Yoga and Qigong: The Dance of Heaven and Earth

Experience a rare convergence of ancient Eastern practices at this transformative yoga workshop event in Stockbridge. On Sunday, November 1, 2026, Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health welcomes two remarkable teachers—Daniel Orlansky and Daisy Lee—for an immersive exploration of how yoga and Qigong work in elegant harmony. This isn't your typical yoga workshop; it's a journey into the unified energy systems that Eastern traditions have cultivated for thousands of years.

Daniel Orlansky, a yoga teacher since 1992 and creator of Meridian Yoga, brings his signature blend of asana, shiatsu, and meridian wisdom to this event. Alongside him, Qigong teacher Daisy Lee shares her mastery of traditional Chinese energy cultivation techniques infused with contemporary wellness insights. Together, they'll guide you through a dance between heaven and earth—literally moving your body while awakening the subtle energy channels that connect them.

This yoga workshop event creates a serene yet dynamic atmosphere where East meets West. Whether you're a dedicated practitioner or exploring yoga and Qigong for the first time, you'll find yourself held in a space of deep learning and gentle transformation.

What to Expect

Arrive early to settle into the peaceful energy of Kripalu Center. The morning flows with gentle yoga asanas led by Daniel Orlansky, designed to open your meridian pathways and prepare your body for the work ahead. You'll move with intention, connecting breath to movement while learning how each pose activates specific energy channels—a core principle of Meridian Yoga.

In the afternoon, Daisy Lee guides you through authentic Qigong practice, blending flowing movement with meditation and breathwork. You'll experience the distinctive quality of Qigong's slower, more meditative pace compared to yoga's dynamic flow. The combination creates a full-day journey where your body, breath, and vital energy (chi/qi) are harmonized through two complementary traditions.

The day concludes with integration time—a chance to embody what you've learned, ask questions, and connect with fellow practitioners. You'll leave feeling grounded, energized, and with practical tools to continue this dance of heaven and earth at home.

About the Artists

Daniel Orlansky is a visionary yoga teacher and director whose 30+ years of practice have culminated in Meridian Yoga, a unique system bridging traditional yoga asana with shiatsu massage and East Asian meridian theory. His approach transforms typical yoga workshops into embodied anatomy lessons where you understand not just how to do a pose, but why it matters for your energy system. Daniel's teaching style combines rigorous precision with accessible wisdom.

Daisy Lee is a dedicated Qigong teacher and practitioner rooted in traditional Chinese wellness philosophy. She specializes in translating ancient energy cultivation practices into language and methods that resonate with modern students seeking inner peace, vitality, and holistic wellbeing. Daisy's warm, intuitive teaching creates a safe container for deep practice.

Venue & Location

Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health, nestled in the Berkshires of Stockbridge, Massachusetts, is one of the country's premier yoga retreat centers. The peaceful campus sits on 300 acres of natural beauty, offering a serene backdrop for deep practice away from everyday distractions. This yoga workshop event benefits from Kripalu's supportive community energy and world-class facilities designed for healing and transformation. Ample parking is available on-site; the center is approximately 2.5 hours from Boston and accessible via car.