Pittsburgh has plenty of yoga, and a few places do have an Ashtanga primary series or mysore class on the schedule, but this is the first studio with a dedicated focus including guided primary and 6am morning mysore. Laura Gorham-Huon has an Advanced A/third series practice and has completed teacher training plus regular studies with Tim Miller. She's encouraging, knowledgeable, tough, and spot-on with adjustments and modifications. However, it's the atmosphere at The Shala that I find so lovely: serious but fun, nice, friendly people, and minimal attitude - you can walk in wearing lululemon or Target and it doesn't matter - just roll out your mat and go for it! The Shala does offer a regular "Intro to Ashtanga" workshop that gives an overview of the practice, philosophy, and lineage and that's a good way to see if the place and teachers are right for you. After having an on-again/off-again home practice for a few years, I'm quite happy to have a place to study in a more formal manner - it keeps me focused and healthy. If you're new to yoga or curious about Ashtanga, come check our The Shala - your body and mind will thank you for it!