Betsy Woldeyohannes instructing two adolescent students in front of a window. A dog sits in the background.

Class Schedule

Upcoming Events

16 days to the event
Fri, Jan 30
Decompress & Reconnect Restorative Yoga at Bookeater
Bookeater Books
Buy Tickets
Jan 30, 2026, 6:00 PM – 7:15 PM EST
Bookeater Books, 836 S Clinton Ave, Rochester, NY 14620, USA
Slow down and turn within this winter with Restorative Yoga, a gentle practice that emphasizes stillness, support, and fostering ease in both body and mind. Friday, January 30th, 6:00 - 7:15 PM $10/$15/$20 Sliding Scale Pricing. Space limited! Bring your mat; other props provided.

Betsy is a kind and knowledgeable yoga instructor. They offer hands-on assistance and cues which help students get the most out of the practice. They are easy to hear and understand. They lead us into long savasanas which are very relaxing. I always look forward to their classes. The other students and I are happy that they joined our yoga studio. They are definitely an asset!

— Michelle, Student

Betsy Woldeyohannes seated and smiling on yoga mat with two blocks.

Mission & Vision

Yene Yoga is the creation of Betsy Woldeyohannes, an Ethiopian-American resident of Rochester, NY. Born in Houston, Texas, Betsy has lived in the Greater Rochester Area for the majority of their life and is committed to fostering wellness and giving back to their community through yoga.

About Yene Yoga

Principles

Much more than an activity or series of postures, yoga is both a worldview and the experience of living in alignment with your true Self — a Self that is bigger than your body and mind, yet permeates them. Thus, the only 'right way' to do Yoga is to abide in it.

Philosophy

Singing bowl against white and orange background.

Services

Mindful Energizing Vinyasa (ONLINE)
10 US dollars
Book Now
Settle into Stillness Restorative Yoga
From 10 US dollars
Book Now
Foundations
From 10 US dollars
More Info
Peaceful Release Yin Yoga (ONLINE)
10 US dollars
Book Now
Reset & Reconnect Evening Vinyasa
From 10 US dollars
Book Now
Substitute Class at Tru Yoga
From 10 US dollars
More Info
Private Yoga Session - 45 Min
30 US dollars
Private Yoga Session - 60 Min
35 US dollars
Private Yoga Session - 90 Min
45 US dollars
Small Group Yoga Session - 45 Min
45 US dollars
Small Group Yoga Session - 60 Min
50 US dollars
Small Group Yoga Session - 90 Min
60 US dollars
Meditation / Pranayama Add-On
5 US dollars
Yoga Event
Variable
The Embodied Word Yoga&Writing Community
Pay-What-You-Can
Book Now
Whole Heart Happy Hour
From 5 US dollars
More Info
Choreography of Flow
From 20 US dollars
More Info

Events Details

@YeneYogaROC

📢 IMPORTANT UPDATE

@dancingdav and I are very sorry to announce that, due to illness among the performers, our Choreography of Flow Hatha Yoga Performance & Workshop will be RESCHEDULED to Saturday, February 28th. The time, location, and pricing of the event will remain the same (details below).

Thank you so much for your understanding. Tickets for the rescheduled event can be purchased at the following link:
https://www.yeneyoga.com/event-details-registration/choreography-of-flow-2

with gratitude,
Betsy and Donna

EVENT DETAILS:

🌿Choreography of Flow: Hatha Yoga Performance & Workshop w/ Live Music

Join seasoned dance instructor Dr. Donna Davenport and RYT Betsy Woldeyohannes for an exploration of movement in community at Crossbridge Wellness! Donna and Betsy will begin with a duet performance accompanied by live music; afterwards, there will be an easy Hatha Yoga workshop playing with some of the shapes featured in the duet. Beautiful to watch and fun to do, join us as we welcome joy through movement this winter!

📍Crossbridge Wellness
18 Harvard St
Rochester, NY 14607

🕒Saturday, February 28th, 2:00 - 4:00PM

ℹ️ This event will run for a total of two hours, including a short intermission. $20/$30/$40 Sliding scale Pricing. The workshop fee includes the performance. Drop-in's welcome, but space is limited, so secure your spot today!

