What Is Yoga on the Steps®?

In 2001, an idea was conceived by Jennifer Schelter, MFA.  As a Yoga Alliance certified teacher and training facilitator, Jennifer’s dream was to combine her passion for yoga with her professional training in a way that would benefit others.  She realized this through her creation of “Yoga Unites,” a nonprofit organization that promotes and fosters community by providing a forum for people to publicly acknowledge the power everyone possesses to positively transform their world. On Dec. 2, after months of planning, Jennifer organized her first Yoga Unites event to raise awareness for the Anti-Violence Partnership of Philadelphia.  It was held at Chestnut Hill Academy and over 200 people attended, leading the Chestnut Hill Local to write it was “the largest yoga class ever presented in the Delaware Valley.”

The success of that event gave Jennifer a vision.  She would conduct the next Yoga Unites event from Philadelphia’s most iconic location, the steps of the Museum of Art, and it would again benefit a deserving organization.  The centerpiece of the event would use a curriculum she developed that would incorporate meditation, yoga and music to powerfully effect the connection between mind, body, soul and community. 

Through her friend and student Courtney Kapp, Jennifer’s vision became a reality.  Courtney had been diagnosed with breast cancer and wanted to use her home as a place where women could form a support network through the practice yoga.  She asked Jennifer to teach the class and also introduced her to Living Beyond Breast Cancer’s executive director (now chief executive officer) Jean Sachs.  Together, the three women co-founded what is now one of Philadelphia’s best known events: Yoga on the Steps®.

Under Jean’s direction, and now celebrating its 10^th anniversary, Yoga on the Steps has become LBBC’s signature education and fundraising event.  It provides a way for communities to stand in solidarity with women affected by breast cancer - all while experiencing the healing benefits of yoga.  Yoga on the Steps events are now held in Philadelphia, Denver and Washington, DC with plans to continue to introduce the program to additional cities as part of a national expansion initiative. The main feature of Yoga on the Steps is Jennifer’s one-hour yoga class, designed for all skill levels and body types.  Each class also features beautiful Kirtan accompaniment by Yvette Pecoraro and her spirited band of musicians.

Yoga on the Steps | Meet Jennifer

Yoga on the Steps | Meet Yvette

After the class, participants and supporters can enjoy a light breakfast of organic and naturally prepared foods and browse through a Healthy Living Expo featuring health and nutrition experts, event sponsors, yoga and fitness studios, specialty vendors and information about local area nonprofits and service organizations.

Yoga on the Steps educates the community about healthy living and quality-of-life issues while creating awareness and raising funds for LBBC ’s education and outreach programs - which are always provided to women, their families and their caregivers for little or no cost.

After the class, participants and supporters can enjoy a light buffet breakfast as they browse through a Healthy Living Expo featuring event sponsors, yoga & fitness studios, healthful foods, natural products and information about local area nonprofit and service organizations.

Yoga on the Steps | 2012 Event Brochure

Yoga on the Steps | Healthy Living Expo

Where Is Yoga on the Steps?

Yoga on the Steps | Philadelphia

Yoga on the Steps | Denver

Yoga on the Steps | Washington, DC