A MotherSister Minute: Move With Grace Studio
Grace Tappin projects a serenity that serves as a walking advertisement for her studio, Move With Grace, which offers a full menu of yoga (hatha, vinyasa, and kundalini), dance, and fitness classes. Tappin, a Brooklyn native and a dancer who studied with the Joffrey Ballet, began her yoga practice while attending Cornell University; opening a multipurpose studio with a comfortable community feel seemed to be a natural step. Pratt and St. Joe’s students particularly love the late-night sessions, but regular patrons from as far as New Jersey are also clearly drawn to the studio’s energy. “That’s the great thing about a dance studio,” Grace says. “People will travel far if they really love the classes.” Kum Kau’s foot traffic has also helped boost its profile among residents of nearby areas. The studio is a genuine labor of love that “doesn’t feel like work at all,” she says. “I’ve met so many interesting people in the neighborhood.” Grace continues to help out at her sister’s shop, which is where I caught up with her for a MotherSister Minute.
OPENED: January 8.
WHY FORT GREENE/CLINTON HILL: My sister has been in the neighborhood for over 3 years. It’s very diverse, and there’s a lot of growth here. I saw the opportunity to be part of that.
MOST POPULAR CLASS: Belly dancing. We have mother-daughter combos coming in.
MIKE’S COFFEE SHOP OR PRATT COFFEE SHOP: I usually go to John’s, on the corner of Hall [and Myrtle]. But of those two, I prefer Pratt.
ADVICE OR TIPS ABOUT THE NEIGHBORHOOD: Look out for all the improvements thanks to MARP. Myrtle Avenue will be a beautiful place — aside from the large buildings that upset some people [laughs].
Move With Grace Studio is at 469 Myrtle Avenue between Washington Avenue and Hall Street (718/230-0013). Check the website for the class schedule.