Dora Hasenbein is the owner and lead instructor at Yoga Darsana. Her teaching style is clear and concise, with meticulous instruction tailored to meet students exactly where they are. As an expert in anatomy, alignment, and the profound impacts of asana on the mind and body, Dora brings both deep knowledge and genuine care to every class. The studio attracts a diverse community of practitioners and has become a welcoming hub where students of all backgrounds and levels feel truly at home. read more

I have been going to Yoga Darsana over 2 years now and can throughly recommend Dora, her studio and all the teachers. I have been an on off practitioner of Iyengar yoga for over 20 years and can also fully advocate for Dora's style of yoga and teaching. I started back up after Covid at the in person classes (as I need the motivation and discipline of a classroom), online is also available. The classes are a mixture covering all abilities and also beginners, whether you want a real work out or something more restorative. I can also recommend the workshops and even a soundbath I have attended at Dora's studios. The attendees are a wonderful mixture of people but all are joined in the journey of uniting body mind and spirit. Give it a try, see you on the mat read more

This studio and its teachers exude warmth, inclusion, community, and knowledge. They specialize in Iyengar yoga, a style that emphasizes alignment and precision, which can only be taught by those who have studied and been tested extensively. It is hard to find Iyengar teachers outside of 2 or 3 studios in LA, so coming upon this place that is completely dedicated to Iyengar was like finding a buried treasure. The space is so inviting, there is just something about it that is so welcoming. Dora the owner is an amazing teacher, and person. When my partner and I went to our first class she was truly happy to meet us and made sure we were comfortable and had everything we needed. Dedication, deep knowledge, and love radiate from Yoga Darsana. I am so grateful I found it and can't recommend it enough. read more

This studio is the real deal if you're looking for authentic Iyengar yoga. Proper form is taught in an easy-to-understand, yet methodical way. When I practiced yoga before I would often get injured, until I found this studio, where they are meticulous in explaining precisely what to do. The founder Dora is an amazing instructor, and has changed many people's lives for the better. read more

I have been attending yoga classes at this studio every week since they re-opened again in 2021. It was the best decision I had ever made! Prior to coming to this studio, I was very stiff like a rock and could barely touch my toes. Poses like downward dog&warrior almost always guaranteed a wrist injury&knee pain when I practiced at other studios. These are the reasons why I truly appreciate the Iyengar Yoga Style that Yoga Darsana offers. This particular style emphasizes the precision of the pose and correct alignment along with proper breathing patterns without rushing through the poses in a flow like typical yoga studios. Therefore, I have seen people from all ages attended this studio without any problems. I mainly attended Dora's classes throughout the year and I am so so grateful with how far I have made it through my practice! Dora is a very experienced and caring teacher who knows her students' abilities (including everyone's names) very well and adjusts the poses to meet our needs. Her class typically has a progression from doing the simple form of that particular pose by using props to completing the entire poses without props towards the end of the class. I also love attending Dewey's classes as well :) Thank you Dora and Dewey for all the wonderful practiced and I look forward to continuing this journey with you guys in 2023!! Namaste! read more

Started yoga here recently and it's become responsible for at least 34% of my sanity at any given time I had never been to a yoga studio proper before Yoga Darsana, so I was probably so awkward during my first session. The instructor that day, Vanessa, was very friendly and helpful. Her instructions were easy to follow and she provided really helpful, specific guidance for how best to position our bodies in the yoga poses. Recently I've been attending sessions led by Dora, the owner of the studio, as well as Nicole. They are also so sweet, and I really love Dora's energy. I appreciate that she takes the time to get to know us, and it really makes the overall yoga experience more friendly and less intimidating. Her instructions are excellent as well, and she's helped me improve my awareness of my body not just during yoga sessions, but also in my daily life. In person class sizes can be variable; once there were 6 people, another time there were 3. We wear masks and everything is clean and sanitary. I definitely look forward to continuing my yoga practice here! read more

I love the yoga classes at Yoga Darsana. I been taking classes in person and remote during the pandemic and both are excellent. Dora is an expert yoga teacher that offer her knowledge nicely. She always adapt the yoga teaching to every level. Yoga Darsana is also part of Alhambra leisure classes program. Highly recommended!! read more

Yoga Darsana has been an oasis for me. Every class has been a joy and there are new discoveries each time. I can't thank Dora enough!

