Ashtanga Yoga
Developed by Sri K. Pattahbi Jois in Mysore, India, ASHTANGA YOGA is a systematic style of vinyasa movement, attaching breath and flow through a specific sequence of poses. Two class formats, Led and Mysore, combine to form a full practice that strengthens form and deepens flexibility over time. Intelligently put together over years of study and perfection, the Ashtanga series opens and realigns the practitioner through patience and perseverance. It is ultimately a healing practice that listens to the body of each yogi and responds in kind, as needed. Andréa has had the honor of studying with some of the great master Ashtanga teachers of our time, including trainings with David Swenson and Maty Ezraty. She developed her mysore (a self-led supervised practice) teaching skills under the guidance of David Michael Hollander, and most recently trained with Scott Harig - two of NYC's finest Ashtanga teachers, both at PURE YOGA.
Ashtanga Yoga is a ritual designed to erect a temple
within the inner space of your body...
~ Kino MacGregor
Vinyasa Yoga
A fluid and athletic form of movment, VINYASA YOGA takes Ashtanga as its foundation but its beauty is in the free form and lyrical way the sequences develop. Greatly influenced by other movement forms as well as yoga, Vinyasa can embrace many styles such as Hot Power and Slow Flow. The sequence will change from teacher to teacher and class to class, but the essence of "flow" does not, with the yogi transitioning from pose to pose on an inhale or exhale. Akin to the graceful movements of dance choreography, the yogi seeks synchronicity and mindfulness through the attachment of breath and movement. That synchronicity can allow for a deeper connection with the energetic body and all it's mysteries ... Andréa's first teacher and mentor, Kristin Leal, is a master at combining all elements into a profound Vinyasa flow.
The quality of our breath expresses our inner feelings.
~ T.K.V. Desikachar