Class/Workshop Descriptions

Below is a list of Workshop Descriptions to give an example of the work i offer as an Instructor. However, these offerings are not limited to this list below…

Finding your Dance into the Art of Balance

This workshop presents an opportunity to safely & playfully find your own dance in to the way you approach various yoga poses that require balance. Emphasis will be placed on the importance of alignment in preparation for a variety of poses. Using modifications with the wall and props we will safely explore variations on standing, seated and arm balancing poses known as the Squat, Tall/Small Eagle, Sage , Boat, Eight Angle, One Legged Pigeon, Peacock, Dancer, Firefly, Full/Side/Standing Crane, Wild-thing, Scale, Side Plank, Standing Split and Extended Hand to Toe. The workshop is appropriate for experienced beginners and intermediate practitioners seeking a care-full approach to balancing that both challenges and inspires.

*This practice is not recommended for people with the following health contradictions: Asthma, Back Injury, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Diarrhea, Headache, Heart Problems, High or Low Blood Pressure, Insomnia, Knee Injury, Low Blood Pressure, Menstruation, Neck Injury and Pregnancy!

Ah ha Moments & Inverted Alignments!”

This workshop presents the importance of alignment in preparations poses to stimulate the Ah-ha moments that lead the way toward emersion in inversions. Using modifications with the wall and props we will safely explore the inversions known as Supported Shoulder-stand, Plow, Supported Headstand, Forearm-stand Balance and Handstand. The workshop is appropriate for experienced beginners and intermediate practitioners seeking a care-full approach to inversions that both challenges and inspires.

Inhale to Grow & Exhale to Flow… with the Art of Dragon Spirit Vinyasa Yoga!

In this workshop we will explore the solar & lunar aspects of balancing our yoga practice with flowing sequences of aligned movements & breath-work inherent to the dance of gently flowing through Vinyasa (Plank, Cobra & Down-dog flow). Variations on traditional sun salutations will help us build endurance & strength as we emphasize martial movements and lunar salutes allow us to investigate the art of surrender & tension release with more internal receptivity. A range of dynamic balancing & inverted postures (Firefly, Sage, Peacock, Eight-angle, Side Crane, Crow, Wild-thing, Forearm-stand Balance and Handstand) will also be presented to meet students where they are, while engaging them to grow their practice at their own pace… Rise like a Phoenix from the Flame, Lunge like a Warrior into Flight to the Cresent Moon & Grow like a Tree extending its Branches to the Sky… then Fold into Yourself with Traction Release for the Wrists, Smile deep into your Inner Childs Restful Wisdom & Awaken the Spine with Wavelike Flow!

Dragon Spirit Yoga™: “The Tao of Yin Restorative Workshops”
Derive the healing benefits from a style of practice that combines the Taoist & Vedic Internal Arts of Tao Yin Chi-kung & Restorative Yoga. In this monthly workshop, practitioners will be challenged to listen to the innate inner wisdom of the body/spirit/mind connection.

Through meditations in long-held restorative poses, gentle flowing movements, self-massage techniques and breath-work exercises, negative patterns are reshaped along the landscape of the practitioner. Thus, the internal energy pathways, points and energy centers release negative blockages and are strengthened from within. Stimulating the “Chi“ or “Prana” energy in this way, promotes detoxification of major organ/glandular systems and mobilizes muscle and connective tissues (ligaments, tendons, cartilage & etc.).

Participants will explore the art of finding “stillness from within” while “going with the flow”… in all aspects of the mind, spirit & body of the practice. These workshops are accessible to range of experience from beginners to intermediate and advanced practitioners.
Dragon Spirit Yoga™ ~Restorative Asana~

This class style brings together the Taoist Internal Arts of Chi-kung and the Ayurvedic Yogic disciplines of Hatha. In the Restorative Flow class, practitioners will explore a series of still poses, self-massage techniques and breath-work exercises, while focus is placed

on synchronizing breath with soothing posture flows. Meditate through tranquil movement to cultivate healing vital energy throughout the temple of the body, mind and spirit!

*This class is suitable for all levels of experience. Modified poses will be made available to beginner students and those with a limited range of motion.

Dragon Spirit Yoga™ ~Vigorous Flow~

This class style brings together the Taoist Internal Arts of Chi-kung/Kung-fu and the Ayurvedic Yogic disciplines of Kundalini/Vinyasa. In the Vigorous Flow class, practitioners will delve into a series of still poses, self-massage techniques and breath-work exercises, while concentrating on synchronizing breath in combination with energizing sequences of dynamic movement. Meditate through powerful movements that cultivate healing vital energy throughout the temple of the body, mind and spirit!

*This class is suitable for intermediate-advanced levels of experience, while modifications are offered to honor any physical limitations.

