~ CLASS DESCRIPTION & TEACHER BIO ~

Chair Yoga Chair Yoga makes Yoga more accessible! Chair yoga is just like traditional yoga with variations, so that it can be more accessible to those who need a little extra support. This is an integrated chair class, meaning most of the class will be taught from the chair, however you are welcome to stand or get on the mat to do the pose if desired. The class will be gentle and fun while helping to increase flexibility, strength and improve your mental state. *Cheri Garrison

Flow Yoga focuses on the connection between breath, movement, and the mind. It is based on the principles of hatha yoga, vinyasa yoga and ashtanga vinyasa. This style of yoga is often referred to as ‘flow’ because it moves from one pose to another in a continuous, smooth way. The term ‘flow’ is often used to describe the experience of being in the zone and Flow Yoga helps achieve this state of mind. While a little physically engaging, all are welcome! *Phelan LaVelle 

Hatha Yoga (Community Yoga/Mend & Bend)  A blend of asana (physical postures) and mindful movement that is accessible to all. This class provides the space to go deep within and to truly listen to the body's whispers. Using props and any adjustments that are needed, students are encouraged to find their own place to sink in and let go in a safe, relaxed atmosphere. All levels are welcome. *Rhonda Helms  *Meg Schreiber Brownstone

Integral Hatha Yoga (Holistic Hatha)  as formulated by Sri Swami Satchidananda, combines the various methods of Yoga so that we may have a healthy body, peaceful mind and useful life. It is a graceful blend of postures, breath and meditation, accessible to all and an ideal tool for becoming more comfortable and relaxed in the body, while increasing flexibility and muscle tone. Integral Yoga classes are spiritual in nature. They guide the student to go gently inward and experience the effects of the posture. The classes are never competitive. Silence, acceptance, and awareness are used to relax the body and calm the mind. All are welcome. *Kerry Fulford

Sangha Raqsat (Beginners) Empowering growth through dance, Sangha Raqsat is a dance form that utilizes belly dance, American dance, and the teachings of yoga to create a fun and welcoming space for growth.  Honoring the roots of our teachers, we create something new together that empowers our physical, mental, and emotional transformation.  Suitable for any fitness level, this class is for anyone who wants to move and have fun while learning a new movement practice. Celebrate the summer by exploring many of the different dance stylizations that make up Sangha Raqsat.  We will explore folkoric and cabaret style belly dance, American fusion dance, ballet, and dancing with props - cane, veil, and balance work.  Each class stands alone, but they compliment and advance each other. *Mahsati

Sangha Raqsat (Intermediate- Advanced)  Continuing the strong foundation of the Beginners class, we build our dance practice with specific stylizations, increased layers, and specific props.  This class will help you deepen your dance practice, your understanding of the history and culture of our dance, as well as increasing dance technique. *Mahsati

Shotokan Karate is a martial art rooted in striking techniques, designed for use in self-defense. Regular practice revolves around kata (forms), supplemented by kihon (basic techniques) and kumite (sparring). These technical aspects of the art, however, entail a broader set of goals: the care and cultivation of the body and mind, and the quest for mutual respect and understanding among all people. *Joe Fu

T’ai Chi, Yang Style, Traditional Long Form  is an ancient form of t’ai chi. In its origin it was a defensive martial art, but is generally practiced today as a meditative art. It is meditation in motion. As you go through the moves in the form you move in a seamless, free flowing fashion. It is quiet, peaceful, and restorative. It helps with mental focus, memory, stress, and patience. Physically it is a practice that enhances core strength and coordination. It improves balance in your physical body. When strength, support and balance are improved in your physical body you will find that they are also improved in your life. You can think of your t’ai chi practice as a metaphor for the things you want in your everyday life.

You will be taught all of the moves and the principles that guide them. All levels of experience are welcome. Wear comfortable clothing and be prepared to practice barefoot. Shoes are not helpful unless they are specifically tai chi shoes (ideally only worn indoors). If using tai chi shoes, please carry your shoes in and put them on inside. *Patty Riehm

Therapeutic Gentle Yoga  Some Infinite Intelligence that is really generous 'loaned' us these human gloves so that we could have the privilege of experiencing life on Planet Earth. This journey, if well lived, includes exploring peaks & valleys, caverns & crests while perhaps at times forgetting that one sure day we will have to give back the loaner. The way that we treat these borrowed human clothes is our way of showing gratitude for the 'loan'. So maybe our whole life was not lived with this awareness, but we can begin today. Ideal for those who are  perhaps stiff & inflexible, overweight, injured, mature, or just want to be tender with themSelves. This yoga is for every body and all are welcome to this experience of self-love.* Meghan Burke 

Therapeutic Pilates  is a method of body conditioning which promotes postural alignment, core integrity, and health. The intention is to assist you in claiming the knowledge and safely embodying the strength and fluidity the Pilates system offers. Through mindful movement, precise execution, and proper use of dynamic tension, our bodies gain the ability to heal and strengthen from the inside out. Get strong, long, and connected in your body through this exploration of Classical Pilates with a Therapeutic touch. 

Yamuna® Body Rolling (YBR) is a self-care and self-conditioning technique that uses specialized balls to therapeutically access specific body parts. The extraordinary effect of Yamuna Body Rolling is its multidimensional elongation of muscle fibers. In addition to the regular longitudinal elongation by conventional stretch methods, YBR enables the transversal and diagonal expansion of muscle fibers in order to move the body more dynamically. This unique method has aspects of both exercise and treatment. Leading individual body parts to their accurate positions, YBR makes necessary space in the body, increases circulation, improves range of motions and overall function. * Michelle Arington

Yin Yoga  Life can be so YANG, muscling our way through everything. Our connective tissues have become taught rubber bands begging us to please, take a YIN moment to unwind. The main difference between a Yin and a Yang Yoga practice is that Yin postures stretch the connective tissues (yin) for an extended period of time with RELAXED muscles (yang), releasing deep tension and stress. This practice also encourages a free flow of energy throughout the meridians, or energy pathways, encouraging profound healing. Long gentle holds in a pose, loosening the grip in the muscles and the mind. * Nicole Bechill *Meghan Burke 

Yoga for Body, Breath & Mind According to the ancient Yoga Sutras of Patanjali (known as the Father of Yoga), "The cessation of the fluctuations of the mind is Yoga". In this all-levels yoga practice we work out the kinks of being human through stretching and breathing so that we can then sit in a prepared stillness and silence. This preparation of the physical body through asana, and the mental body through breathwork, allows us to perhaps sit more peacefully with less physical and mental commentary. In doing so, we create the opportunity to be more fully present to the infinite wisdom and guidance within.  *Meghan Burke