Yoga within reach; never mind the cost

Steve Andrascik/ViewCheryl Slader adjusts Mario Instino?s pose during a Feb. 3 yoga class at Blue Sky Yoga. Photos by Steve Andrascik/VieWTop, Cheryl Slader observes her students? poses during a yoga class on Feb. 3 at Blue Sky Yoga, housed at the Arts Factory, 103 E. Charleston Blvd. Bottom, Slader demonstrates a yoga pose during the session. Advertisement

By ERICA VITAL

VIEW STAFF WRITER

For more than 18 years, Cheryl Slader wore the makeup, the heels and the glamour of a Las Vegas showgirl, performing in venues that are a part of the Las Vegas mystique, from "Enter the Night" at the Stardust, to "Jubilee!" and the "Folies Bergere."

But in her present incarnation as a teacher of yoga and owner of the Blue Sky Yoga inside the Arts Factory at 103 E. Charleston Blvd., Slader has traded in showgirl mystique for the more mystical experience of bringing affordable yoga to her students.

In a market where classes in yoga can run from $20 a session or $95 a month to as much as $75 an hour for a private class, Slader asks that students donate what they can for a schedule of class offerings that range from Expressive Yoga to Pranayam, Yinyoga and Vinyasa Bliss.

"Years ago, I was standing in line for a yoga class in California," Slader said. "The class was being taught by a well-known yogi and the line was nearly around the block. A homeless man came up to me in line and wanted to know what was going on. I told him and he wanted to come in but he didn't have the fee. The seeds for a donation-run studio were planted in my mind then. Yoga should be available for anyone who wants to practice."

Early in 2000, after having ended a run with the "Jubilee!" at Bally's, Slader's dream of a yoga studio run by donations seemed a difficult one to pursue.

"I had no idea how to do it," said the mother of two, whose 10-year-old Sienna and 8-month-old Jai Sting often accompany her to the studio, which also houses Mommy & Me sessions, as well as prenatal yoga classes on Wednesday mornings.

"Then a woman who had already set up a deal to run a yoga studio in the Arts Factory called me to let me know she was moving to another state," Slader said. "She asked if I wanted the space. When you try to do something good, I think the universe responds to what you put out there. And then the angels make a way."

Certified in Jivamukti yoga, Slader began teaching in established studios around the valley, often instructing fellow dancers in the stretching, flexibility and relaxation techniques of the form.

What began as a professional teaching schedule at spas within Bellagio, Green Valley Ranch and Wynn Las Vegas, continues even now as Slader uses her fees from outside sources to support Blue Sky Yoga.

"I have to work a lot of (teaching) jobs," she said. "But I feel in my heart I'm doing the right thing. You don't pay to go to church; you donate what you can. Yoga is a spiritual practice, as well."

The walls of Blue Sky Yoga are adorned with the work of local artists who rent the space from Slader as another means of supplementing the income for the studio. Slader invites those artists to also bring in and sell additional work during downtown's monthly First Friday arts celebration.

This is an arrangement that allows the art to support the yoga, Slader said, and for the yoga to support the art.

"The vibe in this place is really extraordinary," Mario Instino said.

A self-employed professional organizer, Instino has practiced yoga for six years. He began coming to Blue Sky Yoga in 2005. He said the energy of the studio appeals to him on the spiritual and physical levels.

"Cheryl has a lot of passion in her teaching," he said. "There's something here I haven't really found in any commercial studio."

On a recent Sunday morning, students of Slader's Sacred Sunday Practice from 10 to 11:30 a.m. took their shoes off and entered the studio.

Slader conducted class in tie-dyed yoga gear, her red hair worn short. Her posture seemed indicative of her career in dance, while her instruction was dedicated to removing stress from the posture and the lives of the students, who posed with their eyes closed under the sound of her voice.

"Jivamukti means to be liberated while living," Slader said. "When we practice, we try to tap into the joy and live that connection on, as well as off, the mat."

Classes and events are offered daily, with times designed to suit any schedule. Mondays include a 12:15 to 1 p.m. lunchtime session titled Lunchtime Bliss.

Scheduling include workshops and musical performances.

Slader also holds classes at the College of Southern Nevada and hopes to bring yoga into the schools.

For sessions information and class schedule, as well as information on renting art space within Blue Sky Yoga, call 592-1396 or visit www.blueskyyogalv.com.