Workshops & events.
One of the most important and vibrant parts of the experience here at PYP is our community. Our workshops and events are spaces for you get to know your fellow students off the mat, to dig more deeply into your own practice, and to experience a sense of belonging.
And don’t forget to check out our free monthly classes!
Yoga for Core & Pelvic Floor
Wednesday, June 18, 2025 from 7pm-8pm
with Dr. Jenn Gelfand at PYP - FOREST
This is a slow flow format class that includes a little bit of heat building and aimed to empower you to embody a deeper connection to your deep core and pelvic floor.
Led by Dr. Jenn Gelfand, a passionate and experienced pelvic floor physical therapist and owner of Root To Rise PT & Pelvic Health, will lead you through class with a strong emphasis on alignment and breath providing intentional cueing and sequencing. Class is geared towards promoting spine and pelvic health as well as overall functional capacity and resilience.
This class is appropriate for all levels of experience including pregnant and postpartum people, as well as those returning to practice following injury.
$18 | FREE FOR UNLIMITED AUTO-RENEW MEMBERS
PYP Plant Sale & Top Surgery Fundraiser for Emmett
Sunday, June 22, 2025 from 1pm-4pm
with Emmett Alden at PYP - FOREST
Bring home a new plant and help your favorite desk assistant/PYP plant whisperer, Emmett raise some money for top surgery!
What’s available: indoor plants, some in cute pots, as well as a few outdoor friends that may want to spend the winter inside. All plants are inspected and treated for pests and will come with an ID tag and basic instructions.
About Emmett
Emmett (they/them) is trained in yin yoga and barre and enjoys moving slowly and deliberately. During the week they take care of plants around town with The Magic Sprout and curate the PYP plant collection. This pride month, their goal is to begin fundraising for top surgery (double masectomy) to take place in the next year. Out of pocket cost for this procedure is around $11,000. If all goes to plan and insurance does its job, the fundraiser will only need to cover Emmett’s bills during their recovery period (2-3 weeks). Please help Emmett pay for this gender affirming surgery!
Can’t make it to the plant sale and still want to donate? Venmo Emmett here!
No registration necessary - we will see you there!
Ballet Barre
Sunday, June 22, 2025 from 4pm-5:15pm
with Elly Lovin at PYP - DOWNTOWN
In this workshop we will dive into the origins of barre and compare and contrast barre fitness to how ballet dancers utilize the barre for their class warm ups, stretches and strengthening work. After a brief discussion, class will begin on a mat with breathing, joint mobilization and isolated muscle activation, drawing from dance kinesiology. Then we will use the barre to flow through a sequence of ballet-inspired warm up exercises, paying special attention to form and function that will complement and enhance your PYP barre practice. Class will transition to the center for low-impact, ballet-based cardio, utilizing the stability and balance practiced at the barre. We will cool down with both dynamic and static stretches.
Bring socks and comfortable layers to keep your muscles warm.
All bodies welcome-- no prior dance, ballet or barre experience necessary.
$30 | 10% OFF FOR UNLIMITED AUTO-RENEW MEMBERS
Block Printing Clothing Revival
Saturday, June 28, 2025 from 5-7pm
with Jordan Kendall Parks at PYP - DOWNTOWN
Join PYP and Jordan Parks as we update our closets for summer. Using lenomium block prints, Jordan Parks will guide us in adding custom made designs to our old threads.
With a handful of designs available, this is perfect for anyone who wants to turn anything into PYP merch, refresh an old favorite piece of your wardrobe, or simply explore block printing.
For this workshop, natural fibers and clothing without texture work best. Ink, block prints, and designs are all included as we celebrate the work of one of our very talented community members!
About Jordan:
Through interactive outdoor exhibitions and site-specific installations, Jordan encourages people to engage with their surroundings, find a sense of adventure and discover art along the way. On a smaller scale, Jordan commonly uses woodcut and linoleum monoprint processes to create visuals that are heavily influenced by our relationship with the natural world and each other. JKP Studio brings these messages into the home through block printed fine art, clothing and homegoods. Jordan's art is both a celebration of these moments and a tool to advocate for climate and social justice.
