond Vancouver, allowing remote students to participate. Parking is available for early classes, and the studio is closed on statutory holidays.
Yoga Format
Yoga Styles
Studio Amenities
Studio Business Hours
| Day | Status | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | No hours | – |
| Tuesday | No hours | – |
| Wednesday | No hours | – |
| Thursday | No hours | – |
| Friday | No hours | – |
| Saturday | No hours | – |
| Sunday | No hours | – |
Studio in Details
Overview
Ashtanga Yoga Vancouver has been serving the city since 2004 as a dedicated shala and community for Ashtanga Vinyasa practice. Located at Hemlock Station on West 6th Avenue, the studio provides a space for students to explore this traditional method that links breath with movement. The practice emphasizes a fluid sequence called vinyasa and is described as strong yet graceful. The studio honours the lineage passed down from teachers in Mysore, India, and focuses on personal transformation through regular, devoted practice. The school was founded after a trip to Mysore in 2000 with encouragement from senior teacher Hamish Hendry. Since then, the studio has grown into a thriving community of students and teachers committed to sharing knowledge and healing.
Classes and Approach
The studio offers Mysore-style classes and led counted classes. Mysore-style is the traditional self-practice method where students learn postures one by one, guided by the teacher who provides individual instruction and adjustments. This allows practitioners of all levels to work together at their own pace. In-person studio classes are by reservation only. Led classes, including the Friday morning Primary Series with optional chanting, are offered online via Zoom. New students to Ashtanga start with an introductory video course. The studio also provides a video library with tutorials, guided meditations, deep relaxations, and breathing exercises, accessible to passholders. The teachers aim to meet each student individually, tailoring the practice to their needs.
Community and Experience
The studio has cultivated a supportive community that welcomes all body types and levels. Teachers are attentive and knowledgeable, providing personalized feedback both in class and through follow-up emails. The atmosphere is challenging yet supportive, with a focus on individual growth. Many practitioners find the practice life-changing, noting improvements in energy, sleep, and relationship with food. The teaching goes beyond asanas to facilitate a deeper understanding of yoga, emphasizing values such as compassion, thoughtful action, and discipline. Online classes have extended the community beyond Vancouver, allowing students from remote areas to participate. Parking is available for early classes, and the studio is closed on statutory holidays.