Re-Opening Update & A Letter From Patti

Wow, what sort of vacation begins unexpectedly and lasts 5 plus months? I guess the answer is this one. This unexpected, unwanted, unprecedented and seemingly unending one. 

We closed the studio on March 16 and negotiated with our very kind landlords, a way forward that would allow for them to use the Yoga Gallery space to ensure social distancing measures and enable them to see the clients of Physiques safely. This also allowed for us not to be paying for space we were unable to use. Then when I received a breast cancer diagnosis at the end of March, it seemed the time was ripe for change. Juan and Stefani, the owners of Physiques, stepped up to take on ownership of the Yoga Gallery which allowed me to step down and tend to my health. They have been patiently waiting for the right time to safely reopen public classes. The time has come and they have been working closely with Maylo Epperson (if you know Maylo, you already love her and if you don't know her, you  are in for  a treat!) to create a new schedule that will include many in person, in studio classes as well as virtual options.

Maylo has many years of practice and more importantly, rich and varied life experience that make her the perfect person to lead and guide the Yoga Gallery into this next phase. She has deep roots in the Kansas City yoga community. She is a brilliant student and teacher of yoga philosophy and asana and she is one of the kindest, funniest and most ethical people I have ever known. Brennan O'Connor will also be helping with the process of reopening. He will be working side by side with Maylo to make sure the reopening is seamless. 

All of the previous teachers were invited to return to teach. Some did not feel ready or inclined to return to teach public classes. Those that did will be returning to the schedule as they can and some new and wonderful teachers have been added. You can trust that, as always, the priority is finding teachers who are knowledgable, educated, capable and kind. I know you will love the new additions!  

Some of you may remember the first Yoga Gallery which opened 20+ years ago in the Crossroads. It was destroyed in a fire at which time Patricia moved it  to Mission until the city took that property for redevelopment. That is when Mike and I stepped in and opened in downtown Overland Park 13 years ago. Not gonna lie, this has been a hard year. But this community has literally risen from ashes, demolition, rent hikes and a pandemic and I know the heart and soul  of the studio will continue to thrive under the new leadership.

The founder of the Yoga Gallery, Patricia Gray, decided to retire from teaching so you won't be seeing her on the schedule. You may remember that Jo Mary received a cancer diagnosis in January and she is doing really well and her treatment is showing some truly positive results. Flo Klenklen, who was also dealing with some health issues is doing well and making beautiful jewelry with her sister. I am feeling good and while my cancer treatment has been completely successful, I am going to remain on (unpaid) sabbatical for now. 

I think I am supposed to say something about these unprecedented times but I, for one, would like to see precedented times return at least as far as the virus is concerned!   Read all about the new schedule, the safety protocols, the practice space, new teachers  and plans for the future below. Thank you Maylo, Brennan,  Juan and Stefani for carrying on the integrity and heart  of the Yoga Gallery.

I hope to see you all again in the future. 

Be well,

Patti