Owner: Coni Pappas

Classes Offered: White Orchid practices and teaches Ashtanga Yoga, including traditional Mysore Style classes as well as led Full Primary and Half Primary classes.  The Tampa studio is currently strictly Ashtanga, but the Clearwater studio also offers Restorative and Gentle Yoga classes, Power-Full Vinyasa classes, and Ashtanga Hour classes.

What makes White Orchid Yoga unique and why you should try it: White Orchid is the only studio in the area that is devoted to Ashtanga Yoga and has the only Authorized Ashtanga teacher in the Tampa Bay area. To become Authorized involves many trips to Mysore, India to practice, study, and learn at the source of Ashtanga Yoga. Ashtanga classes are taught in a systematic way, with the poses always in the same order and each pose either opening you up or strengthening you for something that is coming later in the sequence. In this way, Ashtanga Yoga is a very safe way to learn and practice yoga. In addition, both studios, Clearwater and Tampa, have a very calming and peaceful energy about them...it just feels GOOD to be at White Orchid!

Advice for first-timers: Go with the flow! The first Ashtanga practice may be frustrating because you do not have the series memorized and other people do, so it may seem like everyone knows what is going on except you. If you are in a led class, the pace is quick, so just be patient, the more often you come, the more you will fall in with the rhythm of the class. If you come to a Mysore Style class, you will work at your own pace, as will everyone else in the room; the teacher will work with you on an individual basis, giving you poses as you are ready for them, and stopping you at a safe spot in the series. Everyone was a beginner at some point, just keep that in mind. Try to let go and trust the practice!

Favorite things to do in Tampa: White Orchid's Clearwater studio is a quick drive over the bridge to Clearwater Beach, which is gorgeous. Park in one of the beach lots, spend your day in the sun, and choose from the many restaurants and shops.

Did you know? White Orchid's teachers are encouraged to travel to India to grow in their practices and immerse themselves in the Ashtanga culture and lifestyle so they can come back and share what they've learned with their students and the studio. Heather Serna, White Orchid's Authorized Ashtanga teacher has made four trips already, staying anywhere from six weeks to three months at a time, and she will be returning to India again next year. We have other teachers who have traveled to India two times already, and are planning their next trips. We also have teachers who will be making their first trips at the end of this year. This really shows our dedication, our love, and our passion for Ashtanga Yoga!

Ready to go with the flow with some Ashtanga? Try a class at White Orchid Clearwater or White Orchid Tampa today!