For nearly 15 years, Pearl Space has offered women free, by-donation yoga classes taught by volunteer instructors who believe accessible wellness shouldn’t be a luxury.
Every Monday morning at 9:30 a.m., as many as ten participants gather at The Yoga Studio on Second Avenue for trauma-informed yoga. Heidi Nielsen, the program’s coordinator, says drop-in classes at commercial studios have climbed to $20-25, and the Pearl Space program fills a critical gap.
“Yoga itself is a very powerful practice, and things that are popular and powerful tend to go up in price,” says Diamond Deneige, who volunteers once a month. “I think it’s really important to keep such a beautiful practice accessible.”
The program’s trauma-informed approach sets it apart. Since Pearl Space supports people facing gender-based violence, instructors carefully adapt their teaching for students who have experienced trauma.
“There are certain postures that can make someone feel more vulnerable,” explained Nielsen, who has worked at Pearl Space for nearly 20 years. “By being really aware and always offering alternative poses, we try to meet the needs of beginners and people who have been practicing for a long time.”
Deneige moves more slowly in these classes, prioritizing a relaxing environment over an activating one. This has an impact on students, she recalls a student who shared that yoga was allowing her to “feel present in her body in a way that feels safe.”
“It was really nice that she felt safe enough in the space to express that,” Deneige says. “Often people keep those things quite tight and buried.”
Local yoga teachers rotate through a monthly schedule, each donating their time in service to the community. A typical class for Deneige includes meditation, about 40 minutes of movement, and a long final rest. Some volunteer instructors even incorporate singing, poetry and affirmations.
“We live in a world where things move quite quickly,” Deneige said. “Yoga is about taking a breath and slowing down. Not only is slowing down okay, but it’s vital.”
The Monday morning sessions run year-round except in July and August, and statutory holidays. The program is open to anyone identifying as female.
