within year one, 200 comments amassed
test, test.
Cidney! You embody the perfect combination of mind, body & spirit… with a lot of heart thrown in for good measure! can’t wait for your next class… namaste!
Cidney: You embody the perfect combination of mind, body & spirit… with a lot of heart thrown in for good measure! can’t wait for your next class… Namaste! (posted earlier by accident under Karuna Publications)!
I’ve had the pleasure of leading Cidney through vinyasa flow and his energy is radiant. A calm, focused presence, embodying a deep connection to spirit.
Lora Heiner
Bindu Yoga Studio
Winston Yee
DECEMBER 20, 2012 AT 5:40 AM [EDIT]
Aloha Cid! Your classes always relax the mind and body. I always learn a different style of flow, and the aroma therapy is an awesome bonus!Winston Yee
Aloha Cid! Your classes always relax the mind and body. I always learn a different style of flow, and the aroma therapy is an awesome bonus!
L. Santos
06/09/12
How long have you practiced yoga? Have not practiced regularly since 2008.How was your experience? Beautiful. It’s been a while since I’ve practiced, so I am very rusty. Gentle corrections & guidance made me want to keep pushing, striving for the balance again. It was very challenging, but the whole session was kept at the perfect pace. By the end of the session, I felt an overwhelming sensation of peace (especially connected to the meditation song). I once again felt restored, and also I can feel the warrior mama emerging once again.
Would you consider taking another class? Yes! Participating in this lovely session has reawakened my consciousness of the importance in taking time out for myself, and owing myself that moment of balance. Thank you.
Aloha~
E. Kraft
06/07/12
How long have you practiced yoga? I have never practiced yoga prior to this session.How was your experience? I had an overall good experience with the yoga session. My first thought was yoga is harder than I had anticipated. Even being somewhat physically in shape, I had difficulty holding some positions. From that alone, was evidence my body could benefit from yoga. It felt very good to practice the different yoga positions knowing that I probably haven’t moved my body around like that since I was a child. After the session I felt very balanced with my body as a whole and the effect lasted a while. Not only did I enjoy the physical challenge on my body but I enjoy feeling in tune with my body.
Would you consider taking another class? I would definately consider taking another class.
Q
Thank you Cidney for bringing yoga into my life the way you have. Looking forward to the next session. I have family in town from Boston, we would like to fit in a session with you this weekend. Have a wonderful morning. Light & Love <3
Mercedes
Cidney is an amazing yogi I have had the pleasure to practice side by side with for awhile now. I am so proud of the instructor he has become. He is truly himself and teaches from the heart as all yogis should. Cidney is unique and kind which is perfectly displayed as he leads us through our practice. He is not an ordinary practitioner nor an ordinary instructor which is just what we need to ground to us in our practice and remind us we are all unique beautiful individuals.
Kelly Wager
Cydney is a fellow yoga instructor at WE love yoga in Long Beach. Although I have never taken a class with him he has helped me out with my classes many times! I look forward to taking a class with him one day as I’m sure it will be excellent given his training and positive personality!
Mark Caiati
Hey Cidney! I really enjoyed my first class with you today, I like your style. Thanks again!
G. Scofield 2013/01/01 at 3:39 pm
Great class today my friend exactly what we needed..the vibez were right .. Its always good to see you ~ namaste (.*.)Bench Press Ed 2013/01/01 at 10:24 am
Great energy and presence helping us with our practice.
Namaste!Ed
(Purple Yoga, Long Beach)Michelle H.H. 2013/01/01 at 10:00 pm
So much enjoyed your class today at Purple Yoga! Thank you and Namaste.Mike Rivera
Thanks for the really great class on Wednesday!
Sarah
I really enjoyed your class on Friday evening! The combination of strength and gentle, hippie vibes made for a wonderful experience. Thank you!
Anne
Thank for you tonight’s class — your humor and teachings were much appreciated. See you next time. Peace, love, and light.
Kerrie
Thank you for your class Friday night. I liked the aromatherapy and your own unique style of teaching. What a nice change of pace!
Good morning Kerrie,
Please help me place your face. Where were you in the class? I thought it was beautiful energy in there. There were so many circumstances going on surrounding that moment. Its like when you move schools as a kid, and you wonder, “will they like me and be my friend?” LolPlease keep in touch and I hope to see you again,
Cidney
Roy
Thanks for that awesome Savasana session. Truly Unique experience. You’re a yoga gangsta! Goin’ to look for you on the Purple schedule. -Roy
ROY!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Happy Monday!
I appreciate the words sir. You brought great energy to the class. The most interesting thing I noticed was that you helped balance the right side of the room and Winston helped balance the left side. Keep in touch and if you ever need help with your practice, just let me know.
yoganala@gmail.com
Elizabeth
Last Sunday evening’s Fullerton yoga class: Hands down one of the most amazing yoga classes I’ve attended. Keep your light shining, Cidney!
Rakesh
Cidney, your Jan 6th class at Fullerton was very relaxing with very good flow & stemina….. Enjoyed very much and made me relax…. flow was good with nice pace. May want to teach on reguler basis at Purple fulerton……. Rakesh
Leigh
Great class today at Purple Yoga Long Beach. Exactly what I needed, nice flow, appreciated the gentle guidance and calm energy. Look forward to attending another of your classes.
Jennifer King
Thank you for being such a patient teacher, your positive attitude and attention to the level I’m at is greatly appreciated! I feel inspired now to fit Yoga into my schedule more often. Looking forward to the next class!
Val Drake
Thank you Cidney for the fantastic class. I do really feel detoxed and energized. Namaste!
Donna Locher
Thank you for the wonderful class today during my lunch break from my stressful job. My afternoon is going beautiful because your class left me centered and relaxed. I joined Purple this week and your class was the 2nd class I have taken there. Your class left me with the desire to come back and because of you I will stick with Purple! Thank you!
Cathy & Mal Gordon
Thankyou Cidney for helping us through our intro to Yoga. Very human and kind and caring. Great to learn from you.
We are.. CathyMal.molly
Good Morning Sidney,
I took your class at Purple Yoga Tuesday afternoon and I thought it was simply amazing. Your style and flow was very soothing yet purposeful, and we practiced quite a few yoga poses I have never been introduced to before. That was a nice change of pace, after often doing a somewhat similar practice at most yoga classes.I can tell you take pride in your instruction and you were very personable and informative. I thank you and will definitely be practicing with you again.
Molly
Thanks for a great class today! Loved your style. Good vibes. ;)
Anonymous
Thank you for the gift of your yoga class on Friday Jan. 18th.
My pleasure Irene! Welcome to Cali!
Suzanne
Great candlelight session in Chino Hills! I’m going through a LOT of stress lately and your class was great! I see what you mean about the emotional release, and how the class helped some of that lessen. Wow!
Emelline Chen
Thanks Cidney for sharing your practice with me this past weekend!
Thad
Thanks, Cidney, for guiding the rest of the class and I through our yoga session at Purple Yoga, Long Beach. Look forward to having another class with you in the future. The help you gave during the class on how to properly execute the given asanas were quite beneficial. Many instructors I have encountered pay no attention to their students technique, but you did. Thanks again.
Michelle Jones 01/22/2013
nice class today! you made me laugh-which was much needed!Winston Yee 01/10/2013
Good class Cid. My mind is clear hahaConrad Rick ‘Patrick’ Alberto 12/07/2012
Heeeeeeeeyyyy buddy!Florencia R. 01/16/2013
Thank you for a beautiful class Cidney! Teachers who teach from the heart are my favorites … And if they sound like Morpheus from The Matrix sharing words of spiritual wisdom, even better! :) Much love!Kimberly A. 01/17/2013
for Dayana Vazquez and Cidney Shidoni- Thank you for leading such a beautiful class.
And, Purple yoga- watch out for freshman Teachers!!!Great class today Cidney! I really enjoyed your lighthearted approach and spiritual words of wisdom during class. You were very hands-on making sure all of the students were in proper alignment so no injury would occur. I learned a lot from being your mentee today and totally look forward to taking your class!! Peace, love & light.
Anonymous
Alexander is by far Cidney’s youngest students. At 6 months old, one should not be fooled by my son’s short time on earth. He is an old soul, wise beyond his age. His deep brown eyes are filled with such depth that when he looks at you …you feel as if he already knows.
Cidney has known Alexander for most of his life (5 months). He has visited him on a number of occasions. However, Cidney’s recent visit with him left Alexander with a powerful energy and glow. You see, my son was hospitalized with RSV for 6 days. It was a terrible thing to witness; a little infant hooked up to breathing machines and an IV. When Cidney heard about Alexander’s health scare, he was on the road from LA-San Diego within hours to visit his littlest student.
When he walked into the room, Alexander opened his little eyes and peered through his breathing mask. He locked eyes with Cidney and waited quietly (keeping his eyes on Cidney). Cidney read him poems from “Where the sidewalk end” which although the poems were picked at random….were amazingly suitable for Alexander’s situation. After poems, came laughter. After the laughter came meditation.
The room was filled with a gentle & positive energy. The ohms silenced the room and my son was pulled off of his breathing machine minutes later.
He brought the warrior out in my son, and for that we are eternally grateful.
Love you Cid!
