Sacred Studio

I was recently drawn to Sacred because of its neighborhood convenience, and the $ 20 trial period. This is an incredible deal, and it really allows you to experiment with all of the center’s diverse offerings. 6:30am Sacred flow yoga has been sardine-​crowded, probably due to the New Year Resolution crowd, but I’ve enjoyed the classes, and felt like I’ve been getting a true workout before the sun comes up.
A couple of pro-​tips. If you are worried about feeling overheated in the classroom, position your mat near the edges of the room’s perimeter. At the far edge of the smaller class room, the teacher will sometimes crack the door to let a little cool air in. I actually appreciated being close to this «cooler zone»! Also, remember to bring your water bottle and a sweat towel. You can buy $ 6 coconut water, but the other option is obviously more economical.

I have been going to this studio for quite some time now. I love it because I feel comfortable trying. I am not flexible at all. While I was very intimidated during my first class because some very athletic people do come here. The anxiety quickly faded because the teachers have a great balance of keeping the class challenging but relaxed. Sometimes a yoga teacher can be too hard core, or forgets to remind us of our goals for the evening. Not this studio, part of why I enjoy yoga is the reassuring message of the class itself. I am trying to heal my body and strengthen it, and kind, reflective verbiage really helps the practice along.
The reason I am giving this 4 stars instead of 5, is how packed the classes get. While I completely love and understand the welcoming environment of the studio, it seems they put no limit to the attendance.
In the front, it says «5 min policy» or whatever. It seems they don’t follow this at all. People are welcomed even when class starts. I really don’t think its fair for the people who arrive early or on time, to move and squeeze into the tiniest space so that more people can join.
This is very claustrophobic. I think it would be fair to everyone to have attendance limitations. Also people don’t seem to understand the coordination of where mats should be placed. In other studios, if you are in the back of the classroom you take the space in between the two people in front of you and so forth, so that everyone can see themselves in the mirror. If people can’t do that, its too crowded.
Thanks for being amazing Sacred, hope you continue to grow as a great yoga establishment!

Great addition to the hood. I took sacred flow twice: if you are an advanced yogi, you’ll find the class very.restorative. For me: Not heated enough in comparison to traditional hot yoga, not rigorous enough to be the less-​heated hot vinyasa, in general — too many idling between poses. Poses are not challenging and not held for very long. Very basic. Too many resting in child pose. I came out feeling relaxed but not like I just did a fulfilling workout. Happy that they are there nevertheless for desperate times.

I love the innovative approach that Sacred Studio has to yoga, movement and wellness.
My classes with Stephanie Severe and Stephanie Battle were particularly enjoyable: they are both extremely knowledgeable and competent teachers.
Stephanie Battle seems to have such a wealth of knowledge about poses and how to initiate and lead into them. There was a beautiful fluidity to the flows she taught us. She also was just incredibly approachable and helpful in a way that didn’t seem steeped in ego.
My class with Stephanie Severe impressed me so much: I was concerned that the «core» class would mean grueling exercise with little concern for individual/​unique bodies and an emphasis on abs at the expense of other parts of the body. Instead it felt like a safe, particular and adjustable approach to recognizing the whole-​istic influence the core has on our movement.
I also took Sacred Flow with Reginald Monstah Black Crump and he did an incredible job of marrying his love of dance/​movement with yoga poses. He did most of the class with us which felt educational but engaging rather than simply authoritative.
The facilities are well taken care of and welcoming. And as soon as I brought up critical feedback, I was contacted in a polite and friendly way. The issue was immediately rectified.
Sacred is also involved with the surrounding community and seems to be conscious of inclusionary diversity. These are things that seem to lack at a lot of movement/​yoga studios.
Overall, I can’t wait to go back to Sacred when finances allow. This is a great studio and the intention seems really cohesive with the result.