$25/person
Peaks Island Kayak Guided Tour & Yoga
Saturday, July 12pm from 9:15am -2:45pm
with Peaks Island Kayak & Liz Merci at Peaks Island, Portland, ME
What better way to enjoy the beauty of Maine’s summer than from the brisk waters of the Casco Bay? Join PYP and Peaks Island Kayak for a beautiful kayak adventure from Peak’s Island to Fort Gorges, where we will have a yoga session led by Liz Merci.
We begin by taking the 9:15 ferry (Casco Bay Lines) from downtown Portland to Peak’s Island where our guides will meet us for this half day adventure, and end again at Peak's Island, where you have the rest of the day to enjoy all the food and culture the island has to offer. We will plan to return on the 2:45pm ferry but feel free to stay the day!
Please bring your own mat if you have one - if you need to borrow one or have any other questions please email: elizabeth@theportlandyogaproject.com
Sliding Scale: $95/$110/$125*
Resources:
Peaks Island Kayak - https://peaksislandkayak.net/
Casco Bay Lines Info - https://www.cascobaylines.com/
Peaks Island Info - https://peaksisland.info/
*Ferry fare and lunch/snacks not included in ticket price - please bring a packed lunch/snack or plan to get something while on the island!
PYP x MW+S: Yoga & Surf: Session 1 (SOLD OUT)
Saturday, July 26, 2025 from 8am-12pm
with Jamie Navarro & More Women+ Surf
PINE POINT - Bliss Street, Scarborough, ME
Join The Portland Yoga Project and More Women+ Surf for a summer collaboration you don't want to miss. Meet us at Pine Point to enjoy a morning of on-land surf lessons, followed by time on the waves with talented and informed instruction. After, we'll stretch it out on the beach with Jamie Navarro, completing our adventure. Surf boards and wetsuits are provided. All you have to bring is an adventurous spirit, willingness to learn new skills, and penchant for play.
Rain date: 7/27 - please be sure to be available for both dates when booking. Refunds will not be issued if we have to reschedule due to rain or other conditions
Don't sit on this, it sold out last year!
Location/Parking Details: There is free on-street parking on East Grand Ave right in front of Bliss street. You can walk down the path to the beach and you'll see us with boards and wetsuits!
SLIDING SCALE: $75 | $85 | $100
PYP x MW+S: Yoga & Surf: Session 2
Saturday, August 23, 2025 from 8am-12pm
with Jamie Navarro & More Women+ Surf
PINE POINT - Bliss Street, Scarborough, ME
Join The Portland Yoga Project and More Women+ Surf for a summer collaboration you don't want to miss. Meet us at Pine Point to enjoy a morning of on-land surf lessons, followed by time on the waves with talented and informed instruction. After, we'll stretch it out on the beach with Jamie Navarro, completing our adventure. Surf boards and wetsuits are provided. All you have to bring is an adventurous spirit, willingness to learn new skills, and penchant for play.
Rain date: 7/27 - please be sure to be available for both dates when booking. Refunds will not be issued if we have to reschedule due to rain or other conditions
Don't sit on this, it sold out last year!
Location/Parking Details: There is free on-street parking on East Grand Ave right in front of Bliss street. You can walk down the path to the beach and you'll see us with boards and wetsuits!
SLIDING SCALE: $75 | $85 | $100
Yin Yoga & Heart Mudra
Friday, June 13, 2025 from 5:30-7:00pm
with Kelley Voegelin at PYP - FOREST
Mudra’s are like doing yoga with your hands — they can embody or invoke unique qualities that nourish our physical, mental or spiritual layers.
This 90 minute Yin Yoga class will incorporate the use of Hridaya mudra, which supports and nourishes the heart. Expect a well rounded Yin yoga practice, as well as meditation & breathwork.
$25 | FREE FOR UNLIMITED AUTO-RENEW MEMBERS
Prenatal Yoga
Sunday, June 8, 2025 from 4:30-5:30pm
with Kelley Voegelin at PYP - FOREST
Join Kelley Voegelin prenatal yoga at the Portland Yoga Project.
Kelley believes that prenatal yoga can support a birther physically, mentally & energetically. Expect accessible transitions, safe modifications & strengthening, with breath work, mental focus & intentional rest. Appropriate for all levels & all birthers.
