David Swenson returns to PURE for Ashtanga Yoga Workshops! Don't miss the opportunity to learn from a yoga luminary!
David is recognized as one of the world’s foremost practitioners and instructors of Ashtanga Yoga. All of his courses are presented in a supportive and compassionate fashion making it accessible to all levels of practitioners to participate. David is known for his ability to modify the Ashtanga practice with grace and good-humor. Join us for a weekend of exploration of this flowing, liberating practice (November 22-24).
Friday, November 22 @ 6-8:30pm Fully Led Primary Series Flow - $50
Dancing with the Breath in a First Series Rhythm
This class is designed for those already familiar with the First Series of Ashtanga Yoga yet it is open to all levels of proficiency from the daily-practicing aficionados to the novice fit-it-in-when-I-can weekend warriors and everyone in between. The class will be conducted like a choreographed dance flowing all of the way from the opening sun salutations to the closing savasana. David will spend time at the beginning of class to introduce alternatives to some of the more challenging asanas as well as offer user-friendly vinyasa options. Class will be followed by an open discussion allowing students to ask David questions about any topics of interest.
Required Items: Mat and Breath
Saturday, November 23 @ 8:30-11:30am Half & Half Fun Fest - $60
Half First Series and Half Second Series Makes for Full Fun
This class is a talk-through of Half of Primary Series and Half of Intermediate Series. In Ashtanga the traditional approach for entering the Intermediate Series is to use the Primary Series as a yogic springboard to propel the student forward. Intermediate Series can be intimidating yet David has a way of presenting it in an accessible and engaging manner. Those that feel a bit uncertain about taking that first step into the realms of the Intermediate Series will find comfort in knowing that David always keeps it Fun, Safe and Incredibly Informative as he guides the group along in a compassionate and thoughtful manner using the first half of Primary Series as a wonderful gateway into Intermediate.
Come and experience the joy and wonder of exploring new asanas or deepening awareness and ability for the ones you are already familiar with!
Saturday, November 23 @ 1:30-4:00pm Flying Floating and Handstanding - $50
A Fun-filled exploration of Vinyasa and Arm-balances
One of the greatest challenges of the Ashtanga flow is the vinyasa. In this class David will break the vinyasa down into its basic components in order to explore techniques for creating greater lightness and efficiency of practice while using less effort to achieve greater ease.
In addition to vinyasa the class will also explore elements of handstands and arm-balances. It is common to feel intimidated or even frightened by balancing on our hands. David will address this issue and offer practical methods of approach to allow for greater confidence and ability that can be carried away and applied within a personal practice. There will be partner work as well as individual techniques offered. There is always plenty of laughter and fun as well as a depth of information in David’s classes. All levels may attend even if you have never done a handstand before. Alternatives are always given.
Come and Experience the Joy of Flight!
Sunday, November 24 @ 8:30-11:30am Intermediate Series for FUN! - $60
Experience a Compassionate Presentation of Intermediate Series
Many people are frightened of or intimidated by the Intermediate Series of Ashtanga yet it is truly one of the most fun and exciting sequences! David will present the asanas with great compassion, patience and humor. This class is designed for experienced Ashtanga practitioners yet is open to anyone wishing to explore this dynamic routine. David will methodically work through the entire series offering options and user-friendly alternatives as he goes. Class will be followed by an open discussion allowing students to ask David questions about any topics of interest.
Sunday, November 24 @ 1:30-4:00pm Scorpions, Peacocks and Insects that fly. Oh My! - $50
Exploring the Asana Jungle and the Animals Within
It would appear as though the first yogis observed nature to gain inspiration and insight into their development of asanas and yoga itself. There is a wonderful ‘zoological’ component to many asanas such as the Peacock, Scorpion, Frog, Crane, Dog, Flying Insect, Crocodile, Horse and many more. In this class David will present ways to approach these amazing creatures with care, wonder and joy through partner work and individual flow. He is open to any suggestions of ‘animal’ postures that the participants may want to explore as well. This class is really fun and sure to put a smile on your face. Of course if there are “non-animal” asanas of interest we can explore those as well :)
The Wild and Wonderful Asana Animals are Waiting for You!
Please note: no refunds will be issued for special events/classes. Thank you for your understanding!