Oh man, I can’t say enough good things about Sacred. Let me just start by saying that I am not a yogi or even a yoga enthusiast. It’s the kind of activity that I have always been told would be really good for me (I’m a runner and generally just anxious with a lot of tension all over), but I always become more stressed during yoga classes. Even if the studio labels it appropriate for «all levels» the pace is too fast, I can’t keep up because I have to modify, and I leave feeling discouraged and down on myself. Furthermore, most of the time the classes are led by these tiny, compact, über-​flexible petite women — which is great, but I don’t see any of myself in them. It’s hard to set a goal and have a mindful practice with all this going on.
I moved to Bed Stuy this past spring and wound up living around the corner from Sacred. During my summer vacation, I purchased the two week intro class, simply because it’s such a good deal. The first thing I noticed when entering the studio was the diverse group of people attending the classes — people who looked like true beginners to seasoned yogis. It also looked like people from the neighborhood were making up most of the population, which is just wonderful to see. The class was taught by a woman who did NOT have a «traditional» yoga body but was clearly a hardcore athlete — she led us through some amazing and challenging sequences. I could modify and keep up, because the pace was just right — she even talked me through some further adjustments when I approached her after class.
Over my two week intro, I took ten classes and loved every single one. All of the instructors are personable, professional, and extremely impressive all around, but were also comprised of an extremely diverse group of people, not just the «classic» yoga instructor that I had come to expect. Personally, the hot yoga aspect makes it a lot more enjoyable because i can get deeper into the stretches, and I really love sweating it out the way you do. I have never gotten so sweaty in my life and it feels great. GO TO SACRED!

I found out about the Saturday Community class from a friend, and I am now a big fan! Very welcoming and clean studio. Mats and blocks available. Towels for $ 1. They have everything you need!

I love Sacred because of the awesome community and the variety of wellness practices offered. Yoga, FEMME! Sensual Movement, and I get flower essences from Lynz Fauntleroy all in one studio. Sacred is my one stop shop for all my health needs.

Best studio in Brooklyn by far… Welcoming, warm and energetic. I have never been in a room where I feel so supported and challenged to my own ability every time I entered the classroom. The teachers are wonderful and the space is always clean.
Xx

just a wonderful experience each time I have attended class. Clean and I love the fact that the crowd reflects the United Nations. the teachers are patient and very attentive.

You don’t just go to Sacred Studio for yoga or for dance class. You go to Sacred because you know your time there will be reverent and honor your body, mind and spirit. The owner, Dara Cole, curates the best teachers and best movement classes in her sacred space. Make sure you try the Sunday eve Qoya classes. It’s like church, but you become your preacher as you are invited to listen to the wisdom of your body and move to the desires of your soul.

Sacred is my favorite part of living in Bed-​Stuy. From the people, to the classes, it is a great energy and vibe all around. This place has pulled me out of some of my darkest days, and I always leave here with a smile on my face. Work Study is great and flexible here for those on a budget.
In regards to classes, they are all great. When I first came, I hadn’t practiced yoga before, so it was a little hard. I would recommend a foundations class if you are new to yoga.
If you live nearby, do yourself a favor and go. Its one of the reasons I love Bedstuy and why I love living here.

I have heard so many positive things about Sacred since moving to BedStuy. I’m no more than in the beginning stages of my yoga practices but am always eager to try new classes to find the best fit. The $ 20 two week unlimited deal is such a great opportunity to allow people, like myself, to explore the studio and all of their dynamic classes! I look forward to making the most of my trial and definitely continuing with Sacred…
…if I can slowly grow more used to hot yoga. In the summer. Aside from my initial nausea and sweating all of 2015’s hydration out during my first two classes, everyone I have met has been incredibly warm and welcoming!