$18
Awakening Yoga - the solar sequence
Saturday, June 7, 2025 from 3pm-5pm
with Liz Merci at PYP - DOWNTOWN
In this 2 hour pop up class, Liz will guide us through the 90 minute Awakening Yoga Solar Sequence. Before we explore the movement, we'll begin with a conversation to contextualize this "modern yoga" style of vinyasa. The Awakening Yoga practice is built on the foundation of ritual asana with a focus on functional movement and individualized alignment.
The Solar Sequence guides practitioners through breath work, sun salutations, deep stretches, foundational and functional asanas to support students to benchmark their physical practice and witness the way it ebbs and flows with life. All levels of yoga practitioners will enjoy this extended yoga class offering. Hands on support and modifications will be provided. Opportunity for inversions and arm balances will be available. A long meditation completes the class experience.
Participants will be sent a link to a recording of the Full Solar Sequence after class. You can practice the same flow in the comfort of your own home and feel the way a modern yoga practice awakens through ritual asana. Liz completed her second 200-hour training with Awakening Yoga Academy (AYA) in 2020 and has completed continuing education in restorative yoga and mobility meets asana with the folks of AYA. You can learn more about her experience with Awakening Yoga on her website here.
$25 | 10% OFF FOR UNLIMITED AUTO-RENEW MEMBERS
Prop Party
Saturday, May 17, 2025 from 1-2:30pm
with Devon Harris at PYP - DOWNTOWN
Yoga props are tools that can be used to support alignment, ease, and deep access to the body’s innate capacity for rest. In this 90-minute workshop, we’ll explore the full potential of a prop-rich environment: think two chairs, four bolsters, six blankets, and at least two sandbags, all carefully arranged to hold you.
This is an opportunity to slow down. With time, guidance, and skilled hands-on support (offered with consent), we will build and enter three fully-supported restorative postures. Each shape will be held for an extended period, allowing the nervous system to shift out of reactivity and into deep rest. The smaller class size ensures individualized attention and space to settle fully into each setup.
Open to all levels. Class is limited to 8 participants.
About Devon
Devon Harris (she/her) is a long-time student of yoga and has been teaching for the past nine years, after completing her initial training in Mysore, India in 2016. Since then, she has continued training within the Iyengar tradition and with a special focus on therapeutics and restorative practices. She travels regularly to study with her teachers and mentors Aretha Mckinney, Eddie Modestini, and Kristin Bosteels.
Her teaching integrates props, silence, gentle breathwork, and mindful movement to help students cultivate presence, clarity, and compassion. With a deep respect for yoga's cultural roots, Devon approaches the practice as a contemplative path - one that honors the body and invites sacred connection.
$30
Night Class
Saturday, May 10, 2025, from 9pm-1am
DJ Pika & Ben Spalding
Here we go again. Its a dance party y'all. Pure and simple. Saturday May 10th at the Portland Yoga Project's downtown location. Pika will get things rolling. Then we're turning it over to the one and only Ben Spalding. Doors open and music starts at 9pm. No entry after 10:30pm. We're going till 1am. No alcohol served. Choose your own adventure. You know the drill.
Purchase your tickets now. These always sell out!
Action Event with MECASA and Maine Women’s Lobby
Friday, May 9, 2025 from 5:30pm-6:45pm
with Victoria Rutledge, Maine Women’s Lobby & Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault (MECASA)
PYP DOWNTOWN
What does it mean to take action and build a community in the world that is intentionally organized to leave us feeling overwhelmed, overworked, and unsupported? As the pace and volume of the world and news cycles continue to amplify, how do we find our bearings enough to engage locally in meaningful ways that create change? If you have been struggling with these questions, you are not alone. That’s why we are teaming up with the Maine Women’s Lobby and the Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault to learn about the work happening in the state of Maine to protect marginalized genders and resist patriarchal violence, which affects people of all genders and gender expressions. After a brief teach-in, we will write postcards to our local representatives, find intuitive movement followed by a short meditation, and share introductions so we can get to know each other better.
Sign-up is free! Everyone is welcome!