#events #workshop #dance #performance #yoga #accessible #livemusic #music #rochesterny #rochesteryoga

Good morning all,

Due to unforeseen circumstances, this morning's Yoga & Writing Community has been canceled.

Thank you so much for your understanding, and I look forward to gathering to move and to create with you all in the future.

with gratitude,
Betsy

Kickstart the New Year with creativity and connection -- Join The Embodied Word Yoga & Writing Community for our FINAL meeting at @akimbo.bookshop , held THIS Sunday, January 4th, 10:00 - 11:30AM.

✨Part yoga class, part writing group, this 90-minute session will explore creative energies within the body and hold space for personal and collaborative composition. The 45-minute yoga portion of the class will consist of gentle movement and intentional breath-body connection, while the 45-minute writing section will be largely free-form, with prompts provided (organized by genre) and the opportunity to work with and draw on the assistance of organizers and peers. Props and light refreshments provided. Bring your drafts, bring a mat, and prepare to foster a deeper connection between your body and mind!

Every session of the "The Embodied Word" Yoga & Writing Community is pay-what-you-can, with a suggested donation of $15. Half of all proceeds will be donated to an organization of the group's choice.

🗓️ Sunday, January 4th
10:00 - 11:30 AM

📍Akimbo Books
714 University Ave, Rochester, NY 14607

It has been an honor to create and connect in such an impactful community space. May we help to give Akimbo the appreciative send-off that it deserves, and stay tuned for updates regarding future sessions!

#rochesterny #rochesteryoga #writingcommunity #creativewriting #events

Join seasoned dance instructor Dr. Donna Davenport and RYT Betsy Woldeyohannes of Yene Yoga for Choreography of Flow, an exploration of movement in community at Crossbridge Wellness!

💫Choreography of Flow will consist of a duet performance accompanied by live music, followed by an all-levels Hatha Yoga workshop in which we will break down some of the shapes featured in the duet. Join us in welcoming the new year with joy, peace, and playfulness!

🗓 Saturday, January 10th
2:00 - 4:00 PM

📍Crossbridge Wellness
18 Harvard St
Rochester, NY 14607

ℹ️This event will run for a total of two hours, including a short intermission. $20/$30/$40 sliding scale pricing includes both performance attendance and workshop participation. Drop-in's welcome, but space is limited, so secure your spot today!

👉Book Now at https://www.yeneyoga.com/event-details-registration/choreography-of-flow

#performance #rochesterny #workshop #beginners #events

Good morning, friends 🧡

I hope that everyone has been having a wonderful holiday. Unfortunately, I am feeling under the weather this morning and must cancel class today.

Reset & Reconnect Gentle Vinyasa, held 5:30 - 6:30 PM on Sundays at @crossbridgewellness , will reconvene next week. Thank you for understanding!

With gratitude,
Betsy

Happy birthday to my brother and lifelong best friend, Teddy!

When I describe Teddy to other people, the first word that I choose is 'good'. Throughout my life, I have never met a more genuinely, intrinsically, kind person; I have always admired his softness, the way that he treats all beings with empathy and gentleness, and how he makes the world a better place everywhere he goes.

Teddy, I know that I am a better person for having you in my life, and I cannot begin to express how proud I am of the life that you have built for yourself, your commitment to the communities that you have become interwoven with, and how much you grow as a human being each and every day. Thank you for inspiring me, supporting me, and loving me exactly as I am for all these years.

I hope that this next year brings you peace, fulfillment, and joy. I can't wait to see what you do next. 😊

🔔REMINDER: There is one more week before Rest & Renew Restorative Yoga @bookeaterroc ! Reserve your spot today at https://www.yeneyoga.com/event-details-registration/rest-renew-restorative-yoga-at-bookeater .

🌿Restorative Yoga is a gentle practice that emphasizes nervous system regulation and openness through stillness, support, and fostering ease in both body and mind. With only a handful of postures, plenty of props, and an emphasis on comfort and warmth, this is the perfect practice to turn to when you feel overwhelmed or wish to connect more deeply with yourself.

