M.D. White
January 1, 2019 06:18
This November, I introduced my boyfriend to this studio because he was interested in yoga. Since this time, we have attended sessions as a pair. The structure of the class reminds me of a circuit workout. A series of particular poses are performed repetitively until the next set. This is a great structure for beginners to yoga. The atmosphere is quiet and peaceful.
Up until now, everything was great and enjoyed the classes. Yesterday, we planned to attend the New Years Eve session at 10am. Due to construction and numerous barricades for the New Years festivities, the Lyft driver took an alternative route.
Therefore, we arrived in front of the studio at 10:06am, which is 6 minutes late. I tried to open the doors but they were locked.
At first, I lightly knocked on the door. Nothing happened. On the outside, there were only 3 people in the classroom. They just got started into the routine. We just stood out there for nearly 5 minutes with our mats and water in 45 degree weather.
I became disappointed when it was apparent that we were simply being ignored. I was just going to walk away, but my boyfriend knocked again.
This time, the instructor opened the door briefly. She told us we were 11 minutes late (due to waiting outside for 5 minutes) and being late was a disruption to the classroom. We left and hiked up A mountain instead.
I recognize that we were a little late and take accountability for it. Typically, we arrive 10 minutes early. However, the situation was poorly handled.
Simply put, she could have told us the first time we knocked on the door. She did see us. Ignoring us until we walk off seems uncompassionate to me. We would have paid extra for the inconvenience.
In the future, it would be beneficial to write on the door that this studio has a zero tolerance policy for tardiness. Otherwise, people who arrive within 6 minutes late may be under the impression that they can still attend class.
I still think this studio has much to offer; however, our experience has changed our initial perception of the place. Personally, I prefer to have a studio that has a little flexibility in these situations.