P.S. On a lighter note, my two daughters refer to Cidney as Mr. or Uncle Fun! No explanation needed :oP
M. Devenpeck 01/22/2013
Re: corporate private yoga feedback
“They love u too because u rocked their world with love and yoga.”Kimmy
Cidney is a wonderful, gifted and talented teacher. He is the reason I came back to yoga to give it a second chance. I’m a certified Pilates instructor and I recognize when people teach from the heart and care about there students, Cidney does and I appreciate that. Thank you for sharing your wonderful practice with us! I look forward to many more classes with you!!
I loved the class I had yesterday. It was really fun. Cidney is a wonderful teacher. Thank you cidney for the great class.
Shelly
You are Amazing!!!!!
Anonymous
Dear Cidney, Thank you so much for your patience during our yoga practice in Tustin. I have plantar fasciatis and you really helped me on some of the asanas on how best to modify the posture so it would not further aggravate the inflammation that I have on my heels. In the past I would come for about a week and then stop as the pain just got worse, but since your class – I have still been attending and it has been over 3 weeks. Once again Thank you
With Love and Aum
Shila Patel
Under his instruction and with strong intuition, Cidney will guide you through a journey of concise adjustments that amount to a whole galaxy of strengths and weaknesses, both physical and emotional. “It’s amazing,” he’ll say over and over again, with pure conviction, while sharing personal narratives, both humorous and tragic, to encourage an exploration into our hearts and thus elevate and optimize our physical experience. There is so much depth in this discipline that hadn’t occurred to me before taking Cidney’s class. I truly am grateful for his guidance in discovering it.
Maye
A bit late on this- but thank you for guiding me through a wonderful yoga practice on New Year’s Eve in Tustin. I am an aspiring yoga teacher and hope to bring as much energy and zen into a room as you do. Best, Maye
Eva
It is a joy to be lead through my practice by someone who is so truly passionate about what they do. Great energy, great class, definitely going to find my way to Cidney’s class again!
<3 EvaAnonymous
what a spirit driven, energetic teacher. it is invigorating to be led through class by such a present guide. thanks for sharing the gift!
Marie
Cidney, I truly enjoyed my first yoga class with you tonight in Chino Hills. As someone who struggles with depression, you helped me to escape my stress and sadness for the evening and replace it with a very uplifting and yet tranquil practice. Like Maye, I am also an aspiring yoga instructor and I agree with her sentiments above. Thank you, Marie.
jennifer.d.lau@gmail.com
My husband and I really enjoyed the candle flow class last night! Thanks for reactivating long abandoned childhood experiences!
Kat
Many many thanks for the care and love showed and shared…
Florencia R. 01/26/2013
I got to hold a sword today in yoga class!!!!Anonymous
great instructor. thank you.
I felt like I was preparing to fight alongside Tom Cruise from the scene in the last Samurai when they took the their last stand. You literally transformed me to another time and place through yoga. Keep it up Cid. You’re a reminder to us yoga teachers that passion is the key ingredient to leading a great class.
Rebekah Ressler
Thank you a thousand times over! Your style of teaching is exactly what I need in my life right now. I love how you remind us to listen to what our bodies need. It doesn’t make me feel weak or lazy to take it easy in your class, I know what I can do, and I know I don’t have to do a full flying upside down and backwards lotus handstand every class haha, sometimes its okay to just do cat and cow. My various little strains and aches seized for hours after class today. I will see you for class tomorrow :)
Michael
So Cidney insisted about two years ago that I try yoga. So finally one day I was having a bad day and he recognized that. He said, “come take my class. you’ll like it.” I agreed and went to his class and it was definitely a spiritual awakening and I did end up feeling a lot better that day. From then on I have taken many of his classes and have built a solid foundation for my yoga practice. Just to leaven this post I will end it with a quote from his class. “Don’t lean your head to far back, otherwise even the white belts will put you to sleep.”
Maza Eshak
Cidney, your classes are absolutely amazing! I have been coming to your Saturday classes in Long Beach, and I would have to say that I have had the best yoga experience in your classes. You have a great teaching technique. Even the way you word your sentences at the right moments throughout the yoga session is remarkable. You have an amazing skill when it comes to leading others in their yoga practice. I am looking forward to coming to your class weekly. I love being challenged and I feel like your classes push me to become stronger. Your energy and enthusiasm for the practice is reflected back to your students, which is the main reason why I love attending your classes!
Dave Wolfley
Cidney, you have made my introduction to Yoga a GREAT journey I hope to stay on through life. Through my ignorance I thought yoga was for softies…you have proved me wrong. Thanks so much
Wolf
Susan Blackburn
I have now taken two of Cidney’s classes at Full Circle Yoga in Yorba Linda. Wow. They transport me to a wonderful peaceful place where I feel calm, strong and safe. His caring adjustments help me stay aware of my body and relax gracefully into the poses. Thank you! I look forward to your next class.
Anonymous
Ben K. 01/30/2013
Your classes are helping me slowly break out of my shell. Thanks dude, keep us gazing at the clouds.Dana
I find myself re-arranging my schedule so I can join your classes. You’re an amazing person, Cidney and I am grateful for the opportunity to practice with you and the community @ Purple.
Sami
Cidney’s class is a very different style than most other yoga classes. He opens up a lot of opportunity to experiment. In each class, despite often having taught several prior, Cidney leads a passionate flow, individualizes his students with helpful adjustments, and then finishes the class in a deep, dreamy state of relaxation. At the same time, it’s fun and there is no pressure. Give it a try!
Mariam H. 01/31/2013
Thank you for a great class:)Mercedes M. 01/31/2013
It’s always a pleasure to practice by your side or as a student, Cidney Shidoni! So glad I’ve been seeing more of you lately.Kimberly A. 01/31/2013
Your class is like yoga married to Taichi !!! it!ViiiBES
WiTHOUT CiDNEYS CLASS THE BLACKBELTS WOULD HAVE HAD ME iN A DEP DEEP SLEEP ALREADY ! >,<
iNSTEAD HE BLOOMED ME iNTO A PRETTY FLOWERiNG TREE, AND TAUGHT ME HOW TO SEE THE CLOUDS ALL THE WAY THRU THE CEiLiNG ^D^ ✿✿★✿★✿★✿LOVE AND LiGHT TO YOU AND YOUR LiFE LONG MEDiTATiON ! , MAY THE FORCE BE EVER WiTH YOU namaste x a trillllllllion
ViiiBES,xOxOAnonymous
Enjoyed a journey through the clouds at Yogabody Chino Hills with Cidney. Cidney’s smooth, yet authoritative voice made me feel safe, allowing me to express myself without judgement and explore the movements. So relaxing yet challenging. Vida Vela
Joyce
I couldn’t put my finger on exactly who you kind of remind me of, until I saw your website’s background picture of–if I’m not mistaken–Akuma from Street Fighter. In any case, you are certainly a unique yoga teacher! I knew this the moment of my first encounter with you at the doors of Purple Yoga in Tustin. Very personable, laid-back, yoga-drunk, and passionate, you’re not afraid to be yourself. On many levels, that’s very inspiring for me. Thank you so much for all that you do, for pointing out the flowers along the way, and I look forward to more of your AWESOME classes in the near future!
Lauren
I signed up for the first class and expected, cidney to be a lady! Boy was i wrong! Cidney’s classes are so gentle yet well thought out, his instructions are clear and encouraging (very encouraging)! The verbal intentions are heart warming and I can honestly say his passion for yoga is beyond inspiring. I have taken 2 of his “candle light” classes at yoga body chino hills and both times I have left feeling elated and relaxed (the perfect way to end an extremely long work day). Thank you so much Cidney! Your passion and divine love for this amazing practice is contagious! Namaste :)
Anonymous
“There is nothing so strong as gentleness
and
There is nothing so gentle as real strength” St. Francis de SalesThank you Cidney. You are a wonderful instructor. All are grateful.
Jennifer Hewett
You are such an amazing teacher, I look forward to the next class of yours that I can attend. Thank you for your kind words and for your gentle touch. You are a blessing to me and my friend Lindsey, you seriously transform us! God bless you!
Lindsey Smith
Cidney, you are good for my soul :-) Never has a stranger made me feel so beautiful and strong, even when I’m at my weakest. I’ve only taken 3 of your classes (so far!) and already, I hear your voice during the week telling me to “smile, because you’re cool…” It’s so nice to have this place to escape. After class this evening, Jenn and I were talking about the grouchy people in our lives. We decided to let them be grouchy, we don’t need that kind of energy, we have Cidney! See you next weekend and thank you thank you and thank you some more!
Natalie Brekke
I had an amazing time in Cidney’s L.B. Blue class this a.m. Cidney, is so welcoming and kind. He is a wonderful teacher and very attentive. Thank you for you awesome energy and spirit. I look forward to seeing you again soon!!
Natalie B.
Yvonne aguilera
I had a great session on Saturday with you. I loved the story of your aunt. I get emotional sometimes in class but I find its because I’m focused and my mind and body are working in unison and I’m at my strongest. I appriciate you and hope to flow with you again soon!!!
Alison
psst! ……….. don’t tell anyone but You are my favorite ;-) Yours was the first yoga class I have attended and it was awesome!! You truly made me feel welcome, comfortable and “O.K.”. Thank you for wearing your heart on your sleeve and giving your whole self to us <3 You rock!!