Mandarin23

Dragon Spirit Yoga™: The Tao of Yin & Yang- Part I & II

The “Tao of Yin & Yang” DSY workshops consists of “Yin” (still) postures that concntrate on creating more elasticity in the connective tissue (ligaments/tendons) & the “Yang” (fowing) postures to place more emphasis on in the enhanced function of muscle tissue. This 1^st part of the workshop focuses on “Yin” (Lunar) meditative poses, while the 2^nd part will place emphasis on “Yang” (Solar) flowing movements. Meditate through the music & on the poetry of ancient Taoist mystical philosophy being read aloud to practitioners during “Yin” poses while practicing the art of emptying the mind & thus filling the energetic body during “Yang” focused flows.

*The workshop will be made accessible to a range of experience & challenges all practitioners from beginners to intermediate & advanced students.

(Photo above by Deborah Bordman)

Dragon Spirit Yoga™: The Tao of Yin

The “Tao of Yin” workshops consider the wisdom of the inner child while exploring mindful-meditations that reshape patterns in the landscape of the adult practitioners body-temple. Through long-held & restorative poses, energy blockages release by activating meridians (energy pathways in the body), stimulating acupressure points & chakras (energy centers in the body) to promote mobility in the connective or “yin” tissues (ligaments, tendons, & cartilage). Yin yoga will challenge participants in the art of finding stillness… in all aspects of the body, mind & spirit of the practice. Meditate on the poetry of ancient Taoist mystical philosophy being read aloud to practitioners during poses in an effort to resonate w/ the inner chords of our deepest being.

*This workshop will be accessible to range of experience from beginners to intermediate & advanced practitioners.

Tao Yin is a Taoist style of yoga that originated from the Chi Kung traditions in the Hua Shan Mountains of China & was influenced by Kundalini Yoga practices from India. The unique fusion of these systems bestows the disciplined practitioner with the benefits of understanding the subtle energy systems of both the meridians (energy lines) & the chakras (energy centers) including the cultivation of Kundalini Serpent also known as the Dragon spine. Taoist exercises have been used for 3,000 years to strengthen the body, increase flexibility and oxygenation of blood, naturally massage the internal organs, release stress, prevent and heal illness, slow the aging process, enhanceability to focus, restore vitality, balance the emotions, align the chakras, open energy meridians, unlock blockages & generate the flow of chi through the body. While postures and names are similar among Yoga styles originating in India, the roots of this practice lends itself to the ancient chi kung traditions (Tao Yin) from China where Taoist legends associate particular Chinese myths with animal spirits (Dragon, Phoenix, Monkey etc.), mystics (Monk, Warrior, Goddess, etc.) & relates to various aspects of the Five Elements found in nature (Water, Metal, Fire, Wood & Earth) along with the integration of breathing techniques to balance movement with stillness (Yin/Yang).

(Photo above by Deborah Bordman)

T’AI CHI CHUAN

Cheng Man Ching Style (Yang Abstract Form)

This class introduces and drills the basic postures and movement combinations of the T’ai Chi Chuan 37 short form (also known as the Cheng Man Ch’ing style or Yang Abstract form). This moving meditation sets into motion the internal energy traveling through the body known as “Chi”. We will practice breathing and moving meditation techniques to warm-up/promote the flow of “Chi” through the body. As a healing element this flow of energy increases circulation, calms the mind, relaxes the muscles and heals nervous, organic and skeletal problems. In addition to the form, we will practice partner exercises known as Tui Shou (“push hands”) to help develop a deeper awareness of how to overcome force by neutralizing its power rather than adding to the conflict. The essence of the form can be summarized by the words “sink”, “relax” and “yield.”

Radiant Lotus Women’s Qigong

Radiant Lotus Women’s Qi-gong (RLWQ) is a self-healing internal art program specifically designed to empower women to practice self-health care. The program consists of a series of movement techniques and breath exercises that have the capacity to help practitioners realize their own individual healing potential and reach optimal levels of health. The fundamental elements of RLWQ consist of techniques like Shaking and Cupping, Self-Massage, Vibrational Sound Healing and the Kwan Yin Closing & Showering Qi Movement. Additional elements include the Balancing Movement with Phoenix Opening, Lotus Rises from the Water, Longevity Qigong Series and Emotional Release techniques.

These techniques were developed by Level III Advanced Qigong Instructor and Clinical Practitioner, Daisy Lee and are based on teachings she received from Tibetan, Chinese and Western masters. The essential difference between RLWQ and other styles of Qigong is that its practiced and taught by women for women. Its techniques differ from other styles in that areas of the body specific to women’s health are focused on that are particularly vulnerable such as the breast tissue and reproductive organs.

