Class Content
Saturday Session 1: Essentials of Breath-Centered Yoga

Yoga practice in the tradition of Krishnamacharya and Desikachar exhibits many distinctive principles and practices not found in other yoga lineages. Details of breath sequencing, coordination with movement, and spinal action are just some of the subjects we will explore in this highly interactive, experiential, and informative session.

Leslie will introduce these breath-centered teachings from an anatomical and energetic perspective while leading participants in a series of inquiry-based techniques that will allow participants to embody the material in a uniquely individual experience.

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Saturday Session 2: Non-Linear Asana Flow - Escaping the Tyranny of the Rectangle

Learning the simple geometries of classic asana is a great starting point for the physical aspect of yoga practice, just as learning scales on a piano is a necessary foundation for playing music. 

This session tunes into the music of the body, by honoring the spirals, fluids, and asymmetries inherent in our organic forms.  We will practice in a way that seeks more balance in our systems by honoring the complementary forces of order and chaos, inquiry and technique, form and function.

Sunday Session 1: The Warrior Series - A Hands-Free Vinyasa Practice 

This strong, flowing, breath-centered yoga practice will lead participants through a specially-designed vinyasa that strongly works the legs and moves the spine in all possible directions, all without putting any body weight on the upper limbs.

Additionally, the use of breath cueing to achieve alignment and safety objectives will be covered through exploring individual adaptation and modification.
The vinyasa will be practiced twice, the first time flowing through non-stop, and the second time breaking down the myriad possibilities for individual adaptation.

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Sunday Session 2: Re-Imagining Alignment

This highly interactive session relies on students to bring questions about their own asana practice and teaching language. Leslie will promote an experimental atmosphere of inquiry regarding the teaching of alignment, safety and effective cueing of asana.

The session begins with a functional definition of alignment that will lead to clear, simple principles governing our choices in yoga practice.

Topics include:

• The fundamental importance of proprioception and interoception

• Breath-centered, anatomically-based cueing

• The relationship of bandha to support and movement

• Why instructions like “tuck your tail,” “lengthen your spine,” “square your hips” may be doing more harm than good, and what kind of language to use instead

• The use of gazing (drishti) and imagery to foster increased neuromuscular integration