Yoga studio & teacher training — NDG, Montreal
— scroll: the studio moves with you
Institut Yoga Essentiel is a yoga school in Montreal's NDG neighbourhood, founded on the idea that yoga is worth studying seriously — not just practicing casually. Our weekly classes welcome every level, from your very first downward dog to seasoned practitioners refining their teaching. The 200-hour bilingual teacher training, directed by Josephine Vittoria with an international faculty, goes deep into philosophy, anatomy, sequencing and the craft of teaching itself. Graduates can continue with the 100-hour Integration Program, and each year a group travels together on an international retreat. Everything we offer is taught in English and French, in a room where people actually know your name.
Classes, trainings and workshops run in English and French. Montreal is a bilingual city, and our teaching reflects it — ask a question in either language and you'll be answered in the one you're most comfortable with.
Drop-in classes are the front door. Behind it sits a full curriculum: foundations, a 200-hour teacher training, a 100-hour integration program for graduates, weekend intensives and retreats. You can stay a casual student forever, or go all the way to certification.
Weekly group classes for every level, from complete beginners to long-time practitioners. Expect clear alignment cues, breath-led sequencing and teachers who adjust the room to who's in it.
All levels · EN/FRThe Foundation program: a thorough bilingual course of study covering yogic philosophy, anatomy, sequencing, pranayama and teaching methodology. Open to curious students deepening their practice and to future certified teachers. Directed by Josephine Vittoria with an international faculty.
Bilingual · Certification trackFor graduates of a foundational 200-hour training who want to keep going: deepen, integrate and embody the teachings at a more refined level, while evolving personal practice and teaching skill through study, observation and reflection.
For 200h graduatesOne-on-one work for injuries, specific goals, or a practice built entirely around your body and schedule. A good fit if group classes don't fit your week, or if you're preparing for teacher training.
1-on-1 · By appointmentPeriodically, the school travels: a week of twice-daily practice, study and rest somewhere warm, led by the Institut's teachers. Past and upcoming destinations are announced to the mailing list first.
Travel · Small groupsThe Foundation program prepares you to teach — and, just as importantly, to understand what you're teaching. Philosophy, anatomy, sequencing, breathwork and hands-on teaching practice, in English and French.
A second year of depth for 200-hour graduates. Less about new poses, more about integration: refining how you practice, how you observe students, and how you carry the teachings into daily life.
A week away with the school: morning and evening practice, philosophy sessions, real rest. Small groups, led by Institut teachers. The mailing list hears about dates first.
No audition, no flexibility test. Here's the usual path from curious to committed.
Drop into any all-levels class. Bring comfortable clothes; mats and props are at the studio. Tell the teacher it's your first visit and you'll be looked after.
Most students settle into 2–3 classes a week. The schedule mixes strong flows, gentle sessions and breathwork so you can build a balanced week.
When you're ready, the 200-hour training opens the full curriculum — philosophy, anatomy, teaching craft. Graduates continue into the 100-hour Integration Program.
Once or twice a year the school runs an international retreat. It's the fastest way to know your teachers — and your practice — better.
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The studio sits at 2215 Avenue Beaconsfield, Suite 105, in Notre-Dame-de-Grâce — ten minutes from downtown by metro and bus. Students come from across the West End and beyond for the bilingual classes and the teacher trainings.
No. Every class and training is bilingual — teachers cue in English and French, and you can ask questions in whichever language you prefer. Absolute beginners are welcome in either language.
Start with any all-levels class and tell the teacher it's your first time. You'll get extra guidance on the basics, and there's no expectation to keep up with experienced students — that's what the levels are for.
It's a full Foundation program: yogic philosophy, anatomy, sequencing, pranayama and teaching methodology, with practice teaching. It's open both to students who want to deepen their own practice and to those working toward certification as teachers.
Sample pricing is shown on this concept page; contact the studio for current rates, class passes and training tuition. Multi-class passes and training payment plans are typically available.
2215 Avenue Beaconsfield, Suite 105, Montreal, QC H4A 2G9, in the NDG neighbourhood. Call (555) 010-2030 or email [email protected] for directions and the current schedule.
Tell us what you're looking for — a weekly class, private sessions, or the teacher training — and we'll reply with current schedules and sample pricing.