COURSES

ASHTANGA YOGA
PRACTICE & PHILOSOPHY
APPRECIATION PROGRAMME

SEPTEMBER 2024 – FEBRUARY 2025

INTRO TO ASHTANGA YOGA COURSE LEVEL 1

This is a six-month programme designed to deepen your understanding of the practice and philosophy of Ashtanga Yoga. It is open to students of all levels with the only requirement being commitment to regular practice.

Six Sessions: Second Saturday of each month Sept 2024 – Feb 2025
11:00-3:00pm
one theory lecture
one practical asana workshop (primary series)

Dates

  • Sept 7
  • Oct 12
  • Nov 16
  • Dec 7
  • Jan 11
  • Feb 8

Requirements
Open to students of all levels. Beginners included.
The only requirement is maintaining a regular practice of a minimum of four times per week (3 Mysore classes, 1 led class) for the duration of the programme.

Note: this programme is required for any students wanting to apply for the Ashtanga Apprenticeship (assistant teaching) programme. However, participation in this programme does not guarantee a place in the apprenticeship programme.

Online Participation
Students living outside of Dubai can join this programme online. They will need to attend the online Mysore classes with Nea on Tuesday & Thursday mornings 7:30-9:00am, and a minimum of one online Mysore class (hybrid-style with shala) as well as the Saturday led class (8:30am).

The monthly Saturday workshops will be offered online, however students should endeavour to visit Dubai for at least three sessions if possible.

Please contact Nea directly with any further questions [email protected]


Theory lecture topics

  • History of Yoga
  • History and Methodology of Ashtanga Yoga
  • Intro to Yoga Sutras
  • Opening & closing mantras
  • Ayurveda for Ashtangis
  • Practice Wisdom from Patanjali

Practical Workshop Topics
These workshops will focus on thoroughly learning the asanas of the primary series including Sanskrit asana names, vinyasa count, alignment and modifications

  • Breath, bandhas & Surya Namaskar
  • Foundation Postures
  • Standing Postures
  • Seated Postures to navasana
  • Seated postures onwards
  • Urdhva dhanurasana and closing sequence

Students completing class and workshop attendance will receive a certificate of participation.

To apply for this programme, please complete the form linked below

The six-month yoga appreciation course had a profound positive impact on my life.

Making the one “big” commitment to the course helped me make the daily choices of coming to practice on the days when I wouldn’t have otherwise. I

t provided the right level of accountability and structure I needed to develop a consistent practice. I expected progress on the mat but the ripple effects of this course off the mat are a joyful surprise even three months after its conclusion.

The knowledge and understanding shared by Nea in the monthly lectures helped my asana practice but also seeped into my daily rhythms beautifully.

I see the transformation started during the course is still happening, making it completely worth the investment.

Participating in this course remains one of my best life choices and I highly recommend it.

You will not regret it.

Aure L.

Six months ago, I decided to join the Ashtanga Yoga Appreciation program without knowing how much it would benefit me.

Now, six months later, I can confidently say it was the best decision I’ve made.

The in-depth knowledge of Ashtanga yoga, its history, and philosophy has been a game changer for me.

My practice has evolved significantly just by understanding the ‘why’ and ‘how’.

I highly recommend it to anyone looking to deepen their practice and gain a deeper understanding.

Ghina K.

I enrolled in the Ashtanga appreciation and philosophy course seeking a deeper understanding of this beautiful and ancient practice.

Nea being an extremely intelligent and inspiring teacher has guided me through this exploration – transforming my practice, views and mindset completely.

The learnings and insights received through the past six months have been truly enriching with several a-ha moments, contemplations and tons of food for thought!

Highly recommended for anyone looking to deepen their yoga practice.

Pooja R.

Nea is a wonderful teacher , gentle yet firm. She does not push unnecessarily just to prove a point but she guides gracefully when and where it’s required. She suggests modifications and progressions which make challenging asanas more accessible.

If you put in the dedication she will watch over every step of the way and you will quickly start seeing the progress in your practice.

Her beautiful Nilaya yoga shala is a perfect sacred space for a dedicated yoga sadhana if you wish to undertake one.

I would highly recommend this course to all levels of yoga practitioners , those who are curious about ashtanga but apprehensive like i was and specially to those who want to bring more consistency to their practice.

Nea, her beautiful yoga shala and the practice of Ashtanga yoga will not only benefit you in many ways and it will definitely make you appreciate and be part of this great tradition of yoga.

Shweta K.

“This Appreciation Programme was the perfect complement to my beginner student’s physical practice.

The course gave details on proper alignment and preparations, as well insights into the larger world of yoga, including its history and philosophy.

It gave me direction for any further quests in yoga. The shala is serene, authentic and has a wonderful community feel.

The teacher Nea is professional and caring with decades of experience and knowledge in yoga.

The wider knowledge in yoga and regular practice made a deep and meaningful impact on me and I fully recommend this six month commitment.”

Ana M.

I enrolled in the six month Ashtanga Yoga Practice & Philosophy Appreciation Programme with the intention to learn from Nea.

