Community Yoga

A Collective Built by Community

Community Yoga Phoenix is more than a typical yoga studio—it’s a physical manifestation of a deeply connected community that rallied to create its own home. Founded in 2023 by Evon Hart, a teacher with over two decades of experience, the space itself has a remarkable origin story. When the previous studio where Evon taught closed, her dedicated students suggested a GoFundMe campaign to help her open her own place. The response was immediate and overwhelming, with the community raising over $35,000. This collective effort funded the build-out of the current studio in the “Sheaborhood,” a location slightly north of central Phoenix chosen for its affordability and ample parking. The space was personally constructed by Evon’s partner, Donny, who handled everything from flooring and lighting to custom shelves and a bathroom remodel. This foundation informs the entire atmosphere; as one person notes, it’s a place that feels welcoming, authentic and takes us back to what yoga is really all about. The studio operates as an informal collective, where Evon teaches her own classes and sublets the space to other independent instructors who manage their own schedules and payments. This structure fosters a diverse tapestry of teachings while keeping the community spirit at its core.

Heart-Forward Teaching and Accessible Practice

The teaching at Community Yoga is deeply shaped by Evon Hart’s extensive background. A Certified Yoga Instructor since 2003 (CYI 2003), her studies were in the Anusara tradition and with teachers like Erich Schiffmann, following an earlier career as a licensed massage therapist. This dual expertise in anatomy and yoga philosophy is frequently highlighted by visitors. They describe her classes as being like workshops, where she breaks down poses with clear, alignment-based instruction, teaching students how to be smarter yogis. This focus on intelligent movement allows for a deeper, more mindful practice rather than simply pushing through a flow. People appreciate her hands-on approach and attention to form, which has helped them improve their practice immensely. Her teaching style is described as heart-forward, blending physical intelligence with emotional awareness, warmth, and a wicked sense of humor that lightens the room.

The class schedule primarily reflects Evon’s offerings, which cater to various levels. She leads Mixed Level classes for those with some experience, focusing on alignment, breath awareness, and occasional philosophy. For more seasoned practitioners, there are Intermediate and Flow classes that delve deeper into poses, breathing techniques, and dynamic sequences. Notably, the studio provides accessible options like Gentle Yoga and Grounding classes, which are ideal for beginners, seniors, or those recovering from injury. These slower, therapeutic sessions make use of props and even chairs to ensure everyone can participate. Visitors mention that the atmosphere is consistently welcoming and safe, a refuge where people of all ages, body types, and experience levels feel encouraged to honor their own unique practice. People consistently report leaving class feeling better—both physically and mentally—than when they arrived, with the practice bringing a calm, balanced energy to their lives.

Beyond the Mat: Outreach and Shared Space

True to its name, Community Yoga extends its ethos far beyond the studio walls. Evon has a stated passion for community building and service, mobilizing her students for various outreach projects. The studio has organized significant fundraisers, such as a Summer Solstice event that raised over $8,000 for a local homelessness prevention program. They have also conducted seasonal drives for essential items like water, blankets, and hygiene products, and partnered with organizations like Trees Matter. This commitment to service reinforces the sense of a shared purpose among those who practice there. Furthermore, the studio’s model as a collective means that throughout the week, other instructors like Ellen, Angie, and Karen rent the space to lead their own classes. Visitors report that all of the instructors are wonderful and bring something different to the practice, creating a vibrant schedule. The studio also hosts additional workshops and sound experiences, adding to the versatile offerings. For accessibility, many classes are available both in-person and virtually, with Zoom links provided upon registration. Pricing is straightforward with a $15 drop-in rate and the option to purchase a series of classes for a given month. While the studio currently does not offer memberships or class packages, visitors do not mention this as a barrier, instead focusing on the value of the instruction and the profound sense of belonging they find there.