Practicing Resilience Together
yoga for collective liberation
who we are
Kupala is a virtual yoga studio and collaborative space devoted to connection—to one’s Self and with one another. Here, yoga is not just a practice on the mat, but a way of living that invites curiosity, creativity, and collective care.
Named after a Slavic river goddess, Kupala is a symbol of transformation, joy, creativity, and the elements of water and fire. Kupala is also celebrated in Ukraine as a Midsummer festival, honoring renewal, connection to nature, and the turning of the seasons. The word Kupala itself stems from the Proto-Indo-European root kump, meaning “to gather together” or “to unite,” a meaning that beautifully mirrors the essence of yoga, which comes from the Sanskrit root yuj—“to yoke” or “to unite.” Our decision not to use a Sanskrit name was very intentional and meant to honor and respect the sacredness of Sanskrit as an ancient Vedic language and also in acknowledgement of the ongoing cultural appropriation of Indian culture and yoga in Western society. Our name pays tribute to April’s Ukrainian-Canadian heritage and honors her late father, who encouraged her to pursue yoga as a way of life before his passing. Founded by April and Jess, a married couple based in Tongva territory (aka Los Angeles), Kupala emerged from their shared love of yoga philosophy and their commitment to social and environmental justice activism. Rooted in nature and nourished by community, the archetype of Kupala reflects the ever-changing cycles of life and the power that arises when we move, breathe, and gather with intention.
We strive to connect people with the traditional yogic teachings of non-harm (ahimsa), self-control, and right action. These teachings remind us that yoga is a discipline of awareness—one that shapes how we show up in our bodies, our relationships, and the world. In particular, we emphasize the intersection of selfcare and community care, striving to bring yoga to communities on the front lines of social and environmental justice struggles as a tool for resistance and collective liberation.
In a time of growing uncertainty and injustice, our vision for Kupala weaves yoga together with social and environmental awareness to cultivate a community of spiritually grounded, justice-oriented practitioners. This is a movement toward conscious living, compassionate action, and shared transformation. Join us!
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Private Lessons
Personalized one-on-one yoga sessions designed around your goals, schedule, and body—so you can move, breathe, and grow with confidence.
Events
Gather your people for a private wellness experience that feels both grounding and special. Choose group yoga, a ceremonial sound bath, or a blended journey of movement and sound—designed to deepen connection, presence, and collective ease. Perfect for solar returns, retreats, and other intentional moments of transition and celebration.
The Yoga of Sound
Experience a ritual-inspired sound bath grounded in Nāda Yoga, using mantra and the powerful resonance of crystal and metal bowls, chao gong, and harmonium to guide your group into a deeply restorative, communal experience.
On-Demand
COMING SOON!
Enjoy on-demand access to our growing library of prerecorded yoga classes, workshops, and community-led discussions and Q&A sessions—plus early-bird access to upcoming retreats when you’re part of our monthly or yearly membership.
yoga & community care
We love collaborating with community organizers, nonprofits, and small businesses to support meaningful events. If you're planning something special, we’d be delighted to partner with you! From all‑levels group yoga classes to deeply restorative sound baths, we bring mindful, accessible offerings to the communities you serve.
Past Collaborations & Partnerships
Contact us
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