Hi. My name is Mitch Hipp.

On January 1st, 2016, I walked into the doors of Sonic, seeking a pathway to change. After 2 decades working the night shift as a stage and lighting designer, I came to a crossroads.
I saw two paths: one led to pain, the other to joy. I chose to pursue joy.

My first teacher was Chris Temple, who at the time was the studio manager. I was hooked. In a few short months, I decided to quit my job and enter Sonic’s 200 YTT. I was humbled and transformed. I had never felt so sure about anything in my entire life. I’d found my calling. One day, I was in the right place and at the right time and was asked to teach.

I fell in love with sharing the practice, the local community, and the other teachers who offered grace when I fell and a hand up when I needed lifting. Then, again, I was in the right place at the right time and was asked to be a supporting member on the management team. Chris was still leading the way, and through him, I learned. It was tough; coming from the aggressive, fast-paced world of theater and slowly shifting to a mindful persona. I was rough around the edges, but with patience and some tough love, I learned. I soon entered the Advanced YTT and completed my 500hr certification in 2018.

By this time, I was staffing the front desk, administrating the YTT program, and supporting clients and sales. I felt in such gratitude for the space and its founder, Lauren Hanna, that it just felt natural to give 110% of myself to the space and the community. Then, the COVID-19 pandemic hit.

For more than a year, I taught online, traveling with my fiancé and supporting the community from afar. The disconnect from humanity was palpable, but the desire to share what I knew lived inside me and never faded. We weaved through the complexities of mandates, masks, connecting in open spaces like Central Park, where we spent the warm months flowing in the grassy lawns. By the time the pandemic began to wane, the neighborhood changed. Then one day, Chris said goodbye.

My teacher, Keith Partington, took on the role of studio manager. Keith will always be a key player in my journey. His role in helping me find my humility, to question my ego, and to find that sweet spot between the seriousness of the practice and my own personality will stay with me forever. Through Keith, I learned empathy for others’ opinions and viewpoints, and he, in turn, supported my desires: offering me the latitude to be who I am while featuring me as a senior teacher. By the time 2025 rang in, I was certified ERYT500 with Yoga Alliance. The road was always long, and sometimes it was hard to know when to turn left or right, but it was always one that allowed me to move forward. Then, one day recently, Keith too said goodbye.

With graciousness and pride, I take on the leadership role as General Manager of Sonic.
In the near future, and with the guidance and support of Lauren Hanna, I will be adding my own personal touches to the space I’ve called home for a decade. With the pandemic in the rearview mirror, my goal is to shift Sonic into a more community-based space – meeting the local demographic and their needs. With some rebranding and some changes to the class offerings – including other forms of movement like Pilates and Calisthenics, I hope to provide a local haven for self-care. In these times of uncertainty, my goal is to offer more ways to heal and empower while presenting a more affordable option than the many luxury spaces that flank Midtown West. A place where you don’t have to worry about judgement, where you can throw on anything pair of sweats and feel at ease, a community that supports and inspires rather than a space that’s competitive and transactional. A place where you can be you – no matter your gender, race, nationality, or what language you speak.

A space that says “We are New York”. A space as vibrant, creative, and multicultural as this great city we call home. A space where tourists and visitors can catch a local vibe and leave knowing New York City and its people are pretty damn cool.

We have work to do. Together. As we celebrate our 25th year, traditional Mom & Pop yoga studios are few and far between. I truly believe Sonic has survived for 2 reasons: we share the love of the practice first, allowing the abundance to follow, and even more importantly – you. Our students, our community our neighbors. Without you, we cease to exist. I look forward to shaking your hand, offering a hug, and correcting your back foot in Warrior 1.

My name is Mitch Hipp.
I hope to see you on the mat