(Level: All) Cast: Collibrina This gentle Qigong inspired practice is an ideal practice for less than ideal days. This is a great practice to help reinvigorate the immune system without overtaxing the body. The practice is seated and is suitable for elderly and/or disabled practitioners. (NYV0049D)
(Level: All) Cast: Collibrina
Collibrina is guided through a practice comprised of fundamental poses that are the foundation for a wide range of ashtanga based and vinyasa practices. The beginning practitioner can quickly become acquainted with the benefits of an asana practice by simply learning this sequence while a more advanced practitioner can use this sequence on days when they do not have the opportunity to engage in a full practice. (NYV0049A)
(Level: All) Cast: Collibrina
This practice explores integrating sound into a traditional hatha practice. Collibrina explores the use of sound in her meditation practice while also incorporating sound into her physical practice as such exploring the relationship between sound, breath and movement. (NYV0049C)
(All Levels) Teacher: Hope
In this series we continue to explore a way to profit from the well acknowledged benefits of practicing gentle yoga asana in heat. This practice does not require any special equipment just a well heated bathroom, or if the bathroom isn’t naturally warm, a space which can be warmed mindfully using steam from the shower and a towel. This is a floor series where traditional Hatha yoga poses like Sphinx pose, Cobra pose and Bow pose are used to strengthen the spine and improve the spine’s flexibility. This is also a relaxing series where poses are divided by Savasana. This is an excellent series to do before going to bed and contributes towards keeping the system naturally clean and energized and focusing the mind. (NYV0038)
(Level: All) Cast: Collibrina
Like asana practice chanting is regarded as a pathway to activating the chakras, and bringing clarity to the practitioner. Collibrina is guided through a simple chant and a basic yin practice. Both practices are complementary to more widely known hatha based asana practices. (NYV0049B)
(Level: All) In this series we explore a way to profit from the well acknowledged benefits of practicing gentle yoga asana in heat. Again this practice does not require any special equipment just a well heated bathroom, or if the bathroom isn’t naturally warm one which can be warmed mindfully using steam from the shower. This is a standing series where traditional hatha poses like warrior, triangle and standing forward and backward bends are used to loosen up the body and focus the mind in a detoxifying environment which allows the lungs and pores to open and to cleanse themselves. This is at once a highly calming but energizing practice. (NYV0038)
(Level: Beginner) If we practice without mindfulness, the knees can suffer in yoga. If you experience knee pain in daily life or during yoga practice, this gentle sequence will teach you to treat your knees with kindness as you gain the benefits of more vigorous variations. Beginning in tadasana (mountain pose), we bring awareness to the area as we engage the legs. Triangle pose stretches and strengthens the legs while keeping the knee joint safe. We move to the wall for Supported Warrior, a wonderful modification for those who feel a lot of strain when lunging. Finally, wind-releasing pose lubricates the knee joints while providing all-important core engagement. NYV0037
(Beginner level) Between commuting with heavy bags, sitting in a chair for much of the day, holding our arms in a fixed tying position, those of us who work a regular office job place a lot of strain on our spines, resulting in chronic back pain. This series stretches and strengthens the spine, preventing future injuries and easing past ones. Cat/cow pose warms and massages the spine, while reclining big toe pose lengthens and stretches it. A short series of “baby” backbends playfully challenges us to explore how we crunch our lower backs – and how to treat the area with more kindness and compassion. Finally, wind-releasing pose strengthens the abdominal muscles, which support the lower back so as to prevent further strain. NYV0037
(Beginner level) Good news – you don’t even have to leave your desk to perform some simple yoga poses that will help relieve stress and fatigue. Even if you’re pressed for time, you can still enjoy the benefits of a few moments of movement and self-awareness in the middle of your busy day. All of the asanas in this series can be performed while sitting at your desk. We begin with relaxing neck rolls to release the tension – both mental and physical – that long hours of sitting creates. A short self-massage of the temples is a nourishing way center yourself. Next, we learn to do a seated spinal twist at the desk, bringing the same detoxifying effects of twists in a yoga class to the middle of your work day. After a calming seated forward bend, we end standing in conscious meditation. NYV0037
(Level: Beginner to intermediate) In today’s world we are constantly using our computers and mobile devices, both of which promote a rounded upper back and closed shoulder girdle. This series focuses on shoulder opening poses that open the heart as well, so with regular practice you’ll feel emotional benefits as well as physical ones. We begin in child’s_pose , pressing through the palms to engage the shoulders. Heart chakra pose takes the opening to he next step. After progressing through Down_Dog and Cow Face poses, we end with gentle Back Bends, re-examining the poses in light of our shoulder opening mission. (NYV0037)
(Level: Beginner) Continuing our series on preventing and healing work-related injuries, we will focus today on the wrists. We counterbalance the repetitive stress from hours of tying or other repetitive motion with soothing wrist stretches. Cat/Cow is performed with flipped palms, intensely opening tight muscles in the wrists and forearms.
