Yoga Yoga has served the community since 1995 and this little shala has stood the test time. We are recognized for our non heated, intimate classes and expert teachers that are dedicated to meeting the needs of our students. We are a haven of unconditional love, where every soul receives an open invitation for self-study, exploration, and healing. In our shala we foster an environment that embraces you with warmth and acceptance, encouraging a journey of self- discovery and growth.
Whether you are new to yoga or have been practicing for some time, we encourage you to come and explore the profound healing benefits awaiting you at our beautiful sacred space nestled in the heart of downtown Newhall.
our Gentle Wellness Team
Dani Ibarra is the owner of this little gem and has been teaching yoga in SCV since 2008. She’s a certified yoga therapist recognized by the International Association of Yoga Therapy and has a passion for teaching therapeutics, beginners and seniors. She was trained in the Krishnamacharya lineage and her carefully crafted sequences are a fusion of Iyengar yoga, yoga therapy of Desikachar, somatics, myofascial release, mobility work, and pranayama (breath work). She has a keen eye for sound alignment, and creates a safe space for self-discovery and transformation. She was the founder of Just Breathe Yoga Center (now Serenity Yoga) and worked as the director and lead teacher trainer for the Valencia YogaWorks location until they closed due to COVID. She was a professional dancer turned yogini, and has been a yoga practitioner since 1996. Her certifications include: IAYT, E-RYT 500, YACEP (Continuing Education Provider for Yoga Alliance), FRC Mobility Specialist, Gentle Somatic Yoga Level 2, Urban Zen, Yoga Tune Up, Yoga Wall Certified, Senior YogaWorks Trainer/Mentor, Reiki Master, Reconnection Energy Healer, Author of Yoga Remedy eBook, and creator of Yoga Remedy 25-hour Therapeutic Teacher Training.
Allison Nelson’s teaching style centers on creating a space of safety and acceptance, by incorporating smart sequencing, modifications, and adjustments for all students. She aims for her students to leave her class feeling nourished, present, and having learned something new about themselves or their practice, and maybe even enjoying a laugh or two. Allison teaches a mindful flow with alignment cues and modifications that allow all bodies to feel relaxed, stay in tune with the breath, and explore personal practice. With gratitude for all the beautiful lessons from her yoga practice, she strives to enjoy every moment, give freely, and love with all her heart. Allison has been teaching for over 30 years and her credentials include E-RYT 500, Meditation Teacher, Yoga Remedy Therapeutics, Yoga Wall Certified, AFFA Primary Fitness, TRX Level 2, Body Pump, Senior Fitness.
Lori Schneider is a 500 hr YogaWorks certified instructor and has been teaching yoga for the past 15 years. Yoga has transformed her life physically and mentally and she’s honored to share all of that yoga goodness with you! Her gentle and Level 1 classes are specially curated for any body from a gentle beginner to a seasoned practitioner. She has taken many workshops and additional trainings to advance her knowledge for continuing education, which include Yoga Remedy Therapeutic Teacher Training, Yin Yoga Certified, and Level 3 Reiki. Lori teaches authentically from the heart, keeps safety in mind, and gives detailed variations to fit your personal needs. She would be honored to share in a gentle yoga journey with you.
Elizabeth Done is a 500 hours Yogaworks certified instructor that has been teaching yoga and movement in our valley for over 15 years. Elizabeth is grateful every day that over 30 years ago, she took her first yoga class in search of a hamstring stretch and has been a student ever since. Elizabeth is committed to moving through our ever-changing world authentically, always striving to be better and do better. She is unafraid to speak her truth and empowers her students to do the same. Elizabeth offers a Yoga Sculpt class at our Shala on Tuesdays & Thursdays from 10:30-11:30. This class is a balanced mix of breathwork, deep stretching, and mindful movement that will warm your body. Light weights will be added to tone your muscles while in traditional yoga poses.
Linda Wissmath is a certified yoga Instructor with twenty-five years private and group teaching experience. Her first teachers in the late 80’s were David Life and Sharon Gannon, founders of Jivamukti Yoga NYC. Her first Teacher Training was at Sivananda Ashram in Grass Valley Ca. in 1992 since then she has completed Integrative Yoga Therapy Teacher Training, Yoga Works Teacher Training, Advanced Teacher Training Yoga Works, Iyengar Module Teacher Training and advanced Teacher Trainings with Lisa Walford. She is also a Certified Pilates Mat Instructor with four years pilates mat group leadership. Significant experience in therapeutics and special populations including Pre-Natal and Back Care. Her classes combine spiritual concepts, classic yoga sequencing and a balance between correct form in the physical body with awareness of mind and flow of energy. She also has an MFA in Painting from Cal Arts.
