You need to "let go" of expectations when you enter a space like Shen Tao. I have been a body worker/ massage & energy worker, Yogi/ yoga & Pilates instructor for 25 +years. I "get" what the owner William is guiding the participants through, it's to create an inner dialogue & a somatic release to learn listening & communication skills with our own bodies, soft & hard tissues & cells. This is VERY deep work! It's not a "workout" It's a work in progress on subtle levels, meditative, poetic & beautiful. The owner has done & continues to learn, shape & mold & flow all of his professionally taught, self taught & life experiences into an art form of inner self awareness for his students benefit. Yes, it is a bit "off beat" but I loved that part of it too! I'm an artist so I'm off beat! It's all part of the journey. Either you "get it" or you don't. The "getting it" is an ever never ending journey. I think the negative bizarre reviews are from very "unaware & unopened Groupon groupies who just want a bargain & seriously have no clue of what the unfolding & breaking down of perception & lifetime of work of art they are participating in. If you are up for an amazing experience of being in your body & meditating deep within the layers your mind will be blown by the beauty of the experience. If you are open minded & body aware you will benefit from the experience. read more

I wasn't a dancer, or a yoga aficionado, or even an athlete, and I would have hesitated that this was the right fit for me. But like another reviewer so eloquently said, if you have a body, it is. I had a terrible pain in my left side from my armpit, deep in my diaphragm, down into my abdomen and into my pelvis into my left leg. It was excruciating. I went to doctors, who sent me through medical tests after medical tests. Months went by and nothing came back conclusive. I was miserable. I couldn't eat. I could barely move and the pain was relentless. Out of sheer frustration, I turned to Eastern methods of healing - acupuncture, Chinese herbs and yoga. I wish I had done so earlier. I had met Emily at the beginning of all this medical fiasco, and she asked me to come to the Shen Tao Studio then. As we all know, I unfortunately opted for Western intelligence, but I eventually landed in the Shen Tao Studio one afternoon. Emily was attentive and agile as she moved around my body listening with her fingers like a stethoscope for muscles that were twisted and strained. And as she moved, I too began to listen to my body. It was remarkable. My stomach started to loudly digest and felt warmth releasing from relaxed muscles. It was a healing experience that I cannot stop talking about. I really do believe you have to try it yourself. The results are powerful. read more

TL;DR: this was fucking weird. Sometimes weird can be a good thing, even a great thing, but this was not the good kind of weird. The Shen Tao Studio experience can be best summarized as a cross between the hallway scene from The Shining and Fifty Shades of Grey. Please, allow me to explain. The whole thing started out with a spontaneous Groupon purchase. After browsing the website, which featured a number of ultra-slim, ultra-flexible athletic types in highly unattainable poses, my friend and I decided to go out on a limb and sign up for the Movement class. The registration page had a place to put in a code but generated an error message when we tried ours. Over the phone someone (rather rudely) told us to ignore the Groupon code and enter our credit card info anyway. Hmm. We show up at 303 and find a residential building with no signage whatsoever. We dial the corresponding number on the directory. No answer. We call the studio and they tell us to punch in a completely different number. Finally, we're in! Except there's yet another set of doors. It's like playing Wolfenstein. After a bit of head scratching and navigating through what looks like a maze of grey hallways we find the "sanctuary". The "sanctuary" is a dimly lit, outsize apartment with a number of odd looking bondage-like instruments. Sitting in a circle like a bunch of spirit conjurers in the middle of a seance are 6, 7 other girls and the instructor, who can only be described as "out of this world". I like to keep an open mind, so I take my place within the Magic Circle in spite of all the wtfs in my head. We do a series of haphazard stretches while the instructor yells out random commands--"Shake your head! Wiggle your toes! Jiggle your jaw!" (How does one jiggle one's jaw, exactly??) This is different from the other kinds of pilates/yoga/conditioning I've done. But still, I love whacky new stuff and this deserves a shot. But then it gets REALLY weird. The instructor starts saying things that sound like they're from some New-Age Bullshit Generator. He repeatedly asks everyone to "sit into yourself" and "find your inner mammal" and "do whatever feels yummy". I found myself taking mental notes of these one-liners to share with my boyfriend later on. It was really bizarre. I had to stifle a snort or two. In all fairness, this whole suite of techniques and apparatuses does have a certain creativity to it. It just doesn't quite work. The instructor says a lot throughout, but I don't think he clearly communicates the right methodology (breathing, alignment, etc) or the purpose of each movement. He takes a one-size-fits-all approach to using the apparatuses, which can result in some discomfort as everyone is shaped differently. I can see someone enjoying this, but you'd really have to subscribe to the whole "channel your inner chakra unleash your mammalian beast" thing. Or if you don't want to break a sweat during your workout. If that's your thing, then Shen Tao studio may be just the place for you. read more

