WORKSHOPS

Willow Street Yoga is excited to offer a variety of special events and workshops that expand the practice of yoga. Our teachers and world-renowned guests specialize in a variety of topics that encourage our community to learn and grow. Members receive 20% off workshop registrations!

See Our Full Schedule!

FEATURED WORKSHOPS

Origami Bird Workshop with Maria Elena Montero

Saturday, February 22nd | 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST | In-Person | $25

Escape the cold and join us for a cozy afternoon of creativity and connection! Instead of birding outside, let’s bring the birds indoors with an Origami Bird-Making Party hosted by the DC Bird Alliance.

Megumi will be our guide as we in learn the beautiful Japanese art of paper folding and create our very own flock of birds—no experience needed!

All materials are provided, so just bring your curiosity and a love for nature. Whether you're a bird enthusiast, an art lover, or simply looking for a fun and relaxing experience, this workshop is for you.

Origami Bird Workshop

Subtle Body Series: An Introduction to the Energy Body with Claudia Neuman

Sundays, February 23rd, March 23rd, & April 27th | In-Person & Online | $65 per session or $160 for entire series | Early bird: $150 for all three sessions by 2/1

From the perspective of the Sri Vidya Tantra Tradition of Yoga, the body is considered the altar of transformation. This workshop series invites us to experience the body in an empowered way by accessing the energetic foundation of the physical and spiritual experience — our 'subtle body'.

Through a combination of foundational teachings and experiential practices, participants will learn about the energy anatomy, including the Panchakoshas, Bandhas, Prana Vayus, Chakras, and Nadis. Most importantly, each session will be an experience of practices that help us draw the relationship between our subtle body and physical body.

Session 1: The Navel Center · Lunar · Foundational | 1:00pm - 4:00pm EST

Discover the 72,000 energy channels known as Nadis, with a focus on the three main Nadis that flow along the spine. Learn how to activate and balance these channels through breathwork, poses, and meditation.

Practices: Breathwork, asanas, Yoga Nidra (sleep), and meditation.

Session 2: The Heart Center · Solar · Purifying | 1:00pm - 4:00pm EST

Explore the five Prana Vayus—specific flows in the body that govern the functions of our lives—and learn about Bandhas (sacred energy locks) that help us direct and contain these flows.

Practices: Breathwork, asanas, and meditation.

Session 3: The Third Eye Center · Fire · Transformational | 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST

Discover the Panchakoshas (five layers of being) and use pranayamas (breathing techniques), Bandhas (sacred locks), and the activation of Sushumna, the central energy channel of the spine. This session focuses on cultivating transformation and clarity.

Practices: Breathwork, asanas, Yoga Nidra, and meditation.

Who Can Join?

This series is open to all levels of practitioners. Each session will have some lecturing, discussion, and practice of poses, breath, meditation, and Nidra (when indicated).

Energy Body

IN-PERSON

ONLINE

Tai Chi Series for Mental Health with Robert Anderson

Sundays, February 16th, 23rd, March 2nd, & 9th | 12:00pm - 1:00pm EST | In-Person | $99 for all sessions

WHAT IS TAI CHI?

Tai Chi is a gentle, low-impact exercise that originated in China as a martial art. It involves a series of slow, controlled movements and postures, along with deep breathing and a meditative
state of mind. Tai Chi is often called “meditation in motion” because its designed to harmonize the body, mind, and energy levels. It can help with a variety of health concerns, including flexibility and strength, balance and coordination, stress and anxiety, depression, and pain relief.

Tai Chi has evolved from a martial art for combat and self-defense into a sport and form of exercise that's increasingly practiced all over the world. There are five popular styles of Tai Chi, each with its own unique methods, principles, and lineage.

ABOUT THE WORKSHOP:

Balanced Arts workshops around Tai Chi are designed to introduce students to the Yang style of Tai Chi. Using seated, standing, and moving forms, the workshops leverage partner drills (push hands), as well as some Tai Chi ball and Chi Gong. Workshop participants experience introductory basics as well as advanced movements and exercises in order to gain a full understanding of Tai Chi’s philosophy so that they can begin to incorporate it into their everyday wellness practice.

*You will also obtain a digital course workbook for this 4 part series.

What You’ll Learn:

Foundational movements from the 8-form and Yang style
Partner drills (push hands)
Practical applications for self-defense and daily life

Benefits of Tai Chi:

Tools for managing stress and emotions
Simple breathing techniques to promote calm
Techniques for focus, relaxation, and grounding
Retraining the brain for self-control and more mindful states and perspectives

WORKSHOP INSTRUCTOR:

Robert Anderson is an executive, educator, and lifelong martial artist with over 30 years of teaching experience. He is the founder of Balanced Arts, an education company specializing in wellness, self-care, and personal growth. A black sash martial artist and certified Kung Fu instructor, Robert has trained in Shaolin, Tai Chi Chuan, Chi Gong, and Wing Chun. He also holds a personal fitness certification (AFAA) and is currently pursuing mindfulness and wellness coaching (NASM). His expertise extends to working with athletes, executives, business teams, seniors, and teens, helping them cultivate strength, resilience, and mindfulness.

Tai Chi Mental Health

Radiant Rhythms Ecstatic Dance with Clara Fang

Saturdays, March 8th, April 19th, May 31st | 7:00pm - 9:00pm EST | In-Person | $30/$150

Break free from screen fatigue and daily stress with ecstatic dance—a wellness practice that encourages free expression through movement. In an immersive, interactive space, participants can release tension, gain mental clarity, and connect with others through nonverbal expression.

