My 605: Dakotah Jordan

What’s home unless you make it your own? My 605 takes you inside the lives, loves and little secrets of those who call South Dakota – area code 605 – home.

This week’s edition features Dakotah Jordan, owner of Dakotah Yoga and owner of pigeon Baby Blue.

My home in the 605 is: In January of this year, I left the downtown-loft life to buy my first house, in the Whittier neighborhood. While my physical address may no longer be in downtown proper, I still consider myself a “downtownie” through and through. 

The biggest reason I live in the 605 is: Have you met the people here? They are what make this community top-notch. They want to make Sioux Falls the best place to live. The people of Sioux Falls show up for this city by supporting local entrepreneurs, creating a thriving downtown and generously giving their time and talents to local nonprofits and advocacy organizations. 

I love the small-town feel and the smiles you find around every corner. When I moved here in 2016, I was fresh out of college. However, so many people were quick to invest in me and support what I hoped to build here. That doesn’t happen just anywhere. This place is special.

After home, I spend the most time here: Frontier Climbing and Fitness! I practically live at this place. I attend Crossfit three times a week, try to get some climbing in a couple times a week, and I teach yoga there. The community is amazing. I’m obsessed.

I decided to start a business because: I’m passionate about helping others live life to the fullest. I started it in Sioux Falls because of places like Zeal, events like 1 Million Cups and the coolest and most supportive entrepreneurs that chose to start here before me. I have been nothing but aggressively cheered on since I decided to start my business, Dakotah Yoga.

And what I really want you to know about it is: Dakotah Yoga is not a studio. I create wellness-focused experiences utilizing yoga, breathwork and meditation for the corporate world and the public to help people be well and have fun doing it. Check me out on Facebook and Instagram at Dakotah Yoga or at dakotahyoga.com to learn more and register for upcoming events. I have a big launch party with limited tickets coming up April 10, don’t miss it!

When I need to get away, you’ll find me: At a national park or a national forest. I took a solo trip to camp, kayak and hike in the Black Hills last year over Labor Day. In my opinion, long holiday weekends are perfect for exploring our National Parks System. Next up: Zion, then Yellowstone.

The best meal I ever ate in the 605 was at: Being asked about where to eat in Sioux Falls is my favorite hobby, so this is a challenging one. The grilled salmon with beet rice, pesto and roasted Brussels sprouts from 22Ten is phenomenal.

My go-to coffee shop is: Queen City. My order? London Fog with oat milk and a spinach bacon quiche. It’s best served with a dash of sass from owner Mitch, but I’m not too picky.

My favorite place to grab an adult beverage in the 605 is: The Hello Hi. I don’t drink much, so I appreciate that they have local kombucha and other mocktails available. If an occasion for celebratory spirits presents itself though, the margarita is a solid choice. Plus, the atmosphere is top-notch.

When I need to experience the great outdoors, you’ll find me: Hiking, camping, kayaking, hammocking or swimming anywhere from the Palisades to the Black Hills. My favorite place to be is near water, sunshine on my face and my bare feet in the dirt. Yes, even in the dead of winter. Have you ever tried cold therapy?

The spot I’d recommend for a date is: For a meal, M.B. Haskett. However, if you and your significant other want an experience, you should be on the lookout for couple’s massage workshops at Selah Space. My boyfriend and I attended one around Valentine’s Day where Sophie taught us techniques to communicate through touch. It was two hours of us being completely focused on each other and like nothing else either of us have experienced. I would HIGHLY recommend it – such a one-of-a-kind date night!

The best pizza in the 605 is: Pizza Cheeks. It’s in the back of Hello Hi. If you haven’t eaten there, go immediately. You can thank me later.

When my friends and I get together, you’ll probably find us: At someone’s house, DTSF or a community event. I love one-on-one time with my friends, which typically involves us eating together or sippin’ on tea, but if we are getting the whole crew together, it’s game night, complete with tasty snacks, good drinks and belly laughs.

The place you never can go wrong taking kids is: I don’t have kids, but I think us adults need to embrace some childlike energy more often. I’d take them to 605 Ninja Academy. You’ll want to go too!

When I want to meet new people in the 605 I go: To a Young Professionals Network event or another civic event. You can probably trace most of the relationships I have in Sioux Falls back to these two types of gatherings. There are so many amazing people in this city that want to make it a great place to live for all of us. I find that these awesome humans tend to gather at these events.

My best memory in the 605 is: I’ve had so many joy-filled moments living in the 605 that this is truly the hardest question to answer. What was especially cool though was being able to teach yoga out on Phillips Avenue last summer for DTSF’s first-ever Shop & Stroll event. I officially started my business July 1, 2020, and the event was July 18, so it was one of my first events and the largest class I had ever taught to. It was such a cool opportunity, and I’m pretty sure I can say I am the first yoga teacher to teach a class right on Phillips Ave., so that’s neat!

The one thing I’m least crazy about in the 605 is: The six-hour drive from here to the Hills. I don’t think taking out the middle of the state and squishing it all back together is possible, so can we get a bullet train put in? I’d appreciate it.

And finally, life in pictures. Here are the top three photos that most sum up My 605: