Dharma Yoga

Went to the 6:30 pm Friday night class here. I really enjoyed it: there’s a little mantra, asana, pranayama and meditation so it felt like a really well rounded yoga class. The studio is calm, quiet and relaxing, clean with a small boutique of yoga stuff. The classroom was large and spacious (finally I could put my arms out in a yoga class without whacking someone!) The classroom also had TONS of props.
The teacher (Kim) was super helpful in making sure I was in correct alignment and so forth. I felt like the culture of the class definitely supported doing a pose to your own abilities, so that was great too.

Spent some time in NYC recently and am so grateful for the teachings of Dharma Mittra. I think he is a good example for us all.
I was lucky enough to take some classes from him and I loved every single moment. His classes pushed me to the edge of what I thought I was capable of and gave me new insights about myself.
I think Dharma brings out the best in a lot of his students.
I loved the master classes. They were difficult but they also gave me inspiration on what is possible. I met so many wonderful people in the classes I attended there. I don’t want to say they were enlightened but they were certainly further along in the process than many. I think this is because they take many classes from Dharma and are infused with such great knowledge from him.
I love the feeling of the studio. It’s a large space with beautiful adornments on the walls. It gives you a sense of openness and peace. It is a safe haven from the busy NY streets.
If you can’t take a class from Dharma because it doesn’t fit into your schedule, not to worry. The other teachers are just as lovely, loving, kind, and spiritual as Dharma. Every class will leave you wanting more. Every teacher has some very special gift and will teach you things that you didn’t know.
Of course I don’t think that Dharma Yoga is for everyone because we all have such different personalities, but I hope that everyone will take a class and «Be Receptive,» to a different experience.

I was recommended to come here by a student of Dharma Mittra, I was very excited to attend. I did not feel the Master Sadhana class was particularly great. The asana’s were all over the place (seated to standing to inversion to seated for example). Additionally, much of the class was do whatever you want. Now I understand everyone doing their own thing in a Mysore class but this wasn’t that vibe. I know that is the way DM runs his class — it isn’t for me.
The two stars is mostly for all the women i encountered who worked there were extremely rude to me and I got scolded at twice for waiting to return my blanket and walking into the wrong room. This is not the type of environment I should be subjected to in a yoga studio.

I enjoy taking maha shakti classes with dharma. He is a true yoga master, one of a kind !
He gives perfect guidelines on breathing and postures .He also emphasizes the connection between movement and breath.
You will radiate peace and bliss ;0)

Gosh, I am a big fan of the Dharma Mittra teachers of which I have taken classes in NYC, Brooklyn, and California. However, as for DM, himself, I really wish I had ‘clicked’ more with him as a teacher. He led class, not sure he taught as much. While I am a experienced yogini, I still think teaching and individual verbal assists are necessary…
Locale: I took a few classes at the 23^rd@3^rd east a long time ago. Then found 23^rd West again via Brooklyn teachers. The place is very nice, and clean-​ish (I am not a fan of the rugs or some of those cushions, but it is nice to be on offer for us). The front reception is fine enough.
I’ve been to DM’s Maha Sadhana here a few months ago. It was ok and well attended (on a Saturday). It just wasn’t for me. I’d give it another chance if it weren’t so dear in cost ($ 40). I went to a «master» class taught by Varuna recently and that was nice. He offered many verbal assists to various students, and when I informed of a tricky shoulder he graciously backed off. I went to the class at noon because I was in the area all morning. This class was $ 12. which I suppose is like a ‘community’ class.
They offer a new student special, but I lost that oppty when I took the Maha Sadhana w/​DM, which was a huge bummer for me. That would be a great way to see if this place ‘fits’ with you.
Anyway,
… it’s all fine, I just don’t get ALL the hype. To each their own.

Positive Energy!!!
I had a great experience here
I was invited here to try a meditation class and really enjoyed it. I had the pleasure of taking the class with Sir Dharma Mittra himself. Unless I heard wrong Sir Dharma is 86 years old but looks absolutely amazing. His soul radiates with peace and his voice will penetrate your ears. I have done meditation at home with Deepak Chopra but I have never went to a studio to practice with others. The live music they play takes you away to another place. I was so incredibly relaxed it was unbelievable. I was actually surprised at how serene I felt within myself. Typically at home my thoughts tend to veer off and it is difficult to focus but I did not have that energy here. After listening to Sir Dharma speak on life I literally wanted to stay longer and talk to him all day. Incredibly wise and a really great place. This will definitely help you reflect within yourself and if I could look that amazing at 86 years old it’ll be worth every penny! First time around was $ 12 not so sure how much it would be thereafter. If you have class pass I know that this is on the list of places to go. Staff up front was very warm and friendly, great place!

As someone who previously subscribed to the church of hot yoga as my first and only yoga experience this studio is refreshing but no less the sweat dropper.
open level class is challenging but you’re not pushed to the point of injury. I have attended two weeks in a row and noticed a considerable difference. The instructor did a fantastic job at keeping our 3^rd on the prize.
I would also highly recommend the meditation class. I found myself in a deep trance and felt so decompressed after.
The facilities are super clean … wide open spaces with a nice zen vibe. It’s a great place full of peace.

