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
Intro to Street Jazz Workshop
INSTRUCTORS: Joy Smith
DATE: Wednesday, December 12th
TIME: 5:30-7pm
COST: $20
LOCATION: Pleasure Point Movement, PPY’s 2nd studio, located a few doors down at 3603 Portola Dr.
ADVANCE BOOKING REQUIRED AS THIS WILL SELL OUT.
Step-by-step, non-intimidating breakdown of Street Jazz and its top 10 essential moves and styles (Street Jazz, Cardio Funk, Hip Hop), plus a simple choreo/routine. For people who want to dance but have felt shy about trying dance classes or for those with experience who want to deepen their knowledge and technique.
Instructor Bio:
Joy Smith
Owner and director of Santa Cruz Dance Company and Growing Wild (online nutrition courses and retreats). Internationally awarded instructor and choreographer for music videos, film, television and musical artists in France, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Brazil, Japan and the US.
International dance and fitness presenter, master trainer and Zumba Education Specialist (ZES) for Zumba Fitness LLC–for France, Belgium, California, Washington and Minnesota. Previously awarded ”Best of Santa Cruz Aerobic Instructor of the year” for Zumba instruction. ACE and AFAA faculty and CEC provider.
Happy Hips!
INSTRUCTOR: Sean Haleen
DATE: Saturday, December 15th
TIME: 1:30 – 3:30pm
COST: $45
LOCATION: Pleasure Point Movement
The key to opening the hips is the opposite of what most of us think- its all about building strength! This workshop will teach you how to build strength and stability in your poses while releasing their tension in the process. Appropriate for all levels of practitioner as well as those who’re very “flexible” and “stiff” in their hips!
Sean Haleen (500 E-RYT) is a celebrated Hatha yoga teacher and practitioner. Sean has practiced and studied yoga asana and philosophy since 1997 and began teaching in 2007. He now lives north of San Francisco with his husband and dog. He teaches public classes in San Francisco and Oakland as well as various 200HR and 500HR teacher trainings and Joyful Alignment workshops at studios across the US. In 2017, Yoga Journal selected Sean as one of the next generation’s top Yoga teachers.
Unstucking Stuck Spots: Shoulders and Spine
INSTRUCTOR: Sean Haleen
DATE: Sunday, December 16th
TIME: 1:30 – 3:30pm
COST: $45
LOCATION: Pleasure Point Movement
This popular workshop teaches you how to unstick some of the bodies trickiest parts to mobilize including the upper back, shoulders, and more. You learn various techniques including prop work, unique pose variations and more to incorporate into your practice to create greater awareness and ease in your upper body.
All levels welcome!
Sean Haleen (500 E-RYT) is a celebrated Hatha yoga teacher and practitioner. Sean has practiced and studied yoga asana and philosophy since 1997 and began teaching in 2007. He now lives north of San Francisco with his husband and dog. He teaches public classes in San Francisco and Oakland as well as various 200HR and 500HR teacher trainings and Joyful Alignment workshops at studios across the US. In 2017, Yoga Journal selected Sean as one of the next generation’s top Yoga teachers.
Nada Yoga Workshop: Uniting Yoga and Sound
INSTRUCTOR: Josh Miller
DATE: Saturday, December 15th
TIME: 5:30 – 7:30PM
COST: $30
This journey has been designed to inspire the freedom of creative expression and to help grow a deeper sense of connection to the mind, body, and spirit. My mission is to have you leave feeling more grounded, activated, & empowered.
All levels welcome, no prior drumming, singing or yoga experience required
*Percentage of your donations will go toward Music Together, a children’s non-profit organization*
About Josh:
Josh is an energetic drummer and teacher passionate to bridge cultures from around the world to build a stronger form of connection. He has travelled extensively in both the east and west studying world music and Nada Yoga. Josh truly believes everyone has rhythm and is excited to share these modalities of music therapy. He can be followed and contacted @themusicalyogi on Instagram.
Invitation of the Heart: An Advent Retreat
INSTRUCTOR: Sherry Cassedy & Satya Graha
DATE: 4 Sundays in December (12/2, 12/9, 12/16, 12/23)
TIME: 2 – 5PM
COST: $30 Single Session / $100 Full Retreat
Invitation of the Heart: An Advent Retreat The four weeks leading up to the Winter Holy Days is marked with ritual in the Christian tradition and known as “Advent”, the coming into, the invitation. We are extending the Invitation to enter into the season by preparing our hearts for the birth of light, by taking time each week to reflect on the themes of the season: Time, Truth, Darkness, and Light.
Each weekly 3-hour session will explore the theme through various spiritual traditions, meditate on it, and create ritual to literally bring it home. Sherry and Satya are excited to weave their respective backgrounds and training in Yoga and Meditation, Catholicism and Buddhism, to create a rich tapestry of wisdom teachings and reflections for the Advent season.
Cost: $30 Single Session / $100 Full Retreat
Themes:
Week 1 December 2nd: Time
Stepping out of time and into a more natural rhythm, connecting with the Heart’s timeless wisdom.
Activity: Ritual and Advent Wreaths
Week 2 December 9th: Truth
Examining Universal Laws and Inherent Truths, Awakening to our personal Heart-felt Truths.
Applying Toltek Wisdom from ‘The Four Agreements’ by Don Miguel Ruiz
Activity: Dreamwork led by Sherry Cassedy
Week 3 December 16th: Darkness
Incubating in the darkness. Sitting with the Heart-break of humanity, ours and others.
