Yoga One closes both locations, citing uncertainty with COVID-19 restrictions
Yoga One Studios announced that it will close its two Charlotte locations on June 23.
Yoga One had two locations, one in Plaza Midwood on Central Avenue and another in Dilworth on Park Road. The studio was an affiliate of Baptiste Yoga, a community-centered yoga methodology.
Owner Sally Gambrell Bridgford opened Yoga One in 2006. The mission of Yoga One was to “build a vibrant and inclusive community that supports humanity, equity, and connection,” Bridgford said in a statement.
“In light of the uncertain future of in-person group yoga at brick-and-mortar studios due to COVID 19, I have made the difficult decision to close Yoga One,” Bridgford said in a statement.
Another factor that went into the decision to close was the expiration of Yoga One’s lease at the Central Avenue location due to redevelopment. Global investment manager Nuveen Real Estate and developer Crosland Southeast have plans to turn the Central Avenue location’s shopping center into a “pedestrian-friendly development” with retail, restaurants, office space and residential units.
A yoga studio says goodbye via social media, Zoom
“Thank you for your practice and support in one way or another over the past 14 years. It has been my joy to share so many memories and experiences,” Bridgford said in a statement on Facebook.
After making the announcement on social media, there was an outpour of support from Charlotte’s yoga community, with over 100 comments on the studio’s Facebook page recounting memories and gratitude.
“Our heart is breaking for Yoga One. They are our family,” commented Khali Yoga, a Charlotte yoga studio, on CharlotteFive’s post Tuesday.
Tuesday night, June 23, Yoga One held its final few classes via Zoom. At a power flow class taught by Ian Grosh, over 120 students practiced.
Yoga One’s final Zoom class was entitled “The Send Off Express.” With words of wisdom, positive messages and a soundtrack including Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believing,” members and instructors got a chance to say their final goodbyes after 14 years.
“The physical space of Yoga One may be gone,” the instructor, Niche Faulker, said Tuesday night. “And I have no doubt that we will find each other in a new space soon.”
“Our home truly is where our heart is, and there is no rent to be paid there,” she later said.
This story was originally published June 23, 2020 at 1:42 PM.