Lisa Schindewolf has been teaching at Yoga Yoga since 2010, completed a 200 hr Teacher Training at Yoga Yoga, Restorative Yoga Teacher Training Level 1 & 2, Yoga for Arthritis Level 1, Yoga for All training, Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Training, Level 1 Reiki, and Yoga Remedy Therapeutic training. The restorative yoga class invites deep relaxation by soothing and balancing the nervous system. Supported by props, each gentle pose is held longer for profound effects. With candlelight, Reiki, and guided meditation, this class will help you soften, surrender, and embrace a state of calm. This practice is beneficial for relieving muscle tension and stress, it encourages the mind body connection, and leaves you refreshed and rejuvenated.
Olga Atkinson is a 500hr Yoga Works certified teacher, Reiki Master and Yin certified teacher. She is originally from The Netherlands and has lived in Los Angeles for almost two decades now. Yoga found Olga when she was going through a rough period in her life. She loved the way it made her feel and soon experienced the transformative power of becoming a teacher. She believes yoga is for everybody and every body and aims to inspire and empower people in their practice; weaving philosophy concepts, chakra teachings, and events from daily life into her teachings. Olga customizes the practice to fit your needs, combining vinyasa flow with yin yoga and sprinkled with Reiki. You’ll leave class feeling joyous, balanced and empowered — ready to take that feeling off the mat and into the world.
Justin Barnes is a passionate yoga teacher with a deep commitment to helping others cultivate balance, mindfulness, and strength. He received his 200-hour certification through YogaWorks, where he truly developed a love for the practice, and went on to complete the Yoga Remedy Teacher Training. His teaching approach integrates movement, meditation, and intentional breathwork to create a nurturing and empowering space for students of all levels. Whether on or off the mat, Justin aims to inspire others to connect to their body and find greater peace within themselves. Justin would never tell you this, but he’s a Julliard graduate and a very talented actor.
Tosha began her yoga journey at the age of 15 and has never looked back. Since becoming a teacher in 2016, she has been passionate about sharing yoga not only as a physical practice but as a way of life. Tosha's approach invites students to bring yoga's transformative mindset off the mat, cultivating self-awareness and a more expansive outlook on life. She believes that yoga is one of life's greatest medicines, filling each day with the magic of self-discovery and growth. Tosha is a 500hr Established - Registered Yoga Teacher (E-RYT) as well as a teacher trainer & a Yoga Alliance Continuing Education Practitioner. Tosha graduated from her 200hr in 2017 in Santa Clarita, and completed her 300hr in 2019 in Peru. She began working for a yoga school, The Kula Collective and has facilitated, supported and guest taught in over 12 yoga teacher trainings. She is also a certified Primal flow instructor, a Reiki Master and a Thai massage therapist. She is currently studying Yoga Therapy, Herbalism and Shamanic practices.
Loretta Reust is an occupational therapist, experienced working with people of all ages, specializing in sensory integration and lifestyle medicine. She is BoneFit™ trained from the national Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation. Loretta studied Yoga Wall Level 1, and Yoga for Osteoporosis and has her 200hr certification. Loretta loves using props such as the Yoga Wall to work on alignment, relaxation, or to explore more depth. She believes that yoga practice of movement and breath brings strength, balance and healing to body, mind and spirit.
Manak Khamvongsa leads our Saturday morning Tai Chi class. He started learning Tai Chi in 2003 at Yuan Yen Don Martial Arts Center, in Boston MA. His class focuses on balance, breath and stress management using the movements of Tai chi; an internal martial art originally from China. Class practice will focus on the Yang 24 form and may also include qigong and breathing exercises. You will be guided through the practice in a flowing, peaceful manner, with an emphasis on mindfulness and self development. Manak is also a professional musician and provides sitar accompaniment for the Wednesday evening restorative class and directs our monthly sacred sound baths.
Some frequently asked questions
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Yoga is a science of clearing away the obstacles in our body and mind returning us back to our birthright – a state of peace and happiness. Yoga addresses our lives, our spirit, not just our bodies. You can come to yoga for longer muscles, more strength and relaxation, what you leave with is a deeper knowledge of your true self.