This is my post pandemic yoga studio. After two years of online yoga I am grateful to find such a sweet community of dedicated yogis gathering on 4th street. The studio is clean, bright and airy with plants growing near the windows. Dora is sweet, friendly, and understanding, making effort to put students at ease and also challenge students at their level. Yoga Darsana is an Iyengar studio, this practice is focused and detail oriented, and Dora is expert at showing how a small physical or mental adjustment can make a huge difference. Vanessa is engaging and thinks creatively in leading a large class to make sure props are well explored. I feel welcomed and challenged here and look forward to my classes very much. read more

I have been taking classes at Yoga Darsana for about one year now and I am so happy that I found this little gem. Yoga has been life changing for me and Dora has been so sweet and very helpful with my yoga journey. I had never taken yoga classes before and I was very hesitant to start because I had no prior experience but with Dora's help I am now a regular student. Dora is a great teacher. She guides us as we do our poses and if she sees that we are having a hard time with a pose she will give the individual a modified version of the pose so that nobody gets hurt. I really appreciate that because that means she's paying attention to all her students. I love coming to my yoga classes. Anyone looking to start their yoga journey should give Yoga Darsana a try. You won't regret it. I know I don't. read more

Dora is an excellent teacher when it comes to anatomical body alignment. She does not focus on how much movement you can get in a short amout of time, but rather how can you listen to your body and move it in a way that is SPECIFIC to you. I absolutely love this community and the other teachers are great as well (Vanessa, Dewey, and others). The stuido is spacious and open which adds to the wonderful experience. read more

Really friendly neighborhood yoga studio. Has diff classes for all diff levels. Here, you get the personalized instructions even within class. Has parking in the bank. Totally worth it. Classes typically have between 5-10 people. read more

Yoga Darsana is primarily an Iyengar Yoga studio, which means they have several props on hand (blocks, bolsters, belts, etc.) to help students of all abilities practice, reduce risk of injury, and gain the benefits of the practice. Every class focuses on building physical precision and understanding of the breath, to align the body and mind in the asanas, particularly inversions, like headstand and shoulderstand. I've been coming to the studio for almost a year now and appreciate that each teacher has a unique approach and style and they all share a commitment to building a studio where all students feel supported. The studio is peaceful, the classes are scheduled at several times throughout the day and every day of the week, and the registration process can be done online or in person. After the COVID-19 closures, Dora has continued teaching on Zoom and has exceeded my expectations for what's possible in an online class format. She's attentive and gives clear direction to the group, while managing to give specific direction to each of us when we need it. Looking forward to her continuing this format and integrating it with in-person classes when the studio reopens! P.S. If you're new or returning to yoga after the studio reopens, I highly recommend Gentle Yoga & Meditation with Wolfgang, on Saturday mornings. It's a great way to unwind from a busy week and I always come out of it with a strong sense of inner calm and gratitude for life. read more

I've been practicing yoga for almost a lifetime. I took my first class when I was 18. I'm 64 now. I belonged to Yogaworks for many years and then took random classes over the years at small studios and people's homes. When the pandemic hit and the studios closed, it really affected me. Yogaworks did not reopen, so I needed to find a studio ASAP. When I lived in Orange County I attended Iyengar classes weekly for about ten years, so finding Yoga Darsana and Dora was a blessing. We talked on the phone before my first class, and Dora was so inviting and knowledgeable. After my first class, I almost cried out of pure relief of finding such a good fit. The studio is very clean and fresh looking just like you would want in a studio. The prices are extremely reasonable for what you receive and competitive to other studios. Every class that Dora teaches is different and unique. Even after all of the years of practice I still learn something new. Just as an aside, I read the recent one star review by Barbara A. Sounds like she's not familiar with Iyengar. The fact that she feels she was singled out just shows how much Dora cares and the special attention you will receive if you feel a little lost in a new class. Why someone would give a one star review to a friend's yoga studio is very perplexing. read more

