About…
NORWICH YOGA
“Yoga didn’t just change my life; it gave it back to me.”
If you’d met me years ago, you might not have recognized the person standing before you today. My journey to the mat wasn’t paved with organic juices and perfect flexibility—it was paved with grit, recovery, and a fair amount of stubbornness.
For a long time, I lived in the heavy shadows of anxiety and depression. To make matters more “interesting,” life decided to throw a series of motorcycle accidents my way that left my body, quite frankly, smashed to pieces. I was broken in more ways than one, disconnected from my mind and physically limited by my injuries.
The Turning Point
Yoga became my lifeline. It wasn’t an overnight miracle, but through the practice, the “clunks” in my body began to heal, and the noise in my head began to quieten down. I realised that yoga isn’t about being “bendy” or looking a certain way; it’s about the profound work of wringing out your emotions and finding the gold when the nickel is raining down.
In 2019, I reached a crossroads, I stood at a point where I had nothing left to lose and everything to give. I decided to take every resource I had and bet on the one thing that had saved me, so I founded Norwich Yoga Central because I wanted to create a “no-frills,” loving space in the city I’ve called home since I was eleven. I wanted a sanctuary where people could come exactly as they are—broken, tired, joyful, or curious—and find their own path to healing.
Whether we’re chanting together, moving through a stronger flow, or Whether we’re chanting together, moving through a stronger flow, or starting right from the basics, my goal is simple: to help you leave your daily stress at the door and reconnect with yourself. We aren’t just practicing physical poses here; we’re building a welcoming community of people who are brave enough to show up and take time for themselves.
Whether we’re starting right from the basics, moving through a stronger flow, or chanting together, my goal is simple, to help you leave your daily stress at the door and reconnect with yourself. We aren’t just practicing physical poses here; we’re building a welcoming community of people who just want to show up and take time for themselves.
I’m so glad you’re here. Let’s get to work.
Lots of love, Tess x
TESS BICKERSTAFF
Tess, the energy behind Norwich Yoga Central, an international retreat leader, and a Yoga Alliance Registered Teacher (500+ hours), with over ten years of experience living, practising, and teaching yoga.
She’s trained with renowned teachers and Gurus—including Dylan Werner and Eion Finn—blending their wisdom with her own spark to create classes that are deep, playful, and profoundly heartfelt. Her rich studies have shaped a dynamic, soulful Vinyasa style. Expect the unexpected—she teaches intuitively, guided by the energy of the moment. Tess’s superpowers? Soothing presence and Dharma talks that land.
BARLEY GREEN
Barley is our 80s ray of Fame sunshine, she is a trained dancer but, she is a GREAT Yoga teacher!!!! This energetic soul will soothe you with her softness, inspire you with her strength and wrap you up in her incredibly beautiful energy, which once you are in, you can’t leave. She teaches our traditional Hatha class on a Thursday at 6pm as well as covering other classes, she is a wealth of knowledge, ask her anything about Yoga, from philosophy to asana, she knows it all, a truly wondrous being, and we are very lucky to have her.
JESSICA
I went to an adult education yoga class with my mum when I was 19, and something just clicked. I became a regular practitioner, but it was my second teacher who truly nurtured the seeds that had been sown, taking my practice to a whole new level.
I am now 46, and yoga has been a constant support through both the good and the tough times.
Now, I am so excited to give back to others and share a practice that I know firsthand to be incredibly powerful.
DELIA
Yoga has been part of my life for over 20 years, a quiet companion and a constant returning home. Last year, I honoured a long-held dream by completing my 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training right here at NYC. I never actually set out to teach, but the joy of sharing this practice with others crept up on me and changed everything. I truly love the community aspect of teaching, so you are just as likely to see me practicing beside you as you are leading the class.
TANYA
I have a background in education and was brought up by parents who had a deep interest in Eastern philosophy and yoga. About 14 years ago, during a period of ill health, I found myself drawn back to yoga. I became fascinated by the connection between mental and physical wellbeing. The physical practice and the wider philosophy of yoga have guided and supported me through some very difficult times, and I would love nothing more than to share that strength and resilience with others.
JODIE
My interest in yoga, meditation, and mindfulness began during my pregnancy with my second daughter, sparking a lifelong interest in yoga and overall wellbeing. While I enjoy exploring many styles of yoga, my teacher training is in Hatha Yoga, which I truly see as the foundation of all asana practice.
In my classes, my main goal is to create a warm, welcoming space where everyone feels completely comfortable and at ease.
SEAN
I didn’t come to yoga through fitness, I came through recovery.
After years of addiction, feeling disconnected from my body, and searching for the meaning through punk rock rebellion, I found meditation. Buddhist practices heled me step away from destructive coping mechanisms and develop a healthier relationship with my mind. Wanting to sit longer in meditation led me to yoga.
What began as a way to support my spiritual practice became a path of transformation. Through yoga, retreats, study and pilgrimage, I discovered a deeper connection to myself and the world around me.
Today I teach yoga as a practical tool for strength, presence and self discovery. My classes are grounded in the belief that growth doesn’t require perfection, just the willingness to show up and begin.
FAQ’s
Do you have parking?
We don’t have a car park. But there is on street parking nearby, or various car parks nearby. Just check the signs and payments before you leave your car.
Do I need to bring my own mat?
If you have your own mat please do bring it, it’s always nicer to practise on your own mat, however we have a few if you have forgotten.
Are your classes suitable for beginners?
We have a huge range of classes on our schedule, some are suited to beginners more than others, so it’s worth giving the class descriptions a read.
We have quarterly Beginners Yoga Workshops too, so head to our Workshops page to see when our next one is running.
However do drop us an email and we’ll be happy to point you in the right direction.
Studio Etiquette – What do I need to know before arriving?
Please arrive early, there are NO late entries, the doors open 15 minutes before a class and will close promptly on class start time. Please have hushed voices once in the Studio (Shala)
What shall I wear?
Comfy clothes you can move around in/ aren’t too restrictive. Perhaps layers in the winter months so you have the option to layer up again for the end of class.
What do I need to bring?
A water bottle, is likely the only thing you’ll need. If you have a mat, feel free to bring it with you. But we do have some you can borrow.
Is there somewhere I can leave my belongings?
We ask that you take your shoes off in the entry hall (no shoes in the studio please).
Then we have a cloak room for your bags and coats opposite the studio.
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