Explore your practice with small group and private yoga with My Own Yoga

When Michelle Dortignac moved to New York in 1991 to pursue a career in movement arts, she began practicing yoga like many other dancers were doing at the time. Fast forward three decades, she is a passionate yogi who is bringing years of teaching experience to her new practice— offering small group and private classes in Chestnut Hill.

Michelle and her husband relocated to the community after falling in love with the city on a trip back in 2022. Once they settled into their new home, Michelle was excited to transform their second-floor space into her in-home studio.

“When students take a class, they are invited into a cozy and comfortable space so they can feel at home right away to explore their practice,” she said.

Since Michelle became certified to teach in 1998, she has always been drawn to teaching in smaller settings, where she can offer students more direct, thoughtful support.

“When you have a group class, there is going to be a mix of all levels there in terms of what people can do, and as a teacher, you have to teach to the middle,” she explained. “But some people may need more time to get into things while others get into a pose quickly and sustain it—and maybe they need a little more to do.”

“What I’m doing here in Lancaster allows me to give a lot of personal attention,” she added. “I can really adapt a class based on abilities, limitations, and goals each time.”

My Own Yoga offers two types of classes, Traditional and Hammock-Assisted, for one, two, or three people at a time. Rooted in her past work in aerial dance, Michelle’s hammock classes offer a calming, playful practice that blends traditional poses with light suspension—easing joint pressure, deepening stretches, and building balance.

These classes are great for people new to yoga, as they ease into their practice, as well as allow seasoned yogis to try more challenging poses by using the hammock. Her traditional yoga is a steady, grounded practice that is calm, supportive, and designed to meet you where you are.

“My vision here in Lancaster is that beginners will feel safe and experienced students will be invited to go deeper,” Michelle said.

Book 30-minute or 60-minute spots online, or reach out to Michelle about class series and private sessions.

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