Maui Yoga and Dance Shala — Attraction in Maui

I completed the intensive 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training in April 2021. PROS: The teachers were amazing. Huge amounts of gratitude to Micole F., Jennifer B., Dawn D., Rianne V., and Madelyn R. for their hard work getting us ready to teach. They were knowledgeable, authentic, and always made sure to check in with the students at the start of each class to see if we had any questions or concerns. I felt extremely cared for every step of the way and look forward to studying with any/all of these women in the future. Maui - it's gorgeous. The two hikes we went on with the program were incredible.

CONS: the program is (poorly) run by a woman named Nadia T. Her disorganization and incompetence as a business owner as well as unprofessional behavior was clear from the beginning of the program and continued throughout. Her actions and words absolutely brought a dark cloud over what was supposed to be an amazingly positive experience. Her behavior was so egregious toward one person in particular that this woman decided to leave her training 4 days early (with a full refund.)

Once I got to Maui I spoke to MANY people (former students, colleagues, neighbors) who had very similar experiences with Nadia but unfortunately have been unwilling to write an honest review. I'm writing this review because I truly feel that people deserve to know the truth : had I known, I would have spent my hard earned money somewhere else. This program was VERY expensive and did not match what was promised.

Some examples of the ridiculousness that ensued. Anything in quotes is something I personally heard her say OR taken directly from group text thread that Nadia has us on (Here is the FIRST example of unprofessionalism: discussing one student's issues with the entire group!)

1.The students were made to move out of the house midway through our 3 week training so the house could be "fumigated for termites, mice, and cockroaches'. 1st, why did this have to be done DURING the program? It couldn't wait a week so that our experience wouldn't have been so disruptive? 2nd, Nadia's plan was to move us to a hostel for 2-3 days but when 2 of the trainees said they weren't comfortable with that living arrangement (COVID-19 is still a problem and there is no way to know when the people in the hostel were last tested) she found us another place to stay but because "it was nicer/more expensive" she charged both of the students $300 extra (total $600). Nadia should have found SAFE (by everyones' standards) living arrangements - it's her responsibility as the business owner. When the arrangements she found cost her more $$$ she passed on that cost to young women who were too scared/intimidated to stand up to her and tell her it was unacceptable.

Myself and 1 other trainee paid for a private room (approx $1000 more than a shared room) and while I did receive this private room in the temporary housing, the other trainee was told she needed to share due to space reasons. Although unfair, she agreed to share but asked for a partial refund for the 3 days since she wasn't getting what she paid for (a private room). She was told that she was "ridiculous for asking" and "too picky."

Post fumigation, we moved back into the house and there was a VERY FOUL smell of dead rodent in 1 of the bedrooms. The trainee staying in that room contacted Nadia to ask for alternative housing as she could not bear the smell (it was terrible) and felt it wasn't healthy/safe for her to be living in close proximity to a decaying rodent. Nadia's response was "it's not that bad, just leave the windows open" and then when met with protest said "I suggest you find yourself a place you will like. The way the energy with you is you may come up and say that place was not good, the place was this, the place was that.", IT IS NOT OK to tell a trainee to find herself housing and then disrespectfully ridicule her about "her bad energy" and her "exaggeration that it's poison and dangerous."

There are MANY more examples but due to space limitations on reviews, I am unable to list...

Maui Yoga Shala is an incredibly unique experience! I immediately felt at home when i entered the space. I walked into the boutique area before class and checked out some of the apparel while i waited for practice to start and the collection is very stylish ranging from super yogi to super beachy! The hang out area is very welcoming with 2 sofas made of cozy pillows and water readily available. Nadia and her buddy Roscoe (her super friendly pup) immediately acknowledged me showing interest in where i was traveling from and the type of practice that i enjoy. She is not only the owner of this amazing little yogi haven, she also conducts multiple classes a day. Her class was exactly what i needed - a balance of heart racing core strength mixed in with hamstring and hip openers with live acoustic music!! super blissful :) there was no escaping breaking a sweat in this class - and its not even the hot yoga room!! i am so happy that i was able to find this amazing place to practice while in Maui!! I was also lucky enough to catch a live acoustic music set at the studio after hours! - it turns out, the studio also supports local talent by booking intimate shows here! what a treat! :) if you are a devoted, traveling yogi, this is the place to practice in Maui!! Say hi to...

I attended the Feb. 2015 200 hour teacher training. Nadia along with the rest of the staff welcomed me with their warm aloha spirit. The 3 week training was mostly taught by Karin Kuhn and morning practicum with Nadia. Karin has a true passion for yoga and it absolutely shows in her teaching. She has a way with articulating and explaining the curriculum that you can easily connect to and make sense of. The training was intense physically and mentally each day but all the course content was engaging and applicable. Attending the Maui Aloha classes with Nadia each morning was a wonderful way to start the day. You can feel her positive spirit and loving heart. Her knowledge and experience shine through in her classes. I spent a decent amount of time outside of class each night studying & doing homework. That being said, if you would like to see and do things on the Island set extra time aside after the training is completed to explore. The accommodations were amazing with plenty of space for all the trainees in the house. The house was also in a great location to easily walk to the studio and Paia town. I really enjoyed my training and feel that I got an outstanding education here. I had an awesome experience and made lifelong...