There’s something about Iyengar teachers that commands respect. Their extensive training and thorough understanding of alignment principles gives them extra confidence.

Julie Lawrence–who’s been on the yoga scene for four decades–epitomizes the great characteristics of Iyengar teachers. Despite her petite stature and gentle voice, she commands the room–few students dare come out of a pose before she says so.

Lawrence began teaching in 1976 and was certified by Mr. Iyengar in 1984. A few years later, in 1990, she founded the Julie Lawrence Yoga Center. Although hard to imagine now, back then there were few yoga studios in Portland. In fact, Lawrence trained most of the area’s Iyengar teachers. In 2006, Mr. Iyengar accredited Lawrence’s studio as the official B.K.S Iyengar Yoga Center of Portland.

Lawrence has frequently traveled to India to study with the Iyengar family. She’s also participated in scientific studies on yoga in conjunction with Oregon Health Sciences University and the Kaiser Permanente Center for Total Health.

If you’re looking for alignment-based yoga from a serious expert, check out one of Lawrence’s classes. She’s currently teaching beginning and intermediate students in her studio, as well as leading occasional retreats.

julie lawrence