Dinah Hanna-go
I am far from a yoga expert, in fact I just started taking classes at Purple Yoga and I have to say I love Cidney’s classes. He is patient, gentle, always makes you feel like you are doing well (even if you don’t get it), and has a way of coaching you along to do your best. I highly recommend you stop by and make sure you take one of his classes, you’ll keep coming back, and back, and back! I just finished his 2:30pm class – amazing! Thank You Cidney. Dinah
Janice K
hi Cidney! thank YOU for a wonderful time. me and my best friend were beaming for the rest of the day. I’ll probably start coming to your
lb sat morning classes now! or do something about thurs nights at Tustin!Suna Kim
I dropped into this class w a friend’s invite, not knowing what kind of class to expect. I really enjoyed the music, Cidney’s words to help you mentally and to help relax. I’ve done some yoga in the past, but not with a teacher that makes you feel you want to be your best and work on reaching your dreams. Sounds crazy, maybe, but I’m serious. And I surprisingly enjoyed the 78f temp room. Also the class size was small and the place clean. I would definitely recommend to check out this class and place.
Anonymous
I had an amazing time in Cidney’s Blue class today!! It was my first class with Cidney, and he was so welcoming and kind. He is a beautiful spirit. Thank you so much!! I will see you again soon.
XOX
Natalie B.Celeste L. 02/04/2013
I attended Cidney’s class in Long Beach and have the following thoughts as I evaluated the experience of taking his class
It was definitely a practice like no other; I came in with an open mind and with no expectation. The class started at 10:32, I did notice the teacher was greeting and checking in the students and he was taking his time with a student. However, when Cidney walked in he made a comment about the previous class “embrace the energy” that was left behind since it was nice and hot, he then proceeded to introduce himself and acknowledge a teacher that was taking his class and myself who is in teacher training he said “it is an honor to be here.” As he is preparing to start he says “I love this studio” I felt his gratitude at that moment. I noticed there were no towels for this particular class, I checked the baskets right before he started and sometimes teachers walk in with towels but there were none for this class. It was nice, hot and sweaty!As Cidney started class he put on a inspiring piece of music as he commanded, clear, concise instruction with his own personal umph!
I felt as if I was at a theatre, at times I felt like I was the character in a movie. There was about ten people in class and I noticed he paid attention to each person, he walked around the room, he made comments like “beautiful, graceful warrior” I didn’t know who he was talking to but I felt like he was talking to me and only me. Cidney used a lot of “Iccha” the will power to do and really used his voice, tone and volume, he took his time to properly set us up, he also included some “Krya” the action of how to do and some “Jnana” the knowledge of how to and he used it by reminding us to play and have some fun, to be like kids and he said things that really put a smile on my face and made me work harder yet I was having fun with it.
I felt his authenticity, I noticed the students in the class were really focused and that was a motivation for me. I have to say his class was very enjoyable. And last but not least, when we got into “Savasana” corpse pose he did mention “it is 10:42 if you have to leave please feel free, if not please indulge in this pose” and everyone seemed to want to stay longer…however, there was a class right after us. Cidney, was a great host he made me feel welcomed almost like if I had come over to his home. I also noticed as he greeted the people waiting out in the meditation room. Overall, I was satisfied with this experience and would love to take his class again. I left feeling invigorating and like a warrior!Nobody
“I’ve been meaning to email since I took first Sidneys class the to let you know how wonderful he is. He is the first new teacher (since Cindy) that has been inspiring enough for me to continue to go to his classes. I truely appreciate your hiring teachers whose classes have a dynamic quality to them. The red classes are very physically challenging and it REALLY helps to have a teacher with good music and an enthusiasim for his craft.”
Q
Shidoni,
First I would like to say that it is great to see that you
are inspiring people in the yoga studio. The feedback is
rolling in, and I am glad that I have even had positive feedback come in
your presence.Cassandra L. 01/21/2013
I’m so happy to be writing this evaluation for Cidney’s class! What can I say? He has found his very own, very unique style. He takes his class on an adventure; you barely notice that he’s teaching you yoga. Instructions for getting into postures are more like a story where the page ends with you in a Downward Facing Dog or Warrior 1 or Tree. He speaks to the yogi novice while still, somehow, challenging the more practiced Yogi to go deeper into the “experience” of the pose. I felt connected and peaceful during my entire practice with Cidney. His class has most definitely found a place in my heart and my weekly Yoga practice!Rafaela
Connect.Breathe.Heal.Believe. You inspire students to “bloom.” One month ago, I could barely do downward dog or chaturanga…I am a plus size practitioner, but…but now I can flow into both! You makin’ me strong. AND YOU have THE best music! (Please make tracks for some of your fellow instructors!) The combination of your music, voice and verbal cues elicits a meditative state where weakness becomes power. “Quiet the birds!” Sometimes I cry cause I’m grateful for your compassion. From passing out xtra towels, to placing an intuitive hand on a sore shoulder. You show such care and love for the art as well as your students! I love your meditation at the end of class as well as the poetry a thebeginning of class. Thank you for giving so much of yourself. And teaching us to trust ourselves! You are an incredible teacher…Please teach more classes at LB Purple Yoga!
JYEE
Your class is none like others. From your music to the words of wisdom, it is something that I have never come across in any yoga class. Your way with words are really inspiring to me, especially when you say things like “look through the walls”, “touch the stars”, and “feel the air lift you up”. You say things at the right time when the climax of your music colide. I enjoy how you push us to our limits but not at the same time. I love the techniques that you use in class especially when going from warrior 1 to warrior 2, i really feel like a warrior going into the battlefield. You show that you care about your students especially when you bring your own towels for your students when there is none. It really shows where your intensions are when you teach. One thing that I learned from your class was about acceptance of yourself. For people who do not have that much confidence, this was a real boost in confidence to me. From your humor to seriousness, it is a great combination. You really know how to connect to your students and very caring for ALL students. Thank you for teaching yoga, you have changed my life and many others!
LYEE
Brother Shidoni,
You definitely have your own individual style of teaching yoga or shall I say breathing yoga. When I step into your class it’s like entering another realm on the battlefield. Your passion for yoga and encouraging words give me confidence to try new poses even if I can’t do them. I enjoy how you mix your yoga terminology with your martial arts background; my favorite phrase is when you say “I need you to lift the corners of your mouth up” because even though I am in an uncomfortable twisted position, you make me smile. After every class I am exhausted, relaxed and rejuvenated with a deeper breath of air. Thank you for opening your heart to us, sharing your experience and knowledge and simply being you. See you on the battlefield, Brother.Janice K.
Loving your new playlist!! it’s like watching an epic movie..with a bit of j-pop mixed into it. THANKS CIDNEY for your love and passion for yoga =) it truly shows!
Heather Dallass
Thank you Cidney! Thank you for being so kind, gentle, caring, different, fun, and funny! Thank you for taking care of each and everyone of us at Purple Yoga and paying special attention to all of our special needs. Keep up the good work and I cannot wait to take your class again.
I just took your Red class at Purple Yoga on Thursday night. I’m new to Vinyasa and appreciated your energy, encouragement and positive affirmations. The passion you have for yoga and helping others reach their full potential is inspiring and beautiful. Your teaching style is without a doubt unique and refreshing, and I highly encourage everyone to try your class at least once! I definitely left feeling more warrior-like! Thank you for all that you do; it really does make a difference.
Elinka@21
One word: “Epic”
I love your red class! The class is delivered with passion and enthusiasm. Your style motivates me to perform to my best ability.Anonymous
Three words….Cidney is AWESOME! If you want to take positive, energetic, and look beyond whats in front of you and into the mountains Cidney is yo man! :)
Happy Bday!!
Anonymous
thank you Natalia!
Suna Kim
Took Cidney’s his red class twice Now. I’m really enjoying my intro to purple yoga. I was afraid of hot yoga bec a friend a long time ago telling me abt her not good experience. However im really glad my friend got me to come here, n I’ve really enjoyed it! The red class has more movement n poses than blue n more of a workout. The heat feels like it really helps relax my muscles n all the sweating is great! I feel like I’m doin somethg great for my body n overall well being! Thanks Cidney n happy bday!
Sheila M. 02/22/2013
LOVE taking your red yoga class, Cidney! It’s almost like therapy and yoga all in one!! Very spiritual ♥. Thank you!Hanna
Cidney is an amazing teacher! He has excellent skills and he leads you from his heart. His class is filled with positive energy. He accepts who you are and makes sure you feel comfortable in his class. You will find out how great he is when you take his class once. It will be quite an experience.
