Yoga is not a destination; it’s a practice that evolves over time. Rachel Doucette, owner of The Yoga Space Chadds Ford, knows there’s always an opportunity for growth in one’s yoga practice. That’s why she’s bringing in visiting yoga instructor, Julian DeVoe, for a unique event this weekend. DeVoe will offer a fresh perspective in a familiar space.

Screenshot of Julian DeVoe from his “Hips” YouTube video

On Sunday, May 3, Julian will be teaching Yoga Interplay — From the Ground Up, a two-part morning class and workshop at The Yoga Space in Chadds Ford. Are you signed up yet?

Rachel and Julian go way back. They met through mutual friends while at the University of Delaware. Julian has been embedded in the yoga and movement world since shortly after college, spending years traveling and studying in Costa Rica, Peru, and beyond, absorbing diverse lineages, frameworks, and ways of thinking about human movement. He’s now stateside again and bringing that accumulated perspective with him.

Yoga has never been a monolith. There are dozens of traditions, each with something distinct to offer. Rachel is excited to welcome Julian’s perspectives and experience into the studio for us to share at The Yoga Space.

Julian’s background is shaped by different geographies, different traditions, and a different way of thinking about movement. His work draws on somatic practice, natural movement, and what he calls the body’s innate intelligence. You can read more about Julian on his website.

The morning is structured in two parts. From 8:00 to 9:00 a.m., Julian will lead a heated vinyasa class. It’s open to all, and you can use your existing class pass or membership to participate. From 9:00 to 10:00 a.m., he will lead a S.L.O. Motion workshop.

Julian’s S.L.O. Motion approach stands for Somatic, Locomotive, and Organic — three lenses for understanding how the body moves in and out of familiar shapes. According to his site:

“S.L.O. Motion is a synthesis of primordial movements that activate the body’s ability to perform real life movements for longevity and regeneration. Our goal is to access & illuminate the core competencies of human motion. These techniques are designed to liven the body’s natural intelligence, optimize movement efficiency, increase mobility, improve coordination and unlock healing potential.”

The workshop will revisit poses you already know, but through unfamiliar entry points. DeVoe introduces new postures in ways that are intriguing rather than intimidating. So don’t worry, anyone can attend, no matter your level of experience.

A yoga practice is always developing. It shifts as our bodies shift. As we age, we can feel that every day. IYKYK. 🙃 Julian’s workshop prioritizes longevity, flexibility, and other qualities that help our bodies stay young and spry (or at least we can hope, right)? But seriously, building a personal yoga toolbox — gathering new techniques, new perspectives, new entry points — makes our practice richer, fresher, and timeless.

The full two-hour experience (class plus workshop) is $50. If you’re already planning to use a class pass for the 8:00 vinyasa, the workshop add-on is $25. Register through The Yoga Space Chadds Ford website. Space is limited. This one is worth the early alarm, so sign up now before it fills up!