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212.254.8520 - 434 Avenue of the Americas, 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10011 |
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Yoga for Dancers |
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Yoga for Dancers Anatomically and energetically themed classes incorporating classical yoga into a structure more sensitive to a dancer’s technical and injury prevention needs. The classes offer students a deeper understanding of their own unique body strengths and weaknesses while emphasizing use of the breath and safe practice through proper alignment. Students develop strength, flexibility and focus and the benefits of their yoga practice can be directly applied to technique and performance. Techniques to properly restore the body are also taught.
Yoga for Dancers Frequently Asked Questions Whether this is your first or your fiftieth yoga class, some questions you may have…
- What is yoga?
Many people think that practicing yoga means just stretching. But while stretching is certainly involved, yoga is really about creating balance in the body through developing both strength and flexibility. This is done through the performance of poses or postures (or in Sanskrit, an ancient Indian language where yoga originates, asanas), each of which has specific physical benefits. The poses can be done quickly in succession, creating heat in the body through movement or more slowly to increase stamina and perfect the alignment of the pose.
- What style of yoga will we learn?
You will be learning vinyasa-style hatha yoga. This means that you will learn poses (asanas) and use breathing techniques (pranayama) to link the poses together into sequences. We will also explore some poses individually to understand alignment details. To do these poses, we will use props (blocks, straps, blankets). Props are used to both deepen a pose and make it safer for the student. You will also learn some restorative yoga poses that will teach you how to rest the body properly. We will do vigorous poses and calming poses. You will sweat and you will relax.
- What will class be like?
Depending on if the class is an hour or an hour and a half, in the morning or the afternoon, classes can vary slightly in composition and energy (i.e. afternoon classes will be more restorative after your long day of dancing). In general, we will start with a short warm-up and some breath work. We will then move on to sun salutations to build heat while taking the time to understand the alignment of the poses and investigate how each of our bodies need to work to achieve balance in them. After sun salutations, we will work on a mix of standing balances, arm balances, inversions, backbending, and forward bending. We will end with calming poses and a final rest pose (savasana).
I have developed a system of Yoga for Dancers themes which we will explore each week. They include anatomical themes (i.e. feet, hips, turnout, core strength) and energetic themes (i.e. dynamics, transitions, phrasing). Also, I will be gathering information on alignment issues/trends (i.e. rib displacement, hyperextension) from your technique teachers so we can address them in class. I welcome student feedback if there are particular yoga poses or a part of the body you would like to learn more about. Each week I will give you some more information through in-class instruction or handouts to build your knowledge of yoga.
Yoga is supposed to be fun so come ready to learn and try new things! Feel free to ask me questions if you are not sure about a pose or instruction. You are not expected to know yoga poses and sequencing right away so allow yourself the time to learn and you will put the pieces together quickly. Pace yourself and practice smart!
- How will yoga help my dancing?
Yoga helps you to understand your own unique body strengths and weaknesses. Each body is different and you will learn how to use yours efficiently and fine-tune your technique. By investigating proper alignment and working safely, you will build both strength and flexibility making you an all around better mover! You will develop a greater sense of focus and balance and learn how to properly rest your body. Most importantly, you will learn how to breathe while moving (you know how dancers like to hold their breath)! All of these lessons will be extremely beneficial to your dance life in both technique classes and performance.
- What if I have an injury or illness?
If you develop an injury or illness, let me know before class. I can help you find alternative poses or other variations using the props so you can enjoy class! Even if you are injured and sitting out of technique classes, you can usually do yoga and it will be beneficial to move a bit while you heal.
Also, your help in keeping me posted on injuries allows me to see if there are trends (i.e. many students complaining of tight hip flexors or sore lower backs) and I can address it in yoga classes to benefit many students at once.
- What if I want to work with you privately in addition to the group classes?
I specialize in working with dancers and offer private sessions outside of group classes. If you want to work with a chronic/new injury or to develop a particular strength or flexibility (i.e. increase turnout or hip flexibility or core strength), I can arrange private yoga therapy sessions specially designed for you. My rates are reasonable and we can arrange a multi-session discount or schedule a few dancers in one session to make it less expensive per student. You can contact me via email/phone or ask me after class to discuss further.
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