You can learn more about the work of Maine Women’s Lobby and MECASA here:
Yin Yoga & Detox Mudra
Friday, May 9, 2025 from 5:30pm-7pm
with Kelley Voegelin at PYP - FOREST
Mudra’s are like doing yoga with your hands — they can embody or invoke unique qualities that nourish our physical, mental or spiritual layers. This 90 minute Yin Yoga class will incorporate the use of Apana mudra, which supports the release of toxins in our body as we move toward Spring. Expect a well rounded Yin yoga practice, as well as meditation & breathwork.
$25 | FREE FOR AUTO-RENEW MEMBERS
Post-Abortion Support Group
Wednesday, May 7, 2025 from 7pm-9pm
with Rev. Devin Green & Kaeleigh Terrill
This is an in-person support group for people who have had abortions (whether in recent months or many years ago). Many people who have abortions do not share their experiences with others due to the shame and stigma our culture associates with these decisions, or because they feel expressing their emotional experience will hinder the pro-choice movement. But sharing and getting the support you need and deserve is essential in processing your experience and supporting others in their experiences and feelings.
We are here to provide a confidential, non-judgmental space for you to share and express your feelings, which may range from empowerment, relief, grief, anxiety, guilt, sadness, happiness, and beyond. This group is not about the political or religious debate around abortion, but rather about supporting you in your post-abortion experience. You are not alone.
This first group will be held on May 7th and from there, we will decide what support we can provide participants and the community. We will limit this group size to 16 people total. It is donation-based with a suggested donation of $20 (venmo or cash at the gathering). Do not let the donation be a barrier to coming - you are welcome.
If you are interested in joining us, please fill out the form below and we will be in touch about registration. If you are unable to attend this event, there is a spot on the form for that also. All form submissions are kept completely confidential and only viewable to the two facilitators.
$20 SUGGESTED DONATION
Community Clothing Swap
Saturday, May 3, from 12:30pm-3:30pm
With spring finally here, we are all getting the itch to clean out our closets. Instead of adding more waste to landfills, why not spend an afternoon with your friends at The Portland Yoga Project?
Bring all gently worn and non-damaged items of clothing as we organize ourselves by size in the barre room, giving us easy access to changing rooms to find your new favorite look.
What doesn’t get picked up will be donated to Safe Combinations and used in the studio as we shift our merchandise paradigm from new clothes, to screen printing & block prints on thrifted clothes.
Yay community, new threads, and fun times! Men’s clothes, plus sized clothes, children's clothes-all clothes are invited to the party!
PYP will provide seltzers, music, and fun!
Clothing Swap Guidelines
Quality over Quantity: Bring 10-15 items max. This includes clothing, accessories, etc...
Bring Fresh Goods. No stains, missing buttons, broken zippers, etc...
Share, Share, Share: Please do bring items to donate if you plan to shop.
Shopping Limit: We will be limiting your shopping to 5 items during the first 30 minutes of the event. This helps ensure we have enough to go around for everyone!
Please register for free, so we have an idea of how many people to expect!
Rolling, Restorative & Reiki Workshop
Saturday, April 26, 2025 from 4:00pm-6:00pm
with Jamie Navarro at PYP - FOREST
Experience a unique blend of self-massage, deep relaxation, and energetic renewal. This workshop integrates an hour of myofascial release (self-massage) using Yoga Tune Up® Therapy Balls to calm the nervous system and prepare the body for an hour of restorative yoga with Reiki healing.
Perfect for all levels, this workshop is for those looking to feel refreshed, grounded, and restored.
$30 | 10% OFF FOR AUTO-RENEW UNLIMITED MEMBERS
Yoga & Live Cello - A Slow Flow Yoga Class
Friday, April 18, 2025 from 5:30pm-7:00pm
with Morag Howson & Robin Lane at PYP - FOREST
Join Morag Howson for a 90 minute slow flow class accompanied by live cello by Robin Lane.
Sign up now. This will sell out!
$30 | 10% OFF FOR AUTO-RENEW UNLIMITED MEMBERS
Yoga for Core & Pelvic Floor
Wednesday, April 16, 2025 from 7pm-8pm
with Dr. Jenn Gelfand at PYP - FOREST
This is a slow flow format class that includes a little bit of heat building and aimed to empower you to embody a deeper connection to your deep core and pelvic floor.
