about bella yoga

Bella Yoga Studio in its present form (2005) actually began in 1998 as Inside Out Yoga Center. The center was the conception of Anna Pittman and her sister Gabrielle Gerard. Having taught in a variety of locations, they felt that it was time to settle into one space.

Thus began the ongoing adventure of cultivating a safe and warm environment for exploring yoga, movement, breathwork and specific healing modalities.

The intention of the studio was to create and sustain a welcoming space in which to guide people into deeper experience and understanding of the more subtle aspects of yoga. That intention continues in the studio’s newest creative expression as Bella Yoga.

The word ‘Bella’ means beautiful in Italian. The name has special meaning for both Gwen and Gabrielle. It is the name of Gwen’s first born grandchild and it is a term of endearment that Gabrielle heard frequently from her Sicilian father.

Currently the space is directed by Gwen Bonnie, who formerly directed the yoga program for The Jewish Community Center of Tidewater and owned and operated Up Dog Yoga Studio.