Thank you Cidney, and looking forward to seeing you next time.Patty Romero Trostle
Cidney,
You have an extraordinary gift and I’m so thankful that you touched my life today. I have been searching for an instructor that leads in all aspects of yoga practice and philosophy (mind, body, spirit) and I have finally found that in you. I was so focused on my breathing, clearing my mind and opening my heart. I felt transformed and renewed!! Thank you Cidney!!!!!!!!!Jennie Raimo
I attended Cidney’s Blue 2.0 Class at Purple Yoga Long Beach and have the following thoughts as I evaluated the experience of taking his class. This was my first time taking Cidney’s class. After being warmly greeted and checked in by him, I went into the moon room to set up my mat. There was soft music in the background which was a nice and relaxing way to start my practice. Cidney made his way to the front of the room to begin class. He introduced himself and told us to me mindful in our practice and to go at our own pace before we began in Child’s Pose. After the Integration Series, as we did a couple of rounds of the Sun Salutations, he took us into different levels, guiding us in variations of Chaturangas (option to go in table top, or high plank with knees down) according to our strengths. He was always showing us variations and explained who it could work for. He was very clear and concise, and had great command in his delivery. He definitely used the “P” principle in teaching the person and not the pose. He was great about cueing from the ground up and setting us up in each pose. I benefited in listening to his cues, because it reminded me to “keep my shoulders down and my chest open” and “engage my abdominals” and “remember to breathe”. His words and his great playlist of songs, helped keep me present during my practice. My favorite part of class with Cidney was how he told us to look forward at the wall and use it as a mirror and to use it to make our adjustments. My experience felt like a movie experience, where he painted a beautiful backdrop and it made me forget that I was just in a yoga studio. After class was done he made sure to check in with each and every one of us to see how we were feeling and to thank each of us for coming. He is a very genuine person and it shows in everything he does.
Paul S
Cidney,
Thank you for sharing your practice. Your unique approach encourages me to attend your classes whenever my schedule allows.
In your Friday night classes, you often mention that you are so glad to have us there – since we could be out hanging with our buds partying. Little do you realize this class is my happy hour (+10 minutes)… as I’m surrounded by wonderfully positive spirits and friends. In fact, this is so much better as it is very cleansing for the body and soul, and without the hangover!
Enjoy the weekend, and I hope to see you next week with all of my toes!
Namaste, Paul S.
Jason
Great class, appreciate the personal attention, and very comforting energy! Definitely coming back to sid’s class so that I can expand my knowledge of yoga.
Gloria
I brought my husband for the first time & I couldn’t have been more satisfied to have had Cid as our teacher. My husband & I left feeling great and more connected. Cid’s class was not only a great yoga session and workout but he definitely uplifted us mentally and spiritually. We truly are grateful and thankful to have experienced being in practice. We can’t wait to be back to one of his classes.
Blessings,
GloriaCid, I really enjoy your style of teaching. Your classes take away any limitations I’ve previously set on myself and help me enter a world without barriers. For that hour and fifteen minute class, I feel like there are no boundaries. The energy in the room is so strong it lifts my focus to another level.
I have told others about your class and how it has had an effect on me. I can’t wait to come take another class with you and see what else I can learn. I greatly respect you for choosing your own path to teaching and for passing your energy onto your students.
Kristine
There’s just so much to say about Cid. His positive energy is evident inside and outside of the classroom. Being out of the yoga game for a while, Cid helped me throughout the class. Thank you for always being a ray of sunshine!
I met Cidney at Core PT. I thought we were going to be doing Flow Yoga. Instead Cidney whipped out the Restorative Yoga. I was in Nirvana. Restorative Yoga is like the relaxation classes, that the dance instructors gave, back in high school before a competition. I asked him why he chose to go this route and he explained to me that he saw what our bodies had been through and gave us what we needed. My only regret is not finding Cidney and his amazing classes sooner! Is it possible to be in love with a class? I will definately be back for more.
Lisa
Cidney is one of my favorite teachers at YogaBody Chino Hills. His classes push you and I always leave feeling so relaxed and empowered. He also took the time to help me out on my headstand which was so nice :)
Joyce L.
CIDNEYYYYYY! I’m going to make it out to one of your Red classes at Purple Yoga today! Keep on doing what you do and being yourself. It’s awesome!
Christine H.
You continue to bring refreshment and inspiration to my life every week. What a transformation you have brought to my practice! Thank YOU for who you are, what you do, and for your passion.
Janea Magallanes
I leave your class every week completely tired, but at peace, knowing that I dedicated just an hour and ten minutes to my body. You inspire and encourage your students to acknowledge their beauty and power, and for that, I keep coming back. Much love.
Thank you for creating the space for me to dance with my inner goddess. Look forward to your classes and your empowerment. Much love! Heidi (AKA Pilates) ;-)
Heather Dallass
Cidney! What an amazing class yesterday, I’ll never forget it. Thank you for caring about all of us and making sure we are not hurting ourselves. I love the way you teach. You have a special gift and I am happy to receive it. I did take that breath to work with me and what a difference my night was. I can’t wait to be in your class again. Have a blessed day.
Suzy
Thank you for a wonderful workshop last Saturday night in Long Beach. The Cello Class was inspiring, spiritual, physical and very healing for me! I was in a tough place that day, thinking about my mother who just passed away this last February. As always, your classes make me feel whole! You are a wonderful teacher to a person who has found yoga again! Thank You Cidney!
I loved the experience of the live Cello with Yoga Flow. Very moving with much community spirit. Cidney is my choice for yoga instruction much kokoro, spirit and positive energy. Blessed and grateful for his presence in my practice and life. Honored to know Cidney.
Ashley Hagler
Cidney! Ahhhh! O my goodness….I always love your classes and your unique style and way of teaching! It speaks to me much stronger than any other class I’ve taken. And for some reason, I always end up crying in your class or after it for that matter. I find that the way that you teach is very empowering and powerful. Thank you for your presence because it really does do a lot and thank you for always teaching silence in your class….it stays with me in every other class that I take and also thank you for answering all of my questions when I pose them to you! I know I have like 50 new questions on each different pose, so thank you for taking the time to answer them!
I really appreciate all that you do and thank you for teaching.
Thank you!
Ashley :)Anonymous
Really enjoyed the celllo class at Purple Yoga. Perfect combination of music and yoga. I will definitely attend the next one.
Anne
Cidney led the great live cello flow last weekend! It was very soothing yet powerful. Cidney talks to you from his heart and this is the reason for me to come to his classes! Very fortunate to get to know him.
Catherine
Everything Cidney does is heartfelt and responsive to the needs and strengths of others. His students are his friends and he cares about each of us. His classes are challenging yet empowering. You leave inches taller than when you enter. He plants seeds in your thinking that enrich your practice and life, helping you to realize the potential and strength you didn’t know you had. I am grateful for he has helped me to recognize my own beauty and grace. I can now look into the mirror and see clearly who I am and who I am becoming through yoga.
Anonymous
Cidney – Thank you for so many beautiful sessions. The cello was a bonus! I am inspired, humbled and my confidence is growing daily. You bring empowerment. grace, support and a safe place to learn, grow and BE. Blessings to you and your family. Namaste
You’re awesome dude! You have special gift and I feel blessed to experience your classes. I hear your voice in other classes and while going about my day. Thank you for your grace and support. Loved the live cello.
Michelle Mijares
Thanks so much for the wonderful Cello Flow. It was so inspiring, dramatic and my practice feel so strong. It was also a great way to meet other yogis. Looking forward to the next one!
Dear Nala (I hope I spelled it right).
I wanted to take a moment to thank you for inspiring your uncle…. He often talks about you and how you are lightherted and watch clouds. It is one of my favorite sentances he says in class because it reminds me that as an adult I’m ok. (You see I watch clouds like you do only I am far older). He thinks you are beautiful, graceful and light.Your uncle is a great teacher. He has many gifts that he gives. Spend lots of time with him. He will amaze you and teach you great things you likely might not experience wirh anyone else. You are lucky he is your uncle.
Laura
nala
Dear Laura,
Thank you for that letter you sent me. I loved it. Thank you for saying I inspired my uncle. I love to hang out with him when he comes down. I will always hang out with him. You and me both watching clouds there so beautiful. Im very lucky to have him as my uncle. Because when he comes down he also shows me some yoga. Just want to say thanks again.
Nala
P.s you spelled nala rightLaura
Keep reaching for the clouds Nala…one day you might just touch them! L.
Susie
Your Cello workshop was my first time ever doing yoga to live music and I loved it! Thank you so much for this wonderful experience. Also the fact that you approached me to ask me if I was doing okay during the workshop meant a lot to me!
I hope you come down to Tustin more often!
Edith MonDragon
You make me a stronger person, mentally, physically, spiritually and emotionally. Thank you for being the beautiful person that you are and sharing your power with many of us…
Namaste~ EdithLily
For my first class with Cidney (I’m sure of many to come) I attended his Live Cello Flow workshop. His teaching style is greatly unique and very deeply moving. It’s an experience that I find my words don’t do any justice to. Throughout the class Cidney showed such admiration and respect for his students, repeated powerful affirmations that definitely hit home, and executed teaching a balanced class with such grace and power there was no absence of tears in my eyes. Cidney is really such a one of a kind teacher, admired by so many. Go to his classes!! :)
ambar Q.
Listening quite intensely to your words of wisdom, a memory of something I had once read popped up. My mind begins to translate your words into something different, and what I began to hear was exactly this….
“ You have no need to travel anywhere, journey within yourself, enter a mine of rubies and bathe in the splendor of your own light.” “understand that the path to the stars is through the senses.”
My focus automatically dives inward, Feeling every note that I hear amplifying while I move with the angelic sounds of the cello. A white flag moment for me, I allow the sounds to take me, until I can no longer feel, hear, see any separation or difference between myself, the sound,and the present moment.
The echo is me.
I am the echo communicating songs of peace, the breath conveying messages of wisdom, the reflection you see in the mirror smiling back at you. The life force jamming with the world, through passionate eyes of love. I am a warrior, an ancient mystic liberated and free in this life.. with joyful cries of respect and gratitude, Hear me roar. :)p.s. I don’t believe accidents exist… Thank you sincerely for your loving spirit. Until we meet again… Namaste, may peace be with you always.
