Monday, February 28, 2011

What constitutes an intermediate class?

Today, 10 minutes into my level 2 (intermediate) yoga class, a new student (to my class) popped his head up from uttanasana and asked me, "This isn't the level 2 vinyasa flow is it?"  I responded "yes" and he responded back in a puzzled manner, "but it's so different from the class I took Saturday."  It was easier than he expected.  An employee of the studio explained to me after that the sat. class he was referring to is a strong power vinyasa flow (even though it has the same label as mine).  There are many teachers at this studio and everyone has their own interpretation for what the levels are and unless we were each given a specific syllabus to follow there's always going to be variation.

This really made me wonder what constitutes an intermediate class?   I've always thought that an intermediate class meant you could give the student a bit more freedom (since they have a basic understanding of the asanas and practice) and offer more sophisticated instruction.  For instance, I've gone back to taking very simple classes, and I find that there's so much to understand even in the simplest of movements.  Going back to simpler asanas/movements allows me to go deeper into the postures and still gives me a challenge both mentally and physically.  Can you teach a class of basic asana vocabulary and call it intermediate?   Are some asanas inherently more advanced?

Thoughts anyone??

Saturday, February 26, 2011

What do you enjoy most from a class?

Hi everyone!    I am developing a new class and want to hear from you about what you enjoy most from a class?  This can be certain movement, pacing, structure, atmosphere, or anything else you can think of.  The class is in its infant stage, but will likely combine movement from different modalities, ie. yoga, pilates, modern dance, bartenieff, etc. 

I really appreciate your help!  :)