Led by Dr. Jenn Gelfand, a passionate and experienced pelvic floor physical therapist and owner of Root To Rise PT & Pelvic Health, will lead you through class with a strong emphasis on alignment and breath providing intentional cueing and sequencing. Class is geared towards promoting spine and pelvic health as well as overall functional capacity and resilience.
This class is appropriate for all levels of experience including pregnant and postpartum people, as well as those returning to practice following injury.
$18 | FREE FOR AUTO-RENEW UNLIMITED MEMBERS
Night Class
Saturday, April 12 from 9pm-1am
PYP DOWNTOWN
We had so much fun the first time that we're doing it again. Its a dance party y'all. Pure and simple. Saturday April 12th at the Portland Yoga Project's new downtown location. Pika will start us out and warm things up. And then we're handing over the keys to WesHenderson (aka WessUp). Doors open and music starts at 9pm. No entry after 10:30pm. We're going till 1am. No alcohol served. Choose your own adventure. You know the drill.
Check out Pika & WesHenderson’s goodness on their Soundcloulds!
This sold out last time. Don’t snooze!
Spring Maker's Market
Saturday, April 12, 2025 from 8:30am-12:30pm
PYP FOREST
Join us for our Spring Maker’s Market!
Come for class, stay to shop & snack or come to shop & snack, and stay for class! Either way, come support your amazing local makers <3
Snacks & coffee provided by Rose Foods & Belleville!
Makers
Hale Linnet Art & Brazen Bandits
Angelica LaBoy Florals
Class Schedule
8:30am Barre | 9:30am Gentle | 9:45am Matte | 11am Restorative | 11am Vinyasa
Breath, Core & Pelvic Floor ~A Pelvic Health & Yoga Workshop
Saturday, April 5, 2025 from 1:30pm-3:00pm
with Dr. Jenn Gelfand at PYP - DOWNTOWN
Are you looking to discover a deeper awareness and understanding of your deep core and pelvic floor and learn how to bring this intention into your daily life and exercise?
This class is hosted by Dr. Jenn Gelfand, PT, DPT, RYT, Physical Therapist, Registered Yoga Instructor, Barre Instructor, Pelvic Health and Perinatal Specialist, and Owner of Root To Rise Physical Therapy & Pelvic Health. Dr. Jenn is passionate about educating and empowering people to optimize their overall health and wellness through fostering greater body literacy, awareness and intention. She appreciates how connection to our deep core and pelvic floor improves bladder, bowel, and sexual health as well as overall resiliency and function within our daily lives.
In this class, you will learn basic anatomy and function of the deep core and pelvic floor, common symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction and when to seek guidance from a healthcare professional. Dr. Jenn will guide you through a gentle yoga/movement practice to help you learn to connect with your deep core to apply these principles to daily movement.
This workshop is appropriate for everyone. If you are currently pregnant, please obtain clearance to participate in general exercise. No previous yoga experience is necessary.
Reach out to Dr. Jenn at Jenn@roottorisephysicaltherapy.com with any questions!
$25 | 10% OFF FOR AUTO-RENEW UNLIMITED MEMBERS
The Awakening Yoga Solar Sequence
Saturday, March 29, 2025 from 3:00pm-5:00pm
with Liz Merci at PYP - DOWNTOWN
In this 2 hour workshop, Liz will guide us through the Awakening Yoga Full Solar Sequence (90 minutes) with time before and after practice to further discuss this "modern yoga" approach to vinyasa. The Awakening Yoga practice is built on the foundation of ritual asana with a focus on functional movement and individualized alignment.
The Solar Sequence guides practitioners through breath work, sun salutations, deep stretches, foundational and functional asanas to support students to benchmark their physical practice and witness the way it ebbs and flows with life. All levels of yoga practitioners will enjoy this extended yoga class offering. Hands on support and modifications will be provided. Opportunity for inversions and arm balances will be available. A long meditation completes the class experience.
Following this workshop, students will be sent a link to a recording of the Full Solar Sequence taught by Liz! You can practice the same flow in the comfort of your own home and feel how a yoga practice awakens through ritual asana.
Liz completed her second 200-hour training with Awakening Yoga Academy (AYA) in 2020 and has completed continuing education in restorative yoga and mobility meets asana with the folks of AYA. You can learn more about her experience with Awakening Yoga on her website here.
