Yellowknife (Jan 26/05) - There's a new place to practise yoga in Yellowknife, appropriately called the Yoga Centre.

Owner Sylvie Boisclair has 18 years experience in the practise of yoga. Prior to that she was classically trained as a ballet dancer.

Yoga instructor Sylvie Boisclair demonstrates a pose used in yoga. Boisclair cautions not to try this at home; it took her 15 years to learn this particular pose. - Stephan Burnett/NNSL photo

The Yoga Centre is on the second floor of 5105-50th street, right next to Subway and across from Yellowknifer.

There's a feeling of serenity that surrounds you when you enter the new Yoga Centre. Natural lights streams through the large windows, sitar music plays in the background and incense wafts about the space.

"It's the only space in Yellowknife exclusively dedicated to yoga."

Classes started Jan. 9 and since then Boisclair says there's been a good response.

Going into business wasn't a quick decision.

Despite years of experience and encouragement from friends, Boisclair took a course before she felt confident enough to teach others.

In February 2002, she took some formal yoga training while in the Bahamas.

Boisclair says there are two breathing exercises and 12 postures to learn.

"The goal is to know the 12 postures then come to drop-in classes," she said.

Apart from the stretching and physical nature of yoga exercises, many new recruits to yoga are attracted to the spirituality and philosophy of yoga.

"People are allowed to practise in a group and feel the energy of the class - while letting go of your ego. It's an exercise in life with a benefit that is marvellous," said Boisclair.

"When they arrive they are one way and when they leave they are another ... everything is about humility."

While the January courses are booked, there are still drop-in classes available and people are already registering for classes February and March.

Boisclair said she is attempting to keep the cost of the classes affordable, while at the same time charging enough o be able to keep the lights on.