What is

Katonah Yoga?

Katonah Yoga® is a syncretic Hatha yoga practice developed by Nevine Michaan over 40 years. She and her teachers incorporate classical Hatha yoga with Taoist theory, geometry, magic, mythology, metaphor, and imagination — in a practical framework designed to potentiate personal and communal well-being.

Framing the practice, maps of time and personal space are defined and refined. Themes using asana as origami, manipulating form for function, and developing a sense of personal measure are incorporated in Katonah Yoga practices.

Katonah Yoga is organized around three principles of esoteric dialogue: all polarities are mediated by trinity; the universe has pattern, pattern implies intelligence; by virtue of repetition there is potential for insight.

Revelations are revolutionary.

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  • "Really interesting combination of style and poses! We did some exercises I hadn't done before, like wrist exercises and building heat through cat/cow on our knees. The instructor was very involved in class and I enjoyed it."

  • "LOVE this studio and the Katonah Yoga practice! The studio has a very warm and open energy with highly skilled teachers. My lungs feel expansive, my breath deeper and I feel more present in my movements and in my body. So happy this studio exists."

  • "I really enjoyed this class. I have taken many yoga classes before, but this class was different. This was more focused on mobility and breath. I also enjoyed using the yoga blocks, since I have barely used them in other classes. Highly recommend taking this class."

  • "This studio is a little gem that should not remain hidden. I have had to stop going to yoga studios because they are stripped of spirituality and overly focused on fitness. Yoga is so much more than asana. But Archetype Yoga is not that. Its one of the places which I found to be more aligned with true yogic principles."

What drew you to Katonah Yoga?

Founder, Sara Blumenkranz

My introduction to Katonah Yoga began with an illuminating workshop. At the very beginning a student was chosen for a body reading. I remember that day, vividly etched in my mind, was a huge group of students gathered around with heightened energy and piqued interest as, Abbie Galvin, moved through the floors, doors and rooms of the body. I was instantly intrigued, overwhelmed yet curious and left that workshop stunned at the pedagogy of the material I had been so fortunate to witness.

How has your practice changed?

I learned quickly that you don’t show up to a Katonah Yoga class with an injury and leave without some insight. As I developed technique, the journey to orient myself on a plumb line, follow recipes to measure up and reference the archetype of every pose made each class challenging, memorable and most of all, magical. The Katonah Yoga dialogue has the power to illuminate a practice, guiding students through theory and metaphor to receive insight. It gave me the tools to ignite those insights for others and become a more sustainable teacher.

How have you seen Katonah Yoga change students?

Built into a Katonah Yoga class is the communal orientation that offers students a chance to better engage with others, to smile from across the room and bear witness to each others transformations. It’s through conversation from one Katonah yoga practitioner to another, that we uncover and learn to better express the dialogue that can change our bodies, minds and lives. This creates a sweet vulnerability and a bond between students; an exchange of material, forging connections, enabling them to relate their own narrative to another, giving students an experience they will never forget.