🕔This event will take place Friday, December 19th, 5:30 - 6:45 PM at Bookeater Books (836 S Clinton Ave, Rochester, NY 14620)

ℹ️$10/$15/$20 Sliding Scale Pricing (supported, standard, and pay-it-forward rates respectively). Payment may be made with card directly through yeneyoga.com , via Venmo (@yeneyoga) or Cashapp ($YeneYoga), or with cash.

Please bring a mat if you have one (a few will be available on-site); other props will be provided. Space is limited, so pre-registration is encouraged!

Have a question or want to learn more? Please reach out at: 👇
ecyohannes@gmail.com
585-694-0774

#rochesterny #smallbusinesssaturday
#rochesteryoga #books #rest #restorativeyoga #SelfCare

Good morning, everyone!

I arrived in Albuquerque late last night, the stillness of the cool desert air immediately inviting my limbs to rest. There are few places so moving (or holding histories as heavy) as this landscape of yellows and reds. Each time that I return, I am reminded of the expansiveness of our existence, of the profundity of a single etched stone resting beneath a horizon that stretches hundreds of miles before the eyes.

I look forward to returning home bearing the peace and wholeness of heart that being here, surrounded by loved ones, brings. Until then, please remember that I will not be leading any classes this week -- the Yene Yoga regular schedule will return Tuesday, 12/16.

In gratitude,
Betsy

📢Move. Awaken. Create. Join me for the next meeting of "The Embodied Word" Yoga & Writing Community, held TOMORROW, Sunday, December 7th, at Akimbo Books!

✍️Part yoga class, part writing group, this monthly 90-minute session invites exploration into the creative energies within the body and holds space for personal and collaborative composition. The 45-minute yoga portion of the class consists of gentle movement and intentional breath-body connection, while the 45-minute writing section is largely free-form, with prompts provided (organized by genre) and the opportunity to work with and draw on the assistance of organizers and peers. Props and light refreshments provided. Bring your drafts, bring a mat, and prepare to foster a deeper connection between your body and mind!

📍Akimbo Books
714 University Ave

🕙Sunday, December 7th
10:00 - 11:30 AM

ℹ️Every session of the "The Embodied Word" Yoga & Writing Community is pay-what-you-can, with a suggested donation of $15. Half of all proceeds will be donated to an organization of the group's choice.

Register at: https://www.yeneyoga.com/event-details-registration/the-embodied-word-yoga-writing-community-3

#writing #creative #Rochesterny #rochesteryoga #thingstodo #gentle

This holiday season, consider giving yourself or someone you love the gift of rest with Rest & Renew Restorative Yoga at @bookeaterroc !

🌿Restorative Yoga is a gentle practice that emphasizes nervous system regulation and openness through stillness, support, and fostering ease in both body and mind. With only a handful of postures, plenty of props, and an emphasis on comfort and warmth, this is the perfect practice to turn to when you feel overwhelmed or wish to connect more deeply with yourself.

🕔This event will take place Friday, December 19th, 5:30 - 6:45 PM at Bookeater Books (836 S Clinton Ave, Rochester, NY 14620)

ℹ️$10/$15/$20 Sliding Scale Pricing (supported, standard, and pay-it-forward rates respectively). Payment may be made with card directly through yeneyoga.com , via Venmo (@yeneyoga) or Cashapp ($YeneYoga), or with cash.

Please bring a mat if you have one (a few will be available on-site); other props will be provided. Space is limited, so pre-registration is encouraged!

✍️Book now at: https://www.yeneyoga.com/event-details-registration/rest-renew-restorative-yoga-at-bookeater

Have a question or want to learn more? Please reach out at: 👇
ecyohannes@gmail.com
585-694-0774

#rochesterny #smallbusinesssaturday
#rochesteryoga #books #rest #restorativeyoga #SelfCare

Join me NEXT THURSDAY, November 20th, for this month's BIPOC & Allies Community Yoga Class at @truyogaroc !

