Intermediate/Advanced Ashtanga­Vinyasa When, Where, and with Whom Instructor: & Introspective Practices Brinson Leigh Kresge : DANC491 [email protected]

M/W 8:15 - 9:30 am Dance Building: 10 N. Brunswick St | FALL 2018 | Room : 108

Class Website: VCUarts: Department rampages.us/yoga/ of Dance & Required Materials Choreography and towel (block/strap optional) Notebook for printouts and note-taking Meditation cushion (optional)

Required Reading The majority of each class will be dedicated to practicing the - Peak: Secrets from the New Science of Expertise By K. Anders Ericsson Primary Ashtanga Series based on the teachings and lineage of - Mindset: The New Psychology of Success Ashtanga Yoga. This modernized and ever evolving system is By Carol S. Dweck derived from ancient Classical Indian Yoga and follows a set - Website materials series of in a dynamic flow that links breath and Things to contemplate movement. Students will learn the asanas of the Primary Series - How does Mysore-style Ashtanga differ from an experiential and anatomic perspective, breathing from other -based yoga practices? techniques, and foundations of yoga philosophy that will inform - What are the benefits of Mysore-style practice? other aspects of their life, enrich their mental, physical, - What does it mean to be a productive intellectual and artistic pursuits. practitioner? To have a fixed or growth mindset? To support growth within the Mysore practice, as a productive - How do mindset and practice approach reveal themselves in Mysore-style learner, and as a positive participant in life, students will: practice? And beyond? - Engage in required readings as a means to apply a higher - What are some techniques level of consciousness to practice and learning. and benefits? - What experiences and effects arise by - Further explore the introspective practices of pranayama the - Ashtanga-Vinyasa system being a (breathing techniques), meditation (resting in set series of postures? awareness over time), and guided visualization - Is there benefit from knowing the sanskrit names of yoga postures? techniques. Chanting mantras? - Dive deeper into their personal practice following the - What modifications are relevant for traditional Mysore method. your physical yoga practice? Why? - Why sit in silence? - How can we use visualization as a tool? M ain Course Goal - Why Study this? - How can our personal practice serve What can we learn from Yoga & Introspective Practices that will others? serve us on an individual, societal, & global level?

COURSE CALENDAR

August

R 23 Classes begin

W 29 Add/drop ends

Attendance & Timeliness September Yoga depends on consistency, discipline and regular practice. For this reason and in keeping M 3 University closed with the VCU DEPT of Dance and Choreography absence policy, after one absence, every subsequent absence will result in a full October grade letter deflation.

R-F 18 - 19 Reading days ❖ 10 - 30 minutes late = 1/2 absence ❖ 30 minutes or later = full absence November Observing a class with a valid excuse is

permitted. Take notes and turn them in at the F 2 Last day to withdraw end of the class (not electronic notes). W-Sn 21 - 25 University closed - classes beginning at 12 p.m. or later Grading do not meet on Nov. 21 Based on:

December - ATTENDANCE - 50% - Attitude and participation; Sa 8 Last day of classes for fall semester Understanding of course material and both campuses application; Deepening knowledge and skill - 40% - 3 quizzes and 1 short response to class observation - 10% Safety Ashtanga- Vinyasa Yoga is a physical practice and can be Observation & Response challenging. Please alert your instructor to any pre-existing Students are required to observe one injuries or physical problems before beginning your practice. If at Mysore-style Ashtanga class at Ashtanga Yoga any point you are feeling pain or experiencing an issue, tell your Richmond in Carytown : instructor immediately. Although strong sensations may arise, if ashtangayogarichmond.com you are hurting, you are probably hurting yourself. Pain is NOT the objective of yoga. Fundamental in all yoga practice is to move Observation and Response due by: October 10 with awareness and respond to your body and with compassion and intelligence. Modifications, open dialogue, and exploration of alternative postures or movements are always appropriate, as ultimately, asana is prescribed for the individual. If you keep your instructor informed and proceed in your practice with awareness, there should be no problems. Moreover, you will learn to prevent and counteract injuries in other physical movement and daily life.

Touch Disclaimer : This form of yoga often involves adjustments from the instructor as a tool to deepen our understanding of a pose and physical awareness. If you ever feel uncomfortable, please do not hesitate to alert the instructor.