$25 | 10% off for unlimited auto-renew members
Yin Yoga & Mudra for the Spine
Friday, March 14, 2025 from 5:30pm-7pm
with Kelley Voegelin at PYP - FOREST
In this 90 minute yin class we will bring the spine into all of its various movements via a full body practice. This class will also include mudra, pranayama, meditation & rest.
$25 | FREE FOR AUTO-RENEW UNLIMITED MEMBERS
Night Class - A Boutique Dance Experience
We're dancing y'all. Pure and simple.
Saturday March 8th at the Portland Yoga Project's new downtown location. Pika is DJ’ing. Doors and music at 9pm. No entry after 10:30pm. Going till 1am, maybe longer if we feel like it. No alcohol served. Just dancing. You know the drill.
$20
Listen to a sample of Pika’s magic here. Reach out to Elizabeth with any questions!
Yoga & Live Cello Pop Up
Thursday, March 6, 2025 from 5:30pm-6:30pm
with Morag Howson AND Robin Lane at PYP - DOWNTOWN
Join Morag as she leads you through a flow accompanied by live cello by Robin!
Space is limited. Secure your spot now.
Memberships, Intro Specials, Class Passes, & Drop-Ins can be used to attend class.
Prenatal Yoga Series
Sundays, March 2 & 23, April 13, & May 11, 2025 from 4:30pm-5:30pm
with Kelley Voegelin at PYP - FOREST
Join Kelley Voegelin for her ongoing 4 part series prenatal yoga at the Portland Yoga Project.
Kelley believes that prenatal yoga can support a birther physically, mentally & energetically.
Expect accessible transitions, safe modifications & strengthening, with breath work, mental focus & intentional rest. This series will include asana, pranayama, pelvic floor awareness & labor prep techniques. Appropriate for all levels & all birthers.
$48 for entire series | $15 drop-in | 10% off for auto-renew unlimited members
Soothe and Move
Sunday, February 23, 2025 from 1pm-2pm
with Julie Campilio at PYP - FOREST
Through a playful and engaging approach, a blend of mind/body tools proven to soothe the nervous system will be shared. Evidence-based practices and curriculum help participants utilize deep breathing, mindfulness, yoga postures/embodiment, cooperative games, and guided imagery to craft their unique toolbox of stress resilience strategies they can use in daily life. There will be space to collaborate and build community along with time for individual exploration. This is a welcoming space that empowers participants to show up authentically and no experience is required. Fun is always a “must”!
Note:
Space is limited to 10 families. Sign up early to secure your spot.
One registration is for both the caregiver and child
Class is designed for ages 5-10 and their caregiver
To learn more about Soothe and Move please visit: https://ourrootsup.com/in-person-classes-soothe-and-move/
About your instructor Julie Campilio
Julie founded Roots Up to empower youth with self-soothing strategies for navigating big emotions. For nearly 20 years, Julie's taught soothing strategies in schools and youth organizations and has worked with over 10,000 children. She has partnered with social workers, therapists, researchers, and educators to create content that supports children's emotional well-being in ways that are evidence-based and playful. Most importantly, children have been the leaders in crafting these tools, ensuring they are relatable, engaging, and truly meet the needs of children’s emotional health.
$25/FAMILY | 10% OFF FOR AUTO-RENEW MONTHLY MEMBERS
Yoga with Live Piano by Kafari
Friday, February 21 from 5:30pm-7pm
with Morag & Kafari at PYP - DOWNTOWN
Immerse yourself in a 90-minute yoga class led by Morag, accompanied by the soothing sounds of Kafari on the piano. This session settles you into a serene dreamscape, where movement and music awaken your senses. As Morag guides you through a mindful flow, Kafari’s melodies deepen your connection to to the present moment, creating a peaceful, meditative atmosphere. Let the harmonious blend of yoga and rhythm bones transport you into your body, leaving you feeling grounded yet blissed out.
Part of the proceeds will be directly to Preble St Teen Center where Kafari teaches piano and to Black Owned Maine in conjunction with our February Mutual Aid Monday. We encourage you to donate to these organizations if you can!
