About us
Welcome to Crenshaw Yoga & Dance!
We are a unique space in the local community where people can come together to practice yoga and dance. Our founder, Kar Lee Young, saw a need for yoga in the community and decided to create a welcoming space where people could come to heal their bodies, minds, and spirits.
Since then, we have expanded to include three individual spaces, and our classes have grown to include a variety of styles including yoga, dance, and fitness. The studio space is open up to public use; Pop-up classes, Private parties, Events, Filming and Workshops. We are proud to have built a community of like-minded individuals who support each other on their life journeys.
CYD are constantly looking for new ways to expand our offerings and reach more people in the community.
Come and join The Community!
founder and owner
Karl Lee Young
Kar Lee’s Journey
Born in China, Kar Lee began her career as a nurse and midwife, developing a deep passion for caring for others. After relocating to the U.S., she discovered yoga’s transformative power and felt compelled to share its benefits.
In August 2004, she founded Crenshaw Yoga & Dance, the first yoga studio in the Crenshaw community. Her vision created a space where people could heal, rejuvenate, and connect through yoga and dance, promoting both physical and mental well-being.
Kar Lee’s journey from healthcare to holistic wellness reflects her dedication to community healing. Her impact continues to inspire, proving how one person’s passion can uplift and transform an entire community
Studio Manager
Candis Yamamoto
Candis’ love for dance began in school and deepened when she relocated to Anaheim during her senior year. Joining the dance team not only helped her make new connections but also ignited her lifelong passion for movement. She continued honing her skills with the Skyline Dancers at UCSB, where she found a supportive community that fueled her growth as a performer.
Beyond the stage, Candis has dedicated herself to the behind-the-scenes aspects of the dance world. As a studio manager, arts program developer, and co-founder of The C Spot LA, she has played a pivotal role in nurturing talent and shaping dance communities. Her passion for creating opportunities led her to produce events like the “Wow The Crowd” Dance Fitness Instructor Competition and the “United By 8” Adult Dance Camp Retreat, offering dancers spaces to connect, grow, and showcase their artistry.
Now, through CYD, Candis remains committed to fostering a welcoming and inspiring dance community in her hometown. She believes in dance as a powerful tool for expression, connection, and transformation, continuing to uplift others through movement, mentorship, and shared creative energy.
Artisitic Director of CYD Kids Dance Program
Jared “IZY” Mathis
Jared “Izy” Mathis discovered his passion for choreography at age 10, teaching himself through television and film. While attending City Honors High School in Inglewood, CA, he shared his choreographic works in dance sessions. He later studied Interdisciplinary Dance at Humboldt State University, where his creativity and technique flourished.
After training and performing in Ballet, Jazz, Modern, Hip-Hop, and Musical Theatre in Arcata, CA, Izy returned to Los Angeles. He interned, coached, and choreographed at local studios, performed with swing legend Chester Whitmore, and received a full scholarship to the Debbie Allen Dance Academy’s Summer Intensive. Since 2016, he has focused on choreographing for musical theatre and live productions.
Izy’s choreography credits include the Off-Broadway production Runaways, as well as Annie, Chicago, Frozen Jr., and Cats with ICEF Performing Arts in Los Angeles. He has also showcased his work at the National Black Theater Festival and New York Fringe Festival. Additionally, he has performed in LA dance revues such as Carnival Choreographer’s Ball, Jete, and LA Unbound.
Currently, Izy is a Teaching Artist at West Covina Performing Arts Academy, a Hip-Hop instructor at A Dancer’s Pointe in Apple Valley, and the Founder/Artistic Director of Artistic Mastery Collective, a Los Angeles-based dance production company. He continues to train and mentor performing artists nationwide, sharing his expertise in dance, choreography, and performance.
Ballet instructor
Savanna Scott
Savanna Scott has been dancing for 16 years and has not only danced professionally for gigs like HorrorCon LA but has been coaching cheer and dance at New Village Girls Academy along with teaching ballet at Le Petit Performing Arts Center. She has trained in hip hop, contemporary, jazz, ballet, and pom. She also has taught pom classes at the C Spot LA. She currently is apart of LA Unbound Dance Company where she is rehearsing for 4 different routines for there spring show along with choreographing a routine of her own. She has taught all ages from mommy and me classes at the studio she currently works at from coaching college students for the Los Angeles Valley College cheer and dance team. Whether it’s teaching, choreographing, or performing she loves to be involved in all that dance has to offer.
Hop Hop instructor
Erin Flowers
Erin Flowers’ passion for dance began with Elegant Flair, a cultural dance group that prepared her for large-stage performances. She later expanded into musical theatre, performing in Hairspray and Broadway Dreamin’ through the ICEF Performing Arts Program, and earned a scholarship to the LACHSA Summer Arts Conservatory to refine her technique.
Now developing her unique hip-hop style, Erin is a founding member of South Central Steppers and has performed in Choreographer’s Carnival, Jete, LA Unbound, and the Super Bowl LVI Halftime Show.
She currently teaches dance at Marcus Garvey School (with the Fernando Pullum Community Arts Center), choreographs for LA Unbound 2025, and continues to perform with South Central Steppers.
