If you are looking for space to unwind and decompress from the stress of the hustle and bustle, look no further than Tangerine Yoga. The yoga studio has been in the neighborhood for ten years, offering more than just a workout. We met with the owner and certified yoga therapist, Laura Adelson, to learn more about Tangerine.
Founded by Tamara Behar, both Tamara and Laura were residents of Downtown Brooklyn and witnessed the neighborhood evolve. Laura began working at Tangerine in 2017, starting at the front desk and eventually becoming a teacher. In 2020, she stepped in to run the studio with her husband, Ian, to keep it going through the challenges of the pandemic. For Laura, Tangerine was the first yoga studio where she experienced a true sense of community — a spirit that remains central to the studio today.
Laura Adelson, certified yoga therapist and owner of Tangerine Yoga
Laura explains the story behind Tangerine’s name, “a tangerine is slightly sweeter and slightly stronger than an orange.” inspiring the tagline, “Slightly Sweeter, Slightly Stronger”.
Before her career in yoga, Laura worked as a pharmaceutical consultant, but she aspired to do more meaningful work. She saw the potential to promote well-being through yoga, and so transitioned her career.
Tangerine Yoga’s spacious studio is heated to 90 degrees during classes
Due to the 2020 COVID-19 outbreak, indoor fitness was shut down until March 2021, and although it had been thriving , business was slow after reopening, and people were nervous. The yoga room, which formerly could accommodate 36 people, could permit only 8 with the required social distancing. “It almost felt like we were starting a new business instead of continuing an existing business,” said Laura.
Tangerine Yoga takes playlist submissions from members.
Tangerine Yoga’s specialty is heated yoga classes, with their signature class, Tangerine Flow, being a vinyasa flow with the studio heated to 90 degrees. “Sometimes I think of it as heated rather than hot yoga. It’s warm, it helps to warm up your muscles, you can sweat, but it’s not overly taxing to the system”. The classes do not have a set sequence; rather, they are creatively sequenced, giving their instructors agency over their classes. Some of their instructors weave in a dharma talk or indic mythology wisdom, to incorporate the historical roots of yoga and its mental health benefits. As for the Yoga for Anxiety class, it is an evidence-informed practice. In her yoga therapy training, Laura encountered data that connects yoga to mental health and well-being, and through conversations within her community, Laura sensed there was a strong interest and need for this practice. Yoga for Anxiety begins with gentle mindful movement, and the second half of class incorporates breathwork, restorative yoga, and meditation.
Tangerine Yoga also offers a members-only class, followed by drinks and snacks, allowing the Tangerine community to connect. There is also an astrology flow class led by instructor Liz. The playlist and sequence are inspired by the zodiac sign of the month.
The lounge area features refrigerated water, items for sale, complimentary towels and mat rentals, and of course, a bowl of tangerines.
As a new mom herself, Laura understands the importance of yoga for expectant mothers. Tangerine offers a prenatal yoga class twice a week. They are also trying to build their family offerings, including kids’ pop-up yoga classes in Fort Greene Park.
Downtown Brooklyn offers the ideal location for Tangerine Yoga, thanks to its accessibility and strong sense of community. The neighborhood’s excellent transportation options and walkable streets make it easy for practitioners to attend classes regularly. “There’s such a strong yoga community here, and the neighborhood has welcoming energy that really supports what we’re trying to create,” Laura explains.
Tangerine Yoga remains a cornerstone of wellness in Downtown Brooklyn, offering both traditional and innovative yoga practices that cater to the diverse needs of its community. Through Laura’s dedication and the studio’s commitment to holistic well-being, Tangerine remains a vital space for healing, growth, and connection in the heart of Downton Brooklyn.