I am a lucky man. I walked into Yoga Darsana studio 2 years ago and Dora's studio changed my life. I knew little about yoga and had no idea what Iyengar yoga was all about. I just wanted to get some relief from my sore and tight muscles. Like most guys I thought you had to be flexible to do yoga, but I decided to give it a go. I was hardly able to touch my toes and was uncomfortable just sitting in a cross legged position. Despite the struggle I was firm in my decision that I would stick with it for at least a month. After the first month, I noticed some small improvements in my posture and flexibility. Yoga was hard for me, but with each new change I felt like I was starting to get a small insight into what yoga was all about. Two years later and I am a dedicated practitioner of Iyengar yoga. My body has changed dramatically over time. No more sore muscles and my flexibility and awareness of my posture has increased beyond anything I could have imagine possible. Through Dora and her teachers I have benefited from the mindfulness that comes with the physical practice. There is a "family" feeling of comradely at Yoga Darsana that makes one look forward to going to class. Not all studios have this. Alhambra is lucky to have Dora and her beautiful studio. read more

Yes! A great investment of time and money. I have tried yoga off and on over the years but thought I would try again because as I have aged I see a definite decline in flexibility and mobility. After three classes with Becky at Yoga Darsana I can clearly feel the difference. My knee, which I was ready to write off as arthritis-impaired is moving without pain! I can't wait to see the progress going forward. The Alhambra Parks &Rec offers yoga classes that are fulfilled at Yoga Darsana. Don't know about yoga styles, but the approach there works! read more

Many thanks to Dora, Venessa, Dewey and Wolf for the knowledge and training you've provided to me during the past few months. With deep understanding of the art of yoga, profound knowledge of yoga practice and teaching methods, you've given me a great foundation to explore the paths that will lead to a meaningful and happy life. I wish that everyone from beginners to advanced students could participate in Yoga Darsana's classes. A big thank you for your inspiration, kindness and professionalism. I definitely want to continue this journey with you and practice in your classes. read more

I was invited by a friend who attends this location almost daily. My friend convinced me to attend. I had seen the location and was not really interested. I decided to try it despite the location. It was a horrible experience. The owner Dora was very unprofessional, rude , raised her voice, and focused on me to make me feel out of place. Not only was she late, she came in upset. She knew everybody in the class, (class of 8 people including myself) except for me. I left there so tense, and upset for the way Dora treated me and her unprofessional behavior. I would not recommend going to that studio. My instinct was correct it gave me bad vibes. I gave it a shot, never again will I attend that place. read more

Yoga Darsana is the best! I have been a yogi for the past 5+ years. The studio is run professionally, and the owner, Dora, is a skilled professional who is a master and passionate about her craft. She is an exceptional instructor. She always tries to connect with each and every student, to help them understand and maximize the benefits of Iyengar yoga. Her teaching staff are all very good instructors as well; it's a matter of your preferred instructional style and your schedule. If you are thinking about taking Iyengar yoga for the first time, make a commitment to give it a try for more than just 1 session. read more

So I started yoga a bit over 2 years ago now and I am glad my yoga journey began with Yoga Darsana. Wonderful instructors, and the people I practice with are all amazing too! Everyone is friendly, helpful, and respectful of each other. I have to admit though that I have been slacking and missed a lot of classes for a while so my body and practice is definitely not where I was when I was going more often. Thankfully with the help of great instructors, especially Dora and Chigusa, I am slowly getting back into my groove of practice. I've been going mostly to Chigusa's class and honestly, she's amazing! She's super friendly, approachable, patient, always with a smile and positive attitude...so many good things I can say about her! I always recommend Yoga Darsana to everyone I know that is interested because I really believe this is a great place to practice yoga, regardless of the level of practice. So if you're looking for a great place to practice Iyengar yoga, this is the place to be! Speak with Dora the owner, she's super sweet and friendly. read more

I'm writing this review for responding to Jerry L.'s feedback about YD. I'm not the owner, just a long-time student. First of all, there was no flow. Of course, here, we practice Iyengar Yoga not flow. Why can't teacher ask students to get the props in the class? In Iyengar, we use a lot of props from block, bolster, belt, rope, to even trestle. Due to limited space, some teachers don't ask students to get all props in the beginning of the class because that could take too much space. Secondly, we're not Bikram yoga. That's why you didn't break a sweat. Or you probably didn't do the poses right because I did sweat in that class. I would be very happy if teach corrects my pose. Calling you out doesn't mean you were the only one do the pose incorrectly. You took it personally. The purpose of asking someone to do a pose is to help everyone to learn. Lastly, I don't think that was wrong that teacher showed you a forward bend by looking at her behind because that could be the best view. Did you hear what she wanted to show you? Maybe not? That's why you didn't understand. You problly have been to so many yoga studios. What you've not experienced before is not necessary wrong. Also, what you've experienced before might not be right. Sometimes, there is no right or wrong, just from different views. I would say maybe YD is too small for you and you need a bigger place. Janet read more