-ambar q.
Tabs
Your classes and your genuine delivery are amazing. I get cranky when I can’t make your classes on Friday and Saturday. You truly help me explore what my body can do and your direction is wonderfully detailed. Your cues help me get better every time. I leave your classes feeling…well…content.
Ruby Cardenas
Cidney! Your class is so refreshing and encouraging. It’s always exactly I need! I’m so bummed I wasn’t able to make it to your live cello workshop :'( Thank you so much for your love & patience, always!
Heather Dallass
Cidney you are so amazing at what you do. It’s unbelievable. You have changed yoga for me. Going to your class is like going to a therapy session. I feel like a new person. You are a very special gift to us. Thank you for everything.
Michelina (Mickie) Payetta
Hello! I just recently took the LIVE Cello class at the Fullerton location. I normally practice in Long beach as I also normally work weekend nights, but I was able to get Aug. 3rd off last minute and was so excited to get to attend your class, Cidney!
Your Cello class definitely brought upon a different dynamic for me. It hit on some personal and emotional levels that are tough for me reach, and I guess…come to terms with…a work in progress, as yoga has helped me with this. I did year up a bit in the last part of the class during meditation…healthy and cleansing tears! Also, your sangria was delicious! Thank you for the extrs perk after class! Still waiting for the recipe via purple yoga blog ;).
I love love purple yoga, as I get the opportunity to take a variety of instructors. However, your classes Cidney are different and unique in an awesome way! I thoroughly enjoy how you use your martial arts background and incorporate it in your classes. I feel as if I am on a battleground fighting though with strengths or my physical practice, inner peace for my mental focus, and quiet feet so that I am not heard by my predator…’If they hear you coming, this does you no good…’ …something along those lines is what I remember you saying as I take this in and out of the four walks of purple yoga. Along with this ambiance in class I always feel so much appreciation, respect, and much KOKORO in your class. I never feel as if I am being judged. I feel as if your classes are so honest and you give so much of yourself, your energy, your KOKORO to us…
I am currently on vacation and out of town, but I do miss my yoga and am looking forward to coming back home to purple yoga and taking many classes, including yours, Cidney!
Namaste.
With much KOKORO, respect, and appreciation,
Michelina (Mickie) PayettaMichelina (Mickie) Payetta
A couple typos!…’tears,’ not years, and ‘extra,’ not ‘extrs.’ Haha…on my iPhone as it is my only Internet connection I have during vacation ;)
Dansedufeu
Cidney, Thanks soooooo much for the Cello class! I managed to make it to the last one in Fullerton and was glad I did. The combination of your teaching style and the life-force of live music put me in another world! Let’s do this again soon!!!!
Zina de los Santos
I had a pleasure of participating in Cidney’s Cello accompanied yoga class early August of this year at Purple Yoga in Fullerton. I was intrigued by the introduction given to him. As soon as I figured out my sked and learned that I can take the class for free – yes! Thank you perkville. I signed up and committed that night to a yoga workshop. Its sensory overload. It was beautiful! The whole class impressed me and got me rooted back in my younger days as a dancer. That in every way, theres no worries in the world. It is perfected. The celloist made an easy note on key, like you’re riding them chaturangas well. It was so personal that I think everyone in class felt the same. Whatever their background may be, I’m pretty sure everybody got on their ground and lifted beautifully. I’m really grateful I took that sat night’s workshop, it was rejuvenating. Plus, the refreshments he made were just amazing. Sangria is one of my fave drinks and to get the drink perfect too is way too cool to end it.
Thanks again, much love and lots of good vibes! ~ZinaRenate
Cidney! What can I say? There are not enough words in the English language to express my gratitude for you. Your classes are the perfect balance between an ass-kicking muscle workout and self-empowering meditation that leaves me feeling some-how simultaneously relaxed and energized.
After my move, Los Angeles was a dark place for me, but your classes have completely changed that; you are such a joy to be around. Your classes and your conversation can turn my most foul moods into euphoria in the blink of an eye. So thank you, thank you for being my first support system here in southern California, thank you for the motivation to look and feel better about myself, thank you for the endless music and anime recommendations, thank you for your kind soul, your openness, and of course your incredible extensive knowledge of yoga, health, and the human body. You are an incredible person and I’m so happy to have the pleasure of knowing you!See you in class soon!
Cid! Loved your class tonight! You are so genuine and true to your art. I love you for this! can’t wait to take more classes with you. Love you!
Alice M. 08.18.13
My dear friend, Cidney, thank you for a wonderful class tonight. I am impressed and inspired by your passion for sharing the practice. What a blessing to have you as a Purple Yoga teacher. Keep spreading love!Sheila M. 08.16.13
Thank you thank you thank you thank you for the lovely class today! :DMeghan C. 08.11.13
much needed Sunday love — feeling loved with Cidney Shidoni at Purple Yoga.Jackie W. 08.10.13
Alright Cid, bring on the flow — with Cidney Shidoni at Purple Yoga.Renate B. 08.06.13
Cidney, your ears must have been burning because I was just talking about you. I took back to back classes with my mom in the bay area yesterday. One was a vinyasa and the other was a “yoga tuneup” class with these crazy yoga balls. They were great but nothing compared to your classes! Hope you have an excellent week, see you when I get back in town.Alex R. 08.05.13
I’m feeling insanely powerful!!!! A thousand times thank you. Saturdays class was an experience.Edith M. 08.05.13
You make me a stronger person, mentally, physically, spiritually and emotionally. Thank you for being the beautiful person that you are and sharing your power with many of us…
Namaste~ EdithMichelle L. 07.31.13
I think you went to the next level!Daisy C. 08.18.13
Cidney Shidoni thanks for a wonderful purple class last night. Feeling great!Michelle L. 05.20.13
Great class today, rock star!Jeanine E. 03.28.13
Amazing class today!Michelle L. 04.07.13
Happy Sunday FUNday!! Great class yesterday. Thank you!!Cidney, thank you for your amazing and unique way of teaching yoga. Your instruction calms my Heart, inspires my Soul and rejuvinates my Spirit. It is so apparent in every class that I’ve taken of yours how you put 100% of yourself into it. I love how you connect with your students and how you make each of us feel special and recognized. I feel your heart when you teach…and it’s beautiful. Thank you for introducing your yoga to me.
With much respect and gratitude,
MichelleDiana
Cidney, yesterday’s Red class at Purple Yoga was perfect. The warm up, your words, the music, your passion, compassion, and strong yet gentle push was exactly what I needed. I walked into the class not knowing what to expect but sensing that my time with Purple Yoga was done but by the time I left I was @ such a high vibration that i knew i would be returning, to your class of course.
Thank u, for your passion, and for sharing your gifts.
DianaAlison H. 08.23.13
Taking the advice of a great yoga instructor……”Take time to watch the clouds”. Thank you for your infinite wisdom Cidney Shidoni!cidney (shidoni)
@shidonicidney@33Keng6679 thank you guys ;) – 25 Aug
fabulousin34
@33Keng6679“@shidonicidney: @33Keng6679 thank you guys ;)” @shidonicidney – that was great workshop! Definitely educational and beneficial for us.
Every opportunity I have had to learn from, share, and feed off of your gift of teaching, my heart, my body, my soul, and my mind have been taken to a place that my practice has never been before. I am grateful to have met you and been able to take in more and more of the knowledge that you have to offer. Thank you for making me feel beautiful and helping me to shine!
The athlete’s workshop was a wonderful way for me to show my all-star athlete boyfriend that yoga is not only for people who wear lulus, don’t eat meat, and walk around barefoot. He said he felt like he “was in an episode on National Geographic” haha but he connected with your message and we both were really thankful that we attended the workshop!
Thank you Thank you Thank you!!!
Dee
I have only tried yoga a few times. I was always something of a skeptic But taking class from Cidney has been a wonderful experience. Through some very stressful times in my life he helped teach me to find my center. He has a wonderful heart.
Abby Puente
Thank you for an amazing class today Cidney. I have never been so inspired by my yoga practice as I feel today and that I have to thank you for. Every one above me has already said it all… your passion, compassion, inspiring words, and just overall presence is truly something so unique and absolutely fulfilling. The way in which you put life into perspective by sharing your own personal experiences is greatly appreciated. Thank you for making me feel beautiful and confident in myself, and for helping me to remember that life is not supposed to be easy. You truly are an amazing artist. #feelingempowered :)
Anonymous
(= Cidney =) Ever since taking your classes, something in my practice has deepened. Your “non-existent box” approach in teaching reminds me how beautiful yoga is with your ability to simultaneously weave the components of a militant voice, theatrical music & graceful movement, truly making your classes like no other. More than just stressing the technicalities of a yoga pose, you emphasize the expression of it by e.g., leading with our heart and/or blooming with a cobra back… triggering us to reflect introspectively, yet again reminding me how beautiful yoga is with its inward expression. Placing us in that vulnerable state, you’re able to connect the class as a whole through your compassion in needing us to know how beautiful we are in that moment. When leading us in practice on the battlefield, you channel our warrior spirit with a humble heart on the mat– a demeanor I hope to possess off the mat as well. Your energy is infectious and your classes are therapeutically addicting… thank you for sharing the gift of the beautiful soul that you are!
