Ashtanga Yoga Berkeley

Apr 2024

The shala is beautiful, and the space is inspiring. I dropped in while in town. Vance was so welcoming, and offered assists and gave great pointers. I HIGHLY recommend this place for anyone visiting the east bay, or frankly anyone within driving distance. Worth the trip. Hope to be back soon!

Jul 2023

I've been practising ashtanga yoga for around 15 years and I couldn't be happier that in my early 40s, I find myself in Berkeley with Vance Selover as my trusted teacher and friend, and the beautiful community he's created as my second home and emotional/psychic haven. For context, I've learned from many wonderful teachers in the ashtanga tradition, including David Swenson, Nancy Gilgoff, Matt Ryan, Kia Naddermier, George Whiteside, Jean Cho, Monica Marinoni, Katie Kehoe, Oni Ingber, Hamish Hendry, and the teachers at the Lino Miele school in Rome. After many years of leading group self-practice in New Haven, CT, I moved to Berkeley in summer 2019 and I was thrilled to have a regular teacher again. But more than that, I knew the moment I first entered the studio that I had found something extra special. Vance's shala is the most welcoming, diverse, peaceful and accepting space I have ever practised. It is a privilege to work with a teacher as humble, sensitive, intuitive, intelligent and compassionate as Vance and I am grateful to him every day. The pandemic was difficult for everyone but Vance kept us going with daily sessions on zoom. Around that time, I began to practice 5-6 times a week and under Vance's guidance, even online, I learned to soften my practice in a way that had eluded me previously. When we returned to in-person practices, I continued to work on the intermediate series under Vance's guidance and I recently learned the final poses of intermediate from him. This has been a wonderful journey of increasing internal awareness and external physical transformation, without any pressure to "perform" or to reach any self- or other-imposed goals. This review is a long overdue public appreciation of Vance's teaching, after nearly four years of near-daily practice with his support. Whether you're a complete beginner curious about ashtanga, a seasoned practitioner passing through or new to the area, or have an on-again-off-again practice, you will find him a gentle, supportive and empowering teacher. Vance's monthly subscriptions are excellent value (180/month unlimited sessions; scholarships available) and the friendship, solidarity and dedication of Vance's students / fellow practitioners are a testament to the kindness, steadiness, and care he shows to everyone who comes through the doors.

Jun 2023

Once upon a time, an Indian yogi (yours truly), weary from the jump, skip, and hop of the modern 'Power Yoga', embarked on a journey in pursuit of the deep-rooted, serene traditional yoga magic. The end of my quest led me to Vance's studio, a sanctuary that vibrates with the authenticity of ancient yoga traditions. It's become a second home to me, a place that nurtures my soul's craving for yoga's profound subtleties.Vance is a remarkable teacher, conveying wisdom with compassion, affection, and delicacy, without ever resorting to forceful physical adjustments. His skill for understanding my body, its potential, and the guidance it requires is truly remarkable. His respect...read full review