Valerie is the best yoga / pilates teacher I ever had. She took the time to truly teach the art of yoga and pilates. I went to her classes religiously for 10 years while I lived in Philly. I haven't been able to find a teacher like this either in New York or Boston where I spend my time now. Her classes are not about the 'workout' but rather connecting with yourself and perfecting your technique. I can't say enough wonderful things! read more

The instructors are nice and the studio space is comfortable and well-equipped. A huge plus for me that it's only a block away from my residence! I've taken yoga classes here and they were great: they were very relaxing, I learned a lot, and my body felt a lot better after them. Classes are not overcrowded, which makes for more relaxing yoga sessions. However, a word of caution to those with cat allergies - they do have two cats that sometimes roam freely on the studio floor. While they are adorable, they sometimes show up unexpectedly next to you, and there are few things within a yoga studio that are more disruptive than being suddenly overcome with fear of breaking into an asthma attack or into hives. I had bought 10-class passes for myself and my husband before I knew there were cats on premises. We only found out about the cats several classes in, and tried to go anyway, informing the instructors about our allergies whenever we arrived. However, anyone who has cats knows that cats can climb over low barriers and although the instructors would put the cats away, they would still manage to find their way out to the studio floor. I also get nervous about accidentally picking up cat dander from doing yoga poses on the floor, since obviously it wouldn't be realistic for them to clean the floor and all equipment before every class. Since focusing on breathing is an important part of yoga practice, my fear of breathing in that space (fear that I might inhale cat dander and suffer severe allergy symptoms) really interfered with doing yoga. This has caused us to feel reluctant to come back, and now I believe our 10-class passes have expired, which means we've lost money on the unused classes (I believe I had a few remaining classes, while my husband had roughly half). Overall, this is a very good yoga studio (that also offers belly dance and some other classes), but it's definitely a stressful experience for people with allergies to cat dander. read more

I can't believe that no one has reviewed this place!!! I will only be reviewing the belly dance classes, as I have not participated in the variety of other classes offered (including: different yogas, tribal belly dance, zumba, salsa, body conditioning, pilates, cardio kickboxing, and drumming.). Oh, and they also offer a multitude of messages, which I hope to be testing out soon! This studio is beyond compare! I've taken dance classes since I was three years old (at prestigious schools such as Point Park), and the belly dance classes I have taken here rival any and all in my experience. The instructors level of professionalism and knowledge is amazing, but what I like best is the "comfort" level. Classes are filled with beginners through experienced and professional dancers. I'm intermediate level, but am not deterred by the experienced or beginner dancers. I won't analyze it, I'm just going to say that it works! As for the atmosphere, cozy comes to mind. There are mirrors everywhere (like a real ballet studio), which are essential for gaging body position. Another great aspect is the price: $12 per class; $10 per class (10 class minimum); $9 per class (20 class minimum). You can't beat those prices anywhere!!! One great perk is that, if you buy 10 classes, you can use those however you want. For example, take 3 belly dance classes, 2 yoga classes, 2 pilates classes, and 3 fitness classes (or some other combo). And, if you miss a class, you don't have to pay for it. It really is the best deal around! read more

Studio1831 - Yoga Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

We absolutely LOVE Valerie! We first hired her for our eclectic, ethnic themed wedding 5 years ago. She was perfection. She worked the entire room. She entertained everyone and taught my girls and I some moves. She danced with my husband in the most innocent, non threatening way and I loved it. He did too. So incredibly fun! A perfect unexpected addition for our guests and a match for the vibe we were going for. I then started taking belly dancing classes at her studio in the art museum area. She pays attention to everyone's level and strengths and weaknesses. The studio is very inviting. Her cats roam around freely and it feels like home. The classes are very reasonable and non intimidating for anyone, beginners included. She has skirts for everyone so no need to buy one. So relax, and enjoy. She hosts Kirtans (chanting and meditation) and special guests on occasion. She also has flyers for really neat events so be sure to look around for them. She has Zumba, yoga and even burlesque classes. So fun! Grab a group of your girlfriends and go! Everyone knows parking in the art museum/Fairmount area is tricky especially on Brandywine, so leave some time before your class or park on Fairmount and walk the few blocks. Update: We most recently hired her last week for an "All Around The World" fundraiser at a synagogue and again, it made me so glad we did. She is very professional and comes with her own music and sound system if needed. She's punctual, has gorgeous costumes, is beautiful inside and out and now does amazing sword dancing too! I couldn't recommend her or her classes and studio any more. What a gem right here in Philly! read more

Studio1831 - Yoga Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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This studio is by far the best yoga I've been to in Philly. Full disclosure - I help the owner Val out around the studio, but this has only increased my love of Studio 1831. Because of my passion for her style of teaching, I asked if there was anything I could do to get involved. Val's philosophy is designed around alignment. She comes around to check your posture and adjust you into the right position in seated, standing, and balance poses. This is not the place to go if you want to be dripping sweat when you leave. But that doesn't mean you won't work hard. What this yoga brings you is the opportunity to connect with your body and find more strength and length in every pose. From the relaxing music to the soft lights and rich fabrics covering the walls of the studio, you get into the zen spirit from your first step inside the studio. Val has a loyal following of customers that is growing by the day. I highly recommend checking out this studio for true yoga as it is meant to be. read more