I’ve tried yoga a few times in the past and frankly, I didn’t enjoy it. I always thought there wasn’t enough physicality in it. the intensity just wasn’t there for me. A friend of mine talked me into purchasing the 2-​week trial at Sacred. I’m generally open to trying anything related to fitness so I decided to give this another shot. I’m so glad I did. I took the Salt & Honey class andlet me just say… from the time we started, straight through to the end, I enjoyed every second of it. The instructor was great, she was very motivating. The music was soothing. The room was nice and hot, which was a wonderful way to not only work through the poses, but also the best sweat I’ve had in a long time. I left the class feeling centered, renewed and refreshed.
I’ve already signed up to take my next class this week and will be signing up once my trial is over. My only issue was the bathroom. It’s very small, a little too small for the amount of people attending the classes at any given time but… I guess unless the studio is moved to a larger space, this can’t be helped. It didn’t take away from the great experience however, which is the most important thing. This is one of the best kep secrets in Brooklyn…

I have only gone to this spot for the yoga classes — Salt & Honey, Sacred Flow, Cool Down, etc.
I have LOVED all the teachers and the folks who work here. The classes get packed, which is something that bothers me in some places, but the students and teachers here help make room for everyone. Also, even though the classes keep a steady pace, people rest when they need it, so it is not as stressful as other hot yoga classes I have been to.
Would highly recommend to anyone who has a chance to stop by!

I came for 2 weeks on the intro offer ($ 20 for 2 weeks unlimited) and was there probably 8 out of 14 days. Three stars might seem a bit harsh (although it still means it’s A-​OK studio!) but I’ll break it down in terms of the things I like the most to the things I liked the least:
+++ Prices: Hot yoga is expensive. They do a good job of being in that, «hey, it’s not too bad» range.
++ Variety: They have more than just hot yoga classes — they also do classes for meditation, pole, barre, dance, hula-​hoop, non-​hot yoga, maternity, kids, and more. If you get the monthly unlimited, you can go to any/​all of them.
+ Teachers: They’re pretty good and as with any studio, some are much better than others. Most are good here.
+/​-​Location: The closest train is the G train which is arguably the least useful train. Otherwise, expect a 15 minute walk from the AC or S train through some not very pretty areas (I saw the same dead bird on the ground for the entire 2 weeks).
— Showers: There are 3 of them. During the busy times, as many as 37 people have taken a hot yoga class. You do the math. The floors in the showers are painted and peeling. I thought that was weird. The drainage is also this trough style drainage where they all run down to the first stall so if you’re in the last stall and the water just keeps pooling, you’re screwed. The changing room area is also not very large. Be prepared to rub elbows (and possibly other bits) with sweaty naked people.
– Hot yoga studio: I do like that the studio is large and not carpeted but a couple of things made me gripe-​y about it. The window side of the room faces out onto the street so in the winter they close the metal doors to keep out the cold (with moderate success — so if you’re looking for the coolest part of the room, cuddle up to those windows) which means there’s zero natural light. The door leading out of the studio doesn’t close automatically and has an actual handle. This sounds small and stupid but when it’s hot and you’re possibly hallucinating and need to make an escape, it could matter. It also leads me to my final point…
— People: The other students here are not my favorite. Going back to that point about the door, some people will come in and leave the door open! Um, dude, it’s HOT yoga — stop letting all the hot air out! The door slamming — I sound like such a naggy mommy but stop fucking slamming the door because it’s loud! Yoga, meditation; ever heard of it? It takes an extra 2 seconds to close the door by twisting the handle and gently closing the door. Also, stop walking on other people’s mats! It’s not even that crowded, you can go AROUND. You might think your feet are great but other people may not agree. Gawd. I know these are not things that the studio really has control over which is why I still think the studio is OK, it’s just not for me. I think most of the folks there are nice but there are more of these rude people than at other studios I’ve been to (or maybe it’s just that damn door).
Overall, it’s a good alternative to Bikram yoga but I will be sticking with the original.
— — — —
Additional personal point. They play music during classes which I really disliked. I found it super distracting because sometimes it would be that yoga bells and chanting and other times it would be like Beyonce. To me, it’s all bad.

