Events and Workshops
We frequently host special guest teachers, extended classes from your favorite local teachers, music, art and other special events at PPY. If you walk away learning one thing from any of these offerings that is a good and worthy practice, and will boost your daily yoga. Make it a staycation: a regular morning weekend class, grab a healthy bite in the neighborhood and then come back for an afternoon workshop. Instant Day of Yoga Retreat! ~Please scroll down, pre-registration is recommended… 48 hours advanced notice for cancellation required for refund~
For registration assistance ~ please email us at: info@pleasurepointyoga.com
After School Peace Warriors Training for KIDS & TWEENS!
INSTRUCTOR: Ilana Ingber
DATE: Year Round!
DAY: Tuesdays (TWEENS ages 10+) and Thursdays (KIDS ages 5+)
TIME: 3:45 – 5:15pm
COST: $30 drop in / $150 for 6 classes / $295 for 12 classes
LOCATION: 3603 Portola Dr, located a few doors down & to the left of PPY, in our ‘movements’ studio
INTRODUCING : Yoga! Art! Meditation Practice! Martial Arts! For KIDS & TWEENS! with Ilana Ingber
Drop in anytime! This program and is available to both new and continuing students ~ Enroll now!
Peace Warriors-in-training will practice cultivating a kind and compassionate inner voice as they are guided through yoga, mindfulness, martial arts, and art activities in a safe and supportive environment. Each week will focus on a different theme.
Week 1: Discovering your inner power. Welcome to Warrior Training
Week 2: Compassion and calligraphy
Week 3: Determination and printmaking
Week 4: Gratitude and painting
Week 5: Creativity and collage
Week 6: Courage and drawing
Through mindful movement (yoga and ancient martial arts) and art challenges, students will be invited to notice their inner self-talk and to question what is true. This workshop welcomes beginner yogis and artists, as well as experienced peace warriors. We welcome students who struggle with perfectionism and fear of making mistakes, as well as, confident artists who love creating. Overall, this workshop is designed to help children connect to their own inner wisdom, as well as, to connect with community through various modalities.
- practice cultivating a kind & compassionate inner voice
- be guided through yoga, mindfulness, and art activities
- discuss themes such as compassion, determination, courage, gratitude, and creativity
- explore mindful movement, yoga & ancient martial arts
- take on art challenges!
Weekly Schedule:
Tuesdays: TWEENS (ages 10+)
Thursdays: KIDS (ages 5+)
About Happy HeART Studio
Happy HeART Studio was founded by Ilana Ingber, expert on teaching mindfulness, social emotional learning skills, creative thinking and growth mindset to children and school teachers. She has her masters in Art and Art Education from Teachers College, Columbia University, her 200-hour yoga certification from YogaWorks, as well as a certification in teaching yoga and mindfulness to children from Little Flower Yoga.
Ilana has taught as an educator in both the public school, private school, and museum settings. Ilana is an active member of the National Art Education Association and has presented at National Conventions on topics such as: Assessing Creativity, and Infusing Mindfulness Practices into the Classroom.
Kidding Around Yoga Teacher Training
INSTRUCTORS: Kidding Around Yoga
DATE: Saturday, April 27th and Sunday, April 28th
TIME: 9:30am – 5pm
COST: Click here to register!
LOCATION: Pleasure Point Movement, located a few doors down at 3603 Portola Dr.
Passionate about helping children thrive in school and at home? Looking for ways to make a difference in the lives of children in your community while earning income? LOVE music?
Learn how to teach yoga, mindfulness and meditation to kids in schools, at home, and within community settings in one fun-filled weekend!
You don’t have to be a yoga teacher to participate. This training is for parents, yoga teachers and all professionals who work with kids that want to continue their education.
Go straight to the training page to register: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/trainings/santa-cruz-ca/
We hope you’ll join us for a weekend of life changing fun!
Self Healing with Hadley Method Bodywork
INSTRUCTORS: Dr. Scott Hadley
DATE: Saturday, April 27th
TIME: 1-3pm
COST: $45
LOCATION: Pleasure Point Yoga
“Imagine this scenario…
What if, when you are 85 years old, you make other people wonder, “How does she (he) move so well?
And what if you never again have to skip a dance class or your favorite yoga pose because of that nagging pain in your back, hip, knee, or foot?
Why? Because you know exactly what to do to heal yourself before pain gets the best of you.
Sound too good to be true?
Well, this can be your REALITY with the knowledge and self-healing techniques
you will learn in this workshop with Dr. Scott Hadley.
Using the Hadley Method of muscle self-treatment, you will learn to fix and prevent the underlying cause of most types of body pain.
