Two years after opening YogaOne, the steepest learning curve for its owner was trying to figure out what kind of studio it was – and what the vision for it should be.
“Instead of adopting classes with many different styles just because they’re trendy,” said owner and teacher Mina Lee, “we are focusing on class programs that enhance our practice in movements and mindfulness.”
Located in Mangrove One, behind Al Seef Mall, this Abu Dhabi studio will celebrate its anniversary with an open day this Friday. A Dh100 fee provides access to classes — everything from animal flow to chakra balancing to belly dancing, wrapping up with a musical meditation with Kirtan Dubai. There’s also a market, with food by andiamo! and Arlequin, yoga clothes by yApparel and Kate & Asana, live music and lots of other funny shopping and healthy goodies.
Lee said that in the beginning, most of the students who came to YogaOne were motivated by the physical benefits.
“But often, the students also begin to self-actualize through a sense of fulfilling their potential and recognizing their capacity to relax with the clarity,” she said. “It’s not about attaining the perfect pose anymore, but modifying a pose to feel comfortable in their own body. They come to be more present not just on their mat but also to themselves and the people in our community.”
- YogaOne’s second anniversary is this Friday, January 25. Its open day begins at 9.30am and ends at 6.30pm. Market access is free. Dh100 gains access to all classes.
Featured photo courtesy YogaOne