Firstly, do yourself a favor and just sign up for the $ 20 for 2 weeks of unlimited classes. It’s really the best way to get to know this little studio.
I love Sacred. I’d been meaning to come here for a while, so when my friend and instructor, Tamar-​Kali told me she was teaching her amazing Body Raqs (bellydancing) class here, I jumped at the chance to visit.
Strangely enough, I haven’t taken a yoga class here yet. I know the classes are always packed and it really feels like a community. The space is small, but not too small and very inviting. The entrance has cubbys to take your shoes off and roam the premises with bare feet, which is nice, because you know the floor is clean and not full of «public».
The Studio consists of two large studio, one with poles, the other strictly for Yoga. They also have a room for bodywork, because it’s all about getting your mind (yoga) and your body together.
There are changing rooms for both men and women, complete with lockers and in the winter months, coat racks. There are shower stalls and a private toilet with sink as well.
Of the classes I have taken, I have enjoyed them all. There are some that have the same instructor, but some vary, and you’d have to check the schedule to make sure what you want is there.
Here is my breakdown of classes and my experience in them:
Body Raqs (bellydance): This is Tamar’s shorter version of her longer 1.5 hour bellydance class. This is fun because you use a mix of current music (like top 40) and traditional music to shake your hips. There is usually a small choreographed dance to combine what was learned in class. You definitely tap into your sexiness with this class… it’s very sensual.
Sacred Burlesque — I really enjoy this class. It’s taught by Brown Girls Burlesque and usually Chicava is the instructor and I must say that she really tries to build on the classes. There are props used and a lot of attention is focused on our sexual organs. It really makes you get in touch with yourself!
Newbie Pole Basics — if you can do it, go for it. I myself found out I am in fact more of a Champagne Room kind of girl. These thighs burned going down that pole!
IntenSati — an very intense workout that is all about mind/​body. A good class, especially if you like group bonding.
These are just a tiny fraction of what this place offers! They also have community yoga, which is donation based and a few other things that are donation based.
As much as I love Sacred, I feel that they would really have me (and others) if they lowered their price by $ 3 (it’s $ 20). They have good deals on packages, but for one class, in what was affordable Bed Stuy, the price could be a bit less). I’m serious. If that happened a lot more monthly passes would be sold. Between that and their crazy cancellation policy (you can cancel up to 8 hours before your class). If you’re stuck on the train, or have a last minute thing at work, that means that you’ll probably miss the class and lose money.
Also, call to make sure about the waitlist for the pole classes. A ton of people didn’t show and it was a small class (which was kind of great, but it was way more work for all of us!)
All in all, a great addition to the neighborhood and I love visiting Sacred!

I really like this studio. They offer a lot of great classes such as Pole dancing for varies skill levels, varies HOT yoga classes, and a lot of other dance classes.
I first heard of Sacred through Groupon and have loved my experience here.
Classes here typically run for 1hr-​15min, longer than most studios and they have classes everyday, which you can sign up for online.
Only downside for me is that this studio is far from where I live, so i most likely wouldn’t come here if i didn’t work in Brooklyn.
If they have a studio in Manhattan, i would definitely join.

My home away from home! I started coming to this studio in August with the $ 20 unlimited deal and I… Fell…in…LOVE (sorry hubby!). I am at total peace and I do not feel the need to push myself but to go with the flow. The service is extraordinary. I just wish that the shower area was cleaner. Outside of that I have NO complaints.
I took a break when school started back up but was able to fit a class in after two months. I literally wept!
I heart Sacred!

I just came home from a lovely Baby and Me yoga class taught by the fantastic Christine.
The space was relaxing and beautiful, and Christine’s soundtrack that she played for the yoga session was right on point. Lots of balancing work and breath work, and my baby crawled, played with toys, and even was able to be included in some of the yoga poses.
The class was peaceful, life affirming, and serene. And I think my baby loved it as well!
I will definitely be back – this class is such a great idea!

Pole dancing class! AMAZING.
In pain today for all the right reasons.
I’m very shy in that type of setting but I felt extremely comfortable. Everyone was very sweet.
I’ll definitely be back next week!