Elizabeth M. 09.05.13
You are a true healer. My weary soul comes in and is reborn again through tremendous kokoro and spiritual intervention. Blessings to you and your family, healing for your Father and Strength and Courage for you and your Mother, beautiful clouds for Nala:)Sent from my iPhone
Renate B. 09.06.13
Thanks for the awesome class this morning! My quads are definitely singing the song of their people because of those crescent lunges.Alison H. 08.29.13
Psst, You r awesome!! Thank you for your inspiration this morning, I needed itMyrna G. 08.27.13
Thank you for bringing out our inner strength and the ability to reach for the stars — with Cidney Shidoni.(@swindletone)
9/3/13, 12:54 PM
@shidonicidney STRONG class yesterday. Still feeling it…or is that the effects of the rest of my Labor Day?Holly S. 09.06.13
THANK YOU! Through practicing with you I have seen what depth of character yoga can be taught at…the compassion and fun you can have and the strength and focus one must achieve! You are TRULY the bomb.com!!! lolNicole
Cidney is AWESOME! His classes are not only inspiring on a physical level, but also on a spritual level. No matter your experience in yoga, Cidney always makes you feel welcome & good about yourself. I look forward to any chance I have to take a class with Cidney.
nikkiraealkema
Cidney is the kind of teacher who will wake up your practice. I challenge you to exit Cidney’s class not having learned something about yourself or not having confronted an inner struggle. Have the courage to let him guide you. Take a class and don’t look back. Thanks, Cidney.
Jeseka J. 09.12.13
Thanks for all your yoga classes over the summer! I loved them i’m still thinking about them while I take classes up here in WA.Kelsea
What a magical warrior!! Cidney’s class was our first class at Purple Yoga and we were blown away! Not only was it a strong physical class well explained, but it was a spiritually moving class that hit us at the core. Thank you for your light and guidance! You won my husband over that thinks yoga is a bit airy fairy! He’s hooked!! xoxox :) Kelsea & Dave
September 20, 2013 at 11:21 am
Daisy C. 09.17.13
Aaaahhhhh…. Cidney Shidoni….thanks again! Great class tonight!September 20, 2013 at 11:22 am
Lauren R. 09.17.13
Missing you and your yoga, friend.Lauren R. 09.16.13
Missing you and your yoga, friend.Matt R. 09.21.13
Epic climbing session. This was my second time indoor rock climbing since my first attempt 1 year ago. I noticed a very significant improvement in my strength and overall performance. I was able to complete every wall, which I attribute to the following people and training:Training alongside top level athletes with Alisha at No Limits Sports and Fitness has made me push myself to improve my overall strength.
Training with Eric at Long Beach Kettlebell Club has improved my forearm and grip strength.
Keeping my nutrition up at its optimal level because of Kenny and Nutriton Zone.
Practicing with Cidney Shidoni has improved my core strength and stability.
So, thank you.
Renate B. 09.22.13
Note to self: going to the grocery store directly after Cidney ‘s yoga class is not a good idea. I want to eat the entire store.Anonymous
September 29, 2013 at 10:23 am
“everything has its beauty, but not everyone sees it.” –confucius
¡¡haterz will hate!!
It is an honor to leave a few words on behalf on Cidney (Shidoni) Corpuz. This extraordinary human being uses his strong presence and booming voice to guide students into a much deeper practice. He imparts courage and strength in the classroom which follows us off the mat and into our daily challenges. I always depart from his teaching with eyes brighter and heart lifted. Arigato Gozaimasu!
~Kat
Tyler Beauregard
I ended up at the 5:30 Blue 2.0 class at the Long Beach location of Purple Yoga yesterday and had the pleasure of attending Sidney’s class. What I expected when I walked in the studio was much different than I got in a very unexpected and positive way. I was thinking it would be an entry level, mild class with some options for modification if injured or inflexible. What I got was a highly motivating, encouraging mentor who pushed our limits, and raised the energy level of the entire room. Sid is great at helping you push past that feeling of giving up, and helping you find the motivation to accept your fate and surrender to the pose. He also provided lots of options and challenges for going further into more advanced postures, including balance postures, inversions, and binds. He also plays a mixture of Daft Punk and Hans Zimmer so it feels like you have completed an epic life journey by the time you’re finished. I recommend him most highly.
Hello Cidney!!
I’ll miss you on Thursday nights! Sorry it has taken me so long to make my way here, but… Thank you! I’ve been going to your classes for about two and a half months, and not only did I receive an intense work out and theatrical experience, but I also found confidence and beauty within myself. Although I haven’t been practicing with you for a particularly long time, I have done so many things that I didn’t think possible OUTSIDE of yoga.
Thank you so much for helping me become a stronger, more courageous person inside and out.
Yay!
gemAlice
Honestly, I have never met a yoga teacher like him, he is AWESOME, like other said he is not only inspire people on physical level, but the spiritual level. He totally change my perspective on teaching yoga and his compassion, strong and powerful voice are truly indescribable by words. Thank you, Cidney! :)
annie
I have found endless inspiration in Cidney’s class, but notably in his multifaceted iccha. The atmosphere of strength, knowledge and laughter is so welcoming and positive I can only hope to bring some part of that to my class one day. Thank you for showing me how to make Blue into something so creative and personal.
namaste :)Monica Caliri
My daughter Erin took your classes over the summer and encouraged me to go to your class. She was right. Yesterday was my first class in several years. You put me and the rest of the class at ease. You gave me the confidence to find my inner warrior while still maintaining beauty, peace and grace. Thank you Cidney. I hope to continue many more classes with you and Purple Yoga.
Emily M. 10.10.13
@shidonicidney my ankle injury hasn’t felt this good since…well before I injured it 6 months ago. . . #redclassmagic ? Lol thank you!!One of the things I love about taking Cidney’s class is that I can always expect the unexpected. Every time I take one of his classes, it’s more of a magical yogic “experience” than just “yoga”, because his teaching style is truly one of a kind. I literally feel like a Queen leading a kingdom, or a warrior about to march into epic battle. Cidney has a very strong command-style of teaching that inspires me to have intense focus on my breath, to bring attention to making graceful (silent) transitions and to find strength in every posture. I feel like my practice is at its best during his class. Thank you Cidney for always making your class such an incredible experience.
~Namaste
Nathan Lucas
Amazing class! I felt as if your voice was in my mind narrating my own personal movie. The imagery you use not only guides you into a clear headspace in the beginning but makes you feel like a warrior…. from a time long ago, with strength and wisdom, then bookends it back to the peaceful state of our beginning. My favorite class yet… A great balance of yin and yang. I definitely felt transformed after your class. Thanks again and can’t wait for the next warrior class! Cheers!
Heather Dallass
Cidney,
Thank you again for a wonderful class yesterday. My thoughts are as clear as the sky today. Much love to you.Andrea R. 10/23/13 Teacher Observation:
I observed Cidney’s Blue series class in Long Beach today. I will preface this by saying I have taken Cidney’s class once so I was a little prepared for how different his style is. But, I was amazed at how I connected with his words even as I sat just listening. And I was completely mesmerized by his passion!There was a brand new student in the class, a man whose friend had brought him in to try out Cidney’s class. The class was for the most part all in the back of the room in the same row so the new student had to look to his sides for help when he got confused in postures. I thought it was awesome that after a few poses, Cidney had the new student’s friend pull his mat in front of him so the new student would have a visual reference for the poses. Cidney also stuck by the new student for help with modifications and kept saying to the whole class how he preferred to take the same modifications himself so the new student didn’t feel like it was just for him.
Something I really enjoyed was how Cidney used his voice and words in such a different way; like a deeper, more soulful energy. His words got everyone to the right poses but his imagery to get them there is so unique. It was kind of like a dance, a performance. His voice was deep and at sometimes booming, it felt like he was narrating the class. He used everyone’s name in the class numerous times. You could definitely tell the students in the class connected with him and his style and had been with him numerous times.
A few last thoughts…. These are things I want to remember! Cidney had the class visualize being in child’s pose when they were holding a pose longer to bring their minds to that calm place. In tree pose, he said how the bent leg is nothing more than a distraction for your focus. Also, at the end of class, he realized he had gone over his time on accident. So he let everyone know of his mistake so they could leave if they were pressed for time. The best part was seeing one of the guys in class smile huge and give a thumbs up, showing how happy he was that he had gotten extra time with Cidney
Tess I. 10.25.13 Teacher Observation:
“Today I had the pleasure of observing Cidney’s class at 4:00pm…He began the class with some mellow music and talked about the unique differences in each body. He spoke about how the diversity everyone has can limit or strengthen their practice at any time or be different from day to day. He emphasized honoring the body and made it clear that everyone should take their practice at their own pace to be safe. Then some soft, uplifting music begins, he asks the students to breathe slowly as he moves around the class. Students close their eyes and he asks them to take a moment to scan their bodies, “how is your heart, how is your breath.” He lowers down to the floor and his voice echos and vibrates the room. “Do you feel anything at all?” he asks. Cidney’s gift is empowerment. His students become leaders, warriors, kings and queens. They learn self-confidence and he makes them feel that they are beautiful. He uses kind, light touch to adjust students and always speaks to them directly. He makes the class feel welcomed and as if they are in a safe place amongst friends…….he finds decorative and colorful words to explore the poses.
