ASHTANGA YOGA
PRACTICE & PHILOSOPHY
APPRECIATION PROGRAMME
SEPTEMBER 2023 – FEBRUARY 2024
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.
Saturdays once per month (second Saturday of the month)
11:00-3:00pm
One theory lecture
One practical asana workshop (primary series) per month
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 which will start in March 2024. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
PRICING
AED2950 FOR EARLY BIRD TIL JUNE 30
AED3500 AFTERWARDS
*Shala fee is additional.
For inquiries please email [email protected]
FOUR-WEEK ASHTANGA YOGA INTENSIVE
WITH ALEXEY PAVLYUKOV
12 CLASSES THROUGHOUT OCTOBER
Monday, Wednesday & Friday
6:45-8:00pm
Join senior AYD teacher Alexey for four weeks of classes (up to 3 classes per week) to learn Ashtanga yoga.
Suitable for those with yoga experience wanting to get started with Ashtanga yoga, or existing practitioners keen to get back into regular practice.
Classes will take place on Monday, Wednesday and Friday 6:45-8:00pm.
Runs October 2 – 27
Gayatri Mantra and Led Primary Class
50% of the sales from this class will be donated to Three and a Half Acres Yoga, supporting yoga for Trauma Relief.