Black Swan Yoga, Houston TX

I’ve been going to Black Swan for almost a year now and love the environment. My favorite instructors are Candice and Inga and I look forward to their classes every week!

Anyone who hears me talk about taking yoga classes in general will ~always~ also hear me drop Candice’s name. If you’re reading this, please do yourself a favor and sign up for a class with her- you won’t want to miss her Candlelight flows at the White Oak studio. Some words that come to mind when thinking of the experience she creates: transcendental (not an original thought, this is actually what the facilitator of Black Swan’s teacher training will tell you, no lies), deeply impactful, educational, melodic, fun, divine. Simply the best. Just go: ]

Black swan yoga was a great introduction to yoga for me. My first class was with Kristi and she made me feel comfortable and welcome. Will definitely be going back. Great workout

Inga is AMAZING! It’s been an experience each time at Black Swan Yoga and this one was THE one for me. I left feeling all the self-love.

Candice Quino’s classes are the highlight of my week! She takes the time to really break down each movement allowing me to be a better yogi. She really explains the purpose of each movement, helping you master each pose.

My boyfriend and I always choose Black Swan to reset. We love Candice Quino's classes. She does a great job giving effective verbal cues and assistance.

Okay hands down Lucas Sunday class 10 am white oak is the best for me to fight Sunday scaries haha:) 10/10 recommend thank you Lucas for always challenging my body and pushing me become better yogi hehe

A little story about communities, cultures, and people. First, the assignment of four stars is specific only to the business, Black Swan Yoga (BSY). Although they are close to five stars. The business is nothing special, but several key teachers working there redefine the common misconceptions and negative stigmas that are normally associated with Western designer yoga practices.

I will address the BSY Business later; however, I wish to give priority to a few very special people.

Candice Quino is the primary reason I attend BSY

While this review is supposed to be about the studio/business, my review of her has nothing but praise. She's a teacher's teacher, a true mentor with legitimate, authentic compassion and mindfulness. She is authentic, a real person being real and entering a place where she knows her path is to hold the light and elevate people. I can imagine her teaching classes at even the most advanced level with clarity, but where she shines is by making any class she teaches attainable and enjoyable for any attendee.

She has consistently demonstrated a willingness to go above and beyond the scope of her job requirements in order to engage the students of the class and impart training, wisdom, and support on physical, mental, and emotional/spiritual levels. She thinks of her class first and foremost. This means listening instead of talking, sharing only what is uplifting, and being an example to remind us all that we can lift others up even if we ourselves aren't having the best day.

She has an incredible knowledge of anatomy and the focus to walk through any flow with a clear, simple-to-understand narration of the movement, its history, and the impact it will have. The oration is so clear and easy to understand that even the most beginner (without needing to even see a demonstration) can confidently execute the flows and grasp the poses comprising them.

Recently she has begun expanding her teaching with new emerging styles. While already a master teacher, these new styles require significant training and practice. Not only has she studied the material well, but she has personally committed to as much training as possible for this. I can't even imagine the value she brings to the company, but it is tremendous and noteworthy.

I can speak highly of a few others. Namely, Inga Seals and Nosa Edebor both have set similar examples. I don't discount other teachers, but I don't yet have enough experience to speak of them.

The BSY business is pretty cliche. It's "a designer yoga studio. " The facilities are nice. The rooms could be hotter LOL (I know I won't win this one).

Now a few blunders

This review. The business pressed on its instructors the need to solicit reviews. Knowing the instructors are the magic, the BSY sought to further exploit this, knowing that loyal students only speak highly of their teachers. The reviews incentivize staff by giving them credit vouchers to BSY for each review a teacher gets. Wouldn't it make more sense to incentivize instructions with actual pay bonuses? This knocks down my impression of BSY.

Occupancy. In January, they call it "The BSY Challenge. It's a gimmick to cram new people in. It's shortsighted. The constant overbooked classes become painfully frustrating. As a regular attendee missing out on classes from overbooking is infuriating. I was open to the challenge, but cramming took away from the experience. I’m not even targeting primetime, and I can’t get a class without a waiting list.

Don’t get me wrong, I am open to sharing a large class, but the quality of experience is diminished, with the first few minutes of each class suffering the chaos of sliding in one or two more mats. Kudos to the instructors that kindly and compassionately try to accommodate everyone. I want to remain a champion. However, when those closest to me ask, I will be honest and say, “Don’t go in January; it’s a bad experience. ” I often invite others to join me. In January, I direct them elsewhere.

I go to Stephanie’s class on Friday at 4pm at the White Oak location and LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it every week! She is so fun and challenging. Her sequencing is always challenging but doable, and she plays fun hip music and also a sound bowl at the end of every class that aligns the heart chakra while laying in savasana. If you want a fun, challenging, butt-kicker of yoga to start your weekend off, or end your week, go to her class!

Candice Quino’s 10 PM Chill class gives me a calm closing of the day. It’s like folding my clothes into a drawer at night. I get sorted and massaged into shape while listening to her day’s story. Telling a story and moving to it is her strength. The darkened room gives us access to calm dramatic breaths that would make us feel conspicuous in brighter levels. Visit and thrive. (Her 8: 30 is a faster story.)

Another teacher, Natasha Ponciano, has the voice of a saxophone and a presence to it that invites you to positions and breathing that feel great and returns access to your body’s full potential.

Candace has been my favorite instructor for years ️ she's so sweet and funny and knowledgeable. Thanks so much for everything you do.

Where should I begin? In the past year, BSY has turned into my second home. Here, I have found amazing instructors that by far surpass the quality of other studios (see Candice Quino), a sense of belonging, and the flexibility to adapt the classes to my schedule and my needs (power vs.chill).

Thank you, BSY!

Just go to Black Swan
Lucas Stephanie Nosa
Don’t forget towel

(You’re welcome for the free haiku and seriously go here. You’ll be glad you did…unless you forget a towel. Consider this your friendly reminder)

<3 Candice <3

Yogi cult leader
Trip hop and meditation
Soft and powerful.

Candice Quintero taught an awesome beginner yoga class today. I hadn’t been to class in about a month, so a little rusty and she was so welcoming and positive it made my day!

Quick story and this is the second time it has happened to me in this studio in the last 4 years. If you’re late 1 min passed the Grace period is like you did the worst thing in your life lol. No need to explain the late policy. But this 1 star is not reflecting the studio, but Catherine one of the yoga teachers I was here for my 4 PM class I was here at 4: 05 pm (@4: 06 I opened the door to go into the class she told me not to as I was 1 min passed the Grace period I was like is just 1 min). She was like well I am not trying to be a d*** about it but you can’t go in (it was disturbing coming from a yoga teacher her language who probably professes all Peace and Namaste). I found it to be extremely low class and unprofessional. Sincerely, Linda Wilson

I wanted to express my appreciation for the variety of talented instructors. Specifically, Candice for her exceptional teaching skills. As a regular attendee of her classes for over a year now, I always leave feeling energized and having learned something new.

Overall, each instructor at your studio brings a unique style and approach to their classes, making it possible for anyone to find just the right fit for their needs.

Thank you for creating such a welcoming and diverse fitness environment. <3

Inga class was the perfect way to start my week! It was challenging but fun! Will definitely be taking any class she teaches!

It was a magical experience, the flow moved at ease and overall it felt peaceful. The best way to kick off the week.