We always find something wonderful when we get on the mat: a renewed sense of self, a brilliant idea, a fresh perspective with which we can look at the world. Now-famous yogis Briohny Smyth and Dice Iida-Klein found each other.
Two viral videos and countless classes, workshops, and retreats later, they’re now one of the most well-known dynamic duos in the yoga world – not just for their acro-yoga skills that almost broke the internet, but for their uplifting attitudes and positive outlooks on “the practice.”
It’s only natural that they’ve now joined forces to form Bryce Yoga. Rooted in Vinyasa flow with a focus on movement, breathing meditations, and inversions, Bryce Yoga’s mission is to help yogis find a deeper, richer practice moment by moment. And the fact that they’re doing it side by side? So sweet.
We’ve loved this couple for years – even more now that they’ve officially teamed up to take their reach even farther. Their most recent project? Partnering with some of the yoga world’s top teachers to create IG Getaway, a week-long experience devoted to yoga, healthy living, and the power of community (all amidst a gorgeous, peaceful, and – you guessed it – Instagram-worthy setting. Catch their classes – both in Los Angeles and worldwide – sign up for a retreat or training, and get to know yoga’s most captivating power couple:
Names:
Briohny Smyth and Dice Iida-Klein
Studios:
Dice: Blackdog Yoga, YogaGlo.
Briohny: Black Dog Yoga, Bryce Yoga Workshops/TT’s, IG Getaway.
What originally drew me to yoga:
Dice: Upside-down time…and girls in yoga pants.
Briohny: I was never good at practicing self-care and was drawn to situations where I was the caretaker. The time on my own mat, practicing yoga, really helped me realize how important it is to love and value yourself before you give to others.
Biggest inspiration:
Dice: Inspiration itself. So many inspirations from my wife, my kids, my parents, my friends…
Briohny: There are so many things that inspire me on a daily basis, but right now I am really getting a lot from connecting with people. Life gets busy and sometimes I start to feel like I am alone in my problems and issues. But when I get to connect face-to-face (not just on a screen through text), I start to realize that everyone is going through the same issues, even if they’re different.
When I'm not on the mat, I’m:
Dice: Being a Dad, or on the golf course!
Briohny: A mama and wife.
Favorite pose:
Dice: Adho mukha vrksasana.
Briohny: Sukhasana, eyes closed, in meditation.
I wish that more people realized that yoga…
Dice: Is for everyone. There are many different styles and modalities to fit everyone’s needs.
Briohny: Can be practiced in many ways.
Project or cause I am most passionate about:
Dice: I’m passionate about supporting my friends and those in my community with their foundations and causes. Supporting as many people as possible is the way to go!
Briohny: My family, Bryce Yoga, IG Getaway, One Love Movement.
Biggest lesson yoga has taught me:
Dice: Self reflection is key so that I can find self acceptance and be more self aware to be better for those around me.
Briohny: Observation is the first step to change.
Biggest lesson I hope to teach through yoga:
Dice: Love yourself. The journey to happiness is more important than the destination. It’s a life-long practice.
Briohny: Don’t underestimate the power of asana. Although the main goal of traditional yoga is meditation, people in this day and age connect more quickly to the body. So if someone finds yoga through asana practice, that is a wonderful thing. Whether they realize it or not, yoga will eventually work its way into many aspects of life. The practice is yours, so don’t let anyone’s judgment get in the way.
Most rewarding yoga-related experience:
Dice: Every day I get to share what I love with others is the most rewarding experience. The people change, the encounters change, but the way I feel does not.
Briohny: Any time I get to be a part of a yogi’s yoga journey.
5 things on my Bucket List:
Dice: Make a cross-country drive with my family. Shoot a sub-par round of golf. Play a round at Augusta National and St. Andrews Old Course (can you tell I love golf?). Travel for three months with my wife around the world. Learn to fly an airplane.
Briohny: Spend at least one full year donating my time to a non-profit. Have a ten-minute chat with the Dalai Lama. Fly a plane. Have my own sustainable farm. Save an elephant.
Advice I would give my 16 year-old self:
Dice: Keep your head up and stay confident!
Briohny: You are enough.
Personal mantra:
Dice: We are all students first, teachers second.
Briohny: Don’t worry about a thing. ‘Cause every little thing is gonna be alright.