In a matter of minutes, you will see your strength, flexibility, and form improve. For real.
You will learn to heal yourself and maintain your body with mastery, so you can enjoy your activities again and combat the most common types of pain.
You owe it to yourself. You deserve to move well. And you don’t want to miss this opportunity.
Space is limited, so reserve your spot soon!
Dr. Scott Hadley PhD, DPT
FREE! Kidding Around Yoga Family Class
INSTRUCTORS: Kidding Around Yoga
DATE: Sunday, April 28th
TIME: 2-3pm
COST: FREE!
LOCATION: Pleasure Point Movement, located a few doors down at 3603 Portola Dr.
Bring the whole family for a fun, creative, blissful yoga class! This FREE class will introduce classic yoga, meditation, breath work, and stress-management in a kid-friendly style with original music, games, and imaginative stories. We have some mats on hand to borrow, but bring your own if you have. All ages are welcome!
Nada Yoga & Vinyasa Special Class
INSTRUCTORS: Josh Miller & Naushad Godrej
DATE: Sunday, April 28th
TIME: 12pm-2pm
COST: $20
“Rhythm is the soul of life.” – Babatunde Olatunji
Join us for a journey of sound and movement to connect to your inner rhythm and ultimate freedom. It is from this place we can discover who we truly are, spark creativity, and let our light shine.
This workshop will include an introduction to the world of Nada Yoga, the yoga of sound and transition into a dynamic vinyasa flow set to live music. Be prepared to leave your yoga mat and dance!
We will end with a long savasana and meditative sound bath leaving you feeling nourished, relaxed and connected to yourself.
Schedule:
Sound Meditation & Vocal Toning
Vinyasa Primal Flow Sequence w/ Live Drumming
Mindful Movement Dance Flow
Savasana w/ Live Sound Bath
About Josh Miller:
Josh is a musical tour-de-force with a big heart. He has been playing drums since he could tap his hands and is a devout student of Indian & Afro-Cuban percussion. He discovered meditative concerts while roaming through Portugal and his life was forever changed. He believes sound can unite us all and offer deep healing, relaxing experiences in our incredibly fast-paced modern world. He has travelled extensively studying the therapeutic benefits of music & sound and is a Nada Yoga RYT 200hr Instructor. He currently lives in California and facilitates workshops and meditative concerts at various yoga studios and concert spaces.
About Naushad Godrej:
Naushad is passionate about helping people improve their health and resilience through body awareness and mindfulness practices. Naushad’s experiences with competitive sports in his youth resulted in several life changing injuries that brought him through a journey of exploring a variety of therapies to rehab and manage chronic pain. It was at this time Naushad began to explore and practice yoga to bring more balance into his life. After being inspired by many practitioners along the way, Naushad left a job in the health tech industry and decided to pursue a path in health and wellness. As a teacher and coach, Naushad incorporates a holistic approach of yoga, functional strength, primal movement, and mindfulness practices. He holds certifications in yoga (RYT-200), fitness (GMB), corrective exercise (NASM), massage therapy (CAMTC), and holistic lifestyle coaching (CHEK Institute).
Creativity Flow
INSTRUCTORS: Ilana Ingber
DATE: 4 Wednesdays in May : 5/1, 5/8, 5/15, 5/22
TIME: 7:30-8:45pm
COST: $20 drop in / $90 for full series
LOCATION: 3603 Portola Dr, a few doors down & to the left of PPY, in our ‘movements’ studio
ALUNA Breathwork
INSTRUCTORS: Alex & Atilla
DATE: Sunday, May 5th
TIME: 12-3pm
COST: $55
LOCATION: Please join us in the main yoga studio!
Group size: max 10 people
What to bring: yoga mat, blanket, small pillow and your water bottle
Please* try not to eat two hours prior to the session
* wear comfortable clothes
* drink plenty of water after the session
* make sure you have no commitments after the session
* and come with an intention. What would you like to explore, transform, integrate or let go off?
Contraindications:
* recent surgery or fractures
* acute infectious illness
* pregnancy
* Glaucoma
* cardiovascular problems
* severe hypertension
* epilepsy
* history of severe mental illness or psychiatric hospitalization
About Alex & Attila:
Alex: For the past ten years Alexandra has facilitated for many to find their true bliss and purpose in life, supporting and empowering others through energy healing, massage therapy, Huna, meditation, Transformational Breath™ and plant medicine. Her greatest joy lies in guiding people to embrace themselves and their authenticity. Alexandra is a strong believer in creating your own reality. Limiting beliefs and programming are a big player in feeling stuck and not experiencing the full potential we came with. Undoing those limitations can results in a more, fulfilled and joyful life. Her work is rooted in self-forgiveness and self-love.