🧡By working through just a few supportive postures, by cultivating 'stillness, quiet, darkness, and warmth', and by holding space for introspection, this Restorative Yoga class is designed to foster openness, connection, and healing from the inside out.

🌿All community classes are offered on a pay-what-you-can basis, and props and other materials will be available on site. All you need to bring is yourself, a mat if you have one, and anything else that you may wish to have with you to deepen your practice. I hope to see you there!

⏰Thursday, 11/20, 7:30 - 8:45 PM
📍Tru Yoga
683 South Ave, Rochester, NY 14620
**Pay-What-You-Can Pricing**

#yogarochester , #restorativeyoga , #truyoga, #rochesterny #paywhatyoucanyoga #gentle #communityclass

Move. Awaken. Create. Welcome to The Embodied Word, A Yoga & Writing Community in Rochester, NY!

Part yoga class, part writing group, this monthly, 90-minute session held at Akimbo Books explores creative energies within the body and holds space for personal and collaborative composition. All classes are Pay-What-You-Can, and half of the proceeds are donated to a charity of the group's choice. Props & Light Refreshments provided.

Visit www.yeneyoga.com for details!

#rochesterny #creative #yoga #community #books

Come get cozy this fall @crossbridgewellness ! Join me tomorrow morning and every Wednesday for a Restorative Yoga practice rooted in the principles of 'still, quiet, dark, and warm'. This gentle practice focuses on nervous system regulation and fostering openness in both body and mind. Props available on site!

Where:
Crossbridge Wellness
18 Harvard St, Rochester, NY

When:
Every Wednesday
9:30 - 11:00AM

Price:
$10/$15/$20 Sliding Scale Pricing, payable at www.yeneyoga.com/book-online , @yeneyoga on Venmo, or by cash.

Crossbridge Wellness is wheelchair accessible, and all are welcome!

#thingstodo #rochesterny #yoga #Restorative #gentle

Join me THIS Thursday for this month's Yoga for BIPOC & Allies at @truyogaroc !

This will be a Pay-What-You-Can, Restorative Yoga class. Props are provided, so just bring yourself, a mat if you have one, and anything that you wish to have to help foster openness and peace. 💜

#bipoc #yoga #rochesterny #rochesteryoga #freeevents #inclusive

REMINDER -- TOMORROW 📢

Join me for the second monthly session of The Embodied Word Yoga & Writing Community!

Part yoga class, part writing group, this monthly 90-minute session will explore creative energies within the body and then hold space for personal and collaborative composition. The 45-minute yoga portion of the class will consist of gentle movement and intentional breath-body connection, while the 45-minute writing section will be largely free-form, with prompts provided (organized by genre) and the opportunity to work with and draw on the assistance of organizers and peers. Bring your drafts, bring a mat, and prepare to foster a deeper connection between your body and mind!

This class will meet the first Sunday of every month from 10:00 - 11:30 AM at Akimbo Books on 714 University Ave. All classes are donation-based, with a suggested donation of $15. Participants are encouraged to pay what they can, and no one will be turned away for lack of funds. Half of all proceeds will be donated to a charity of the group's choice, focusing on organizations that promote the well-being of our local community and communities abroad.

Light refreshments will be provided. Donations can be made by cash, checks made out to Betsy Woldeyohannes or to Yene Yoga LLC, or venmo @yeneyoga

#thingstodo #rochesterny #writing #community #creative #yoga

Tonight's Peaceful Release Yin Yoga is CANCELED. Thank you for your understanding, and my apologies for any inconvenience!

LAST CALL for the Yene Yoga Summer Sale!

Although the weather is still beautiful, today is the final day to take advantage of summer sale pricing on one-on-one and small group private sessions. Starting tomorrow, private session rates will increase; if you have already booked a regularly scheduled private session with me, you will retain summer sale pricing indefinitely.

The 5-Class Intro Pass will REMAIN as a permanent fixture (up to one purchase per person).

Please see www.yeneyoga.com or contact me directly for details!

