You likely know Kate Kirby as your barista at revel for these past number of years… what you may not have known is that they are a dedicated yogi behind the scenes!
Kate this month has opened up The Third Space, a beautiful, calming studio on St Patrick St where absolutely all are invited to connect with others or simply reconnect with yourself.
Kate first discovered their love for yoga at 13 years old. When they were in Ottawa for university taking International Development, yoga was a steadfast practice to help improve their mental health. It was here that Kate began their journey of learning to teach. Completing their first training regimine (200 hours), they returned to Stratford and took up teaching at the Yoga Chapple. When the pandemic hit, Kate taught clients on zoom. Deciding at this point to pursue their dream to open a studio of their own, Kate while working full-time at revel, completed a 300-hour yoga teacher training with Ignite Yoga and Wellness Institute. To say, Kate is ready to lead you through the most rewarding practice is an understatement!
Kate honours the resilience of Indigenous peoples and places utmost importance on actively decolonizing their practice. At The Third Space accessibility is also not an afterthought but at the forefront of how Kate designed the studio. The main washroom was renovated for accessible access and the front step will always have a ramp placed on top when the studio is open.
Kate self identifies as a queer, non binary and disabled person. They are passionate about creating accessible and inclusive yoga practices and from observation, have worked their hardest to create the most perfect and welcoming space. They will honour where a student is at when they come to class. Kate is offering hand-painted consent chips to be placed at the corner of the mat, so the student can share in that moment if they are open to touch (adjustment by Kate) during their practice or do not welcome it that day. From Kate’s website: “As a queer person Kate has noticed a lack of inclusion of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in the health and wellness world. Kate’s hope is the third space will be a place for members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community to gather and be comfortable connecting with their mind, heart and body.”
The first space is your home, the second space is your work and ‘the third space’ is defined as where you can go/be with your community – hence, the perfect name for Kate’s new venture!
The studio is open Tuesday through Saturday and is offering 2-3 classes a day. At least one class a week will be a Pay What You Can. Please check out The Third Space in our online directory for more INFO.
Of special note, don’t be surprised to see Kate’s parents in class… they are devoted to yoga as well and were instrumental in helping Kate prepare the studio!