Never tell your clients that they are about to die (to this day I am still alive 2 months after this unreasonable diagnose!). Note: I am a relatively young person with some health issues that are however not deadly) It doesn't attract them at all to your business neither is it appropriate nor productive rather offensive and negative. Keep your (unasked) thoughts to yourself and be a healer rather than a negative influence. There are sensitive people out there that can't handle such negativity! The massage however as well as the trampoline yoga class were awesome the after effect of such a useless conversation terrible. read more

To say that Shen Tao Studio is an exercise regimen, a flexibility class, or a dance/yoga/pilates/gyrotonics mash-up is to entirely miss out on what makes William's studio so utterly unique and exceptional. For one thing, the classes aren't formally structured--they're custom-tailored to the needs you present at the beginning of a class. They're also as much about your brain as they are your body. Working on exceptionally hand-crafted equipment that has been custom-built specifically for these classes, you'll work on opening, strengthening, coordinating--virtually anything that has to do with moving the body with more grace, ease and precision. In addition to group classes, Shen Tao offers personal training, massage/body-work sessions (which have single-handedly saved my trapeze career!) and hands-on regimens that you can bring back to the comfort of your oh-so-tiny NY apartment. Shen Tao, I have found, is a studio that exists solely to help people self-actualize. If you are a dancer/aerialist/acrobat/gymnast, Shen Tao simply helps you do what you do better. After decades as a professional dancer and a lifetime of related studies, William is able to approach any problems or pain with the wisdom of a guru--and I use that term with hesitation knowing how loaded it is--but seriously, if you are going to climb up a mountain looking for something, climb up William's mountain. I simply can't recommend Shen Tao highly enough. read more

4/18/10 I am not an actor, dancer, or aerialist...used to be a figure skater, but that was years ago. It had been 10 years since I had worked with Bill. Now I am 51 and had a stroke last year from a head/neck injury. I cannot bend or stretch into the beautiful positions that you see in the Shen Tao photos....at least not yet! Working with Bill in his body work sessions now is the greatest experience. He seems to know exactly how much I can do each day, and he pushes it a little further each time. His style is quiet and soothing. He works, and relaxes, the brain and the body thoroughly...and it doesn't hurt the day after! I can't wait to take his classes. I feel like Bill is escorting me down the path to wellness. You don't have to be a professional dancer to appreciate Bill's skills and equipment...he is wonderful. read more

The trampoline yoga taught by Yasmine was fun. However, it was a terrible experience (actually two) that I encountered with the owner/instructor of the studio. No sure if he is lack of interpersonal skills or is in his mid-life crisis or just simply has the "artist" temper; his reaction to just basic questions was terribly awkward & could bring out his anger up to the roof. I wonder why he didn't apply his preaching to himself...that part really made me laugh and felt bad for him. I can forgive his artist temper, but seriously, DUDE, you can't do business with your badass attitude like that. PERIOD! read more

There are alot of up and down reviews for this, but let me assure you - Shen Tao is worth a try. Unfortunately, because of the experimental nature of this practice, it can take people by surprise. I read all reviews on here (good and bad), and decided to focus on the positive reviews. I was having some pain that was not being treated by other forms of yoga and physical therapy. I figured it didn't hurt to atleast TRY Shen Tao, after all, I had tried everything else and nothing worked I am SO GLAD I did. Shen Tao provided a completely unique treatment, and unique anything else, it worked for me. I highly, highly recommend you just simply try this place out and listen to the good reviews on here (like mine) instead of the bad. read more

I booked a room for a session and received verbal and written confirmation with a day and time. Upon arriving at the designated time, no answer from the doorbell, the phone or from text/email. Very unprofessional with no sense of customer service. Stay away from this studio. read more

After my first class with Bill, he told me he could give me back something I didn't know I had. I didn't know what he was talking about, but he was right. Don't think too much about what Shen Tao might be or whether it's for you; if you have a body, it is. Bill uses his prodigious insight and intuition to show you how to tap your own body's intelligence; the results are healing and eye-opening, and ultimately indescribable. You'll just have to go and experience it for yourself! read more