I rarely give out such a negative review but this was the worse yoga class I've ever been too. First of all I live in Santa Monica which is the yoga Mecca. I've close to probably 50 different teachers in California, New York, Taipei, Thailand, Mexico and Bali. I use to practice 6 days a week. I have not practiced in a year because of an injury. First of all the instructor Dora was late. That wasn't such a big deal. Instead of asking us to get blocks and belts before class started, she asked up to get them in the middle of class. The first break was to get the block. The second break was to get the belt. What an inefficient waste of time. There was no flow. I didn't even break a sweat. The worst was how she would call you out in front of other people about how you are doing your pose wrong. I felt like I was back in high school being called out by the teacher. Then she automatically assumed that I couldn't do a pose and called me out again in front of everyone. She then proceeds to demonstrate a forward bend while the whole class looks at her behind. I've never seen this before. At the end of class she asks me "How are you going to sign up?" To which I respond, "This is a one time thing." She just talked and talked and talked. I've never heard someone talk so much. There was no connection to the students. Conclusion: If you want to get singled out and berated by someone this is the perfect place to go. read more

Finding the right place to study Iyengar Yoga was not easy easy for me so I am so grateful to have found Dora. She gives clear demonstrations, good verbal cues, and her adjustments are very gentle in class. Her Zoom classes are well planned out, easy to follow, and has an option for every level and prop availability. read more

You will learn how to do things correctly. This is my first time using tools and equipments differently and I loved it. Brought my family with me so some evenings turned out to be more private session for us. The classes are small sizes and the yoga studio room is pretty big. The classes weren't for relaxing. read more

Thankfully, my wife and I found Yoga Darsana prior to the pandemic. Iyengar yoga is definitely the best fit for us and Dora's instruction is clear, concise and she and her studio are warm and welcoming. You can tell a lot about a studio by the sense of community, and a warmth immediately greeted us from the students when we walked into Yoga Darsana for the first time. Additionally, Dora learns everyone's name, and corrections and instructions are personal. Though classes are currently moved to an online platform, the care, precision and skill that Dora brings to each class regardless of format remains unchanged. I'm particularly grateful for the Zoom classes during this time and look forward to continuing both online, and in person, when the studio reopens. read more

Yoga Darsana has changed my life. I tried for years to practice yoga consistently, but it wasn't until I found Yoga Darsana that I really fell in love with yoga. It gave me a space to honor my body and a sanctuary to practice yoga. Dora, who runs the studio and teaches many of the classes, is a highly skilled teacher who practices compassion with her students. I love that it's an Iyengar yoga studio--teachers focus on form and modify poses for injuries and flexibility levels. The teachers are precise, skilled, and caring. The classes focus on honoring where your body is, instead of letting your ego push you. If you're looking to deepen your yoga practice, find a sanctuary to practice yoga consistently, or connect with your mind, body, and spirit, then I highly recommend Yoga Darsana. read more

I went to Yoga Darsana with a 1-month unlimited Groupon and enjoyed the first beginners class taught by Dora. She really stresses correct form and makes sure to assist everyone in the class as needed based on their level. I also liked how she incorporated yogic chants and told us the correct name for each of the movements, which made it very authentic. The Level 1 class was enjoyable as well, but seemed to be exactly the same as beginners, and I had been hoping for a step up in difficulty. Level 1/2 was too much of a jump from beginners and Level 1 because it starts to incorporate head stands and movements too advanced for a beginner, so there was really no middle ground for someone who's been exposed to yoga before but is still not ready for higher level poses. One other thing that was disappointing was that I went on a Monday to attend a Level 1 class and the teacher did not show up, nor did she post anything on the website or even a note on the door, and no one answered the phone when I called to ask if the class had been cancelled, nor did anyone call me back afterwards. I drove 20 miles to attend the class during rush hour and was hoping to feel refreshed and peaceful afterwards, only to have to get back into traffic and drive all the way home. I felt this was all very unprofessional. Overall, I enjoyed the classes I did attend, but was left wanting for something a bit more advanced yet not expert level, so I probably would not return to Yoga Darsana. However, I can see why it would be great for a beginner or for more advanced yogis. read more