While doing all of this, he still is able to acknowledge and emphasize the proper pose, allowing the student to explore but still stay on track…..Cidney is able to get the students to engage themselves on a deeper level. The words he uses are unique, light and inspiring…..Everything is graceful and fluid. Then the music changes, it becomes more dramatic, the lights turn up and he takes the students into more powerful poses. As he does this his voice becomes more powerful. He speaks of finding your inner strength, being strong and talking about how he finds his own strength. Throughout the class he uses the Jnana to explain benefits of each pose, his cues are powerful and focused. This keeps the students engaged in the present moment. As the music changes to a heavier beat, students begin a moving lunge pose and he offers many different variations. When the poses become intense Cidney encourages the students to rest if they need to….
In balancing poses he talks about falling out and always getting back up. It is used as a reference for life also. He is always building confidence in the students, emphasizing power in the poses, standing taller, prouder and “noticing how the doubt leaves.”
A couple of things that I really liked that he said, which I will take with me into my teaching practice are:
-When he talked about breathing into all four sides of the torso, which is a nice visual for me.
-When the students were in a pose where the neck had to be held, he said, “Refuse the Defeated Head and Neck.” I loved that.
-Cidney makes it seem like he knows each student personally. He takes the time to talk to people and makes it feel like the class is all friends, or even part of a family.”Greg G. 11.03.13
@swindletone
He was back and better than ever. Thanks @shidonicidney Great sesh w @NicoleRacine #yoga #flow #StarvingAs I like to share with you after every class, Cidney, thank you so much. You were my first yoga instructor and I look forward to every class you lead. You have helped guide me through the infancy of my practice and the journey has been inspiring. I hear your voice and feel your energy as I teach my students and they too benefit from your gift. I look forward to when we meet again in person, but I know I can always find you on my field.
You honor me.Red G. 11.05.13 Yelp Review:
5.0 star rating 11/5/2013 15 check-ins here
AMAZING Yoga Place! I’ve been practicing there for the last 4 months on a daily basis. There are so many reasons why I LOVE Purple Yoga! For the instructors, for the cleanliness after a hot yoga session (Hot Mess & Sweat!!) and their class schedules. Purple Yoga caters to all levels at all times of the day. You can go anytime and hit up a class and get a nice workout. I love me some Cidney and Ace. They motivate me every day and now have become friends. I love them and love Purple Yoga.Bobby V. 09.05.13 Yelp Review:
ERMAGHERD WERR DUR I STERRT??
These past few months have been life-changing. I went vegan, I lost 6 inches from my waist (4 more to go!), and I found my yoga studio…I’m a hippie!
I HAD a partially dislocated femur and a herniated disk (no symptoms). According to my friend who was an orthopedic surgeon for I don’t know how long, the best treatment is yoga…for more than a few reasons. Coming from a surgeon who’s been in ashram after ashram, I didn’t take what he said lightly. YOGA IT WAS!!!
I have been here 26 times (including this morning) in my first month. I’m clearly addicted to centering myself in this tight-knit yoga studio. :3
This yoga studio is fantastic! Although a month ago I never ever ever ever ever did yoga before, I was zealously looking for a studio to attend long-term. This place had the best monthly deal of $109 (autopay) AND consistently high Yelp reviews.
I’ve been regularly taking classes with Jennifer. If she’s not teaching my class, she’s most likely participating while I awkwardly stare at her, trying to copy her technique. She teaches many Green and Red classes throughout the day.
One of my favorite instructors is Cidney (that guy with the kickass shades who keeps “liking” your Purple Yoga tips), who i believe has a brown belt in bjj? Usually teaching on Tuesday nights(?), he makes sure we find meaning and purpose in why we do yoga. Is it for you? Is it for your kids? Is it to set an example? Is it to heal your wounds? You name it. I feel so spiritually connected, I completely lose touch with the physical stress each asana creates in my body until I reach savasana. There’s nothing better than that.
If you want a good physical workout, check out Sean and Joe.
If you want to center yourself, check out Cidney and Bonnie.
Also, Alex is cool. His classes are pretty fun.
On my checklist (and hopefully yours too):
-SCOTT WINSLOWErin S. 10.14.13 Teacher Evaluation:
I can always count on two things when I take one of Cidney’s classes;
1. that I will have a powerful yogic “experience”
2. that I will cry (in the best way possible, of course).I don’t have the pleasure of taking his classes very often, so when I realized that I am now able to
practice with him on Monday afternoons before work-study, I was beyond excited because his classes are magical.I honestly can’t really remember the sequencing of the class, but I
know that I was sweating a lot, and that we started in Savasana. I do,
however, remember other aspects of class quite vividly. Cidney is an
amazing and powerful storyteller and begun by creating this visual of
being in a field where the snow was falling and having us imagine
being there and feeling the lightly falling snow on our faces and lips; I
could literally feel and taste the snow. He reminded us to let go of
anything in our minds that were troubling us and to always return to
the field with the snow.My description of Cidney’s story does not do it
justice by any means, because his tale was far more poetic, and I was
of course, crying by this point and we hadn’t even started the flow; we were still in Tadasana.
Other aspects of the class that I remember, were the ninja-like
“stepping of your feet”, the King/Queen/Warrior references (which I
LOVE), and the feeling that I was about to march into an epic battle.
Cidney has a very strong command-style of teaching that inspires me
to have intense focus on my breath, to bring attention to making
graceful (silent) transitions and to find strength in each posture. I feel
like my practice is at its best during his class.Another part of the class that I thought was amazing, was how he
made sure that you knew you were in a safe space, and that you were
among friends. He did this yesterday by first bringing other instructors
into the conversation. He talked about Ace and his new precious baby
girl, and asked the class to reach up and “tickle her feet” when we had
our arms overhead, he mentioned that “when you take Jessica’s class;
she loves Goddess pose”, or how Alex’s class was the first class he
ever took at Purple. He ties this all in to being friends; first among the
Purple instructors, and then within the class. He made sure everyone
knew that they were strong, they were warriors, that they were safe,
and that they were among friends.Cidney,
Your class is so unique and special. It is incomparable to anything I have ever experienced before. I wish I lived in Long Beach so I could come much more often. Being a warrior on the battle field with you is an honor! Thank you thank you thank you, please continue doing what you do! I need your inspiring, strong, mentality in my life! <3 much love xoxo
Andrea :)I don’t think (actually, I know) I have NEVER experienced yoga like I have with Cidney. I recently joined Purple Yoga with an admitted sadness because I moved and had to leave my favorite yoga studio in Colorado. In my first week, I ended up in Cidney’s class without knowing anything about him.
At first I had no idea what was happening….but now I can honestly say I can feel it changing my life.
The most powerful part of the practice for me is the visualization of the “…snow. Whatever snow may be.” I really do feel like a warrior, and I really do feel like I need to learn to train “my people”, and I really do feel like I’m learning the balance of that craving for power and the need for gentleness and grace.
In my other practice, I would look at the mirror, trying so hard to nail each post. But in this class, I’m looking at MYSELF – and the poses are coming more naturally. I am not focusing on just ‘trying to get it right'; I’m focusing on my own eyes…and the strength I am gaining from that is helping me love myself more.
Cidney’s voice is mesmerizing…and somehow it gets stuck in my head and I can feel his voice becoming my own thoughts:
“This is not selfish. YOU are not selfish.”
“What are you practicing for? For your family? To heal? To recover?”
“The only person you are fighting is standing right on the other side of that mirror.”WOW.
Thank you, Cidney. For helping me navigate this time in my life.
I am so appreciative.-annie
Erin Knieriem
Hi Cidney,
You wanted me to message you if I were to bring someone new with me to one of your AMAZING classes, so.. My sister would like to join in on your class with me tomorrow from 1-2. Hope this is enough notice for you.
THANKS!To say that Cidneys class is amazing is an understatement. Just go! Go to his classes. Cidney manages to create an ineffable space that simply must be experienced. I am blown away! Cidney is truly a gift to the world!
Erin Knieriem
Yes, his classes are beyond amazing ..I’ve been to many. Just making my message short and sweet.
Kayla
My eyes aren’t actually 2 different colors, my contact lens fell out. Lookin a freaky. Thanks for your blue class & giving me extra pointers.
Your red class w Lindsey was literally my first yoga class. Ever.
In my mind I always thought that yoga was boring because I’m a jump-around kinda girl. I’m so glad that you convinced me otherwise! Yes, we have a running team. Our team captain came to your red class also- Diane. It’s a mixed group of (I think) very inspiring people. Would you like to run with us? Our big events are a little ways off, so there’s no pressure. Until next time! See you Friday :)Cidney is a wonderful yoga teacher. I have been doing yoga on and off for ten years, and I have had the benefit of being exposed to many different types of yoga and different teaching styles. If you do yoga because you want a good sweat session, then take his class. If you do yoga because you are looking for a spiritual/meditative/self-reflective experience THEN YOU SHOULD REALLY TAKE HIS CLASS. He cares about his students and that care is reflected in the planning he puts into his classes. He doesn’t just simply show up and teach, but he truly thinks about the pace, the music, the goal, and the challenge (both physically and mentally) he is presenting to students. I am so grateful that I have had to chance to practice in his classes!
Josh P.
