if you follow me on twitter, you know i have had some concerns about the pricing of our newest studio, Bread & Yoga. our bloggy friend, zuzupetals, replied that their pricing is in line with other studios in Northern Manhattan, but still, I was reminded by a friend that a studio in Union Square only charges $8 a class…
granted, people have got to live. and the owner has completely gutted their space, including soundproofing and brand new floors. perhaps i was being a bit unfair in my initial assessment without knowing all the facts first.
so when i received an email in my inbox asking if i would post a note up letting everyone know about their Open House weekend, featuring free classes all day Saturday and Sunday – well, you know me – i was on the fence. but im not going to turn down an opportunity to share with you anything free happening in our ‘hood.
though my first thought was – these classes are too expensive for me to enjoy, so how can i post about something i can’t even afford (between paying a babysitter for two infants and then the class, i’d be out $60 bucks to walk around the corner – and well, hell, that’s DIAPER MONEY.)
so my question to the owner was this:
Will [Bread & Yoga] be doing community classes going forward, or just during Grand Opening festivities? Inwood Peace Yoga used to have free yoga on Tuesdays in the park all spring/summer long, as well as “pay what you can” classes once a week, and “karma yoga,” which meant if you donated a few hours time helping out with administrative or clean up duties, you would earn a free class of your choosing in exchange – if I remember correctly.
my point was, Inwood’s median income is only 30 grand a year. that means most of this community, our family included, would not be able to enjoy these classes because of the price point. the owner came back with a reply i was very happy with, and with her permission i am reprinting it in full:
We actually already offer a community class on the schedule…. it is every Wednesday at noon and it is by donation… all proceeds go to charity or a local cause. We did not offer free classes at the park during the summer because we were not open yet but we certainly intend to do it next summer.It’s been a crazy summer for me but I’m really happy with the results of all the work we put into our space. I hope you can come by over the open house weekend to check the space out and try a class.
In terms of Karma yoga, I am working with a few folks already that reached out to me as soon as they heard about the studio opening. They are putting a few hours of desk work in, in exchange for unlimited yoga classes.
It is really an honor for me to be bringing a new yoga studio to our neighborhood. It was very sad to see Inwood Peace go. That was my yoga spot too and I also used to sub classes there. But I am committed to creating a space where the whole Inwood community can gather again… not just for yoga, but a place where families can get together, share life and support each other. This is my community and I feel very strongly about doing everything I can, as a resident and now a small business owner, to help improve our quality of life and health.
Please feel free to call or email anytime with questions about the studio.
Thanks so much and I look forward to meeting you soon.
Best,
Marcela XavierFounder/Director – Bread and Yoga646 – 645 4112
you should note that Bread & Yoga’s instructors are all members of our Inwood and Washington Heights communities – which warms my heart to no end. so, go to Bread & Yoga this weekend, take a free class, congratulate Marcela and wish her much success. don’t forget to take advantage of their special packages before they end.
no matter what, the most important thing for me is community, and we need support our friends and neighbors in all of their endeavors.
maybe we will see you there… the potluck on Saturday night sounds like lots of fun!
