As you show up for your 9 a.m. subtle-body flow yoga class, you yawn, roll out your mat, tie up your hair, and take note of your surroundings. 

The instructor introduces herself, asks for each of the students’ names and makes sure to specify pronouns as they are just as important. 

Chelsea Smith, the instructor, begins class just as she has many times before. Smith falls into a routine, breathing deeply in and out, as you become more in tune with your mental wellbeing. 

“When it comes to being at the table, women are the fucking table,” Freebird Yoga and Aerial Arts Studio Operator Chelsea Smith says as she discusses the importance of women’s history month. 

Smith and Alisa Tousey are the co-owners and operators of Freebird Yoga Studio, holding space for anyone seeking inner peace. 

Since the initial opening in October 2020, Smith has striven to create a sense of belonging in her yoga studio. Dark, therapeutic lighting, low-sensory decorations and only necessary items inside. 

The back patio, where they held their first classes during the pandemic, holds memories of people being spaced just far enough apart, becoming one with their inner selves. It is covered with potted plants and comfortable chairs to overlook the creek. 

Although the studio is backed up to West 9th Street, you enter a different world when you step inside. 

In November of 2022, Smith met Tousey, who specializes in aerial work, and let her hold her first workshop at Freebird. 

“We’re kind of like the two halves[of the studio], really,” Smith said. 

Tousey brings more than just aerial knowledge. She also installed pole mounts on the ceiling to expand their clientele and delve into the mastery of pole dancing. 

The expansion into pole classes marks the City of Chico’s first classes held specifically for pole dancing. 

“Freebird already had such a great community,” Tousey said. “It just expanded, and I feel like [pole] strengthened it.” 

Given that they specialize in multiple “from-the-ceiling” movement classes, adding in lyra was a no-brainer. 

Lyra, what Tousey described as a “hanging hoop”, is similar to aerial, because you hang from the ceiling, putting your full trust into what’s holding you. 

“When Alisa was talking about her experience in the pole community, I saw these parallels, you know, being in a supportive, safe environment,” Smith said. “And how that can really blossom creativity and safety and friendship.” 

All of the classes that are offered at Freebird can help women “reclaim aspects of their sensuality and sexuality,” in a safe and welcoming environment, according to Smith. 

Spaces like Freebird are beacons of hope for anyone wanting to get in touch with their own bodies and allow themselves to disconnect from their minds and become in tune with themselves. 

Chrissi Overlock, a Freebird student for almost 5 years, has taken numerous yoga classes with Smith. She describes the classes as “extremely instrumental” to her healing.

“[The classes] really changed my life, with the way I think about myself,” Overlock said. “They’ve really strengthened my meditation practice.”

The classes Overlock has participated in have mostly been yoga classes, although she feels deeply intrigued by the work Tousey has been doing on the aerial and pole side. 

They have different instructors who specialize in the different classes they offer, including pole teachers, the lyra specialist, yoga and aerial instructors. 

Overlock said a class she hopes to take is an aerial dance class taught by Cherry. 

They create a safe space from the beginning by introducing themselves and doing background demonstrations on what they are about to get into. Learning people’s names and pronouns is the first step, no matter the class. 

“How you are feeling in your body or wherever you are in your body is okay and amazing,” Tousey said. “We are here to uplift you.” 

There are no requirements for starting a class, no limitations and everyone is welcome.  

“They’re willing to step outside the box and do things that are maybe a little controversial, but it’s because they believe in themselves,” Overlock said. “They are willing to take that risk and meet everyone’s needs.” 

Tousey said it took her a long time to learn the movements herself, so both she and Smith are very graceful when it comes to learning, especially in group classes. 

“For me, I grew up with Tourette’s syndrome, and so safe spaces were really hard to find,” Smith said. “Yoga was hugely transformative.” 

Smith draws a connection between yoga and being part of the neurodivergent community and how it makes her feel safe and connected with her body. 

Every single student who comes in to take classes at Freebird is known. The instructors, as well as both Tousey and Smith, make an effort to acknowledge their names, say hello and send the message that they are welcome in their shared space. 

The studio’s small size fosters the sense of community that instructors and students feel when they participate in classes. Jamming people into a room is not how they roll. 

Overlock described her favorite class as a combo, starting out with the electric flow workout class and going straight into the yin yoga class. Both classes are taught by Smith. She described how the workout class gets your heart rate up, and how the yin yoga helps calm your body and your breathing. 

Smith highlights how she helps students find inner tranquility, and Tousey takes that tranquility and turns it into bold personal expression. 

Another way they help students find inner peace and tranquility is by offering cannabis classes. 

It’s not “bring your bong or light up,” but bringing what is appropriate for you to feel connected with your inner self and practicing yoga. 

“Because you do get heightened somatics, it does allow you a doorway into exploring deeper aspects of yoga,” Smith said. These classes are meant to destigmatize cannabis use. 

The class includes a sound bath and snacks, with a focus on connecting with your inner self.

The importance of having women-owned businesses with owners who are not afraid to bend the knee is highlighted by their passion for their company.

“It wouldn’t be Freebird if it were owned by anyone else,” Overlock said. 

Overlock mentioned the importance of an inclusive place like Freebird being owned by women, because it makes certain things easier to approach. 

Sensuality, slowing down and meditation are all things that Overlock feels women understand more, and having Smith and Tousey as owners eliminates the need to feel unsafe in your environment. 

Practicing yoga and slowing down are very fragile, according to Overlock, and how Smith and Tousey approach is what makes students feel so comfortable when attending classes. 

“I love that they go against the social norms,” Overlock said. 

Given that Freebird is a women-owned business in today’s society, the owners need to hold opinions that align with the messages they share with their students. 

“I’m always surprised every single day,” Tousey said. “I’ll hear about a woman doing some badass thing in history that I never was taught about in school and that makes me upset, honestly.”

According to Tousey, “some of the most badass people throughout history” are women. 

“We’re here at a point where women can own businesses and create amazing places like this and show that we can be leaders and make something really amazing, maybe something that you haven’t seen before.”

“So we say Women’s History Month, but we’ve been here the whole fucking time,” Smith said. 

Elizabeth Perez can be reached at [email protected]