Notice of Upcoming Studio Closure

Dear Elevater’s,

Our community is made up of an amazing group of individuals. Some of you have been practicing with us for a very long time, back to the Movement Studio Pittsburgh days, others are newer to Elevate Yoga Pittsburgh but all have become an important part of the unique kinship that is fostered here. When Walt opened Movement Studio in 2010, the intention was to create and offer something different and unique in movement practice. With the help of a few yoga instructors that's what we did. You name it, we did it all under that one roof on Main Street, Imperial; kickboxing, kettlebell, TRX, circuit training, yoga, and aerial yoga. Together, we wanted to empower students to discover and discern the best movement for themselves. Getting to watch students, as well as teachers, progress on their fitness and yoga journey has been an enriching experience. This was still the same goal Walt had in mind when Monica took over the management of Elevate Yoga PGH fall of 2019.  She created a fun, light-hearted, and loving environment. We've shared many laughs, tears, and stories all of which have made a lasting impact and created long-lasting friendships.

In some time of reflection and reviewing of our student logs, we have discovered that one of our most dedicated students has practiced here since our doors opened 14 years ago. We also reviewed the many names of those whose presence is no longer with us, but whose continued dedication to their practice left a lasting impression on us. Many great teachers have come, teachers have gone, and so has the student body – sometimes almost in a seasonal ebb and flow.

Opening this studio was no easy task and it came with the generous support of many (you know who you are). Keeping this studio going has also been no easy task. Throughout the years there have been many sleepless nights, many frustrating ordeals, and even more devastating blows with the rising cost of rent and other studio expenses, we are struggling to keep its doors open. Monica and Walt have tried their best to keep it afloat for as long as they could. However, in recent months, it’s become increasingly apparent that we cannot go on in the way we have been. It has taken a toll on Monica's mental and physical well-being. Monica has preached to so many before, you must listen and honor your body, and it is now time for her to do so.

So with a heavy heart, we are writing to you today to let you know Elevate Yoga Pittsburgh will be closing its doors on June 30th, 2024. We’ve discussed this with our team of teachers, and we are committed to bringing you the very best of yoga right up until the very end. We hope you’ll continue to support us as we navigate this next phase with as much grace and integrity as possible.

What does this mean for you; our dedicated student, our newest member, or our old friend who hasn’t been able to make it in to practice with us in some time?

It means this, the brick-and-mortar building of Elevate, the sanctuary where we’ve all found a safe space, the cocoon of transformation for so many, will no longer be here. However, Monica and our other teachers will continue to teach, lead, and offer my teachings in various forms around town.  As we get closer to the closing date, we will do our best to let you know where our teachers will end up so that you can follow them wherever they may be. It also means that we all have to leave the nest. We hope that your bones are strong, your wings sturdy, and that the lessons and gifts that you’ve received here will follow you wherever you go and in whatever you do.

I can only imagine how this news will land on some of you, so I’d like to offer up the opportunity for you to join Monica, Walt, and some of our teachers in a free community gathering here in the studio for our final aerial yoga class on Sunday, June 30th at 10 am and final mat yoga class at 12 pm. Our last sound bath with Kate & Natalie will be June 28th at 7 pm. We hope you will join us. If you have questions about class packages, please see the “Q&A” section below.

If you’d like to learn what’s next for Monica, Walt, and the teachers of Elevate please see the “Elevating” section below.

If you’re interested in purchasing studio equipment, see the “dissolving” section below.

If you are interested in renting the space or know someone who would love to turn this studio into their own, please let us know, and we can put you in touch with our landlord.

We will miss you all so very much.

With Light & Love,

Monica Kessler

Walt Nesbit

Q&A

Class Packages & Purchases

The last day to buy a punch card or drop-in with us is today, June 10, 2024. The Sound Bath tickets will be available through Eventbright.

As of today, all passes pay for every class: yoga pays for aerial, and aerial pays for mat yoga. Use up your passes. People who purchased yoga, aerial yoga, or special event punch cards that aren’t set to expire until after our closing date will be encouraged to use them before we close or share them with friends as we will not be providing refunds for unused punches. If you have credit with us or gift cards that haven’t been used, we encourage you to use them before we close as we will not be providing refunds. Also our friend, Pattie, owner of Yoga H'om will honor all remaining unexpired passes for any current EYP student who cannot use up their EYP pass. Again, EYP is not offering any refunds.

“ELEVATING”

You can find Walt continuing his martial arts, kickboxing, and personal training at Premier Martial Arts, Oakdale, PA

Follow Monica at Monica Kessler Yoga on socials.

Follow Kate Snyder at Soulshine Yoga on socials.

Follow Natalie Dithrich at Yoga with Natalie on socials.

In the meantime, we do hope you’ll join us in practice as we’re commited to bring you the best of the best right up until the very last class!

“DISSOLVING”

On our last day, June 30, from 2-4 pm, we will be working to liquidate studio equipment including props like straps, bolsters, blocks, and blankets, as well as cubbies, the front desk, benches, pictures, etc., pretty much anything that isn’t nailed down. If you’re interested in purchasing certain items please let Monica know ASAP.