Activity: Sound Healing Circle led by Satya Graha
Week 4 December 23rd: Light
Celebrating the Birth of Light in our Hearts, Shining forth our Inner Radiance for the benefit of all.
Activity: Restorative Yoga led by Sherry Cassedy
Join us as we prepare to welcome the Light of the Winter Holy Days across spiritual traditions.
HeartBeat Dance Fitness w/ Danu
INSTRUCTOR: Danu Schoeck
DATE: Monday, December 3rd ; 10th ; 17th
TIME: 6 – 7PM
COST: FREE!
LOCATION: Pleasure Point Movement, PPY’s 2nd Studio located a few doors down at 3603 Portola Dr.
Shaman’s Dream: Rebirthing Breathwork & Energy Healing
INSTRUCTORS: Niki Alsop (Spiritual Mentor & Shamanic Bodyworker) & Chelsea Shapouri (Ayurveda Lifestyle Coach & Elemental Yoga Teacher)
DATE: Saturday, December 22nd
TIME: 6 – 9 PM
COST: $40
AN EXCLUSIVE, INTIMATE EVENING ~ HEAL THE LUMINOUS BODY THROUGH SHAMANIC RITUAL
Join us for an exclusive, intimate evening where together we learn how to care for the luminous body and stimulate healing on a soul level.
This potent 3 hour event includes a powerful sound experience, Rebirthing Breathwork, Yin Yoga and Reiki Energy Healing. Marrying these techniques with shamanic rituals, the event is focused on enhancing the body’s own healing response in a safe and protected container.
Schedule:
6:15-6:30 Welcome discussion
6:30-6:45 Medicine songs
6:45-7:15 Rebirthing Breathwork
Quick break
7:20-7:50 Yin Yoga
7:50-8:20 Reiki
8:20-8:40 Sharing
8:40-9:00 Closing circle + treats
Sponsors:
Ebb & Flow by Ty – Handcrafted Apothecary
Jayalixir – Herbal Remedies
JackandJaya – Bohemian Textiles
**GIFT BAG to take home!**
Shaman’s Dream is a full-power journey into the unseen. Reclaim your inner wisdom and connect to the deepest parts of your psyche for dynamic self-healing.
Space is limited. Secure your spot now!
After School Peace Warriors Training for Kids!
INSTRUCTOR: Ilana Ingber
DATE: January 14th – February 22nd
PROGRAM LENGTH: 6 weeks (1 day / week)
DAY: M, T, W, Th options
TIME: 3:30 – 5pm
COST: $150 for 6 week series; Drop ins welcome at $30/session
LOCATION: Pleasure Point Movement
INTRODUCING : Yoga! Art! Meditation Practice! Martial Arts! For Kids! with Ilana Ingber beginning January 7th, 2019
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:
Monday: ages 5 and up
Tuesday: All ages
Wednesday: ages 12 and up
Thursday: All ages
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.
Bones, Poses, and Target Areas: A Functional Introduction to Yin Yoga
INSTRUCTORS: Paul & Suzee Grilley
DATE: Saturday, January 12th and Sunday, January 13th
TIME: 9:15-12:15pm and 1:30-4:30pm (both days)
COST: $220 (entire weekend only)
LOCATION: Pleasure Point Movement
Living Mindful: Crafting a Mindfulness Practice
INSTRUCTORS: Melissa Fritchle
DATE: Sunday, January 27th
TIME: 1 – 4:30pm
COST: $40
LOCATION: Pleasure Point Movement
We can only spend so much time on the mat. But the gifts of living mindfully are available to us throughout daily life, if we create practices to connect in.
In this workshop you will get ideas on how to incorporate embodied mindful moments anywhere. We will also explore different mindful meditation practices – sitting, walking, moving, doing – so that you can expand your ideas of how to practice. Invitations to include the body, sensation, movement, emotion, even story into your experience will help you to see what resonates for you.
Using an expansive frame for Mindfulness practice we will invite attention on the present, bringing real life emotions and concerns into our awareness but softening towards them. Kindness to our self as a key component so we will talk about how to work with the self-critic and moments of inner turmoil that can happen to us all when we quiet enough to hear ourselves.
Your practice should reflect you back to you, and happily there are many paths to being more mindful. We will talk about your unique intention for your mindfulness practice, the benefits and downsides of committing to one specific practice, and how to not let your practice turn into an ego trip but rather letting it be a part of a full and complex life. You will leave with an intention and a plan for practice to take you into the new year, more mindful.
Please bring a journal.
Facilitated by Melissa Fritchle, LMFT, Certified Mindfulness Meditation Teacher and Holistic Psychotherapist with a private practice in Santa Cruz, CA. Melissa brings humor and openness to the fullness of human experience to her teaching. She is the author of The Conscious Sexual Self Workbook and is working on an upcoming book, The Body as Guru.
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: Regular class pricing
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.
Rock & Roll Restorative
INSTRUCTOR: Gwen Benjamin
DATE: Every 1st Friday
TIME: 7:15-8:30PM
COST: Regular Class Pricing
Relax into your weekend with a luxurious Restorative yoga class set to sweet-sounding music of the 90’s (think eclectic indie, alternative, classic rock, and hip hop). Gwen softly guides you through an immensely relaxing and gentle form of yoga that uses props (blankets, bolsters, blocks) to completely support and cradle the body into full relaxation. Restorative yoga leads the body and mind into deep stillness, where the full expression of its sweetness can be experienced. This rejuvenating yoga asana class not only replenishes and relaxes, it balances the nervous system, improves the immune system, and improves capacity for healing and balancing. This class is fun, accessible and beneficial for All ages, All bodies, All levels.