Whether you feel like twirling gracefully, stomping with power, or simply swaying to the rhythm, there are no rules—only movement that feels true to you. Together, we create a safe and supportive space where you can let go, release emotions, and reconnect with yourself

Suggested Arrival Time: 6:45PM

Benefits:

Relieve stress & tension
Cultivate mindfulness & relaxation
Unlock self-expression & playfulness
Experience deep emotional & somatic healing
Find connection in community

No experience is necessary! We’ll start with an opening circle to share intentions, followed by a 75-minute playlist of non-lyrical, new age, and tribal music arranged in a “dance wave.” We’ll close with reflections, creating a meaningful and often trance-like experience.

What to Bring:
Water bottle, loose clothing (expect to sweat!), optional yoga mat.

Note: Please refrain from bringing food or alcohol.

Radiant Rhythms Dance

Four Seasons of Forest Bathing with Susan West Montgomery

Experience Nature’s Healing Through the Seasons

Follow the Wheel of the Year with seasonal forest bathing sessions in Rock Creek Park. Rooted in the Japanese wellness practice of Shinrin-yoku, forest bathing invites you to slow down, engage your senses, and access the healing properties of nature. These can be especially powerful during the times of transition offered by the changing seasons. Each walk will follow a different route, but all will allow us to experience this familiar landscape atdifferent times of the year. You will be invited to slow down, to be curious, and to touch, smell, hear, and see nature more fully. The walks will not be strenuous but requires the ability to walk a mile or so on uneven surfaces.

Meet Your Guide:

Susan is long-time member of the Willow Street Yoga Community and a Kripalu certified Outdoor Mindfulness Guide. She provides customized outdoor mindfulness excursions in the Washington DC region and beyond. She is also a passionate advocate and non-profit consultant who is committed to leveraging natural and historic places to connect citizens, promote social justice, and foster health and well-being. Learn more at susanwestmontgomery.com

When:
🌸 Spring Equinox – Saturday, March 22
☀️ Summer Solstice – Friday, June 21
🍂 Fall Equinox – Saturday, September 20
❄️ Winter Solstice – Saturday, December 20

Location:
Each session will take place at a different location within Rock Creek Park. Details & parking info will be emailed one week prior to each event.

Forest Bathing

Yoga Nidra For Resilience - Winter 2025 with Carol Mermey

Sunday, March 23rd | 5:00pm - 6:00pm EST | Online | $20 per class or $55 for entire series

Resilience -- Returning to the wisdom of your body & mind to deal with life’s challenges.

Strengthen your ability to bounce back from life’s challenges by reconnecting with the inner resilience of your body and mind. Through the guided meditation practice of Yoga Nidra, discover a deep source of stability, clarity, and self-empowerment. This workshop is designed to help you release tension, calm your nervous system, and restore your energy.

In each session, you’ll:

Learn centering and relaxation techniques
Practice gentle stretches for joints and muscles
Explore mindful breathing practices
Experience a complete Yoga Nidra session

Yoga Nidra is practiced lying down or seated comfortably. No experience is necessary—everyone is welcome.

*All registrants will receive recordings of these practices.

About the Facilitator:
Carol Mermey (E-RYT 500, MPH) has been teaching yoga since 2004, guiding students of all ages and abilities to “start where they are, use what they’ve got, and do what they can.” Her classes emphasize healthy alignment to build strength, flexibility, and balance, promoting a sense of well-being and empowerment. Carol enjoys teaching students of all ages, and her teaching settings range from yoga studios and workplaces to health clinics and senior centers.

Certified in ParaYoga Nidra, Yoga for Osteoporosis, and Yoga for Healthy Aging, Carol is also a Brain Longevity Specialist. She has completed iRest Yoga Nidra II and Integrative Yoga for Seniors, and she continues to study with Rod Stryker in ParaYoga. Currently, she is involved in a study on yoga for improving core strength and balance in older adults.

Yoga Nidra

Spring Expansion with James Foulkes

Saturday, April 12th | 4:00pm - 7:00pm EST | In-person & Online | $60

As the days grow warmer and brighter, nature awakens from her winter slumber, inviting us to embrace new growth and fresh possibilities. Spring is the season of expansion—a time to plant seeds for a future harvest and move forward with clarity and purpose. Focused intent enhances our ability to envision possibilities and weave our dreams.

These seasonal workshops offer an opportunity to harmonize your body/mind with the cyclic rhythm of the seasons. Rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), spring is associated with the Wood Element, which governs the Liver and Gall Bladder—organs essential for detoxification, renewal, and emotional balance. Through movement and breathwork, we’ll explore how to transform anger and frustration into acceptance and kindness, fostering a sense of harmony and flow.

What to expect:

Gentle Cleansing Stretches – Support detoxification and renewal, helping your body transition into spring.

Breathwork Practices – Enhance clarity, focus, and inner balance.

Dynamic & Expansive Sequences – Activate rising spring energy and balance the Yin nature of our cleansing stretches and breathwork with invigorating, stimulating, and opening movements.

The Wood energy of Spring is an expression of life and growth at its strongest. Just as a dandelion can break through concrete, this workshop will help you tap into your own resilience and vitality.

Spring Expansion

Earth Day Soundbath Meditation with Dante Baker

Saturday, April 26th | 6:00pm - 7:30pm EST | In-Person | $35 until 4/1 $45 after

Join us for a deeply restorative Earth Song Sound Bath Meditation with Dante, as we honor Earth Day and the healing power of nature.

Sound healing uses vibrations from instruments and voice to realign dissonant frequencies in the body and mind, bringing a sense of balance and harmony. In this nature-inspired sound bath, Dante will weave together the soothing tones of crystal and metal singing bowls, Koshi chimes, tuning forks, native flutes, pan drums, and his own voice, creating healing polyphonic overtones that invite deep relaxation and renewal.

Come immerse yourself in the healing sounds of nature and reconnect with your inner rhythm.

Soundbath

Full Workshop Schedule

Workshop Schedule