I took an open level class with Dharma Mittra. I wouldn’t call it open level class because I don’t think it’s open for beginners. If you decide to come to this class you have to be at least intermediate in yoga. First of all, the class started with relatively challenging poses. Probably assuming that everyone in the class already know, Dharma Mittra didn’t give any instructions on breathing and details about how to do asanas and its alignment. The class just has to follow and repeat after him. Beginners-​practitioners of yoga might feel frustrated. Personally, I didn’t struggle too much (except for headstands, I’m still getting there) during the class. But I came for the class in hope to gain a lightness in body, kind of massage my body and soul. I didn’t really get that result. Instead I still have a muscle pain in my back, probably because of holding back bending poses for too long. My advice is to go to the class with certain level of flexibility and strength, and you’ll probably enjoy it. The teacher was humorous, entertaining, and with a great energy! I would come back to experience more of his classes.

I’ve only taken 2 classes so far — a $ 6 Wednesday class with Kat and the Friday 6:30 pm class with Alex. I had a bad experience with the DY student instructor as there was no support, but Alex was personable. However, so far, it bugs me that their yoga instructors expect you to do a headstand in the middle of the room, just like that. The student instructor was hardly helpful (Kat), so I always have to ask now who is teaching before I take a class. I bought the $ 45 new student special because I still want to give it a chance. I rated it A-​OK bc it’s near me and they have the special $ 6 classes. I like the large yoga room though.

Ordered a DY Wheel FROM THE DHARMA YOGA CENTER IN NYC, took 10 days for them to ship it, emailed and received the most arrogant response I’ve gotten as a customer… ever.
Take your $$ elsewhere. They are of the opinion they are above the customer.

I came in on somewhat of a whim because I’m a long time yoga student and was in the area. Having read the phenomenal reviews, I expected a life changing experience. What I ended up with was the opposite. The front desk receptionist if you can call her that was curt and either awkward or plain rude– Completely unwelcoming and acted like I was in the wrong for asking her to show me around and inquire about their different classes i.e. Do her job. The overall culture of the studio seemed weirdly arrogant and overly pretentious about their particular school of yoga — I had to ask myself whether I were really in a yoga studio or an intolerant religious cult. In trying to be anti-​corporate and «traditionalist,» they seemed holier than thou. I am a woman in the early 20s and maybe I’m not the age group they’re targeting, but I felt almost excluded.
NOTE: the free classes aren’t actually free and the one I attended was taught in a tiny room by someone who didn’t seem to have much experience and didn’t give much individual attention (despite there only being two other people in an hour long class).
Overall: I was very disappointed and will not return.

I had read all the reviews about Dharma Mittra before I went to my class, and have to say I was really excited/​looking forward to an amazing yoga experience. Unfortunately, I did not enjoy it at all. I took the Maha Shakti All Levels class, and am someone who has practiced for many years at a variety of studios across Brooklyn/​NYC.
Besides the fact the woman at the front desk wasn’t that friendly (she knew it was my first time at the studio but didn’t show me around) I just didn’t enjoy Dharma Mittra’s teaching style. I respect the fact that he’s done yoga for 50 years, and maybe I was misinformed on what the class actually was. There were about 15 people in class (and the room was huge so we definitely had a lot of space) but he would talk very low and I had a hard time understanding him at points.
He started off the class by saying «ok let’s do some warm ups!» Then we did a bunch of seated twists, and other vigorous poses. The thing that ruined the whole class for me is the fact he rarely ever called out a posture/​pose. The majority of his class was him saying «Now this is what we’re gonna do. Watch me.» «Look at me, move your foot here.» There was rarely ever a direct cue about how to do the pose correctly, it was just «look at me, here» And I hate to say this, but the class seemed to have no flow. We did various modifications of head stands, then we’d do a wheel, and then back to head/​shoulder stands.
Oh, and I’m pretty sure while we were doing shoulder stand he walked out of the room for a good 20 – 30 breaths…

Loved this yoga studio… its not over crowded like some other ones i’ve been to. The instructors are very good and great at demonstrating and explaining the poses. The facility is clean and open. Sri Dharma Mittra is a great teacher and such as joy to practice under. Studying from a master is definitely something different.
If you’ve never been should definitely go here at least once.

This is my first time practising at the new studio and I must say it is very different from the previous one on the east side. It is harmonious and beautifully done, but the energy is definitely more commercial. There are many more items for sale as well. The way in which the staff members interact with students has changed to be business-​like as well. The best thing is that Dharma himself has not changed. He is the same loving and peaceful person (legend) he always has been. I attended the Master Sadhana class which was extremely satisfying, difficult and wonderful. Dharma has a great sense of humor which he injects when instructing difficult poses, and his giggles are priceless. I look forward to returning again.

