About Manchester and District Iyengar Yoga (MDIY)
MDIY is the oldest and one of the largest Iyengar yoga organisations in the UK. We provide a wide range of opportunities for students to practise and develop their understanding of yoga and we are committed to spreading an awareness of the benefits of Iyengar yoga to as many people as possible. The organisation is managed on behalf of its members by an elected committee of teacher and student members and all members are eligible to stand for election. We rely on and encourage the involvement of volunteer members in all of our activities. We are proud to be part of the UK and world-wide Iyengar yoga organisation which has similar organisations and centres in many countries of the world.
We are run as a mutual, membership organisation. Any surplus funds made from our yoga activities are re-invested in the maintenance and development of our building, the purchase and replacement of equipment and the day-to-day operations of MDIY.
We run over 30 classes a week, for all levels and abilities, in three beautiful, fully-equipped studios. In addition, we are a teacher training and assessment centre and hold regular, monthly workshops and events run by local, national and international teachers.
Our Building
Our centre is a large, impressive Victorian/Edwardian building constructed in 1904 and once used as a National Health clinic. We are immensely proud of our building and of the very substantial amount of work that has been done to convert it into a warm, welcoming and well-equipped centre for yoga practice and study. Over the years, we have made many changes and we have an on-going programme of maintenance and development.
There are 3 yoga studios, all of which have been fully refurbished and equipped with everything needed for members to enjoy their yoga practice in comfort. Maslen Hall on the first floor is large enough to take about 60 students; it is used for regular classes and our special yoga events. On the ground floor there is one medium sized studio, Booth Hall, and one smaller studio, Reed Studio, that are used for regular and specialist classes. The changing areas, toilets and kitchens are modern, and there are separate equipment storage rooms and a medium-sized library cum relaxation space. The general effect is light, airy and calm – the perfect environment in which to practise yoga.
Our Heritage
MDIY was established in 1972 and has been running classes in and around Manchester for over 40 years. Our Institute building, acquired in 1992, is one of the largest and best-equipped centres for the practice and study of Iyengar yoga in the UK.
The organisation came about through the dedication of a group of Manchester-based yoga enthusiasts who, over forty years ago, saw the potential of the Iyengar method and thus formed the MDIY. These early pioneers included Jeanne Maslen, Tricia Booth and Pen Reed who, along with many other supporters and volunteers and our president, Yogacharya Sri B.K.S. Iyengar himself, built the organisation and our centre into what it is today. We have three beautiful, fully-equipped studios, named in honour of Jeanne Maslen (Maslen Hall), Tricia Booth (Booth Hall) and Pen Reed (Reed Studio) to show our appreciation of their inspiration, commitment and hard work on behalf of MDIY over many years.
Our Aims
As a mutual, membership organisation, our aim is to promote the understanding and practice of Iyengar Yoga. A system of yoga intended to develop and regulate the physical, mental and spiritual capacity of the individual. We aim to achieve this by
- providing a well-equipped, well-maintained and welcoming environment for the practice and study of Iyengar Yoga;
- encouraging individuals, regardless of age, ability, gender, sexual orientation, ethnic origin or religion to join the MDIIY as members and to attend classes;
- giving members access to a system of approved and certified methods of mentoring and development;
- giving members access to a programme of workshops and events;
- being a responsible member of the local community by fostering good relations with those in our immediate vicinity and across the wider region, with a view to promoting the study of Iyengar Yoga;
- liaising and fostering good relations with local, regional, national and international yoga communities;
- publishing written materials designed to stimulate interest in the Iyengar Yoga system;
- encouraging a study of the fundamental principles underlying the Iyengar Yoga system;
- encouraging social activities among members and friends of MDIY.