#deal #sale #lastcall #rochesterny #rochesteryoga

SCHEDULE UPDATE

If you identify as BIPOC or are a friend of the community, I invite you to join Tru Yoga's first Yoga for BIPOC & Allies community class of the season, held tomorrow night, Thursday 9/18, from 7:30 - 8:45pm. I will be leading a gentle class emphasizing connection, reflection, and self and community care. This class is pay-what-you-can; props will be provided. I hope to see you there!

#BIPOC #yoga #rochesterny #rochesteryoga #communityclass

Join me tomorrow for Settle into Stillness Restorative Yoga at Crossbridge Wellness as we cultivate rest, connection, and openness to the world around us.

$10/$15/$20 Sliding Scale Payment. Book at www.yeneyoga.com/book-online

#rest #restorative #yoga #rochesterny #thingstodo #inclusive #selfcare #mindfulness #wellness

The Embodied Word: Yoga & Writing Community is back in action! Join me THIS Sunday, September 7th, at @akimbo.bookshop for our first monthly session. The first 45 minutes will be devoted to grounding, setting intention, and exploring creative energies in the body, while the latter half of the practice will provide an opportunity to write and to reflect in community. Yoga props, light refreshments, and writing prompts organized by genre will be provided. All sessions of The Embodied Word will be pay-what-you-can, and no one will be turned away for lack of funds.

The Embodied Word: Yoga & Writing Community
10:00 - 11:30 AM
Akimbo Books
714 University Ave.
Rochester, NY 14607

Book online at www.yeneyoga.com/book-online to reserve your spot, and contact @yeneyogaroc or 5856940774 for assistance!

#rochesterny #thingstodo #writingcommunity #writingprompts #creativewriting #community #yoga #yogarochester

Proud to announce that I have officially taught 100 hours of yoga ! I am beyond blessed for the opportunities that I have been given to grow, connect, and share over this past year, and I am especially thankful for the incredible students and mentors who have guided me along the way. From discipline and mindful action to the gentle mantra of 'do less', I cannot wait to see what the remainder of this year brings as we journey together into both expansion and rest.

A special shout out goes also to Carrie and @radiantyouwellness (pictured), which hosted my very first public classes. 💜🙏🏽

How long have you been teaching yoga? What has changed about your style or about you as a teacher over that time? Let me know in the comments!

Now offering two classes at Crossbridge Wellness in downtown Rochester, NY!

Continue to join me every Wednesday, 9:30 - 11:00 AM for Settle into Stillness: Restorative Yoga

And return to my Reset & Reconnect Evening Vinyasa every Sunday, 5:30 - 6:30 PM, starting Sept. 7th -- the same connective energy, new time & venue!

Props available on site. Just bring yourself, whatever you are carrying, and the intention to explore and to grow. Book now at www.yeneyoga.com/book-online

#rochesterny #yoga #rest #thingstodo #health

This week has been full of surprises, and I am grateful to be able to offer two connective, peaceful practices tomorrow at @truyogaroc . Book online at https://www.truyogaroc.com/ !

Tru Yoga Class Descriptions:
🌿Slow Flow 7:30 - 8:30 AM
"Melt into movement with a gentle, unhurried flow that feels as nourishing as it does grounding. Slow Flow invites you to soften into your breath, ease tension from the body, and explore those juicy stretches that leave you feeling open and spacious.

This class is a gentle journey toward ease, leaving you with that delicious, just-right feeling of space and release. Expect to linger, explore, and savor each shape as your body unwinds and your energy finds its natural rhythm."

🌿Yin Yoga 4:30 - 5:45 PM
"Slow it down and melt into the magic of deep, restful stretching. This calming, low-key class is all about giving your body the time and space to gently release tension and dive into long, delicious stretches. We’ll sink into each pose for several minutes, allowing your muscles to soften and your mind to find stillness.

Perfect for anyone looking to balance their busy life with a little self-care, this class is your invitation to pause, breathe deeply and enjoy the sweet, soothing vibes. You’ll leave feeling lighter, calmer, and totally refreshed."