I attended the 'gentle' yoga class and wanted to like this place because I am working diligently to lose weight and strengthen my core after a back injury. But my experience in the 'gentle' yoga class was not positive. The yoga studio itself did not smell clean and the equipment didn't appeal from a cleanliness point of view either, especially the eye pillows. The teacher announced that this was a meditation class, but that was not exactly true. He opened the class with alignment poses that were tough for me to start with and at times he did much more talking than doing. It was hard to relax during the meditation due to street noise and a loud television or radio sound coming from another room. The teacher, although attentive and helpful, was also rough and pushy and didn't listen when I told him I was unable to do a back stretch, even after I informed him that I am recovering from a back injury. In other places you are encouraged to do only what you are able to do without pain. Not here. "Oh come on! You can do it" he said as he slapped my arm. After trying to macho it out at his suggestion, I had to stop and left class in pain before class ended. I have attended other gentle yoga classes and never experienced this before. I won't be coming back. read more

Last year I searched yoga studios near me and happened to find Yoga Darsana is minutes from my house. I felt at home as soon as I walked in and have learned so much from Dora about practicing yoga, especially alignment and how to not injure myself, lol. Even throughout quarantine Dora has continued providing an array of classes through Zoom, including two beginner/level 1 classes with Vanessa who is also great. With the Zoom classes I've been able to form a steady at-home practice which has been very rewarding. I highly recommend trying out one of Yoga Darsana's Zoom classes, there is a free one every month to see if you like it! read more

Thank you, Ai Le, my colleague at work, who introduced Dora (Yoga Darsana) to me. I did not want to go in the beginning because the studio is far away from my work and from my home. Yoga was new to me. Never heard of Iyengar Yoga. I am lucky that I decided to go to Dora's studio and started learning the Yoga methods that Dora and her teachers are teaching. To learn better, I also bought books to help me understand more about myself, my body and the philosophy of the Iyengar Yoga (both physical and mental practices). After doing my homework, I knew that this is the studio I'd like to go to and this is the kind of Yoga that I'd like to learn. I have been going to Dora's studio for the last 10 months. I can feel the passion of the teachers. They have been with Dora for years. They are very attentive and helpful. Because of my age (a proud member of AARP) and I am not as limber or flexible, I always get extra attention from the teachers, such as getting extra blankets, extra blocks, etc. They also make sure that we don't get hurt by doing different Yoga poses. Fellow students are nice and friendly. I often see the same and familiar faces. I like Sam, Dora's dad, specifically, he is the one who gives us demos on an inversion pose with a chair (sorry, don't know the name of the pose). Sam is 88 years old and he is my inspiration. I am looking forward to my next Yoga class. See you there! Ken read more

THE FIRST CLASS YOU TAKE IS FREE. You have no excuse not to come try this place! My first time I went to a Level One class with Dora. She was really helpful and gave you lots of feedback and one on one attention. She understands when someone is new and needs the extra attention without making you feel awkward! Hahaha. I was planning on getting a monthly unlimited pass until my work schedule piled up. :( And you know I gotta get that money. STILL you should try it out for me! I wish I could go more often. You feel so balanced and complete after wards! TAKE DORA AS A BEGINNER!! read more

Super clean, calming .. yet intense. Always learning new positions and the history behind the art of yoga. Our teacher uses "yoga language" and im starting to slowly recognize some words. ...which makes me feel like I'm tri-lingual. I think there are various plans / courses you can do like unlimited monthly or weekly.. Or like once a week & get deals if you pay in bulk. I discovered this class through the city. Great place to unwind and stretch out. Darsana has small classes for more individual attention from the teacher. 1st class is free guys!!! read more

