Overview
Astanga Yoga Ottawa is a downtown studio at 200 Bank Street dedicated to traditional Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga. Founded by Janice DeFilippi, a long-time practitioner who studied in Mysore, India, the studio offers daily Mysore self-practice classes where students learn at their own pace with individual teacher guidance. Led Primary Series classes are available for those with at least two months of experience. The studio also hosts handstand workshops and a comprehensive 200-hour yoga teacher training program. Teachers like Mike Dynie, Donna Hughes, and others bring a blend of traditional and modern approaches, emphasizing breath, movement, and personal exploration. The welcoming community and patient instruction make it suitable for beginners and advanced practitioners alike. Online classes via Zoom extend access beyond the physical space. Reviews consistently praise the authentic atmosphere, knowledgeable staff, and supportive environment. Whether for a midday reset or a long-term practice, the studio provides a grounding, compassionate space to explore Astanga yoga.
Yoga Format
Yoga Styles
Studio Amenities
Studio Business Hours
| Day | Status | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Open | 7:00 am – 7:00 pm |
| Tuesday | Open | 6:00 am – 7:30 pm |
| Wednesday | Open | 6:00 am – 7:30 pm |
| Thursday | Open | 6:00 am – 7:00 pm |
| Friday | Open | 6:30 am – 8:30 am |
| Saturday | Open | 7:00 am – 11:00 am |
| Sunday | Open | 8:30 am – 10:30 am |
Studio in Details
Overview
Astanga Yoga Ottawa is a downtown studio at 200 Bank Street that has been offering Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga for over a decade. Founded by Janice DeFilippi, a long-time practitioner who studied extensively in Mysore, India, the studio maintains a strong connection to traditional Astanga practice. The space is known for its supportive community and experienced instructors who guide students through the method with an emphasis on breath, movement, and personal growth. The studio provides both in-person and online classes, making the practice accessible to a range of schedules.
Janice DeFilippi holds Richard Freeman’s advanced teaching certificate and continues to honor one of her early teachers, John Scott. Her approach, along with that of the other teachers, blends traditional Astanga with a modern, compassionate perspective. The studio’s atmosphere is welcoming to all, from complete beginners to seasoned practitioners, and the emphasis is on developing strength, flexibility, and breath awareness in a non-competitive setting.
Classes and Services
The core offering is Mysore-style self-practice, where students work at their own pace while receiving individual guidance from teachers. Newcomers start with fundamentals, learning sun salutations, standing poses, and seated postures, with modifications offered as needed. Mysore classes are held daily, with cancellations on moon days. For those familiar with the practice, Led Primary Series classes are available, appropriate for students with at least two months of experience. The studio also hosts a handstand class open to all levels, focusing on technique and personal feedback in small groups.
In addition to regular classes, Astanga Yoga Ottawa offers a 200-hour yoga teacher training program. Led by Janice DeFilippi and Mike Dynie, the training covers ethics, anatomy, meditation, pranayama, and asana. Reviews highlight the program as well-rounded and transformative, suitable even for those not planning to teach. The studio also provides online classes via Zoom, with instructions for setting up technology and receiving the meeting link.
Visitor Experience
First-time visitors often comment on the studio’s authentic energy and the patience of the instructors. The community is described as friendly and dedicated, with a relaxed atmosphere that encourages personal progress. Teachers are attentive, offering adjustments that respect individual limitations and injuries. Many reviews mention the welcoming nature of the owner and staff, making newcomers feel at ease. The Mysore practice, in particular, is praised for its ability to deepen one’s practice through consistent, self-paced learning.
The studio’s location in downtown Ottawa is convenient for lunchtime classes, often described as a midday reset. Practitioners appreciate the balance between guidance and independence, with teachers knowing when to assist and when to allow space. The emphasis on breath and movement helps students develop functional strength and flexibility, while the philosophical teachings of compassion and self-awareness are woven into the experience. Overall, Astanga Yoga Ottawa is regarded as the go-to studio for authentic Astanga in the city.