So.. As you probably might have guessed so far - this place isn't for everyone. If you are expecting a normal workout with a regular instructor in a regular studio - this is not your place. BUT if you are looking for a NYC experience where you will leave transformed - Shen tao is your gem. I came for 3 classes from a Groupon deal. I came to 3 very different classes. My trampoline yoga experience was fun and it gave me a good workout - yes, the male instructor Bill is funny, has an edgy sense of humour and his own unique style. You will either love it or hate it (obviously, looking at the other comments). But he is amazing because he is real - you wouldn't see many of these people around New York. My movement lab class experience was a completely different story. It went very deep. It is an emotional, somatic experience that goes beyond any class I have ever done. Movement lab is about body work and moving emotions through your body so you can release them. Your muscles remember everything that has ever happened to you and this class really helped me move though and past them. All of this I learned in these movement lab classes. I had one with Bill and one with the sweet, female instructor Yasmine. She was amazing, very careful and attending. Both of them took very careful and personable approach to our class together. Honestly, this place changed my life and I really needed to share that with the rest of you. For some this might sound too weird, or too much out there but then that means this place is just not for you. But if you are into personal growth and working on yourself, then you'd love it :) read more

Bought a deal for this studio a few months ago, have yet to use the rest of my passes. The teacher has a very particular personality that is either going to jive with you...or not. The whole thing is pretty new-agey. He talked a lot about finding our inner mammal while we were doing swinging exercises on personal trampolines. I think some people would really enjoy this experience. However, I just wanted to stretch and not listen to some dude preach his mantra. So it wasn't for me. read more

I used to be a dancer for 13 years and then stopped for about 6 years, became weak & lazy;))) This place is a definite go for people who are not into crazy boot-camp, running around breathless or not being able to finish the exercise because you are not appropriate level. It's all about feeling good and listening to your body. Instructors - Bill and Emily are fantastic, very respectful, very helpful and spiritual. The studio is very small which gives you an opportunity to be heard, helped and supported. It definitely builds a personal relationship with the studio which i love. read more

NO! No....... This was a very scarring experience. My class was terrifying and the girl who wrote the review relating it to 50 shades hit the nail on the head... I strongly suggest for your mental wellbeing that you do not attend. This was one of the scariest, creepiest, experiences of my life and I literally ran out of the studio. Do not buy the living social even if its a good deal. Not worth it. read more

I consistently went to Shen Tao Studio for a little over a year before I left NYC. It changed my body, my mind, and my relationship with movement, bodywork, training, dancing... and even walking, standing, and sitting! I am so so grateful, so so often for my time at the studio and wish there was something comparable on the west coast! Thank you, Bill! read more

This is my first review in Yelp, but I felt that I have to write something for Shen Tao Studio. Thank you Bill! I found this place through a Groupon offer, and I bought it because it was close to my office, but since then I am addicted. It's a combination of yoga, pilates, dance, movement. You exercise your whole body having so much fun. It's all about being spontaneous and play in this class. After an hour you almost feel disconnected from all your problems and negative thoughts. I strongly suggest this place to everyone. The class is never the same, the first 5 minutes you talk about yourself, how do you feel and what do want to work on at the class, so Bill adjust it and customize it for you. The classes are not expensive at all and you have a personal trainer. Such a great experience, you go back to basics, you start feel your body again, you relax, you exercise. read more

AMAZING!!!! This space is the best sanctuary for movement in all in NYC. After a car accident I had weekly appointments to get my back and neck back on track. They worked wonders with my recovery, muscle strength and postural alignment. They have super fun "bouncing" trampoline classes. The apparatus are spectacular and easy to use after a quick into. Bill is absolutely wonderful. If you enjoy yoga, Pilates, gyrotonic, ballet, dance, stretching or any kind of movement. read more

I've know Bill Hedburg for close to 20 years and he is one of the most gifted healers I have ever met. His knowledge of movement, body mechanics, tools and techniques if leading edge in the heath, wellness and fitness industry. NYC is VERY lucky Bill chose it as the place for him to practice and share his in depth knowledge. read more