(Level: All) Now that we have some dance moves, it’s time to use them. A great way to work through emotions is to use them to fuel your movements; if you’re having a great day or tough day, let it out! Having a CONVERSATION back-and-forth battle is also a great way to come up with new movements. There is no wrong way to dance, as long as you are not hurting yourself or others, so again focus on the FEEL instead of the LOOK. Have fun! (NYV0036)
(Level: Beginner) Popping is another street style, but is very different from break dancing. We will go over a few basic elements of popping- theory, IN hits, OUT hits, and wrist hits. This is very alien movement, so it may take a lot of practice to begin to feel all of these new muscle activations. We will also go over which muscles to focus on, and how to do a few simple exercises to help us discover how to HIT. Practice a little every day, and it goes a long way. (NYV0036)
(Level: Intermediate) Break dancing- many of us picture big, explosive movements on the floor, flips, and other insane feats of strength. At the base of it all are FOUNDATION moves, and we will go over a few. If you haven’t watched the PREPARING FOR BREAK DANCING video yet, I strongly advise you to do so before watching this video. At the end, we will have a basic combination containing all of the moves we have learned in Part 1 and Part 2. Once you have the basics down, play around and find ways to make them your own! (NYV0036)
(Level: Beginner) In this video we will go over a few basic standing moves that you can modify and make your own. We will focus on getting the FEEL of the dance right versus the LOOK. Once you get the FEELING, your own personal style will start to develop. Katie, the student, gives a lot of good input, and hopefully other beginners will find it useful. More advanced dancers should also find it beneficial to go over the basics. (NYV0036)
(Level: All)
In this video we will be focusing on how to prepare for break dancing. This is especially important if you have no experience with dance, but is a good reminder for everyone. Our wrists, elbows, ankles, and knees are prone to injury in break dancing, especially with floor moves; this is why it is especially important to be mindful in order to avoid injury. We will focus on exercises and stretches that can be modified to any fitness level. Go at your own pace, and have fun! (NYV0036)
Here we explore Opening the Front Gate & Expanded Warrior. A Taoist Yoga variation of Warrior one and warrior two of Hatha Yoga fused with Taoist intention and other movements. The idea is to learn how to develop effortlessness while cultivating the activation of the core (abdominal muscles) This sequence is both grounding, activating and deeply peaceful when done properly these movements build a clarity and awareness that is un-parelled. The healing benefits are too long to list. (NYV0035)
(Level: Intermediate) Here we go deeper into Taoist Yoga. The benefits of these movements can be felt immediately and really add up over time when practiced with discipline. Sinking the Chi : Here we gather the higher vibration chi (heavenly chi) a very healing Qi and we draw it down into the body. Expanding your Space : Expands what is called the Wei Chi Field, in chinese medicine. This is an invisible layer of protection that is a part of the human energy field. It keeps unwanted energy out. A sense of empowerment and feeling larger is accompanied with this practice. Taoist Squats : Super activating and grounding, can be joined with expanding your space technique. (NYV0035)
(All Levels) Here we work with two powerful methods for awakening & activating the bodies energy. They also serve to melt tension and create a sense of groundness and peace of mind. Swinging methods open & stimulate the spine and channels, to prepare for the cultivation of chi (life force). These theories are also explored. (NYV0035)
(Level: All) Building upon the idea of the follower modifying the leader’s movements in the Echoing exercise, here will go a bit further. In Contrasting, we will aim to be the opposite of our partner. For example, if one person decides to do fast movement, the other does slow movement; if one is doing sharp, precise movements, the other will do softer movements. This is sure to challenge both partners, and help to create a lot of new movement ideas. The student, Katie, pointed out that contrasting emotions could be something to play with, which is something I would never have come up with on my own! See what ideas both you and your partner have!
