Flow yoga consists of a series of poses woven together.[/caption]
Black Swan Yoga’s studio at 4534 West Gate Blvd. received a face-lift in December with the addition of murals, new cubbies and a new surround-sound system.
Visitors to the newly renovated studio can choose the amount they pay for classes, a philosophy that has helped the company to grow, General Manager Jaimee Hart said. That makes classes affordable for students and people who are trying to find the right studio, she said, explaining the studio’s suggested donation amount is $10-$15 per class.
Founded by Michael Gray, the Austin-based business first opened in 2009 and now has three locations. The West Gate studio opened in 2011.
Instructor David Sollenberger offers a variety of classes at Black Swan Yoga.[/caption]
“[When the studio debuted], Southwest Austin was up-and-coming, and it is still up-and-coming,” Hart said.
Last year BSY was acquired by Onnit Labs, so in addition to a variety of yoga options it also offers fitness classes called Hot Onnit classes, she said.
The studio’s offerings include beginner classes as well as options such as power yoga classes and flow yoga classes, she said.
“We make it a little bit lighthearted for [students] so that they are able to come in and enjoy themselves and not feel too pressured,” Hart said.
Instructor David Sollenberger said clients have said coming to BSY for yoga class is the best part of their day and helps relieve stress.
“It’s nice doing good and enjoying your work,” he said. “It’s a loving place and we’re here to just help people become better.”
BSY also offers workshops, which typically break down a particular yoga-related topic—Sollenberger recently offered a workshop on handstands—with more opportunity for students to ask questions.
In the coming year, the company is preparing to move its location off Research Blvd. and Spicewood Springs Road to Anderson Lane close to Burnet Road, Hart said.
Updating the studio
Renovation took place during a period of eight days in December, General Manager Jaimee Hart said.
A new front desk was added, bathrooms were completely refurbished with new tile and higher ceilings, and custom-made LED panels were added to the ceilings along with LED lighting bordering the room.
“A lot of people still are walking in, and they’re like, ‘Whoa,’” Hart said.
Donation-driven
At Black Swan Yoga, studio visitors are not required to pay any fees, but a suggested donation amount of $10-$15 per visit is requested, Hart said.
The studio recently launched memberships as well, wherein visitors can pay $88 per month to come to any BSY studio as many times during the week as they want, she said.
4534 West Gate Blvd., Ste. 115 512-361-7187 www.blackswanyoga.com Hours: vary, but generally Sun.-Thu. 9 a.m.-8:30 p.m., Fri. 9 a.m.-6:30 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