$30 | 10% OFF FOR AUTO-RENEW UNLIMITED MEMBERS
Yoga for Core and Pelvic Floor
Wedensday, February 19, 7-8pm
with Jenn at PYP - FOREST
This is a slow flow format class that includes a little bit of heat building and aimed to empower you to embody a deeper connection to your deep core and pelvic floor. Dr. Jenn Gelfand, a passionate and experienced pelvic floor physical therapist and owner of Root To Rise PT & Pelvic Health, will lead you through class with a strong emphasis on alignment and breath providing intentional cueing and sequencing. Class is geared towards promoting spine and pelvic health as well as overall functional capacity and resilience.
This class is appropriate for all levels of experience including pregnant and postpartum people, as well as those returning to practice following injury.
$18 Drop In | FREE FOR UNLIMITED AUTO-RENEW MEMBERS
Sapphic Valentines Day Restorative
Saturday, February 15, 2025 from 1pm-2:30pm
with Victoria Rutledge at PYP - FOREST
Join Victoria for this 90 minutes restorative class to celebrate love beyond the gaze of the patriarchy. This class is intended for any and all folks who identify as women, nonbinary, gender expansive, and agender, all folks who love women and the feminine, and those in relationships and relationship constellations that celebrate love beyond cisgender heteronormative scripts (sorry, no cis-men invited). In this intentionally protected space, we will write love notes to ourselves and those we love, slowly savor rich chocolates, and lay our bodies down for deeply supported and delicious REST. Come in comfy clothing, just as you are.
$30 | 10% OFF FOR AUTO-RENEW UNLIMITED MEMBERS
Chair Series
Saturdays, February 8, 15, & 22 from 1pm-2:30pm
with Devon Harris at PYP - DOWNTOWN
This three-week series will explore familiar postures in new, creative ways using a variety of props—particularly the backless yoga chair. Yoga chairs are often used in the Iyengar yoga system and can be a wonderful tool to strongly open the body and quiet the mind. This series is aimed at equipping students with the knowledge and confidence to use this wonderful prop in their own home practice, or when chairs are used in class at PYP.
Each class in this series will build on the one before and students are encouraged to participate in the full series if possible. As is common practice in Iyengar Yoga, classes will be slow and detailed, and postures will be tailored to suit each individual practitioner.
This series is taught by Devon Harris, a dedicated student of Iyengar Yoga for over 8 years, whose all-time favorite yoga pose is a backbend over a chair.
Week 1: Standing poses, introduction to inversions
Week 2: Standing poses, backbends & twists, continuation of inversions
Week 3: Restorative (including more passive exploration of standing poses, backbends & twists, and inversions)
$20/drop in or $55/series | 10% off for auto-renew monthly unlimited members
PYP Downtown Grand Opening Party
Saturday, January 25 from 5pm-9pm-ish
Live DJ set by Pika, cocktails + mocktails by Cocktail Mary, wine by Grippy Tannins, & food by Benkay & Quanto Basta
Join us to celebrate the opening of our second location, PYP DOWNTOWN!
We have joined up with Cocktail Mary to provide us with a signature cocktail & mocktail for the evening, as well as wine from Grippy Tannins! Additionally, we will provide food from Benkay and Quanto Basta for delicious eats throughout the night.
5PM-7PM
AMBIENT LIVE DJ SET BY PIKA FOR MINGLING, DRINKS, AND EATS!
7PM-9PM
PIKA WILL PICK UP THE BEATS FOR DANCING! DRINKS, MINGLING, & SNACKS CONTINUE…
Please register in advance! Registration is free. Admission (and valid ID) includes 1 FREE drink ticket, eats, and fun! Additional drinks available to purchase throughout the night!
Post-Inauguration Rest Space for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color
Friday, January 24, 2025
Hosted by Tender Table and The Portland Yoga Project at PYP DOWNTOWN
Inspired and held deeply by Tricia Hersey’s Rest is Resistance framework, this community rest event is an invitation to reclaim spaciousness, ease, slowness, and care in the face of uncertainty. We will hold softness for each other and create room for idleness and imagination. Our aim will not be to become more productive or focused, but to invite us into a dreamspace of what just futures can be.
We will open the space with words by Maya Williams, leading us into a writing practice of our own where we can explore all the different ways that this shifting political sphere is taking effect in our lives. Victoria Rutledge will lead us through a restorative yoga practice (long held poses with the support of bolsters, blocks, and blankets) woven together with the sounds of Kafari’s music.