This studio focuses on teaching the correct form and posture for every yoga position. The pace of each class is very slowed-down: perfect for beginners. I honestly really didn't care for working with the wooden blocks, chairs, or rope that is used in class at first, BUT after resuming classes at my other yoga studio I noticed that in every position, I felt stronger, more flexible, and could do every pose with more ease. My technique has improved greatly. Lastly, I just want to say that if you pay for more classes, they will be cheaper. About $13 per class if you buy 5 classes. It's really awesome because most of the classes I came to averaged about 6 students. One evening class i went to only had 4 students. Which means more personalized attention to each student, gosh it felt like private lessons almost. Which is a great value for how nice this studio is. read more

This Studio is open, spacious and clean. The atmosphere is bright and peaceful. There is a back entrance with a quaint waiting area where you sign in before class. I enjoyed Dora's class very much, her instruction was direct, unhurried and clear. I will definitely return again. read more

We were visiting Los Angeles and this place got great reviews in addition to being closer to the east side of L.A., which means not having to worry about traffic. This place gets 5 stars just for its location! Really though, the instructors are all very well trained. My boyfriend went every day while we were visiting and was taught by every instructor, except Wolfgang. He was particularly impressed by Dora's experience and Andrea's accommodations for his skill level. The classes ranged from small groups to large, and you can tell they definitely have a following. First time students get an introductory $50 for 2 week pass. Parking is in the back. read more

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Very small class size! I love the feeling of taking my class without the fear of bumping into other people. All the other classes I took before (mostly in west LA) all have at least 20+ppl. But I wish they have a clock in the classroom and play soft music during class. No music here.. =( Also the temperature tends to be too low, I don't sweat as much as I would like. At times I even feel cold. read more

Great Yoga Class! I would say I have been dealing with back pain for quite a while now (and at a young age, mid 20s). After going to classes, I would feel very refreshed and my back pain has been fading away. I initially bought the 1 month Groupon in November and have been going back ever since! I have never done yoga before, but it was something I have always wanted to try, so I started with the beginner's class. Ever since then, I got hooked. I have already reaped in a bunch of health benefits (relief from terrible back pain, shoulder stiffness, flexibility, etc). The instructors are all very knowledgeable and kind. They will accommodate you if you have any previous injuries. Classes are small and intimate, so it is a lot more personable and you are able to concentrate on yoga. I highly recommend Yoga Darsana, I do not think you'll be disappointed. read more

I'd been looking for a local Yoga studio in the San Gabriel Valley when I stumbled upon Yoga Darsana in Alhambra. I wanted to find a place that was quiet, friendly, and dedicated to teaching Yoga in a disciplined manner. Iyengar Yoga pays particular attention to correct alignment, and uses props to help beginning students perform poses in a safe and proper manner. Dora, the owner, shows great care and patience when guiding her students to understanding the physical and mental points of practice. Most students are regulars who've been coming for awhile now, which is a testament to the quality of the school. Most classes are not very big, allowing for more interaction with the teachers and a generally laid back feel. Each teacher has their particular style, so it is good to experiment to see what works for you.I come here 2-3 times a week and find it has helped my back pain and mental focus. It's not expensive either if you purchase a class package. First time classes are free, so it's a good idea to come in and see for yourself. read more

I almost gave up on yoga before I found Yoga Darsana. I need a teacher who really helps students set up for a pose before doing it. When I started over a year ago with Dora, I had no real sense how to hold my body and so trying to copy a teacher or follow imprecise oral directions would only cause me to hurt myself. But now, my body has much less pain and, at 60 years old, I'm finally improving my posture. I belong to the Y and could take my yoga "free," as part of my membership, but those teachers have no idea how to teach people like me. The facility itself is always clean and comfortable. Parking is easy. I'm so glad I found this place. It's really improved my life and my health. read more

After my second lower back surgery I needed to do some low impact workouts. My fiancé and I decided to try yoga. We found this studio on Yelp and it was close to the house. I was expecting something completely different than what I found. After my first class I was HOOKED!! I have taken classes with Ashley and Dora, both are amazing and committed instructors. I have even began studying the teachings of B.K.S. Iyengar, the man who virtually brought yoga to the west, and the style of yoga this studio teaches. This is not the typical yoga studio, it is so much more! It is a place where you can study yoga, the proper form is the focus, and many props are used to ensure that you do not injure yourself. All of the classes are very meditative, and when you leave class you feel rejuvenated and ready to tackle the world. I highly recommend this studio to anyone who wants to study yoga!! read more