This Yoga course focuses on health and relaxation. Studying the anatomy of the body (organs and energetic channels), gives the opportunity to heal sickness by correcting some aspects of our mind and driving the energy into the right channels. This course combines various yoga disciplines including Hatha, Raja, Jnani and Bakti. Each session is divided into two parts: static and dynamic. In the static section the focus is on the practice of breathing known as ‘Pranayama’. The goal is to strengthen inner energy known as Prana, and as a result, allow control of the mind and its emotions. It is very important to improve our inner energy and let it circulate in a proper way because if energy circulation is bad, physical illness will often result as a consequence. In the dynamic section this energy is allowed to circulate properly in the body by cycles of healthy postures and positions known as Asanas in order to stimulate the Chakras.Once the energy flows in a proper way we will be able to develop a special opening of the Chakras (spiritual organs). This will allow us to achieve a higher quality of existence in all aspects of our being and in particular with our ability to connect with our higher self.

The Yoga course starts with an emphasis on the physical body (Hata Yoga) doing mainly stretching and posture that effect the muscles structure. At the same time there is a focus on the breathing though rhythmic cycles (Pranayama) in which is believed that a different way to breath can effect different aspect of our emotions. Entering an intermediate level the practitioner is required to increase the concentration throughout the posture cycles (Asanas cycles) and start to practice exercises for develop a higher mind control. The emphasis start to shift to a different level which involve mind control and visualization of inner energy flow throughout the body (Raja Yoga). This require a good command of the body muscles and a high knowledge of the Asanas cycles. Once the practitioner reaches a good level of concentration during the Asanas Cycles and a good control of the inner energy, there is a new level to enter, which focus on the meditation part with various methods. The Yoga then will become a complete meditation section even during the performance of the Asanas cycles, which require now a continuative visualization of the energy flow combined with meditation on the Chakras. In the advanced level there will be a theoretical and philosophical according to the traditional Yoga.

Benefits:
Yoga is a philosophy of life, which also has the potential to create a vibrantly healthy body and mind. Yoga, practiced in its correct sequential order, gradually leads the practitioner to rediscovering his or her fullest potential on all levels of human consciousness—physical, psychological, and spiritual. The mind then becomes lucid, clear and precise. Physically, yoga benefits the body by increasing flexibility, suppleness, inducing relaxation, and encourage healthier functioning of the internal organs.

Uniform: • Loose clothing or leotards are appropriate for this class. Suitable clothing is available from (DC) Gallery and Studio shop. • Yoga Mats: (DC) Members: receive 20% Discount when buying the Yoga Mats.

FAQ:

- Can once practice Yoga at any age? Yes, there is a different level of stretching to be adopted depending from the student age, background and general physical conditions.

- Is it dangerous to practice head stand posture? Each Yoga posture can be dangerous if badly attempted. With a teacher supervision and a gradual increasing of body control, each one can achieve most of the common postures with no arm, including head stand.

- When is best to practice Yoga? As many other systems that required discipline the good time to practice is when is practiced, at any time. Having the privilege of choice, I will suggest to practice the breathing and meditation part in the early morning and the physical postures in the late afternoon. Avoid after meals practice.

- Can Yoga be practice during pregnancy? Yoga is a very beneficial system that can be carried on throughout the pregnancy, there are some posture to be adapted and some to be avoid (pre-natal Yoga).
I had several students attending the class until the very last day.

- Yoga Can Yoga make loose weight? Yoga is an anaerobic form of exercise, therefore is not a fat burner system. Yet is improving the lymphatic and blood circulation which is beneficial for water retention problems. Following an accurate Yogic diet is possible to reduce body weight, due to the student discipline.

Typical Class Structure: Starting with usual warm-ups, stretching then the class progress into traveling sequences and to a dance routine and finishes off with a cool-down and occasional discussion.

Style: Draws heavily on release technique, based mostly on organic and harmonious way of moving therefore Graham’s and Cunningham’s techniques are still in the picture.

Benefits: Contemporary dance will guide you through getting to know your body to improve your way of living. The training gives the awareness of our own body and mind and expands into our creativity and emotions. It also is a form of strenuous dance training which students must train in order to achieve their goal.

Classes: Scheduled : twice per week, of one-and-a-half hour’s duration

Uniforms: Leotard or tight-fitted singlet / appropriate dancing pants or tracksuit pants available at (DC) Shopping Gallery.