We’ll end our time together with an optional share circle.
Props for restorative practice will be provided. Wear comfy/cozy clothes, and bring a journal and writing utensil. Bringing favorite blankets/pillows is encouraged!
This event is free.
Please register using the link below to secure your spot. Space is limited.
About Kafari:
‘Kafari’ is the alias of Cincinnati, OH-born, Portland, ME-based pianist, rhythm bones player, beatmaker, and teaching artist Ahmad Muhammad. Kafari’s music synthesizes his love of ambient piano music, spiritual jazz, and experimental hip-hop, inspired by the musical legacies of Dorothy Ashby, J Dilla, Chopin, and the Carolina Chocolate Drops, who in a 2014 performance sparked his interest in the rhythm bones – an Irish percussion instrument popularized in America through blackface minstrelsy which Kafari often distributes and teaches to his audiences.
About Maya:
Maya Williams (ey/they/she) is a spoken word artist and poet who dives fearlessly into themes of grief, suicide, religion, and relationships. With a raw, powerful voice, Maya’s poetry creates space for connection and understanding, inviting audiences to feel deeply and reflect.
Selected as Portland, ME’s seventh poet laureate (2021 - 2024), Maya has published three poetry collections, including Judas & Suicide, a finalist for the New England Book Award, and Refused a Second Date, a finalist for the Maine Literary Award. Ey brings stories to life with boldness and humanity, leaving a lasting impact with every word.
Yoga for Core and Pelvic Floor
Wedensday, January 15, 7-8pm
with Jenn at PYP - FOREST
This is a slow flow format class that includes a little bit of heat building and aimed to empower you to embody a deeper connection to your deep core and pelvic floor. Dr. Jenn Gelfand, a passionate and experienced pelvic floor physical therapist and owner of Root To Rise PT & Pelvic Health, will lead you through class with a strong emphasis on alignment and breath providing intentional cueing and sequencing. Class is geared towards promoting spine and pelvic health as well as overall functional capacity and resilience.
This class is appropriate for all levels of experience including pregnant and postpartum people, as well as those returning to practice following injury.
$18 Drop In | FREE FOR UNLIMITED AUTO-RENEW MEMBERS
Yin Yoga & Kidney Mudra
Friday, January 10, 5:30pm-7:30pm
with Kelley Voegelin at PYP-FOREST
This 90 minute Yin Yoga class will incorporate the use of a mudra that nourishes our kidneys & deep reserves of energy. Mudra’s are like doing yoga with your hands—they can embody or invoke unique qualities that nourish our physical, mental or spiritual layers. Expect a well rounded Yin yoga practice, mudra and meditation.
$25 | FREE for auto-renew monthly unlimited members
Yoga Foundations SeriEs
Wednesdays, January 8, 15, 22, & 29th, from 5:30pm-6:45pm
with Alyssa Adkins at PYP - FOREST
It’s always a good time to connect with the foundations of yoga. Whether you’ve just done your first class or you’re an experienced practitioner, this series will serve as a container for you to explore yoga’s history, philosophy, the essential asanas (poses), safety and adjustments, and the purpose and techniques of focused breathing. We’ll also take time throughout to discuss and debunk common yoga and movement myths.
With such pressure to rush outside of—and sometimes within!—our yoga practice, the Yoga Foundations Series will be a welcome invitation to slow down, think deeply, and ask questions. We will take the time to know and support one another so that you leave the course feeling more firmly rooted in yoga as an ongoing practice and as a community of practitioners. Emerging from our time together, this deep dive into fundamentals will bring a greater sense of confidence, presence, safety, and context in the classes you take. All have something to gain from Yoga Foundations!
Week One: Yoga History + Foundational Poses
Week Two: Yoga Philosophy + Poses with Neutral Hips + Backbends
Week Three: Poses with Externally Rotated Hips + Vinyasa Flows
Week Four: Revolved Poses + Balancing Poses
Alyssa [they/she] is a yoga history and philosophy nerd who loves getting into the nitty gritty of how and why modern yoga came to be – and the vast gray area of how and why we practice as we do today. They also have a love of anatomy studies and use movement science-informed approaches to help folks learn yoga poses with confidence and feel empowered to make adjustments for their bodies.