The Yoga Studio Where You Come To Breathe

To cure a 5 a.m. wake-up, there was no better balm than an 8 a.m. slow yoga class with Nina Embiricos at Riga Yoga.

The hour-long session centers around what Embiricos calls “a precise framework.” Meaning attention to anatomy, spacial and bodily awareness, and a willingness to provide gentle correction to form to ensure no one injures themselves. The studio space itself is well-balanced and well-appointed, and gets beautiful morning light — so it is the perfect environment to get limber and energized before a long day of work.

Located in Salisbury, Conn., Embiricos opened Riga Yoga to the public in December of 2022—and though the business is in its beginning stages, Riga is already holding classes every day of the week. Ranging from prenatal yoga, to more standard Vinyasa, and into trauma-informed practices — Embiricos has set out to provide a space that is both welcoming to newcomers and in which more seasoned yogis would find opportunities to learn and grow.

“It’s a place for people to learn techniques. Whether you’re new to yoga or you’re experienced, you can come and refine your technique.

“But I also wanted Riga to be something more holistic than a fitness studio. I wanted it to include the breath and the mind. Where people could get peace for a little bit! We’re in a fight or flight mode all day long, responding to emails, and working. I wanted Riga to be a place where you can come for an hour, unplug, and be with yourself.”

It was clear to see that Embiricos is deeply thrilled to be a yoga instructor and excited to provide a space where yoga instructors and casual practitioners alike can find community. Having grown up in France and moved to New York City in her 20s, finding a regular yoga practice was revolutionary to Embiricos, and also involved a degree of trial and error.

“As someone who was really anxious in my head, it was a way to disconnect from those feeling and get centered and calm. To find a space within myself that felt safe and happy… And I was like, wow, this is life-changing!

“So what I wanted to do was offer a yoga practice to people that they can sustain. That just feels like it’s a longevity practice, that’s sustainable and joyful, and brings them centering and health in the long term. Where you can come, and then go back to your life, and there are no frills. That’s what I wanted for myself when I was a student and couldn’t find, and I’m hoping to offer that to people.”

The opening of Riga Yoga was preceded by years of hopping between studios and teaching extensively throughout the Tri-State area. Exiting that period of movement, and laying down roots in Salisbury was a simultaneously difficult, and clarifying experience for Embiricos — from which the positives have already begun to arrive in droves.

“The community here has been amazing. I opened the studio and they came, they showed up… That’s what I’m most proud of — the community we have managed to build in such a short time. I see the same faces every week, if not every day, and a lot of them tell me about the heightened sense of well-being they experience after taking a class. That makes it all worthwhile.”

Embiricos is committed to expanding Riga Yoga’s offerings as she builds the business, and emphasized the importance she places on bringing experienced, and curious instructors into the fold. Riga currently houses roughly four teachers that specialize in different yogic approaches, including Vinyasa, Hatha, Katonah, prenatal, and trauma-informed practices.

“That’s an amazing thing, right? I’m the owner and I get to learn from the people who come through the doors. Personality-wise, they’re amazing people. And then they have really clear teachings to offer. And they’re curious. We all come to each other’s classes, and we all learn from each other… I think the community is going to be so happy to have them.”

 

For more information on classes at Riga Yoga go to www.rigayoga.com.

Photo courtesy of Riga Yoga

Photo By Elias Sorich

Photo courtesy of Riga Yoga

Latest News

Amenia board honors employees for service

Long-term town employees were recognized at the Town Board meeting on Thursday, June 12. Honorees pictured with Town Supervisor Leo Blackman, were Judy Carlson, Office Manager at the Town Garage, center, for her 35 years of service to the town and Megan Chamberlin, current Highway Superintendent, for 20 years.

Leila Hawken

AMENIA — Acknowledging the many years of service accumulated by town employees, the Town Board paused to honor that service at its meeting on Thursday, June 12.

“Thank you for making a difference,” said Town Supervisor Leo Blackman in recognizing Judy Carlson, Office Manager at the town garage, for her 35 years of service.

Keep ReadingShow less
Historic marker dedicated at Amenia Union Cemetery

In anticipation of the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the start of the American Revolution in 2026, new historic markers are appearing at each of the local cemeteries where Revolutionary War veterans are buried. Unveiling the new marker at Amenia Union Cemetery on Saturday, June 21, were left to right, Town Historian Betsy Strauss, Jim Middlebrook representing the regional chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution, and Gail Seymour, President of the Union Cemetery Association.

Photo by Leila Hawken

AMENIA — One by one, new historic markers are appearing at local cemeteries where Revolutionary War dead are buried. On Saturday, June 21, community members gathered to see a new marker unveiled at Amenia Union Cemetery on Leedsville Road.

A tent provided welcome shade for the attendees and refreshments as about 30 residents gathered for the unveiling and to share stories of local history with one another.

Keep ReadingShow less
Millbrook Historical Society announces summer Quaker lecture series

The Nine Partners Road Quaker Meetinghouse, built in 1780, will be the site of two summer lectures sponsored by the Millbrook Historical Society.

Photo by Leila Hawken

MILLBROOK — Long in the planning, the Millbrook Historical Society has announced that it is sponsoring two lectures in observance of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. Both lectures relating to Quaker history are to be held in the historic Quaker Meeting House on Nine Partners Road.

For the first talk, scheduled for Sunday, June 29, at 2 p.m., the historical society has invited Sarah Gronningsater, Professor of History at the University of Pennsylvania, to talk on “Quakers, Anti-slavery, and the American Revolution.” The topic will explore the role that New York’s Quakers, especially in the Hudson Valley, played in the rise of the anti-slavery movement that followed the American Revolution.

Keep ReadingShow less
Millerton voter turnout declines after 2023 peak

Downtown Millerton

Photo by Aly Morrissey

MILLERTON — Voter turnout in the Village of Millerton dropped sharply in 2025, with just 58 ballots cast in this year’s village election — less than a third of the record turnout seen just two years earlier.

The election on June 17 marked a stark contrast to 2023, when signs littered the intersection of Route 22 and Route 44 and 208 voters headed to the polls to decide a competitive mayoral race between incumbent Jenn Najdek and challenger Kelly Kilmer. That year also featured two contested trustee positions and generated the highest turnout in at least five years.

Keep ReadingShow less