(Level: Beginner) Especially for women who clomp around on hard pavement in high heels all day, the feet often become a source of pain and discomfort rather than a strong, healthy base for the whole body. This sequence stretches and strengthens the feet, giving them some nice release from all the hard work we impose on them. We even give ourselves a nice little foot massage! As the sequence comes to a close, we will focus on Downward_Dog. It is one of the most well-known poses, but this time, we will consider it with a focus on our feet. We end the practice in Viparita Karani, with our legs up the wall, letting our feet completely relax into weightlessness. (NYV0034)
(Level: All) At all ages, fresh and glowing skin is an unmistakable marker of health and beauty. In this sequence, we will move into poses that stimulate blood flow to the face and neck, aiding circulation. We begin with Anuloma Viloma breath to equalize the two halves of the brain and calm stress, as stress ages the appearance. Two rounds of Sun Salutations warm up the back so that we can perform partnered Bridge pose, followed by Plow and Shoulder Stand. (NYV0034)
(Level: Beginner-Intermediate) A strong, healthy body cuts across all different cultural ideals of beauty. For those of us who have a mainly sedentary lifestyle, fat accumulation impedes us looking and and feeling our best. A vigorous vinyasa flow practice engages the metabolism and Right-Sizes the body. We begin this sequence with kapalabhati breath, which stimulates digestion and loss of body fat. Sun Salutations emphasize Warrior I with a back bend. We proceed into a deeper back bend, Bow, and then Wind-Releasing pose to strengthen and tone the abdomen. If you have cardiac problems, you should not perform this sequence as it is very stimulating. (NYV0034)
(Level: All) In this fun facial yoga sequence, we learn the exercises that people have been using for thousands of years before Nip and Tuck to keep their faces looking youthful. Tap into the kid at heart, because we’re going to do funny faces like Lion’s Breath, Smiling Fish Face, and Temple Dancer Eyes, along with chin and cheek tighteners. If you practice this sequence three times per week, sagging and jowls will be a thing of the past! (NYV0034)
(Level: Absolute beginners) This very gentle sequence was designed for seniors, first-timers, or yogis recovering from injuries who desire the same benefits of stretching and detoxification that a vigorous practice provides. You will need a folding-type chair and access to a wall. We warm up with half Sun Breaths and a shoulder opener, then use the chair to come into an easy spinal twist and leg stretches. We learn to find more support in Warrior II pose by finding it on a chair, and modify the pose for knee injuries. The session closes with conscious, calming deep breathing. NYV0034
(Level: All) In this video, we will go over how to jump safely, and also how to fall safely. My student, Katie, has very little dance experience and asked me how a dancer manages to jump so high and still land safely. I figured if she had this question, many viewers must wonder the same thing. I have mainly a ballet background, but prefer the modern dance approach, so we will be focusing less on proper turnout and more on getting the FEELING of jumping correct. In short, in order to have a forceful UP reaction (or jump), you have to have an equally forceful DOWN reaction. As always, when you are trying something new, start small. You will really be surprised how little force you need to jump high! (NYV0033)
(Level: All) In this video, we will go over the contrasting idea to the PUSHING lifts; that is, we will see what happens when we instead pull against each other. We will start off testing the waters, and using very little of our weight to pull against our partner, and trying to create a balance of weight between each other. After this becomes more comfortable and we become more in tune with each other, we will move on to a few other ideas using pulling. Again, remember to start small, and see what you and your partner can come up with! (NYV0033)
(Level: All)
In this video, we will go over what is involved in a few basic lifts. We will cover how to be a stable BASE (or lifter), and how to make it easier to be lifted. Keep in mind that this exercise is focusing on PUSHING lifts; i.e., one person is “pushing” or giving their weight to another. We will also begin to think of how we can add lifting into our previous exercises. It is essential that as the one being lifted, you trust that your base person will not drop you; if there is no sense of trust that is a recipe for falling! I hope you can take these basic ideas and find ways to build upon them and come up with your own lifting ideas! (NYV0033)
(Level: All) In this exercise, we will play with what happens when partners are connected at one point. For example, if you and your partner are connected at the foot, or the hip, or are arm-in-arm, how does that change your movements? Good things to keep in mind while doing this exercise are: how are you and your partner feeling? Is this easy or hard to do? Do you find yourselves aiming to break apart, or stay together? Again, please make sure that you are working with someone you are comfortable with and have good communication with. And make sure you have plenty of space to move around!
(Level: All) Building upon the idea of the follower modifying the leader’s movements in the Echoing exercise, here will go a bit further. In Contrasting, we will aim to be the opposite of our partner. For example, if one person decides to do fast movement, the other does slow movement; if one is doing sharp, precise movements, the other will do softer movements. This is sure to challenge both partners, and help to create a lot of new movement ideas. The student, Katie, pointed out that contrasting emotions could be something to play with, which is something I would never have come up with on my own! See what ideas both you and your partner have!