It has taken me a very long time to write this review, but I think it was necessary for me to experience yoga elsewhere so I can really reflect on my experiences. My second yoga class ever was at Studio 1831 so I really started here as a newbie. Valerie is a great yoga instructor who really focuses on form. She is thorough and takes the time to explain and demonstrate the correct stance for each pose. She is patient with each student and truly encourages doing things the right way. For a student with practically no yoga experience, this was the perfect place to start. However, taking the time to go through each pose so thoroughly can interrupt the flow of a class. There are two cats that live in the studio and wander around class sometimes. They can also break up the flow. The studio is lined with mirrors which are great for you to check your positioning. They are very helpful when you want to check yourself, however sometimes I just want to go lost in the movement and rely just on how my body feels. I also wish there were early weekday morning classes. After work is rough for me. My practice wouldn't be the same without Valerie's thoroughness and I'm so thankful for that. I will continue to drop in for classes, as I can always use work on my form and find them enjoyable. However, I don't think the classes are the best fit for what I'm looking for in a yoga class. read more

I went with a friend to take a belly dancing class here - it was a BLAST! The instructor was very welcoming, encouraging, and didn't judge my lack of coordination. I love that you can just show up and take the class. You don't have to worry about signing up beforehand or having to miss it if something comes up (or if you are just feeling lazy). Sometimes the urge to belly dance, kick box, do yoga, etc. hits me at the most random time and it's nice to just be able to decide on the fly if I want to go. As a side note, there's a Groupon available today - 5 classes for $25 or 10 classes for $40. You really can't beat that deal... just bought one myself :) read more

Val is absolutely the best. She teaches yoga with form that will totally make you stronger and stretchier, with no risk of injury. The flow is incredibly smooth, whether it's an intense class or a chill one (a question, btw, which is usually decided by the mood/desire of the students). She's also just a super nice, relaxed person. Only caveat is that you should like cats--she will remove Batman and Bella from the room upon request, but it's more fun to have them around. Oh, and it's useful to know that class always starts and runs late. read more

Love this studio for happy hour yoga (Fridays at 6:15). It's a great way to end the week - Vinasa, but a little more relaxed with some "fun" moves thrown in. The class is usually small (~3-8 students when I've been there), making it more intimate. It's a fairly small studio too. I haven't tried any of the other classes, but one of these days I should try belly dancing! read more

I had a great time at the belly dancing class today! The instructor was very nice and gave each student individual instruction. It's been ages since I've been to a gym - this was just the thing to get me back into workout mode. I can't wait to try burlesque on Tuesday! read more

I stayed at Valerie's AirBnB and was pleased to find out she was having a class at her downstairs studio. After my run earlier that morning, I dropped into the class. Valerie was a very good teacher. You can tell she's very knowledgeable about poses and alignment. I also adored the comfy atmosphere. Stop by if you're ever around the Art Museum area! read more

I was excited to try the classes at this studio because I live only a few blocks away. It's been my experience at other studios that it's a good idea to show up early the first time so you have time to register and settle in before class starts. However, the instructor made feel extremely uncomfortable that I arrived early. I ended up being the only person that showed up for the class. It was neat to get a one-on-one session, but I was still turned off by the cold reception I received at the beginning. A couple weeks later I showed up for another class. I made sure to get there exactly at the starting time. When I walked in the door, I got the same cold reception. She looked at me like I was intruding on her personal space! I was confused by this, so I asked her if there was class today. She said only if enough people show up. She obviously meant that she did not feel like giving me a one-on-one session again. I said thanks and walked out. I will not return! I'd rather go to a studio where they are welcoming to newcomers. read more

I really like the yoga classes I have taken at this studio. The classes are small so you can get a lot of hands on attention from the instructor and they aren't as intense as a lot of others I have experienced. I enjoy taking classes here on weekends and leave feeling fully relaxed. It is also the only place that doesn't make me feel like a I'm in competition with the others for who can stretch the farthest. They have a few studio cats that will come do stretches during the classes sometimes too which is the cutest thing I have ever seen. read more

I went there yesterday for a yoga class after purchasing a daily candy deal and it was awesome. The teacher was extremely helpful and knowledgeable. If you are allergic to read more

can I get a hell yeah? I'm not into belly dancing,,, probably bc my dance background is rigid ( ballet) but I love all types of dance and trying something new at a place where its like a giant family is awesome. def a good place to go,,, they offer other thiings too but I've only experienced the belly dancing portion. read more

It's an absolute bliss to be at this place! It's calm and soothing and so much positive energy around!! The exercise doesn't drain you out and makes you strong from inside!! And Valerie is such a great person, her individual attention gives so much motivation. I loved being a part of this studio, all thanks to Valerie. read more

The teacher is very nice Kind and pleasant. She has taught a wide range of movement classes. She can break down the pose and tell you how to get to it and can help you no matter what your level is. The studio is bright and clean and quite new. read more