Iyengar Yoga Centre

Business Details

47 Years

experience

Expert Iyengar Yoga Classes in Victoria

The Iyengar Yoga Centre has been dedicated to promoting the teachings of Iyengar Yoga for nearly five decades. Founded in 1979, we offer one of North Americas most comprehensive Iyengar Yoga programs, guided by certified instructors with extensive training and experience. Our mission is to foster physical, mental, and spiritual growth through precise, accessible yoga practices tailored to individual needs. As a non-profit society, we prioritize community service, inclusivity, and holistic well-being. Our fully equipped studio in downtown Victoria provides a welcoming environment for all skill levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners.

We emphasize systematic learning, alignment, and breath awareness, ensuring safe and effective practice. Our teams deep expertise, rooted in decades of study with the Iyengar family, ensures authoritative instruction. We are committed to transparency, ethical teaching, and empowering students to integrate yoga into daily life. With flexible class schedules, workshops, and online options, we make yoga accessible to all. Our reputation as a trusted leader in the field is built on decades of dedication to quality, community, and the transformative power of Iyengar Yoga.

Services

Iyengar Yoga Classes Pranayama Sessions Restorative Yoga 55+ Yoga Workshops Online Classes Members Practice Teacher Training Beginner Yoga Private Sessions

Details

Year established: 1979

Highlights and features

We offer over 45 years of experience in teaching Iyengar Yoga with certified instructors.
Our non-profit status ensures community-focused, accessible yoga programs.
Classes emphasize precision, alignment, and breath awareness for safe practice.
We provide flexible schedules, including online and in-studio options.
Our teachers are trained through rigorous apprenticeships with global experts.

What people say

Experienced teachers Improved flexibility Welcoming community Accessible for all Stress relief

Website

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Services

Iyengar Yoga Classes

Our Iyengar Yoga classes focus on precise alignment, breath control, and progressive sequencing to enhance strength, flexibility, and mental clarity. Suitable for all levels, these classes use props to adapt poses, ensuring safe practice. Students benefit from expert guidance, fostering long-term physical and emotional well-being.

Pranayama Sessions

Pranayama sessions teach controlled breathing techniques to improve energy flow and mental focus. These classes require foundational asana practice and emphasize gradual progression. Students learn to integrate breath awareness into daily life, enhancing overall vitality and relaxation through structured, mindful practice.

Restorative Yoga

Restorative Yoga combines gentle poses and extended holds to promote deep relaxation and stress relief. Classes use props to support the body, allowing muscles to release tension. Ideal for all experience levels, this practice aids recovery, improves sleep, and fosters emotional balance through calming sequences.

55+ Yoga

55+ Yoga adapts classic poses to enhance mobility, balance, and strength for older adults. Sessions prioritize joint health and fall prevention while accommodating individual needs. This class fosters community connection, offering modifications to ensure safe, effective practice for sustained independence and vitality.

Workshops

Workshops provide immersive learning on specific themes like advanced asanas, philosophy, or therapeutic applications. Led by senior instructors, these sessions deepen practice through focused instruction. Participants gain insights into yogas holistic benefits, from physical mastery to mental clarity, in a collaborative, supportive environment.

People

Shirley Daventry French

Founder & Senior Teacher

Shirley founded the center in 1979 and studied directly with BKS Iyengar. She mentors teachers nationally and edits key yoga texts, blending philosophy with practical instruction. Her teaching combines rigor with humor, maintaining a deep connection to Iyengars legacy.

Ann Kilbertus

Senior Teacher

Ann has taught since 1988, studying in India and mentoring locally. A former occupational therapist, she integrates anatomy with yoga, offering insightful, accessible classes. She served on the IYAC/ACYI board and taught at the University of Victoria.

Ty Chandler

Senior Teacher

Ty has taught since the 1990s, combining precision with warmth. She assesses nationally for IYAC/ACYI and leads retreats, emphasizing curiosity and discipline. Her mentorship shapes future instructors, blending tradition with modern accessibility.

Leslie Hogya

Senior Teacher

Leslie has taught in Victoria since the 1970s, studying in Pune and online with the Iyengar family. She advises the centers board and explores yoga philosophys relevance to daily life, fostering a grounded, practical approach.

Britta Poisson

Teacher

Britta teaches with warmth and creativity, focusing on sequencings healing power. She joined the center in 1997, blending film studies with yoga, and sits on programming committees to host global instructors, enriching local practice.

Questions

What types of yoga classes are offered?

We offer Intro to Level 4 classes, Pranayama, Restorative, 55+, and Members Practice. Drop-in and term passes are available, with options for online and in-studio participation.

Are there beginner-friendly options?

Yes! Our Intro to Yoga classes require no prior experience. Teachers guide new students through foundational poses, using props to ensure safe, effective practice tailored to individual needs.

What should I bring to class?

Bring your own mat. Props like blocks and blankets are provided. Wear comfortable clothing and arrive early to settle in before the session begins.

Do you offer flexible payment options?

Yes. We provide Pay What You Can pricing, drop-in rates, and term passes. Contact us for details on financial accessibility programs.

Are workshops available for all skill levels?

Yes. Workshops cater to all levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners, covering themes like philosophy, advanced poses, and therapeutic applications with expert instructors.

What are the studio’s hours?

Office hours are Monday–Friday 9:30 AM–12:30 PM, with extended hours Wednesday and Thursday. Class schedules vary; check our website for full details.