Attila: A former Marketing Executive for multinational companies for 25 years Attila now facilitates and coaches, committed and serving others to achieve greater spiritual and emotional awareness by transforming existing traumas, releasing limiting beliefs, getting in touch with deep emotions, to find meaning and purpose in their lives. Once being in touch with yourself, self love has the power to bloom to help each one of us to achieve anything we aspire. Thoughts manifest creation, and by giving all, you will receive all…more than you could possibly imagine. He shares his message and techniques through 1-on-1 sessions, group workshops and retreats.
Pranayama & Hands on Healing
INSTRUCTORS: Debora Cohen
DATE: Saturday, May 11th
TIME: 9am – 12pm
COST: $45 in advance / $50 at the door
LOCATION: 3603 Portola Dr, located a few doors down and to the left of PPY, in our ‘movements’ studio
Bring empowerment to your yoga practice. Take control over your health. Strengthen your immune system. Balance and restore your nervous system. Experience the nurturing gentle touch of a certified energy health professional of 25 years.
This workshop will:
- Learn powerful yoga and energy medicine techniques
- Restorative yoga postures to open the diaphragm while being guided through deep ocean breathing
- Seated breathing meditations such as breathing holding and alternate nostril breathing
- Guided deep relaxation (yoga sleep) and hands on healing
ALUNA Breathwork
INSTRUCTORS: Alex & Atilla
DATE: Saturday, May 18th
TIME: 2-5pm
COST: $55
LOCATION: 3603 Portola Dr, in our ‘movements’ studio, located down the hall & to the left of PPY’s main studio
Group size: max 10 people
What to bring: yoga mat, blanket, small pillow and your water bottle
Please* try not to eat two hours prior to the session
* wear comfortable clothes
* drink plenty of water after the session
* make sure you have no commitments after the session
* and come with an intention. What would you like to explore, transform, integrate or let go off?
Contraindications:
* recent surgery or fractures
* acute infectious illness
* pregnancy
* Glaucoma
* cardiovascular problems
* severe hypertension
* epilepsy
* history of severe mental illness or psychiatric hospitalization
About Alex & Attila:
Alex: For the past ten years Alexandra has facilitated for many to find their true bliss and purpose in life, supporting and empowering others through energy healing, massage therapy, Huna, meditation, Transformational Breath™ and plant medicine. Her greatest joy lies in guiding people to embrace themselves and their authenticity. Alexandra is a strong believer in creating your own reality. Limiting beliefs and programming are a big player in feeling stuck and not experiencing the full potential we came with. Undoing those limitations can results in a more, fulfilled and joyful life. Her work is rooted in self-forgiveness and self-love.
Attila: A former Marketing Executive for multinational companies for 25 years Attila now facilitates and coaches, committed and serving others to achieve greater spiritual and emotional awareness by transforming existing traumas, releasing limiting beliefs, getting in touch with deep emotions, to find meaning and purpose in their lives. Once being in touch with yourself, self love has the power to bloom to help each one of us to achieve anything we aspire. Thoughts manifest creation, and by giving all, you will receive all…more than you could possibly imagine. He shares his message and techniques through 1-on-1 sessions, group workshops and retreats.
RESONANCE: Yoga Nidra & Acupuncture for the Season
INSTRUCTORS: Kayla Copeland & Diana Moll L.Ac
DATE: Saturday, May 18th
TIME: 5-6:15pm
COST: $40 in advance / $45 at the door
Experience together the healing benefits of Yoga Nidra (AKA Psychic Sleep) and Acupuncture
Being in resonance with the current season allows for a greater opportunity of health and well being. Through the seasonal teachings of Tung Acupuncture and the deeply restorative qualities of Yoga Nidra, we can tune into the Qi of the season with just the right points.
As we move into Summer, which is the Fire element season, our bodies benefit from acupuncture which balances the Fire channels and the stillness of Yoga Nidra. With balanced Fire, we can enter with grace into the joyous stillness that this season has to offer.
Space is limited. Pre-registration is encouraged.
Aina Retreat
INSTRUCTORS: Pleasure Point Yoga, ALUNA, & Jana Kilgore Wellness
DATE: September 14th – 20th
COST: $2999. pp / Early Bird Rate (ends June 8th 2019) $2750. pp / $500 deposit to secure your spot! Payment plans available
LOCATION: Northshore Kauai
Join us for six days and nights on the sacred healing island of Kauai. Our home for the week is a gorgeous private estate tucked onto the northshore where we will dive deep into connection with the land (aina). We will tend the inner landscape of body, mind and Spirit through daily Yoga, Ayurveda, Transformational Breathwork and deep connection to sacred land. This will be a powerful time of healing, integration and empowerment guided by four devoted and experienced teachers. We will be honoring the transitions of life and season as we prepare for Fall Equinox and the Makahiki, the traditional season of rest and peace in Hawaiian culture.