For instance, in the other perhaps “harder” styles of Qigong, the practice of meridian tapping is applied to the body with a flat or chopping hand. In RLWQ however, the practice of meridian tapping uses a cupped hand to “pull” away stagnations, which offers a much more gentle and soothing approach that takes in to consideration sensitive areas specific to the body of a woman.

Dragon Spirit Yoga™: The Tao of Partner Yoga

The “Tao of Partner Yoga” workshop is open to both unfamiliar & seasoned participants to yogic arts, offering a “way” to experience a series of steady still (restorative) poses & rhythmic flowing (vinyasa) postures for practicing yoga in union with a partner. In addition, we will engage our partners in the art giving & receiving mindful bodywork in order to harmonize the universal interaction of Lunar (Yin) & Solar (Yang) aspects of “love”. Partners will also take turns being guided through a series of techniques based on the traditions of Thai Yoga Bodywork. The art of practicing playfully together in a respectful way helps to bring balance to the physical, spiritual & mental energy systems of the body. Plus, it’s an opportunity to have fun with a dear friend , so as not to take life so seriously when “the way” of the loving warrior presents itself. This workshop is open to all people regardless of their sexual orientation, platonic relation or relationship status situation (bring your partner or just bring a friend or family member if you want to take part).

Thai & Partner Yoga: Give & Receive Workshop

This workshop is open to both unfamiliar & seasoned participants, offering anexperience of Yogic Arts through Thai Yoga Bodywork & Partner Yoga exercises. Expect a practice that includes being led through a series of steady still restorative poses (Asana), rhythmic flowing sequences of movement (Vinyasa) that are steeped deep in breathing techniques (Pranayama), to reach a state of union with the art of Yoga & your Partner of choice. In order to further harmonize and reach a state universal interaction, we will also engage our partners in the art giving & receiving a practice of mindful bodywork using therapeutic stretching sequences based on the ancient folk art of Thai Massage (Nuad Boran). Partners will take turns being guided througha series of techniques based on the traditions of Thai Yoga Bodywork. The art of practicing playfully together, in arespectful way toward one another helps to bring balance to the physical, spiritual & mental energy systems of the body. Ultimately, this is an invitation open to all and all are welcome to experience this opportunity to have fun with a dear friend or loved one within the sacred workshop space we seek to create together.

Yoga & the Poet-tree of Motion™

the “Yoga of Poet-tree In Motion” workshop is an offering that fuses creative writing exercises, authentic movement meditations, dance techniques, a series of still & flowing yoga moves (asanas & vinyasas) & breath-work exercises (pranayama). The intention is to help practitioners connect to their individual sense of self-expression within an open-minded communal group practice! “Verse yourself in Vinyasa & bring Prose into the Pose… let your inner voice find the balance… dancing w/ breath & feeling the flow! Thru our spirit’s inner recitations, we build on a mindful practice of meditation to explore the yogic body’s salutation!”

Yo-Fu™: Dance & Moving Arts for Adults

The workshops of Yo-Fu™ ask one to find their own groove… by embodying spiritual movement through liquefied flows, inverted freezes, floor-work patterns, Old-school hip-hop & traditional tribal folk stomp explorations. Emphasis is placed on synchronizing breath with the practices of finding stillness in meditation, flowing thru performing choreographic movement investigations and listening to the inner beat of variety of world-music sound-scape infused inspirations. Those partaking, have a chance to identify the common threads woven throughout the fabric of different healing movements & therapeutic dance forms, thus allowing them to explore original choreography that has a unique flavor, while practicing the art of being fully engaged in ones physical, mental & spiritual being. Exercises can be modified to fit the individual person’s level of flexibility while suited for beginners or experienced yoga practitioners & all lovers of dance at any stage. This method promotes internalizing yogic persuasions and dance meditations in motion with martial movement.

(Photos above by Deborah Bordman)

Yo-Fu™: Dance & Moving Arts for Youth

The Youth Yo-Fu™ workshops introduce an innovative practice to all ages & levels of movement experience to youth through learning a series of Hatha Yoga postures that come from India along with Kung-fu/Chi-kung martial/internal arts techniques that come from China and “old school” Hip-hop dance moves grown out of urban America. The roots of this style come from the mythical legends of ancient Taoist traditions that bring together animal spirits (Dragon, Phoenix, Monkey etc.), mystic sages (Monk, Warrior, Goddess, etc.) and the Five Elements found in nature (Water, Metal, Fire, Wood & Water). We will practice breathing exercises created for balancing movement with stillness (Ha-Tha or Yin/Yang) and “old school” Hip-hop & House dance (Lockin’, Up/Down Rockin’ or Liquid, etc.) will be explored and merged with other movement forms.