We’ll offer a range of classes, workshops, and Teacher Training and special events on Zoom in 2024 as well as teaching live in the Studio (16 participants). Practising online and in person is meaningful in different ways and we hope you’ll enjoy either or both. Thank you for your continuing support in these uncertain times. And we hope you use and enjoy our pre-recorded Home Practice audios and videos.
The Studio is open for in-person classes with online advanced bookings and payment in advance only. The preferred payment method is by e-transfer to info@estheryoga.com. Sorry, we cannot accept drop-ins. Credit is available with 24 hours cancellation ONLY.
Please check this space for updates or send us an email if you have questions. Take good care – we look forward to welcoming you back to the Studio.
Themed Classes explore unique topics through yoga, meditation, qi gong, and other creative offerings over a single class, a week or a few weeks on Zoom or at our Studio in downtown Toronto.
Themed Yoga Classes Online and In Person
Shoulder Season
Monday, December 16 – Friday, December 20, with Julia Juhas, 8:00am-9:15am ET, $100/week, $23/class
on Zoom
Although the shoulder girdle is brilliantly designed to be extremely mobile, more often than not, it feels the opposite, especially during these colder months. Why not melt away those frosty shoulders and rediscover shoulder mobility? Through the exploration of movement of the bones, soft tissue and the spine, this series will highlight understanding and releasing the shoulder girdle.
“Just finished this series and I must tell you, it was fantastic. Every person, especially desk workers would benefit from this. My upper body is feeling such warmth and ease right now. Julia is so GOOD! ” Y. O.
“I have enjoyed so much. It was a present for my shoulders, upper back and chest and my mind.” M.U.
Image: Woman Grinding Maize, Diego Rivera, 1924
Yoga for the new year
Monday, January 6 – Friday, January 10, with Della Croteau, 8:00am-9:15am ET, $100/wk, $23/class
on Zoom
Start the New Year with an energizing full body practice. Remind your body of familiar asanas and explore some revitalizing sequences and breathing practices. Welcome 2025 with movement and breath of joy!
Image: Infinity Mirrored Room, Yayoi Kusama , 2013
Friday Intensives
January 10, February 14, March 14, April 4, with Tama Soble, 1:00pm-3:00pm ET, $30/class, included in unlimited passes
on Zoom
Enjoy the pleasure of deepening your practice by taking time at the end of the week to unwind and revitalize. For students and teachers at every level.
“I really enjoyed your Friday Intensive yesterday. I look forward to your monthly classes and love the way you lead up to the theme, gradually encouraging us to open our rib cage as yesterday. I always leave inspired and encouraged in my ability to move into poses with more ease and comfort.” SM
Tibetan Breathing for energy, warmth and optimism
Monday, January 13 – Friday, January 17, with Monica Voss, 8:00am-9:15am ET, $100/week, $23/class
on Zoom
The Tibetan breathing sequence includes 10 exercises, usually practised sitting, which become more and more energizing and eccentric. We’ll begin by releasing the lower back, hip joints and legs and every day, add another part of this invigorating series.
Perfect for cold winter mornings. Everyone welcome.
Image: India, Sherbaling Monastery
Eight Silk Brocade QiGong
Mondays, January 13, 20, 27, February 3, 10, 24, with Donna Oliver, 5:00pm-6:00pm, $108/6 classes, $21/class
at the Studio
An ancient popular Qigong set to help rectify health disorders. Gentle stretching of the Energetic Meridians will leave you feeling energized and centred. It may be practised sitting in a chair.
Exploring Fascia and the Joyful Power of Fat in Your Practice
Monday, January 20 – Friday, January 24, with Mariko Tanabe, 8:00am-9:15am ET, $100/week, $23/class
on Zoom
Fascia connects our inner landscape as it wraps around our muscles, organs, bones, and skin through its dynamic web of fluid elasticity and specificity. It provides the integrated pathways of our bodies’ movement through the dimensions of space and
time, bringing ease, lightness and flow.
