Ashtanga Yoga Weekend
with David Swenson
October 1 - 3, 2010
Yoga Yoga Westgate


Ashtanga Yoga: The Building Blocks
Friday 6:30-8:30 PM
An introduction to Ashtanga Yoga. 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 an introductory flow through an abbreviated sequence from the First Series. The class will end with a guided deep relaxation. Perfect for both beginners and experienced practitioners who get to see Ashtanga in a new light.
Cost: $35 ($45 after Sept. 1)

Led Primary Series
Saturday 7:00-9:00 AM
This class is designed for those already familiar with the First Series of Ashtanga Yoga. It will be conducted like a train ride that will continue flowing along all of the way from the opening sun salutations to the closing sequence. There will be time at the end of the flow to enjoy a deep relaxation.
Cost: $45 ($55 after Sept. 1)

Breath and Bandhas
Saturday 10:00-12:00
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 asanas and pranayama and discover the subtle powerful tools that open up the hidden world of the bandhas.
Cost: $45 ($55 after Sept. 1)

Flying, Floating and Handstanding
Saturday 2:00- 5:00 PM
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 through the avenue of partner work. There is always plenty of laughter and fun as well as a flood of information in this class.
Cost: $55 ($65 after Sept. 1)

Mysore Ashtanga Class
Sunday 7:00-9:00 AM
Experience Ashtanga in its purest form! This is an early morning, self-paced practice with individual assistance from David. All levels of students are welcome. This is the way students originally learned both the primary and the advanced Ashtanga series. You will receive hands on attention during the class to help with your practice.
Cost: $40 ($50 after Sept. 1)

Inversions and Backbends
Sunday 10:00 AM-1:00 PM
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!
Cost: $55 ($65 after Sept. 1)

An Introduction to the Intermediate Series
Sunday 2:30 PM – 5:30pm
Students should have a regular practice of the Primary Series to attend this class. 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.
Cost: $55 ($65 after Sept. 1)

Entire weekend: $285 ($345 after Sept 1)