Debbie Daly quietly opened Tucson Yoga in 2003 in the old Orts Dance Theater on a budget of exactly $200 which went towards purchasing yoga mats. Inspired by Jim Lipson's $5 yoga classes at then Tucson Yoga Center (which went on to become the late, lamented Providence Institute), Debbie began offering five classes a week, teaching them herself.
Debbie was soon joined by Natasha Korshak, Joseph Lauricella and Michelle Marks. Tucson Yoga expanded its schedule and moved to its current location on South 4th Ave. Tucson Yoga has continued to grow and serve, while maintaining Debbie's original vision of providing a space for affordable yoga where everyone is welcome.
The downtown location of Tucson Yoga makes it a favorite of college students and downtown-area workers; teachers, artists, and government employees. Tucson Yoga teachers come from a variety of yoga teaching backgrounds so there is a class to meet everyone's needs, from vigorous vinyasa to quiet meditation.
As Tucson Yoga grew, it became clear that Debbie needed assistance to keep the studio, and herself, running smoothly. Enter current director, Joanna Carichner, who manages the studio day-to-day and keeps teachers, students, and classes moving smoothly. Debbie continues to be a big presence for Tucson Yoga in a very modern, mobile role, working behind the scenes from Northern California to support the studio administratively and maintaining an active web presence.
When asked what keeps Debbie involved and excited with Tucson Yoga, she says, "At this point I feel that a grassroots, one-person-at-a-time approach to increasing the positive energy on this earth is the best thing I can offer. Hundreds if not thousands of people have taken their first yoga class at Tucson Yoga. Whatever direction they go, our studio has introduced them to a beautiful path of becoming sensitive and intuitive people who spread positive intention wherever they go, with whatever they do."
Tucson Yoga current class offerings are Gentle Yoga, Yin Yoga, Basic Yoga, Mixed-Level Yoga, Vinyasa, and Mindfulness Yoga. Check the Tucson Yoga website for most current schedule and to meet the Tucson Yoga teachers.
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