Studio 70: A Hidden Sanctuary on Victoria Road

Jun 30

Studio 70 is a cosy Southside studio offering yoga, pilates, sound baths and more. For Issue 9 of the magazine, Becki Menzies spoke to co-owners Laura Rice and Michelle Lang

By Becki Menzies

Tucked away at the town end of Victoria Road is Studio 70. It’s a hidden gem, offering a warm and welcoming space to relax, reflect and connect with yourself.

Co-owned by Laura Rice and Michelle Lang, Studio 70 opened its doors in 2016 when the pair, who had been working as independent yoga teachers in community venues, found a permanent space.

The studio came about because they were finding that working out of community spaces could be unreliable. Instead, Laura says, the pair: “wanted a space that was just ours for yoga… that we could kit out exactly as we wanted”.

They took over what used to be the Yamaha Music Studio, and with a lot of work, have created a beautiful, welcoming environment. Laura describes starting the studio as “a really amazing experience”. They already had students from their independent classes but once the studio opened, “it just kind of really took off and I think people liked it”.

Since opening the studio has morphed from two teachers to a full team offering different kinds of yoga, pilates, somatic therapy. retreats and other therapies. In the six years it has been running, Laura and Michelle have both become mums, and with a supportive team around them have been able to balance the studio and family life.

Despite having to move things online during the pandemic and not knowing if people would want to return to the studio, Studio 70 is busier than ever, with classes now offered in person and online. You can also join them throughout the year on day retreats out of the city.

Most recently, they have set up ‘Nourish Circle’, a space open to anyone who identifies as a woman or is non-binary and feels comfortable in a space centred around the experience of women. Speaking about the benefits it offers, Laura says: “It’s a monthly community get-together where you’ll have the opportunity to slow down, to breathe, to let go, to trust, and to be. Each one of us deserves to be heard, held and to rest deeply”.