#rochesterny #rochesteryoga #yoga #peaceful #slow #thingstodo #class

Good morning friends,

Today's session of Settle into Stillness Restorative Yoga, held Wednesday, August 13th, at Crossbridge Wellness, has been CANCELED. I am feeling under the weather this morning and wish to prioritize both my own health and well-being and that of all of you.

Thank you for your understanding, and I apologize for any inconvenience.

Feeling under the weather today, so class is canceled for everyone's benefit. Thank you for understanding, and I look forward to seeing everyone next week!

Happy birthday to one of the most incredible people that I know -- my father, @minto_the_great_ !

From almost being swept away by the wind at the Cliffs of Moher to being humbled by the contours of the landscape in the Southwest, from contemplating love, life, and power in Johannesburg to reminiscing on the steps of our family home in Ethiopia, we have shared a tremendous amount of laughter, exploration, and reverence together. Here's to many more years of adventure to come! I love you 🥳

Two big announcements!

🌔Reset & Reconnect Evening Vinyasa will return this fall, now held at @crossbridgewellness !

Sundays 5:30 - 6:30 PM
Designed to cultivate internal awareness, playful expression, and self-connection for practitioners of all levels, this practice will encourage tying movement to breath, balance strength building with openness, and hold space for self-study. 60MIN Class. $10 supported / $15 standard / $20 pay it forward (in-person only). Props provided.

📖 The Embodied Word: Yoga & Writing Community will also return to @akimbo.bookshop -- with a few major changes:

🔸These sessions will now be pay what you can! (Suggested donation $15). Each month we will choose to support an organization committed to the welfare of our local community or communities abroad. Half of all proceeds will be donated to the chosen organization, while the other half will support Yene Yoga.

🔸These sessions will now be held on the *first Sunday of every month* rather than weekly, starting Sunday, September 7th. We will also meet slightly earlier in the day: from 10:00 - 11:30 AM. Since each session is now entirely donation-based and held only once a month, there will no longer be a monthly pass option for booking. Thank you for your understanding!

🔸 These sessions will now be run primarily by me, Betsy Woldeyohannes. With my background in composition, literary analysis, and editing, I am honored to share what I know and to hold space!

Learn more at www.yeneyoga.com/book-online

#thingstodo #rochesterny #writing #creative #creativewriting #yogarochester #yoga #community #gentle #class #inclusive #freeevents

Dear friends,

Settle into Stillness: Restorative Yoga will move from Wednesday to Thursday this week and the last week of August -- same time, same place. All other sessions will be held on Wednesday, 9:30 - 11:00 AM at @crossbridgewellness .

Thank you for your understanding and stay tuned for new offerings coming soon!

#yoga #restorative #rochesterny #rochesteryoga #thingstodo #cat #yogacommunity #yogaclass #relax

.pro-gallery-wix-wrapper {display: block !important;} .pro-gallery-wix-wrapper .gallery-item-container {opacity: 1 !important; display: block !important;}

Follow us on Instagram

@yeneyogaroc

Class Schedule

Upcoming Events

Mission & Vision

Principles

Much more than an activity or series of postures, yoga is both a worldview and the experience of living in alignment with your true Self — a Self that is bigger than your body and mind, yet permeates them. Thus, the only 'right way' to do Yoga is to abide in it.

Services

Mindful Energizing Vinyasa (ONLINE)

Settle into Stillness Restorative Yoga

Foundations

Peaceful Release Yin Yoga (ONLINE)

Reset & Reconnect Evening Vinyasa

Substitute Class at Tru Yoga

Private Yoga Session - 45 Min

Private Yoga Session - 60 Min

Private Yoga Session - 90 Min

Small Group Yoga Session - 45 Min

Small Group Yoga Session - 60 Min

Small Group Yoga Session - 90 Min

Meditation / Pranayama Add-On

Yoga Event

The Embodied Word Yoga&Writing Community

Whole Heart Happy Hour

Choreography of Flow

Events Details

@YeneYogaROC

​

Follow us on Instagram