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| - I'm sure I'll get a lot of negative responses from this review, but if you take the time to read my review understand that we all have the right to inform everyone of our experiences and opinions. I am by no means a full fledged Yogi and do not claim to be enlightened whatsoever. I have been practicing yoga for close to 5 years and visited multiple studios in both California and Nevada.
I do understand that everyone needs to make a living to survive and that a certain fee must be charged for yoga instructors to live. I also understand that Nevada (during the time I took classes at this studio) was experiencing the worst unemployment in the country and was considered (based on a survey) to be the unhappiest place to live in the country.
I participated in classes at Sherry Goldstein's Yoga Sanctuary West studio.
In what way is it Yogic to charge mat rental fees, provide a donation bucket after musicians perform in class and pack so many students in a teacher training course that regular class schedules are thrown off without notice? How also is it Yogic to participate in a studio where "yogis" pull up in their gas guzzling luxury cars and snipe parking spaces, walk in late to class and arrogantly stride to the front of the room to practice even though they are anywhere from 5 to 30 minutes late? While I do believe the yoga teachers are credible and provide a nice quality class, it is very hard to find calm and to center yourself when you are being charged exorbitant rates and surrounded by a bunch of (let's be honest) wealthy clients who have a superior believe it attitude. The teachers and staff allow the clients to run the show and even accommodate late customers. It is so ludicrous that on the studios online blog they even defend customers who come to class late, explaining that it is the responsibility of the students who arrive on time to practice not standing in judgement and to concentrate on remaining completely focused on class. The blog entry continues on to explain that not all students have the luxury of not being employed. Excuse me?! So for the unemployed (for which there are more of than the employed) it is alright to sit tight while those students fortunate enough to have jobs walk in when they feel like it. In what universe is this right? For those of us who are not seasoned at the art of meditation and may only drop in to class when our schedules allow it is infuriating that these people are allowed and even encouraged to operate on personal timing.
How is it my problem that a student does not leave enough time to come to yoga class? It is not my problem, and I was very tired of sitting in opening mediation and listening to the door open, loud feet pounding across the studio, slamming purse, wallet, cell phone and keys into a cubby hole and loudly unraveling the mat and slapping it across the floor. Then to add insult to injury the teacher acknowledges that late student and thanks the late student for gracing us all with their presence (in some cases I'm sure this is sarcastic, but most of the time I believe it is a sincere sentiment)
Another aspect of this studio that disgusts me is the boutique. Yoga clothing, books, CDs, candles and jewelry. And just to explain further, most of the yoga clothes are flimsy shirts that read ""I Heart Yoga Sanctuary" and are generally priced at well over $40.00 a tank top. All of these items are highly over priced. You can buy the same items online at a fraction of the price. What do these objects have to do with obtaining inner peace and "enlightenment" Yoga is not about things. Yoga is not about wanting and having. Yoga is not about status and wealth. I guess I will never be able to practice yoga again without designer "yoga" clothes as my regular clothing will not do the job. On to special classes with musicians. Some classes are offered during different times in the year with musicians accompanying the yoga instructor. Some of these classes are set on the schedule and others are a one time only event. Of course these classes cost more, which I do understand as both the instructor and musician must receive compensation. So why is it that after being charged more for the class that when the class is over a wicker donation basket is put out? I understand that we all need to make money. However isn't it the responsibility of the studio to provide proper compensation for the musician and pay him or her for their time? Apparently not. The best classes I took at this studio were the $10.00 cash drop in classes. Yes, you read that right. You must pay $10.00 in cash only otherwise your class with be $17.00 for an in state resident (which must be proven with a state ID or Driver's License or a bill with your in state address) or $20.00 as an out of state visitor. Yes, you will be carded and your rate will be based on the proof or lack of proof you provide. And be sure to bring your own mat as you will be charged a mat rental fee if you use 1 of their mats.
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