Richard Freeman’s Yoga Workshop in Boulder is offering the following courses beginning in September:

As It Is: The Primary Series

In this 6 week course students will ground in the present moment through the movements of breath, bandhas and dristi, while systematically moving through the Primary Series of classical Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga. During weeks 1-5, practitioners will learn the Primary Series in sections as well as looking at relevant modifications to movements or postures that may not be possible for some students due to physical limitations.

In 1997 Sri K. Pattabhi Jois of Mysore gave Dan his blessing to teach. In the final week of the course Dan will lead the class through the entire Primary Series as he was taught by Guruji. This course is designed for students who have been practicing Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga regularly for at least 6 months. Students who are unsure if they are ready for the course should speak to Dan directly.

Date: Wednesdays, Sept. 3 – Oct. 8
5:30–7:30pm
Where: The Yoga Workshop
Cost: $60 (pre-registration required)
Instructor: Dan Michael

Happy Healthy Back

This class will help you restore balance to your low back by focusing on increased stability and core strength as well an increased flexibility and mobility. The emphasis of the class will be on a safe and effective yoga practice with particular attention given to understanding proper alignment and posture. Traditional yoga poses as well as modifications of these poses will be included. A class for students of all levels who wish to explore the healing benefits of yoga.

This class will introduce useful information on how yoga can help to:

Improve postural alignment
Strengthen muscles that support the back
Increase flexibility
Bring more awareness to how we use our bodies
Help create patterns of movement that serve us

When: Saturday, Sept. 6
2:00–3:15pm
Where: Yoga Workshop
Cost: $14 Drop-in, or use your Yoga Workshop 5-class or 30-day pass. No need to pre-register.
Instructor: De West

Introduction to Mysore Class

This is a course for those interested in learning the traditional method of practicing and learning Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga. We will explore as a group the Mysore style class as developed by Sri K Pattabhi Jois of Mysore, India. We will also discuss the history of this method and the intricacies of a Mysore class.

This course is appropriate for both complete beginners who would like to learn ashtanga vinyasa yoga in the traditional method and for seasoned practitioners who regularly attend guided classes but have never experienced a Mysore class.

Date: Mondays, Sept. 8 – 22, 7:30 – 9:00pm
Where: Yoga Workshop
Cost: $30 (pre-registration is required)
Instructor: Ashlee Dunn

Introduction to Ashtanga Yoga

This five-week course is designed for anyone who has never done yoga before, or beginning students who want to start with a solid foundation of understanding. The only pre-requisites are a basic level of fitness and an active, curious mind. Students will receive a solid foundation in the principles and practice of Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga.

You will learn:

the two forms of the Sun Salutation.
the Standing Sequence.
the simpler parts of the Primary Series.

Date: Mondays, Sept. 29 – Oct. 27
7:30 – 9:00pm
Where: Yoga Workshop
Cost: $50 (pre-registration is required)
Instructor: Susan Chiocchi

For more information, or to register, please to go the Yoga Workshop website.

Although solo practice is a great way to practice ashtanga, it’s often more fun and inspirational to practice in a group.  If anyone knows of a Mysore-style practice group in Colorado Springs, or is interested in forming one, please contact Lecia Wood at lw (atsign) leciawood (dot) com.

And while you’re at it, if you know of any ashtanga practice groups ANYWHERE in Colorado, please email me (yogagumbo atsign gmail dot com) and I will share the info here!

I am always happy to pass along any information from ashtanga teachers in Colorado; here’s some information on ashtanga classes in Boulder!

KamaYoga = HOUSEHOLDER YOGA ! is traditional Ashtanga Yoga (the Primary series), taught by Kem Minnick at The Solstice Center, 302 Pearl St., Boulder, CO 80302.

Class is taught from 6:15 to 7:15 A.M. Monday thru Friday.  Level 2 is an ongoing group class taught Tuesdays  and Thursdays. Mon-Wed- Fri. classes are Level 1 and are taught privately or semiprivately (1-3 persons) by appointment only. After a beginner comes to at least four Level 1 classes,  they can then join the  Level 2 class. Someone who is already familiar with the Primary series and has been  practicing yoga at least once a week may attend Level 2 classes after a phone consultation.

The cost for Level 2 is a $65.00, 5 punch card. The cost for Level 1 is $50.00 per  hour,1-2 students or $75.00 per hour for 3 students, a minimum of 2 classes purchased per student. I do not teach drop in classes, you must call first: 720-435-2430. This is a  small beautiful, space where you receive personal attention and can nurture a solid and safe Ashtanga practice. The studio has a skylight and a wall of windows with beautiful Flatiron views and has been recently re-modeled with eco-products and hypo-allergenic materials. The building is also home to Boulder Ayurveda. Please call for more info.