The Retreat
6 days and nights on the sacred healing island of Kauai
Yoga, movement, & meditation
Transformational Breathwork w/ ALUNA
Luxurious Rooms
Ayurvedic Teachings & Meals
Magical Excursions
HeartBeat Dance Fitness
INSTRUCTOR: Danu
DATE: Monday and Wednesday nights beginning January 2nd
TIME: 6-7pm
COST: Regular class pricing
LOCATION: Pleasure Point Movement, PPY’s 2nd Studio located a few doors down at 3603 Portola Dr.
Advance enrollment via MindBody is Required and Will Sell Out!
Come dance and sweat with us! This hour long adults’ dance fitness class blends high and low intensity dance moves, toning calisthenics and feel good music to work your body and feed your soul. All levels welcome!
Regular class schedule to begin January 2nd : Monday and Wednesday nights 6-7pm!
Danu Schoeck is back on the Santa Cruz Dance scene and excited to bring you Heartbeat Dance Fitness! This class combines heart pumping cardio dance in hip hop, street jazz and world dance styles with fitness movements to tone and strengthen. Danu is a well known local dance and fitness choreographer and teacher. She has over 9 years of experience teaching dance and fitness classes and a strong belief in movement as medicine. Come see what the buzz is about!
A message from PPY’s Owner (Megan McAllister): Danu is BACK on the Dance Scene and joining the line up of classes at Pleasure Point Movement (Pleasure Point Yoga’s new and forming second studio). Pleasure Point Movement has crafted its class offerings to inspire students to get out of their heads and back into their hearts – – all centered around movement of some sort (stay tuneded for much more!!!). Danu is one of my favorite dance teachers of all time (Hip Hop, Street Jazz, Zumba). Danu is such a talented dancer and a prolific teacher. She may be small in size but her dance moves are HUGE! She is such a light – – her radiant personality, contageous smile, encouraging teaching style, and dope choreography had classes packed when she was teaching!! No matter the level of dance experience, Danu will make it FUN!! Get ready to drop it like it’s HOTT!!!
Monthly Monday Night Yoga for Social Justice Book Club
INSTRUCTOR: Gwen Benjamin
DATE: 1st Monday of every month – Beginning December 3rd
TIME: 7:15 – 8:30pm
COST: FREE!
LOCATION: Pleasure Point Movement, PPY’s 2nd Studio located a few doors down at 3603 Portola Dr..
This monthly reading and discussion group is a safe container to hold difficult conversations about social justice issues in the yoga world. Through examining modern yoga’s relationship to race, class, gender, colonialism, activism, trauma, body positivity, and agency, we will explore a variety of complicated topics that inform the ways in which we in the West consume and create yoga culture.
Each month when the new book is announced, participants will receive a list of guided questions to accompany the readings. The Yoga for Social Justice Book Club is 90 minutes long and open to all bodies, all ways.
Yoga for Social Justice Book Club – Reading List: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Rb_8magvutAVN7V_KkXyG319jFADOFmv9K1BjWA1FDk/edit
Monthly Monday Night Yoga Nidra
INSTRUCTOR: Kayla Copeland
DATE: 2nd Monday of every month
TIME: 7:15 – 8:00pm
COST: Regular class pricing
When the body is relaxed and the nervous system is in a ‘resting state’, we are much more apt to heal from within. Sometimes in our busy lives we don’t always have the time to “hurry up and relax” or sometimes finding relaxation itself can be a challenge.
This class is designed to guide you into a deep and conscious relaxation of body and mind, to a place between dreaming and waking. Yoga Nidra is often referred to as ‘Yogic Sleep’. It is said that 45 mins of Yoga Nidra is equivalent in benefits to 4 hours of traditional sleep.
Join Kayla Copeland for a sweet start to your week! 2nd Monday of every month
Monthly Monday Night Kirtan
INSTRUCTOR: Emily Perry & Friends
DATE: 3rd Monday of every month
TIME: 7:30 – 9:30pm
COST: $10-20 Suggested Donation (no one turned away for lack of funds)
Satsang, weekly
INSTRUCTOR: Sherry Cassedy
DATE: Every Monday
TIME: 7:30 – 8:30am
COST: Free and open to all!