Nea is a women who possesses a very strong knowledge about Ashtanga. She is dedicated and devoted to Ashtanga yoga and I was beyond curious to study and learn by her side.

Being in this program enabled me to build strong foundations in my knowledge and also grant me with technical and comprehension skills. From the history to the philosophy, to the asanas, to the yogic lifestyle and way of thinking, Nea will feed you with most valuable values and awareness about the Ashtanga yoga.

She’ll help you to build strong foundations in your personal practice and will give you all the tools to open up yourself towards this beautiful committed and transforming way of living.

Nea is a very inspiring and empowering women and I have loved every minutes spent by her side during the Ashtanga Yoga Practice & Philosophy Appreciation Programme.

If you want to deepening your knowledge, if you are curious and open to a unique commitment made towards yourself, then go for it you won’t regret it!

Albane A.

PRICING*

AED2950 FOR EARLY BIRD TIL JUNE 30
AED3500 AFTERWARDS

*This the price for the workshop sessions only. The weekly classes are additional.

  • Monthly passes are AED995
  • 3-month AED2780
  • 6-month AED5200.

For any further questions please email [email protected]

After practicing Ashtanga for a few years, I suffered a back injury due to my approach to practicing and prolonged working hours. At that time, I was convinced that I would never be able to practice at my previous level again.

However, I decided to enroll in Nea’s Ashtanga program, and throughout the six-month course, I was able to not only restore my practice but improve it beyond my pre-injury level.

Nea’s approach to teaching Ashtanga is gentle and intelligent, utilizing different techniques and modifications to approach difficult asanas until they reach their standard form.

Additionally, I’ve adjusted my practice to avoid forcing asanas and prevent further injuries.

It’s also important to note that the benefits of Ashtanga practice extend beyond physical improvements and include mental health benefits as well.

I highly recommend Nea’s program to anyone looking to either start or return to Ashtanga practice.

Ahmed A.

This programme let me deepen my practice in many ways. Throughout my three years of Astanga I have never been actually taught properly not just the postures themselves but the whole approach.

I got to know that doubting myself is normal, shortening practice is normal, having plateau and little progress is normal.

Like life itself Yoga journey is a winding road, and the most important is to show up, surrender and dedicate whatever time you have.

And if you do it really works.

Svetlana S.

I was very self conscious and reluctant to join not knowing what to expect and feeling like everyone else’s level would be better than me.

However, my teacher Nea was so gentle and kind to me during this whole program and never for a second made me feel less than anyone else.

Nea worked us hard during the course and taught us everything we need to know.

I cannot believe the progress I have had during this course and the immense knowledge I have now of Ashtanga.
It has truly been a life changing experience for me in which I am learning and will continue to learn.
I look forward to this beautiful journey unfolding before me.

Deena S.

I had the opportunity (and the honor) to take part in Nea’s ashtanga yoga appreciation course. It was really interesting to study in deep the different aspects of yoga, not only on a practical level, but also the history and philosophy which are the basis of this discipline.

It was very useful to go into detail about the different asanas and possible variations, it allowed me to better understand the meaning and purpose of each asana.

Facing the more theoretical part of history and philosophy made me understand that yoga is a holistic and immense discipline, ancient but applicable to the present.

It had an impact on me, on an inner level and that I’m trying to apply also in everyday life, in the way of approaching and facing life and what happens.

It was the beginning of a journey that I will continue with practice and study.

Veronica P.

To apply for this programme, please complete the form linked below

Frequently Asked Questions


Do I need a certain level of experience or proficiency to join? 
The programme is open to all levels, including beginners. The only requirement is a commitment to daily practice.

Do I need to attend the practice sessions during the week? 
Yes this is essential to experience the full transformational benefits of the programme.

How often do I need to practice?
We advise a minimum of 3 Mysore classes and 1 Saturday led class per week

What if I travel? 
You can either join in online, or ensure that you undertake a self-practice.

What if I miss the Saturday workshops?
All workshops will be recorded on zoom. You can catch up on the recordings

Can I attend online?
Students living outside of Dubai can join this programme online. They will need to attend the online Mysore classes with Nea on Tuesday & Thursday mornings 7:30-9:00am, and a minimum of one online Mysore class (hybrid-style with shala) as well as the Saturday led class (8:30am).
The monthly Saturday workshops will be offered online, however students should endeavour to visit Dubai for at least three sessions if possible.
Students living in Dubai need to attend in person (unless in case of travel)

Is this a teacher training programme?
No this is for practitioners only. However, this programme is a pre-requisite for any students wanting to participated in our apprenticeship teaching programme. It lays an excellent foundation for future teaching possibilities.

I have an injury, can I still participate?
Yes. We teach each student individually and will work with you to help your injury.

Gayatri Mantra and Led Primary Class

This video includes 20 minutes of Gayatri Mantra chanting followed by a full led primary class which starts at minute 30.
50% of the sales from this class will be donated to Three and a Half Acres Yoga, supporting yoga for Trauma Relief.