Ashtanga Yoga Weekend Workshop with David Swenson
Introduction to Ashtanga Yoga
Friday, August 28th, 7:15pm to 9:15pm, 2 hours
This class is open to all levels of experience or lack thereof. The building blocks of Ashtanga Yoga will be explored through the basic elements of Breath, Bandhas and Vinyasa. There will be a short discussion followed by a demonstration by David and an introductory flow through an abbreviated sequence from the First Series. Perfect for both beginners and experienced practitioners who get to see Ashtanga in a new light.
Talk-through Primary Series (Session One)
Saturday, August 29th, 12:45pm to 2:45pm, 2 hours
Explore the Primary Series in a step-by-step manner taking time to analyse the minute details of the practice.
Flying, Floating and Handstanding (Session Two)
Saturday, August 29th, 3:45pm to 5:45pm, 2 hours
A Fun-filled exploration of Vinyasa and Arm-balances One of the greatest challenges of the Ashtanga flow is the vinyasa. In this class David will break the vinyasa down into its components. He likes to refer to this as: "The Physics of Flight". The class will also explore the elements of handstands and arm-balances. All levels may attend even if you have never done a handstand before. Alternatives are always given.
Breath, Bandhas and Pranayama (Session Three)
Saturday, August 29th, 7:00pm to 9:00pm, 2 hours
The success of your Ashtanga practice depends almost entirely upon your relationship to the breath and your effective use of the bandhas, the muscular locks. When your breath and bandhas work together, the practice becomes a powerful flow that gives you strength and grace. We will explore the Ujjayi breath during both asana and pranayama and discover the subtle, powerful tools that open up the hidden world of the bandhas.
Intro to Second Series (Session One)
Sunday, August 30th, 11:15am to 1:15pm, 2 hours
This introduction to Second Series is for students with a regular practice of the Primary Series. There will be an introductory discussion of the dynamics inherent to the Second Series and then the class will flow through as much of the Series as seems appropriate. There will be a variety of options given for each posture in order to allow multiple approaches.
Inversions and Backbends (Session Two)
Sunday, August 30th, 2:15pm to 4:15pm, 2 hours
Come refine your practice in the two most challenging and rewarding areas of the Ashtanga series! We will play with the dynamics of the inverted postures through looking at the opposing forces that can make these postures easier and safer. We will explore the backbends in a new way–as "front openers" that create a sense of ease and release. You will learn the tricks and techniques to turn your world upside down and open your heart!
Talk and Yoga Demonstration
David Swenson, one of the world's finest practitioners and teachers of Ashtanga yoga, will give a talk and demonstration at Semperviva's City Studio at 7:30pm on Wednesday, September 2nd.
Admission to the evening's activities is by cash donation in support of RainCity Housing and Support Society, a grassroots organization built around compassion, purpose and a commitment to delivering progressive housing and support solutions for people living with mental illness, addictions and other challenges.
The doors will open at 7:15pm and the presentation will begin at 7:30pm.
About David Swenson
David Swenson began practicing yoga at the age of 13 in 1969 with his older brother, Doug, as his first teacher. David was introduced to Ashtanga in 1973 by David Williams and Nancy Gilgoff and later traveled to India to learn the full Ashtanga system from K. PattabhiJois.
David is known for his ability to encourage deep learning in an enjoyable environment, where fun and laughter are more than acceptable. David Swenson is recognized today as one of the foremost practitioners and instructors of Ashtanga Yoga.
Recognized today as one of the world's foremost practitioners and instructors of Ashtanga Yoga, David has produced videos and audiotapes and written the popular book Ashtanga Yoga: The Practice Manual. He has released five new DVDs, three CDs, and a series of laminated practice cards. Visit www.ashtanga.net for more information.
To find out about Teacher Training with David Swenson in Vancouver, click here.
| Dates: | August 28th to 30th, 2009 |
| Times: | see above |
| Location: | City Studio at 1985 West Broadway |
| Cost: | $60.00 + HST (per workshop) or $295.00 + HST (all six workshops) |
| Contact: | 604.739.2009 info@semperviva.com |