Like the reviewer before me has stated, this place is an oasis.
It smells like nag champa all the time, its clean, and silent.
The instructors are fun, and challenging. The décor is interesting and plentiful, excellent for someone with ADD waiting for class to start.

This place is «the bomb» when it comes to all aspects of practicing and learning how to teach yoga!
The spiritual leader of the center, and master teacher, is Sri Dharma Mittra. He is the most quintessential Guru and Yogi I have ever encountered. He truly exemplifies excellence in practice and selflessness in thought, word and deed. He is an inspiration and taking classes with him or listening to him speak is both an honor and a pleasure.
The studio is ideally situated in the Chelsea District and the vibe and interior are beautiful and welcoming. The staff are so nice and knowledgeable. Many students of Sri Dharma and master teachers themselves, teach there as well.
I was very fortunate to be able to attend many classes at the DYC in Manhattan and to also participate in their 200 hour Teacher Training Program entitled Life of a Yogi (LOAY). I believe, based on what I have seen, heard, and experienced, that DYC offers, by far, the best, most comprehensive, most deep, most spiritually and physically rewarding teacher training program in the world.
If you are ever in Manhattan and love yoga, check this place out. You won’t regret it!

I am very honored and proud to say that I have been trained by a real spiritual man in the science of yoga. I have learned so much and grown in my practice, mentally and spiritually all thanks due to Sri Dharma Mittra. As we say here in New York” He is the real deal.” a humble, funny, warm and positive man are some of the words to described this great teacher, My teacher. I full heartedly recommend to anyone who wants to learn about yoga and the science to go take just one class with the man they call the Rock of Yoga. If you have a great practice take one of his Master classes. He will leave you WOW and a calm and loving feeling…

The Dharma Yoga NY Center is a delightful oasis of yoga in a city full of hustle & bustle (& other cliches). If you are a new yogi, or you’ve been on the path for a while; it is inevitable that Sri Dharma Mittra will seep into your yoga consciousness. He created a poster (way before digital cameras) cataloging many yoga postures, and it is now a near ubiquitous fixture in yoga studios far and wide. I came upon Dharma by studying with a Dharma-​certified teacher in Washington, DC starting in 2007. Then I took Dharma’s class at a yoga conference in Boston in 2008. He and his team were so sincere and knowledgeable, I knew I would practice with him if ever I ended in NY.
Fast forward to 2012. I have had the pleasure of studying at the original East Side studio, and now at the new West Side NYC Center. Dharma teaches a Master Practice at noon that will challenge all yogis, expert & novice alike. If you come to that class, know it is an «advanced» practice, so It is up to the student to respect their body and know their limitations. They offer 4 levels of courses throughout the week, in addition to the Master class, Deep Relaxation, & other special workshops.
The classes are varied, and there are vinyasa-​based sun salutations, as well as standing postures, back bends, floor poses, breathing exercises. I always leave class with a new tip or trick, and maybe even a new variation of a pose that I’ve yet to encounter in my nearly nine years of yoga. In my experience, all of the teachers aside from Dharma are also highly knowledgeable, and authentic to the classical yoga practice he upholds. If you are someone who’s used to the mic-​wearing, pop-​music rocking, rockstar/​model teacher style of gym yoga; then the Dharma center might be a calming (yet differently invigorating) change of pace for you. Remember, all is one.
Seriously, many of yoga’s OGs are no longer with us, or are on mountaintops far far away. New York is lucky to have Dharma here, and still teaching! Om Namah Shivayah! [May the filtergods shine upon this review.]

Dharma is a living legend. I have been meaning to take class at his studio forever. I had a Groupon that was about to expire so last Sunday there was no time like the present. While I have not been to every yoga studio on the Island of Manhattan (a task more easily undertaken 15 years ago) I have been to quite a few. MANY of them try to be an oasis of calm; this studio actually is. I got off the elevator and was immediately surrounded by the sound of… silence. Not dead silence but mindful silence-​I temporarily forgot I was even in the city.
The only snag we hit was the changeover from the class before happened and class was already in progress by a few minutes. I am familiar with the style of Dharma yoga but have not really done it before. I spent a lot of the class battling an interior monologue «Really you are going to have us do this right now?» «Am I ready for this pose?» «No one is using a blanket?» These comments are really no more than an illustration that I need more yoga. Mild griping aside I felt great after and will return!

*I am renewed*
Just spent my Saturday night at Dharma’s beautiful new West-​side location.
It goes without saying that being in the presence of Dharma Mittra at any time and any place is a life-​changing experience. Really. Studying from a master is something that can’t be explained.
There were a couple differences that I noticed straight away from the East-​side location: The West-​Side center is much more business-​like than the cozy East-​side temple. The front staff doesn’t exude the same warmth as before, but maybe that comes with time :)
With all of that said, the space is brand new and quite impressive. I’m sure that 75+ people can fit in there easily. It is fully equipped with a waiting area, changing room, multi-​stall bathroom, and plenty of space to spread out.
Overall, a job done out of love is always well done.
*So blessed to study with Dharma*
Looking forward to my return.