Fat may well be one of the most repressed tissues in our culture. Yet it is a very alive and full-bodied tissue that is found most everywhere within. It cushions and grounds, while creating the insulation for your nervous system and protection for your organs. Fat’s volume and source of stored energy provide a vital soft power in our actions, and
sensuality and comfort to how we inhabit our bodies.
Discover ways to embody the support of fat and fascia in everyday movements and asana practice through guided movement, touch, meditation and dialogue. All are welcome to participate at their own level of curiosity and comfort.
Freeing the Sides
Monday, January 27 – Friday, January 31, with Tama Soble, 8:00am-9:15am ET, $100/week, $23/class
on Zoom
Side stretching frees the spine, the ribcage and the breath, enhancing physical comfort and ease. We will practise this often neglected developmental movement pattern and take time to reflect on the experience and benefits for the entire body.
Knowing your knees and feet
Monday, February 3 – Friday February 7, with Mar Jean Olson, 8:00am-9:15am ET, $80/wk, $23/class, *no class Tues Feb 4
on Zoom
Winter walking can be challenging. We’ll learn some anatomy and practise beneficial exercises for strength, flexibility and movement awareness. Discover how knees and feet respond to changes in surfaces to facilitate balance, help prevent slips and falls, and prepare for skiing and skating.
Image: Skiing, J.E.H. MacDonald, 1912
Meditation, Pranayama and Yoga Nidra
Monday, February 10 – Friday, February 14, with John Campbell, 8:00am-9:15am ET, $100/week, $23/class
on Zoom
A morning practice – pranayama, guided and silent sitting meditation, finishing with yoga nidra. Start your day here, right here. Energized, grounded, present, free, easy, infinite capacity. Everyone is welcome – both those new to meditation and experienced meditators.
Image: Buddha and Mouse, Louise Tanguay
Practising yoga to regulate the nervous system
Monday, February 17–Friday, February 21, with Shirley Roll, 8:00am-9:15am ET, $100/week, $23/class
on Zoom
Everything about practising yoga touches our nervous system, from grounding, breathing and even elongating the spine, to interoception, proprioception and our awareness of the world around us. In this series, we will learn how our yoga practice alters the activation of the various pathways of our nervous system – the sympathetic or spinal chain and the dorsal and ventral branches of the vagus nerve. The resulting balance of that activation affects our sense of wellbeing and that of those around us. Let’s practise together, exploring how these elements influence our energy, our resilience, our mood, our thinking and our feelings about ourselves and others.
Awaken the Shoulder Girdle
Monday, February 24 – Friday, February 28, with Julia Juhas, 8:00am-9:15am ET, $100/week, $23/class
on Zoom
Although the shoulder girdle is brilliantly designed to be extremely mobile, more often than not, it feels the opposite due to the weight of the world we carry on our shoulders. Why not lighten the load? Let’s rediscover shoulder mobility through the exploration of movement of the bones and soft tissue that make up the shoulder girdle and how these movements affect the spine.
“If, like me, you’re recovering from the fatigue of a respiratory infection, attend (Awaken the Shoulder Girdle) with Julia Juhas. The focus on the shoulder blades, especially, helped open my torso and I have been able to breathe more deeply and come off the mat more energized as a result.” Candace S
“I enjoyed ‘Awaken the Shoulder Girdle’ with Julia Juhas. I learned a lot about shoulders and mine have never felt so released and relaxed! The class was a perfect blend of information, instruction, and helpful feedback in a safe and friendly space. ” Jan Fleming
Image: From the film ‘Aniki Bobo’, Manoel de Oliveira, 1942
QiGong for Health
Mondays, March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 April 7, 14, 21, with Donna Oliver, 5:00pm-6:00pm ET, $144/8 classes, $21/class
at the Studio
Focus will be on gentle exercises that may relieve stress, back pain, depression, and insomnia, as well as other common health disorders. Boost your immune system and remain healthy this winter with Qigong!
Image: Waves, Georgia O’Keeffe