Pleasure Point Yoga’s Monday morning Satsang is a unique (and free) opportunity to delve deeper into the esoteric teachings of Yoga in the company of one another. It is a great introduction for anyone who is curious to learn more, and an open invitation to revisit and share in the supported space of the Sangha as we deepen our practice. We will be taking up the Yamas and Niyamas starting July 16, exploring each of the qualities as a practice in and of itself. Patanjali calls the Yamas (nonviolence, truth, non stealing, chastity, non hoarding) the Great Vow or Mahavratam. This is a wonderful time to join the circle and you are always feel free to drop in as we share the path of yoga. “Satsang” is a Sanskrit word derived from “sat”, meaning truth, and “sanga”, meaning community. In Satsang, we gather together, in community to seek truth or, more simply, to be with the truth. We create the space with chanting, light, and intention, gentle rituals that help us to dedicate this hour to our study and practice and to one another.
Primal Strength Flow
INSTRUCTOR: Naushad Godrej
DATE: Tuesdays
TIME: 5:30-6:45
COST: Regular class pricing
LOCATION: Pleasure Point Movement, PPY’s 2nd Studio located a few doors down at 3603 Portola Dr.
Tap into your primal nature and discover ways to move and control your body mindfully through animal movements and bodyweight training. This class is based on the GMB method of physical autonomy to help you attain confidence and freedom in your body to do activities that are meaningful to you. We will practice by developing a balance of strength, flexibility, and motor control.
You will learn to assess your capabilities, identify what areas to focus on, and be guided through drills you can practice and play with to build a solid foundation for developing new skills. This class is for all levels! We focus on the basics and progress based on your individual abilities. Get ready to move, play, explore, and crawl around!
*Regular class pricing + Scheduling to begin Wednesday, January 2nd!*
More about GMB: www.gmb.io
EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) Bi Weekly
INSTRUCTOR: Cat McDaris
DATE: Every other Tuesday beginning 2/19
TIME: 6:30-8pm
COST: FREE! Donations accepted but not expected
LOCATION: Pleasure Point Movement, located a few doors down at 3603 Portola Dr.
Flow Lab: A Movement Exploration
INSTRUCTOR: Naushad Godrej
DATE: Thursdays
TIME: 12:30-1:30pm
COST: FREE!
LOCATION: Pleasure Point Movement, PPY’s 2nd Studio located a few doors down at 3603 Portola Dr.
This all levels class is a practice of elevating into flow state and tapping into your inner power and creativity through mindful movement. Let go of self-judgement, embrace your inner child, and allow yourself to freely move. Elements of yoga, dance, fitness, Qi Gong, breathwork, and meditation are all combined and woven together. Each class will explore a different theme and related movements and begins with a warm-up focused on breath. You will be guided through movements to practice at your comfort level and then transition into free form movement expression. You are encouraged to explore and play around. You don’t need any prior movement experience, just yourself and an open mind. Come join and discover your flow!
About Naushad
Naushad is passionate about helping people improve their health and resilience through body awareness and mindfulness practices. Naushad grew up playing sports in his youth and then Division I soccer at Santa Clara University while following his dream. His experiences on the field resulted in several life changing injuries that brought him through a journey of exploring a wide variety of therapies to rehab and manage chronic pain. After being inspired by many practitioners and curious to learn more about our ability to heal, Naushad left a job in the health tech industry and decided to pursue a path in health and wellness. The journey has led him to working in the fields of fitness, physical therapy, and massage therapy.
At the beginning of 2018, Naushad traveled to Central America to study yoga and meditation, and spent time volunteering at several retreat, wellness, and yoga centers. His experiences over the last year have greatly impacted his approach to teaching and incorporating the mind, body, and spirit into his work. He moved to Santa Cruz at the end of 2018 to continue his journey in health and wellness. As a teacher and coach, Naushad incorporates a holistic approach of functional strength, rehab, yoga, and mindfulness practices. He holds certifications in fitness (GMB), corrective exercise (NASM), massage therapy (CAMTC), holistic lifestyle coaching (CHEK Institute), and yoga (RYT-200).
Naushad enjoys discovering new hiking trails, water adventures, going to farmers markets and experimenting with recipes, dancing, practicing yoga, live music, playing pickup sports, and he is obsessed with cacao.
1st Friday: Bring a Friend for FREE!
INSTRUCTOR: Sally Arena & Gwen Benjamin
DATE: Every 1st Friday
TIME: 5:30pm mixed flow AND 7:15pm restorative yoga
COST: Regular Class Pricing / FREE for first time friends
Join us EVERY 1st Friday of the Month! Grab your BFF and start your weekend off right at Pleasure Point Yoga for 5:30pm Flow AND 7:15pm Restorative Yoga!
**please note: for first time friends, only**