Yoga is the cessation of the fluctuations of the mind. It arises from the stillness within our being.
Upcoming Studio Workshops and Intensives:
Matthew Sweeney will be returning to Durham in July of 2009 for two weekend workshops and two weeks of Mysore-Style classes. Stay tuned for more details in the coming months!
Current Class Schedule (as of 10-29-08):
Following is our schedule for Classes. Contact us directly at (919) 682-1643 to reserve your space at our studio, or email us at fran@ridethebreath.com or kathy@ridethebreath.com.
A) Sunday = Mysore-style class, 9AM - 11AM
B) Monday = Mysore-style class, 6PM-8PM
C) Tuesday = Foundations of Ashtanga Yoga, 6:30PM - 7:30PM (Duke University, Wilson Center)
D) Wednesday = Guided Moon Sequence, 6PM - 7:30 PM
E) Thursday = Mysore-style class, 6PM - 8PM
F) Saturday = Guided Primary Series, 9AM-11AM
DETAILED CLASS DESCRIPTIONS
1) Mysore-style Ashtanga Class: Ongoing.
Description: This class is conducted in accordance with the traditional method as currently taught in Mysore India, and is suitable for all levels of practitioner; from complete beginners to those students practicing the Primary and/or Intermediate Series of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga..
In the mysore-style format, students are expected to memorize the sequence of postures and practice at their own individual pace and rhythm. Each student is then given given individualized instruction and adjustments. Beginning students will first learn the foundational Sun Salutations (Surya Namaskarya A and B) followed by the standing posture (asana) sequence. Once the standing sequence is developed, the postures of the primary series are introduced, as well as the finishing sequence asanas. The postures are learned sequentially, one at a time. In this way, the Primary Series (1st Series) is developed at each student's individual pace which varies according to factors such as kinesthetic sense, fitness and health levels, abilty to concentrate; and finally, demonstrated proof that the seqeunce has been committed to memory.
Experienced students will receive a variety of personalized instruction and hands-on adjustments designed to deepen the experience and promote correct action within postures; as well as faciliate deeper awareness within the core energetic body. In particular, the correct, mindful, application of the breathing system (ujjayi pranayama, bandhas, vinyasa, and dhristi) is strongly emphasized. As with beginnjing students, additional asanas in the sequence (either Primary or Intermediate) are added as the student is deemed ready.
When: Monday and Thursday evenings from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM ; and Sunday mornings from 9AM-11AM
Where: Ride the Breath Studio, 1411 Woodland Drive, Durham NC 27701
Who should attend: Students of all levels, from complete beginners to experienced practitioners of the Primary and Intermediate series of the Ashtanga Vinyasa system.
Cost: Cost for a six week block of classes is $80. Drop-in rate for a single class is $15. Pre-registration is required and is limited to 6 students.
2) Guided Primary Series Class
Description: This class is not suitable for beginners. Students are expected to have already been practicing Ashtanga for some time, and have completed all or most of the primary series (at least through Navasana). Unlike the mysore-style class where students practice at their own pace and level; in this class, students will be guided (led) by the teacher through the entire primary series with the traditional vinyasa counting system. The purpose of this class is to teach the student a sense of rhythm and flow, while also emphasizing the correct number of vinyasas (breaths) for each posture and associated transition.
When: Saturday Mornings from 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Where: Ride the Breath Studio, 1411 Woodland Drive, Durham NC 27701
Who Should Attend: Experienced students that have completed all or most of the primary series. Minimum level of proficiency should be up to Navasana.
3) Guided Class: Foundations of Ashtanga Yoga
Description: This class is suitable for beginners. Unlike the mysore-style class where students practice at their own pace and level; in this class, students will be guided (led) by the teacher through the first half of the primary series (up to Navasana) with the traditional vinyasa counting system. The purpose of this class is to teach the student a sense of rhythm and flow, while also emphasizing the correct number of vinyasas (breaths) for each posture and associated transition. In addition instruction is provided on foundational breathing principles, Suryanamaskar A and B, and actions for each asana.
When: Tuesday nights from 6:30PM - 7:30 PM
Where: Duke University, Wilson Center
Who Should Attend: Open to all levels of practitioner, but is most suited to beginning students or practitioners not familiar with the Ashtanga method. Please note that you must be affiliated with Duke Univeristy to attend classes at the Wilson Center.
4) Guided Moon Sequence Class
Description: This is a guided class through the entire Moon Sequence as developed and taught by Matthew Sweeney (www.yogatemple.com). Matthew is an advanced practitioner of Ashtanga Yoga, having completed the Advanced B section (4th series). He developed this sequence as a cooling and therapeutic complement and alternative to the Ashtanga primary series. It is designed to be quite calming, but also energetic in its effects. The sequence works the entire body, but is particularly effective at opening the hips, shoulders, and sacral areas.
When: Wednesday nights from 6:00PM - 7:30 PM
Where: Ride the Breath Studio, 1411 Woodland Drive, Durham NC 27701
Who Should Attend: Open to all levels of practitioner, but is most suited to practitioners familiar with the Ashtanga method; and the primary series in particular.
5) Open Self Practice: Ongoing
Description: This is a chance for members of the local ashtanga community to come practice with us at the studio every Monday through Friday from 5:30AM to 7:30 PM (exclusive of normal class times). Please make sure to call ahead or e-mail to confirm. It is a self-practice session only, i.e., no instruction is provided, as Kathy and/or Fran are practicing with you.
Completed in July of 2004, our studio has heated maple hardwood flooring, a full bathroom with shower facilities, a vaulted ceiling with two large glass skylights and ceiling fan; and a double glass door which looks out to an adjoining outdoor oriental garden.
Cost: It's Free!
Who should attend: Anyone (beginner to advanced) with an established practice.
Private or Small Group Lessons
Sometimes prospective students can be intimidated by the thought of beginning their home practice. Private or small group lessons allow the student(s) to begin in a one-on-one or small group setting where they can ask questions and receive personalized instruction.
One-on-one or small group (2-4 people) lessons
A. Guided session (student is counted through the series or partial series)
B. Traditional Mysore-style session (student performs sequence from memory at his/her own pace and rhythm)
Typical elements included:
• Individual asana and alignment instruction
• Adjustments in key and/or problematic asanas
• Fundamentals of breath, bandhas, and vinyasa
• Techniques for developing and maintaining a personal practice
• Satsang (teacher-student discussion of Ashtanga Yoga method and philosophy)Rates: $60/hour (single) or $40/hour for small group
Note: For dedicated students needing financial assistance, a limited number of reduced rate and/or "scholarship" slots will be available.