Dear Cidney, a BIG SALAMAT (Thank You) for an amazingly powerful, yet restorative class for me this afternoon. An epic leap in my journey through my yoga practice. Hope to take another class with you soon. All the best. Namaste.
Sophia
Cidney’s class is completely different yoga experience. He gives each student the ability to find their own strength, power and self-love while sending them on their own cinematic journey through meditation and asana. The music, his voice, and the imagery you experience are bigger than life yet the inner peace found is delicate and beautiful. This is a class for those that are open to being vulnerable and digging deep within yourself. After class, there is no way that you will not be deeply affected one way or another.
I am extremely excited for the next time I get to take this special class.
Thank you xocidney!!!! Feeling so grateful that I got to two of your classes this week!! Between your powerful classes, your uplifting words of encouragement, the incredible neck adjustment you gave me two weeks ago (which by the way, totally fixed all of the neck problems I’d been having), and your beautiful open spirit – my yoga practice has grown leaps and bounds, both inside and out! Thanks a million!!!!!! Hope Nala gets to enjoy some of the beautiful clouds out today :)
Len Tomei
Cidney,
I must first start off by saying Thank You !
these two words
sound very simple but so many times we forget to use them /
“.just. 2 words..”
I wanted you to know that I came home from my first yoga session “from you. ”
?not sure what I was seeking that afternoon ,but I did take Jourdan Dunaway up on her invite to your class.
that was my first time ever experiencing yoga.
Many hours after..I had made notes on my Facebook page .
what’s Iimportant to say here is I didn’t really know how to describe my experience, nor was It what I was expecting.
So to tell you the story for the first 9 minutes..
I was near the door and pretty much looking for a way out of there/ But… within 1single minute after that.. I stop thinking of the door / I began to listen / I began to become myself in the moment/ I wasn’t trying to keep up with anyone— and so it begins.. a journey into my mind ,as well as my body.
I am no one in this room / I’m just myself.
I am no longer Air Traffic Control /I’m myself.
and maybe /maybe most importantly– doing this was NOT selfish , it was simply letting it go for just 1 hour. .. and again, I am just simply myself….
your words & encouragement have brought me away from thinking “how to get out of that room ” they have at moments literally brought me to tears/ they have at moments allowed me to think outside myself/ and they have at moments- given me trust and faith in something I do not understand to this moment.
“”and Here I am trying to explain this on Facebook””????
I thought people would think I was crazy-/
the response that I received from former coworkers and friends and family– were of happiness ,good wishes & Love.
at one point in my life I was a very serious athlete & football player . I for over 30 years have seved and helped others by taking on a very serious job.
what’s important to note here is that somewhere in that time whether it was being part of a team /or weather was being part of an organization of safety–
“trust me, I didn’t think much about myself”
\*the moral of the story is, I can never get any of those years back, nor do I regret any of them… but somewhere in the course of that and being a grandfather and a father…
I lost something very important.
I put it down somewhere and forgot to pick it up.
and then there it was ,right there in front of me the whole time.
because what was lost was…… myself
Your words of wisdom and kindness thought and meditation //have begun to help me reclaim that/ * that which is truly mine”
you have triggered this journey that I needed to return to but knew not the way back.
” and again I’m trying to put this out on Facebook”– nothing but love is all I received back– and truly all I ever wanted.
so in closing : ” Thank You”
for if I nourish myself and take care of myself
I can Love & Help more .
I find courage in my heart again /strength and compassion in your words.
by simply getting back to center..and being.
Myself.and just a footnote:
Sense taking yoga ,and just starting, I have no longer needed pain medication each day.
“I can’t wait.. for each day now in my future.”
it is truly becoming amazing.
namaste
..Stasea Andres
Cidney’s class is not your average yoga class. It is beautiful, cinematic and engaging. His ability to draw out inner beauty allowed the entire class to engage in a way I have never seen before. I personally lost track of time and space while attending. He is my top favorite yoga instructors. I am looking forward to bringing others to experience the love, joy, strength and compassion that follows him into every studio. Normally you may call classes a ‘yoga class’. However, with Cidney it is truly an adventure.
Cidney,
Continue to share yourself in each class. I strongly believe you are doing something beautiful and admirable. Thank you for allowing me to be a warrior with grace and compassion.Namaste,
StaseaHappy Baby
I’m a baby in yoga and certainly new to Cydney’s mad brilliance. On Christmas Day, Cydney’s class was wild and wonderful with 52 of us sacrificing just a little bit for one another by moving our mats so we could welcome everyone who wanted and needed to be in our community that day. It was open-hearted, imperfectly human and messy like the best things in life are. It wasn’t preachy. It was lived! I loved that we got the opportunity to look out for one another. Somewhere in between dodging my neighbor’s feet I got to practice the benevolent unselfishness (which I later discovered is inherent in Namaste, see below, and I suspect is one of the cultural ethics at the heart of yoga). I felt my practice shift that day. I was ‘on my mat’ more present, more ‘power and touch’ , more human because I was acknowledging the personhood of those around me. I finally saw them, and that’s the deepest salutation. We were in it together and my mat grew to the size of the room… The power and love (that Oneness) snuck up on me, and I was a goner for yoga. Can’t imagine a life without it. So thank you, Cydney and Siri for giving me-us the kind of adversity I-we needed to take my-our practice to another level.
“Not for me,.. but for thee”
Safe journeyWhat I found out about Namaste – (wikipedia) Namaste is derived from Sanskrit and is a combination of two words, “Namaḥ” and “te”. Namaḥ means ‘bow’, ‘obeisance’, ‘reverential salutation’ or ‘adoration'[2] and te means ‘to you’ (dative case of ‘you’). Therefore, Namaste literally means “salutations to you”. ‘Namaskar’ is derived from Sanskrit and is a combination of the two words, “Namaḥ” and “kaar”. As noted above, “Namaḥ” is a salutation. “Kaar” means ‘form’ or ‘shape’ and refers to the phenomenon that the other entity (person) presents. Thus, the older salutation essentially means “I salute [your] form”, which implies an understanding that all beings in this existence are part of the surface phenomenology of Maya and that beyond the surface, so to say, all beings are part of Brahman, or the One ultimate essence that underlies, and is, all. In the same light, ‘Namah’ originates from a benevolent unselfishness or admission (“salutation”) of unity in One essence, and, therefore, ‘Namaste’ can also be interpreted (roughly) as a way of saying “Not-myself to you” (a benevolent expression of both respect and impersonality). Another variation “Not for me,.. but for thee” gives the sense of doing ‘in service’ or ‘in honor’ of the person spoken to…
Anna
Cidney, you were awesome today! I hope you teach more often at the Tustin location in ’14. Thank you SO much for such an amazing experience! Namaste~
Erin Martinelli
My husband and I had the pleasure of taking Cidney’s class for the first time in January 2014 at Purple Yoga in Long Beach. In comparison to the countless yoga classes we have taken over the last 10 years, Cidney’s class was revolutionary and profound. It was a spiritual journey that not only provided us with the physical challenge we seek in yoga, but also touched us emotionally and swept our minds into a cinematic adventure that completely blew us away! We hope to enjoy another one of Cidney’s classes again in the near future!
D.K.
I believe in you. You must make all the right decisions from here forward. If you don’t know the answer just breathe and wait. Your first impulse is probably wrong even though you will try to convince yourself otherwise.
who are you?
Athena Henderson
Cidney!!! I miss your class so much> I always leave feeling inspired and beautiful. Its an amazing experience. I hope all is well.
=DI have taken at least 50 yoga classes (mostly Bikram) in the last year and have never had an experience as amazing as I had today taking Cidney’s class. It was fullfilling and challenging physically, emotionally and mentally. Cidney made every effort to connect with me and the other students. He kept us laughing and built our confidence throughout the class. Cideny’s calming spirit allowed me to hone in and focus on my practice while remembering the importance of maintaining a steady breathe. I am 4 months pregnant, which he immediately acknowledged and made every effort to ensure I was comfortable yet constantly challenging myself. I am so grateful for this experience and cannot wait to be his regular student. Thank you.
I just took your Blind Folds and Blocks workshop and it was AWESOME!!! What a great feeling to go inward with your senses and practice yoga! Well done Cidney!
Dorothyrose
Cidney! Even while going through Yoga Teacher Training at YogaWorks, I found myself coming to Purple to your classes. You create an environment of strength and support that I find amazing and I always find myself pushing for more grace and power in your classes. As a yoga teacher, I hope to be as inspiring as you. Thanks for everything!
I was honored to have my first class with Cidney and it was AMAZING! He brings such passion and energy to the room that one can’t help but be filled with inspiration. He truly understands the mind-body connection ; the experience transcended all my expectations.
Dear CidVicious,
Salamat ! Thank you for being you, I couldn’t say that enough. You were my first teacher at Purple yoga and from the moment you started class to the very end, All i could feel was greatness. I was going through so much and my heart was so broke. You helped amend that in ways i didn’t think possible. You are to thank for the passion i have found in yoga. I admired you from then on and still do in each and every class. I would to come home a brag about you and i recommend that everyone should take your class. You are a very inspiring teacher with such stellar energy. I pity the fool who thinks otherwise :) Don’t stop what you do you’re like music or something the world would be sad without it. You just got a rhythm, a voice, some soul, and a tune in you that nobody could replace. Keep that shit up, Gangsta lol ;)