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Ancient yogis determined that some sounds are more beneficial than others. I think you will agree the sound of falling water is more pleasant than a jackhammer. Om and other mantras are believed to assist in focusing the mind. As “stilling the mind” is the actual goal of yoga, many teachers like to begin and end classes with the pleasant sound of “Om”.
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Om represents the entire universe – past, present, and future. The sound is actually a combination of four parts: a (“ah”), or wakefulness; u (“oh”), the dream state; m (“mmm”), the quietness of deep, dreamless sleep; and the silence that follows, which represents pure consciousness. The chanting of Om revitalizes the body, soothes the mind and nourishes the soul.
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You will not get injured if you listen to your body! A huge component of yoga is self-acceptance. Going beyond your capabilities in order to wow your teacher or yourself is completely contrary to yogic philosophy.
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Yes! Yoga works for every body, and a little secret…being flexible doesn’t make you a better person! A consistent yoga practice will increase flexibility, build strength, boost your metabolism, burn calories, and help you feel more confident and comfortable in your body.
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As with any form of exercise, if you have enjoyed a consistent practice pre-dating your pregnancy, feel free to participate for as long as it feels comfortable, or what your doctor recommends. Modifications will be given, but it’s important to always listen to your body.
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Kids love yoga! It aids in concentration, builds confidence and it’s fun! If your child is mature enough to focus through a 70 min class they may participate. Please be respectful of the other participants, do not enroll your child if they are too young to maintain focus. Children under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian sign the waiver form.
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Please bring your own yoga mat. All other props will be provided.
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Please refrain from wearing heavy perfumes, oils or aftershaves to class. You should aim to arrive 5-10 minutes before class begins so as to avoid any disruption, and if you must leave early, please leave before our final relaxation pose. Please come appropriately dressed and always turn off your cell phone ringer.
Most importantly, enjoy your yoga practice and appreciate the time you spend on yourself, your health, and your happiness!
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When coming to a yoga class wear comfortable clothing, stretch pants, or sweat pants, tank top or a t-shirt is fine.
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Please refrain from eating a meal 2-3 hours before class. If you are hungry eat light; some fruit, or juice is appropriate. Yoga helps to release toxins, so drink plenty of water after class to help detoxify your body.
Still have a question?
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Donna
“Dani is the new owner of Yoga Yoga, but has been a staple in our community for year's. Dani has taught at Yoga Works, the Paseo Club and other gyms throughout Los Angeles. But, now, Dani's magic is being brought to life through her own studio in downtown Newhall. No matter what level of yoga you practice, Dani and all her teachers will make each and every class work for you. Being around Dani is hopeful and peaceful; her studio reflects love, gratitude, and a space to breathe from every single corner of the building. I can't recommend Yoga Yoga and Dani Ibarra enough. What a gift to our community.”
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Chelina
“I've been working with Dani, the new owner of Yoga Yoga studio, for a year now, and I'm so beyond grateful that I found her! I have a back injury that had me in a lot of pain and not able to do much physically. However since working with Dani weekly, my mobility has improved drastically, my pain has subsided significantly, and my recovery time has shortened. To say that she's improved my quality of life is a great understatement. Dani is an amazing Yoga Therapist and Reiki Master, a true healer in every sense of the word. She listens to her clients and somehow knows all the right therapeutic moves to help you with your issues (well, not somehow...she's been a practitioner and teacher for decades with vast knowledge and experience who has worked extremely hard at her craft). She's also always taking courses to find new and improved techniques to improve her ability to help her clients. I'm so fortunate to have her as my Yoga Therapist on my journey to health. I've also been working with Dani on my nutrition and weight goals, and she's been a great inspiration and health coach to keep me on track. I'm very excited to see what plans Dani has in store for Yoga Yoga, as I know this space provides her an even greater opportunity to help more people and reach a diverse clientele. Can't wait for the grand re-opening of Yoga Yoga and joining Dani in person for additional wellness opportunities!”
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Harriette
“There's a whole new vibe happening at Yoga Yoga since Dani Ibarra took ownership. It's like something that was already a gem became even more brilliant. I'm not new to YY, nor to Dani's teachings. I've known both for over 20 years. But something is very different now. There's a deeper sense of sacredness, benevolence, peace, and compassion that is apparent the minute you enter the studio. The teachers welcome you with open arms and care. It doesn't matter if you never took a yoga class before in your life or you've been practicing for years, YY is a place you can call home.”