Spring is in the air!

Alright… I'm probably being overly optimistic, but those of you who know me know that I tend to lean towards the shiny side. Plus, the official start date of spring really isn't that far away!
I'm excited to be starting this blog and am glad you've stopped by to read! I hope you enjoy.
I think giving the studio the name "Chang'e" was prescient. It's named after the Chinese moon goddess, but we pronounce it change, as in to transform or convert. And there is always transformation going on as we grow.
For those who haven't been around (or paying attention!) last fall Sheila Cullen moved Seven Seeds yoga to Chang'e. It definitely feels right to have Leslieville's original yoga studio at Chang'e. Its that great mix of what I love about Leslieville – you've got the groundbreaking Sheila Cullen, who saw the promise of the area and the people, and then you've got us at Chang'e – the new kids on the block, who arrived a little late in the game, but not for lack of trying! I actually had my eye on the building we're in for almost 4 years.
For those that don't know the history of the partners of Chang'e – I'll give you a quick run down here. I (Sandra) opened a small private pilates studio at Queen and Church and was there for 3 years and thinking about moving into Leslieville. Leanne was practicing Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture in the Beach and wanted a larger clinic. We were introduced through a mutual friend and the rest, as they say, is history… Well, there were 8 months of trying to find the right space and then the renos…
So…. Enough of the past and history - and here we are in the present and immediate future. The studio has some wonderful classes and workshops lined up.
Class descriptions and workshops can be found on the website, and I can tell you all about them, but I'd rather tell you why we're doing what we're doing, and why we've made the choices we have for classes and workshops. The studio is on a wonderful and harmonious path and although I use the word "choices", I seem to think some of it is just happening.
Post-Natal Pilates with Larissa Stout
Larissa started at the studio as a client, taking pilates classes. After a few conversations with me about where to take training, career path, etc., Larissa started the pilates training program at Stott. As soon as she finished her mat training, Larissa began teaching at Chang'e. And almost immediately after that, she became pregnant!
Larissa kept teaching up until about 2 weeks before her due date. Watching her embrace her pregnancy and figuring out how to make pilates work for her changing body was wonderful. Larissa has an incredibly calm approach, a meticulous eye for detail and a work ethic I envy. She's also got a great sense of humour.
And now she has a beautiful baby girl named Vivienne. I've personally missed having Larissa at the studio and have been patiently waiting for her to let me know she's ready to come back. Vivienne is now 8 weeks old, and I am excited to have them both at the studio for post-natal pilates.
Not only is Larissa bringing her expertise as a pilates instructor to the class, she's also bringing her experience as a new, first-time mom. Larissa brings her first-hand experience with the physical changes of being a mom and getting back in touch with her body after pregnancy to the class.
Post-Natal Yoga and Moon Goddess Yoga and Meditation with Zahra Haji
The Moon Goddess Chang'e dropped the Yoga Goddess Zahra Haji in our lap!
Zahra was all set to start a post-natal mom and zen baby yoga class at Chang'e. She was already teaching classes and based out of another studio, but wanted to also work in Leslieville, as a lot of her moms were in the neighbourhood.
At the last minute, being able to teach at the other studio fell through for Zahra. We were able to fit most of Zahra's classes into our schedule and the Yoga Goddess now has a new home! Chang'e wasn't able to fit Zahra's pre-natal yoga and childbirth education series into our schedule. But Leslieville being what it is, lil Bean and Green across the street were super happy to have the class in their wonderful space.
For Chang'e, it just feels right to have Zahra here. She brings this incredible zest for living and growing to her classes. Her love and warmth are so genuine, you immediately feel welcome.
Flow Karate with Andrew Carr-Locke
Andrew. Yep… that's a boy's name! The majority of people walking through our door are women. (Are you paying attention, single men?).
We do have the wonderful John Veiga teaching workshops, and Rob Helmer and Jowel Dacpano working with us in Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture, but everyone else is female. Since we're trying to live our lives in balance, I've spent a fair amount of time trying to figure out how to get male instructors and clients into Chang'e. Its been a bit of a challenge. I can't tell you how much men would benefit from the classes we've got on offer at Chang'e.
But if I can't get more men through the door with yoga and pilates, how about Karate and Ju-Jitsu? Andrew came to Chang'e not only wanting to start a class in the neighbourhood, but to teach in a warm, calm space, that allows him to focus on the true strength of Karate. Karate is a martial art, but it is also about balance, integrity and trust. All elements that can be found and nurtured at Chang'e. Andrew's classes are co-ed, but they bring a definite masculine energy to the studio, that I'm glad to have.

I love living and working in Leslieville. Getting to know people in the hood and watching it grow and change. I feel very much at home here and have found what I've always been looking for – a small town in a big city. And it’s the people living and working here that make it what it is. I couldn't be happier.

Feel free to get in touch with me at my personal email if you've got any questions or comments – gopilates@gmail.com. Or feel free to contact the studio – info@changestudio.ca or by phone – 416-469-2600.

More information on our classes and workshops can be found here.

Coming up next time around – Leanne, Julie, Sheila, Kat, Sandee, Meredith, Renee…and probably a few more surprises, cause there's always the element of Chang'e…