I am an avid yogi and professional dancer. I had purchased a livingsocial deal for this studio and sadly had to encounter a very complicated and labyrinth like process in order to just book a class. I had to go through a booking system that was not clear and neither user friendly and when i contacted the management for some help i received a rather hostile, aggressive and frustrated response from a certain William Hedberg. I felt agitated just by his inappropriate emails so i assumed just how out of place i would have felt from participating in any of their classes. I opted for letting go of my investment and not going to any classes for the sake of keeping my inner peace in tact and not allowing it to be violated any further by someone who apparently does not have any social skills and seems to be all up in his trampolines and exercise balls. if i wanted to meet a preacher or obsessive sect i would not go to a tao class. So sad how many scams there are in NYC, just like this studio, making a profit of Eastern beliefs. What a shame. read more

I can't actually speak about the school or service but only as a person attempting to rent the space for treatment. I called unaware that I would reach a cellphone rather than a landline at an office. Apparently he was traveling on the metronorth and thus there was a large amount of background noise and I was having trouble hearing him throughout the conversation. I wasn't sure how he could book me if he was on a train. As I was just hoping to call and book one of his treatment rooms. I really didn't need a lot of information. When I told him that I wanted to book one of his rooms, he seemed irritated and informed me that he had A room not roomS (emphasis included). I responded that I'd want to rent that room (the apparently single treatment room). He then said ok, "what questions do you have?" which TBH threw me a bit since it seemed like he wanted questions and I just wanted to go to straight booking. I asked one and he answered and also stated that all information is on the website (I was on the website while I was speaking with him and couldn't find what he was talking about even when I asked him to walk me there) like he preferred I get my information there rather than ask. At one point there was a lot of background noise while he was talking (I wasn't sure why he was telling me all of what he said) and I asked him to repeat himself because of that and he just told me there isn't anything he could do about that in a rude way. I repeatedly tried to redirect the conversation to just booking the room but I kept pausing because of noise he'd start giving me a lot of information that had nothing to do with what I was asking and then accused me of being nonspecific. He made a comment that referred to my, in his opinion, inability to communicate well.. In general his tone was pretty aggravated from the beginning and I am completely confused as to why. The entire conversation was odd. Typically if I book rooms (treatment or otherwise) the conversation is, "Hi! I'd like to book a room", "Great, when would you like to book" "X day and time, what would the rate be?' "x-dollars" " Great, I'll take it" "Thank you, I have you down and Ill email you a confirmation" then we exchange details. This was just so weird and along with his rude tone he was getting increasingly condescending so I told him I changed my mind. He responded with "yes I think that's best". . . . I'm honestly more puzzled than offended as I always try to be friendly to those in customer service and have no clue what would possess someone to speak to a new potential client like that. Particularly if you are the owner. I agree with some of the other reviews that he appears to anger easily and is bad with interpersonal interaction. read more

Let me start by saying the owner of the place was very nice, and the other classes here are probably much better than my particular experience. The studio was also clean and had a good ambiance, which I always appreciate. I took the tramboline yoga class, and that, I feel was not so great. The wide circling motions we made with our bodies sitting on the trampoline eventually got me nauseaus (I'm not much of a boat person). I enjoy trying new types of activities and classes, but unfortunately, this one did not hit the right spot. read more

This is a very interesting place. It is Bill's studio/home and the energy there is just wonderful. He has handcrafted all of his machines and each one is tailored to give you maximum benefits. From stretching to swinging to shaking it all out, I received the benefits of a great workout. The class was a combination lf yoga, pilates and dance. Unfortunately, Bill said it was just a warm up. If that was just a warm up I will not be able to take the real workout. At least not yet. I also found this on groupon and I got a two for one deal. I will definitely be coming back for my second class and also some follow ups to help me gain more strength and energy in my body. Tips: You need to register online before coming to the class. Also, Bill is very sweet but kind of quirky, so please be open to awkward but not necessarily harmful humor. He can read you very well so if you're not into someone opening you up physically and emotionally, do not attend his practice. Anyway have fun! read more

shen tao is an amazing place; and bill is truly one-of-a-kind. i found shen tao through a dear friend - i'm not a dancer. mostly a 9-5 worker and the occasional pilates teacher. ive taken classes, a workshop, and have also had bodywork done. it's ALL fantastic and the bodywork is beyond exceptional. i joined yelp to create this review - that's how important i feel it is to get the word out (but not too out of course!) about shen tao. ;) if you get the chance, do yourself a favor - take it and go there for any service! read more