Ann Arbor School of Yoga

Business Details

50+ Years

experience

Iyengar Yoga Classes for All Levels in Ann Arbor

Founded in 1971, the Ann Arbor School of Yoga has been dedicated to the teaching and practice of Iyengar Yoga, a method renowned for its precision and accessibility. Our director, Laurie Blakeney, brings over five decades of experience, having studied directly under B.K.S. Iyengar since 1971 and continuing her education annually in Pune, India. We offer classes for all levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners, emphasizing the transformative power of yoga to unite body, mind, and breath. Our community-focused approach includes a $5 sliding-scale community class, bilingual instruction, and weekend intensives led by certified instructors. With a commitment to preserving the integrity of the Iyengar method, we integrate philosophical insights and artistic considerations into every session.

Our facility supports both in-person and online participation, ensuring flexibility for modern practitioners. We prioritize safety and accessibility through structured class sequences and the use of props, as pioneered by B.K.S. Iyengar. Our team includes certified instructors with extensive training and diverse backgrounds, from public health to hospitality, enriching the learning experience. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on member support to maintain our programs and community initiatives. Our legacy is rooted in the teachings of B.K.S. Iyengar, whose influence continues through our alignment-focused practice and dedication to personal growth.

Services

Yoga Classes Weekend Intensives Community Classes Online Instruction Teacher Training

Details

Year established: 1971

Highlights and features

We offer certified Iyengar Yoga instruction with over 50 years of combined teaching experience.
Our bilingual $5 community class promotes accessible wellness for diverse populations.
We provide hybrid online/in-person classes for flexible, modern practice.
Our instructors study annually at the Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute in Pune, India.
We integrate philosophical depth with physical practice, honoring B.K.S. Iyengar's legacy.

Website

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Services

Yoga Classes

Structured Iyengar Yoga classes for all levels, focusing on precise alignment and prop usage. Sessions range from gentle introductions to advanced practices, accommodating diverse physical needs. Classes combine physical postures, breathing techniques, and philosophical insights to promote holistic well-being.

Weekend Intensives

Three-day deep-dive workshops featuring master classes and pranayama sessions. Designed for dedicated practitioners seeking to refine their practice under expert guidance. Includes both asana and breathing exercises with personalized attention from certified instructors.

Community Classes

Affordable $5 bilingual (Spanish/English) classes open to all experience levels. Focuses on accessible yoga practice with modifications for varying abilities. Promotes inclusivity through sliding-scale pricing and multilingual instruction.

Online Instruction

Live-streamed sessions available simultaneously with in-person classes. Provides flexible access to Iyengar Yoga instruction for remote practitioners. Maintains interactive elements through Zoom platform integration.

Teacher Training

Advanced training for yoga instructors following Iyengar's methodology. Includes annual study trips to Pune, India, and mentorship under certified senior teachers. Focuses on technical precision, philosophical depth, and teaching methodology.

People

Laurie Blakeney

Director

Advanced Iyengar Yoga teacher since 1971 with annual study in Pune, India. Former IYNAUS Board member and Heartland Regional Conference chair. Integrates philosophical insights with technical precision in teaching.

Linda Damon

Instructor

Certified Iyengar Yoga teacher since 2004 with Introductory Level II certification. Combines hospitality industry experience with warm, engaging teaching style. Studies regularly at RIMYI in Pune.

David Larsen

Instructor

Intermediate Junior 1 certified teacher with 20+ years of study under Laurie Blakeney. Active participant in national Iyengar conferences and former IYAMW president.

Rebeca Lindsay

Instructor

Certified Iyengar Yoga teacher with public health expertise. Teaches bilingual community classes and teen yoga programs. Holds MPH in Health Behavior and Health Education from University of Michigan.

Questions

What yoga styles do you teach?

We specialize exclusively in Iyengar Yoga, focusing on precise alignment, prop usage, and philosophical integration as taught by B.K.S. Iyengar.

Are classes available for beginners?

Yes! All classes welcome beginners with modifications. Our $5 community class is particularly recommended for new practitioners.

How do I register for classes?

Create a Punchpass profile, select your desired classes, and pay securely through Stripe. Detailed instructions available on our website.

Do you offer teacher training programs?

Yes, we provide advanced training with annual study opportunities in Pune, India, and mentorship from certified senior instructors.

Can I attend classes online?

All in-person classes are available simultaneously via Zoom. Visit our website for login instructions and class schedule details.

Reviews (6)

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Rob

Jan 28, 2020 Report

I had a great experience here. I attended a Level I class, and found the instruction very thorough, detailed, and specific about how to get in, stay in, and get out of poses. The method uses props to support poses. With instruction I was able to get into some of the people-pleasing inversion poses (shoulder stand), with props. Above all, I felt the teaching was controlled and the learning was safe.

I have done yoga for many years, and in other studios with less attention and focus on method injured myself. This felt more like a learning experience than an aggressive or intense fitness class. After the class I felt great. The studio was very clean, and luxuriously appointed. The wall ropes system was elegant. I look forward to using them in another class. Love ropes. don't know if the are used for Level 1 here or not. The teacher has been doing and teaching yoga for decades, and is a warm, approachable, skilled teacher. The vibe of the studio was friendly school with a sense of community.

Alanah Haskin

Jun 24, 2019 Report

Highly recommend this studio. Laurie's years of experience show when she is teaching. Becca and Dave are awesome as well! All teachers can lead small classes and with equal competency handle larger classes. Anyone looking to learn yoga and see good results in their practice should come to this studio.

Elena Ermak

Jun 19, 2018 Report

I have been studying yoga with Laurie Blakeney for almost two decades. Laurie never stops surprising her students with her creativity, expertise, and uniqueness. We are truly blessed to have such a gem here in Ann Arbor!

Trudi Levine

Jan 03, 2018 Report

I come from NYC and was in the changing room at the Iyengar institute and said I was coming to Ann Arbor. Immediately someone said I HAD to go one of Laurie's classes. Great recommendation as Laurie is a wonderful Iyengar teacher who designs each class purposefully and is attentive to all participants to assure proper alignment. I will go whenever I am in town and our schedules mesh.

Dunrie Greiling

Jan 29, 2017 Report

Laurie is a wonderfully clear and precise teacher. She sets an example of studentship by traveling to India annually to study (usually the month of December). Her studio is well-equipped and clean. You do not bring your own props. She has improved my practice and my life.

Michal Samuel

Feb 25, 2015 Report

The best yoga teacher in town. Very experienced, knowledgeable, creative. No two classes are alike. Real master in adjusting the class and the asanas to her students abilities and challenges. Somewhat strict. Get over it if you really want to practice yoga in depth.