The Shala & Vahni | a New Chapter
Announcement: January 2026 After nearly three decades — 10,227 days of holding space, teaching, learning, and shared practice — The Shala enters an exciting new era.
From the earliest days behind the orange door on Battersea Rise in the late 90s, The Shala has been shaped by every person who ever rolled out a mat, breathed together, and contributed to the profound sense of belonging that defines this community. It has been a sanctuary, a learning space, and a place of deep connection, soul, and transformation.
Today, with enormous gratitude and optimism, we are sharing some news that marks a meaningful transition — one we believe honours everything The Shala has always stood for, while opening a new door of possibility.
The centre has grown into a hub of authentic, deeply skilled teachers from many lineages — and a home for so many dedicated students.
Rainbow over our building the day we opened 2014
Shala facade after a makeover in 2015
Letting in the light!
Renovations
New Roles
We will be stepping away from the day-to-day directorship of the studio to focus our energies solely on The Shala School of Yoga, where we will continue to nurture and support the next generation of yoga teachers. We also have plans to establish a small intimate retreat centre in the South of France where we would like to spend more of our time.
It feels deeply meaningful that this transition arrives as the Year of the Snake draws to a close: a symbol of shedding, renewal, and transformation. And it opens into the Year of the Fire Horse, with renewed energy, momentum, and possibility.
Introducing Vahni at the Shala
We are delighted to announce that from 1 February, directorship of the centre will be taken on by Daniela Vanasco who many of you already know. Daniela has been managing The Shala with love, care, and insight since 2021, following years of managing triyoga centres. Her training spans multiple lineages, and she brings deep understanding of yoga, community building and studio management.
Daniela’s approach to leadership is rooted in authenticity, alignment, and heart-centred connection. She is deeply committed to nurturing inclusive, safe, and inspiring spaces for practice. We could not imagine the Shala in better hands.
One visible change will be the name of the centre, which becomes vahni at The Shala. Vahni means ‘sacred fire’ and ‘vehicle’ — the flame and the practices, the community and intention that carry you towards something greater: growth, healing, connection, and wholeness. It is a beautiful symbol for this moment.
Practical details about updated contact information and new websites will follow in the coming weeks. Student information will remain with us and will be shared between vahni and The Shala School of Yoga as sister organisations, so we can continue to support you and your practice.
What is Staying the Same
- The class schedule remains the same, with only the usual seasonal adjustments
- The same wonderful teachers and team will continue to welcome you (including Gingi who will still be teaching some scheduled classes & workshops under the Vahni banner
- The values, quality, and atmosphere of the space will be lovingly upheld
- Memberships will continue seamlessly through Momence
We’re Not Going Anywhere
Ella and I will still very much be present at the centre — running the School, coming to classes and events, practising, learning, and sharing space with you. If anything, we hope to have more time for tea, chats, and moments of connection on and off the mat. Our intention has always been – and remains – to protect and nurture the community and team we have built over three incredible decades, and to remain part of it for many years to come.
A deep, heartfelt thank you for the practices, the conversations, the laughter, the tears, the loyalty (especially through a pandemic), and the shared commitment to making The Shala such a uniquely special place. We have been deeply blessed by this community.
The Shala Spaces since 1997
The Original Battersea Shala / Sangam (1997-2006)
Balham Mews House (2006-2009)
Balham Library (2009)
Streatham Secret Retreat (2009)
Chelsea Harbour (2009)
Clapham North (2010-2014)
Clapham North (2010-2014)
Clapham North (2010-2014)
West Norwood Opening (2014)
West Norwood (2014-present)
West Norwood Opening (2014)
The Shala - in memory of Derek Ireland
