About the Studio
Yoga Off East began as the vision of a Duke University alum upon her return to Durham after a career as a Division I collegiate tennis coach. Kathryn Sell Smith realized that yoga would be an integral part of her transition out of a lifelong commitment to the sport of tennis. While tennis remains a part of Kathryn’s life (her husband, Ramsey, is the Duke Men’s Tennis Coach), she has happily traded in her tennis racquets for a yoga mat.
Yoga Off East is a sacred space where yogis of all levels are welcome to roll out their mats and flow.
Yoga Off East is conveniently located two blocks from Duke’s East Campus.
About our Location
In March 2019, Yoga Off East relocated to a permanent home at 702 9th Street (formerly Our Play House Toy Store) after being located inside neighboring Happy + Hale for over 3 years. With a 9th Street entrance and additional double the space, the new studio location has inspired our growing 9th Street yoga community. In addition to offering monthly workshops and specialized class series, the studio now offers an 8-month Yoga Teacher Training Program which runs October thru May each year.
About our Space
Yoga Off East welcomed renowned artist, 10000 Buddhas, to the studio in the Summer of 2019 to create a mural across the 25 foot drishti wall at the front of the yoga room. Neutral and metallic colors were selected to continue the theme of ease, calm, and peace throughout the space. The healing art is now an integral part of the experience practicing at Yoga Off East and we hope you enjoy it as much as we do!
Our Neighborhood
West Durham was named to the National Register of Historic Places in 1986. West Durham began its transformation in 1893 from a mill village when Benjamin Duke and William Erwin opened a cotton mill on 9th Street, an early southern manufactory of denim. The mill employed over 1000 workers by the turn of the century, and built 440 houses covering more than fifteen blocks surrounding the mill. Although some landmarks are gone today, the old Erwin Mill buildings have been adapted into offices and housing, including a gas station. Today, easily accessible from Duke University and the Duke Hospital, Ninth Street is a distinctive shopping district with a historic and fresh feel. With over 120 years of history behind it, the Ninth Street District has become a bustling destination for fine dining, locally owned retail shops, coffee houses, and other convenient local businesses and now, Yoga off East.
Thanks to Preservation Durham for excerpts and additional information on Durham's historic assets.
“Excellent class. Really nicely paced and great adjustments. Teacher was very friendly and welcoming!”