Ashtanga Yoga with Annie Pace

August 15-17, 2008

Denver, CO

Consulate Healing Center

750 E. 9th Ave, Suite 210

Annie’s integrity and her devotion to this tradition are clearly demonstrated in her teaching and her life practice. With 28 years of experience, she is one of the most qualified instructors and advanced practitioners of this method in the world. Don’t miss this opportunity to deepen your practice and your understanding of ashtanga in the yogic macrocosm! Beginners are most welcome.

Proceeds to benefit Shakti Sharanam, a yoga shala and retreat center in Crestone, CO.
(See www.shaktisharanam.com or call 719-256-5668 for more information)

Workshop Schedule
Friday 4:30-7:00 pm
Saturday 8:00-11:00 am
and 4:00-7:00 pm
Sunday 9:00 am-Noon

$180 if prepaid by July 25
or $216 thereafter
Friday drop-in $45 space permitting

Send payment to:
Jan Ruscio
9072 S. Kenwood Ct.
Highlands Ranch, CO 80126
303-791-0582
janruscio@yahoo.com

Please include name, address, phone number, email address, and amount paid.

Check out all of the info here:

http://tellurideyogafestival.com/

Ashtanga teachers Richard Freeman, Nicki Doane and Eddie Modestini will be teaching, as well as many other prominent yoga teachers!

Ashtanga Yoga: The Primary Series

This workshop will address the philosophical foundations and the practical methodology of the Ashtanga yoga system. Beginning and continuing students will gain a deeper understanding of this tradition and how it works. We’ll cover the history of the lineage, the eight limbs of yoga, and the defining characteristics of the physical practice. In three sessions we will progressively work through the sequence of postures that is known as the Primary Series, and in the last session we will put it all together in its traditional counted format.

Phillip Potter and Joan Isbell will lead the workshop.  They both teach at Yogi Escape studio in the Highlands neighborhood in Denver. Phillip has been practicing since 1999, and Joan has been practicing for a decade.

The workshop will be held at Yogi Escape, 3390 West 32nd Ave. in Denver.  Call 303-964-3454 to register.
The dates and times are Sat. November 10th from 12:30 to 2:30 and 3:30 to 5:30 and Sun. November 11th from 12:30 to 2:30 and 3:30 to 6pm.  The cost is $75 .

Looking for a unique opportunity to study in a very small group with one of ashtanga’s senior teachers?  There is space available for a workshop in Crestone, Colorado on October 19-21.  This is an amazing chance to receive personal instruction from Annie Pace, who has over 27 years of experience, in her new, sustainably built yoga shala.

Please contact Julie Savage (jfsavage atsign comcast dot net) for details and more information.

The Yoga Journal Ashtanga Intensive is Estes Park is coming up Sept. 24-26.  I’d love to publish notes, reviews, impressions and tips from people attending (I can’t go, unfortunately) so if you’d like to contribute, drop me an email (yogagumbo atsign gmail dot com) and let me know!

As It Is: The Primary Series

In this 6 week course students will ground in the present moment through the movements of breath, bandhas and dristi, while systematically moving through the Primary Series of classical Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga.

During weeks 1-5, practitioners will learn the Primary Series in sections as well as looking at relevant modifications to movements or postures that may not be possible for some students due to physical limitations.

In 1997 Sri K. Pattabhi Jois of Mysore gave Dan his blessing to teach. In the final week of the course Dan will lead the class through the entire Primary Series as he was taught by Guruji.

This course is designed for students who have been practicing yoga regularly for at least 6 months. Students who are unsure if they are ready for the course should speak to Dan directly.

Date: Wednesdays, September 12th – October 17th
Time: 6:00 – 8:00 PM
Where: The Yoga Workshop, 2020 21st St., Boulder
Cost: $60. Pre-registration is necessary.
Instructor: Dan Michael

For more information, see http://www.yogaworkshop.com

The Shambala Mountain Center in Red Feather Lakes is offering an ashtanga yoga and meditation retreat, August 31 – Sept. 2, led by Katharine Kaufman.   This description comes from Shambala’s website:

In this weekend retreat, we will explore the heart of Ashtanga Yoga, which includes alignment, breath and meditation, practicing the classical and dynamic flowing sequence of postures based on the inner form. We will also experiment with partner work and restorative practice, honing awareness and coming to a greater understanding of our own being. Students at all levels of practice welcome.

Katharine Kaufman, MFA, teaches Ashtanga Yoga at The Yoga Workshop in Boulder, Colorado. She has studied in Mysore, South India, with Pattabhi Jois and Dr. Shankaranarayana Jois. Her principle teacher is Richard Freeman. Originally trained as a dancer, Katharine taught, choreographed and performed nationally for 20 years. Her background is steeped in poetry, women’s art, zazen and good humor. She also teaches contemplative dance at Naropa University.

For more information, go to http://www.shambhalamountain.org/programs/746.