Courses

Ashtanga Yoga

PRACTICE & PHILOSOPHY APPRECIATION PROGRAMME
WITH KPJAYI LEVEL 2 AUTHORISED TEACHER NEA FERRIER

Ashtanga Yoga Apprenticeship ProgramME
with KPJAYI level 2 teacher Nea Ferrier

ASHTANGA YOGA
PRACTICE & PHILOSOPHY
APPRECIATION PROGRAMME

SEPTEMBER 2023 – FEBRUARY 2024

This is a six-month programme designed to deepen your understanding of the practice and philosophy of Ashtanga Yoga. It is open to students of all levels with the only requirement being commitment to regular practice.

Saturdays once per month (second Saturday of the month)
11:00-3:00pm
One theory lecture
One practical asana workshop (primary series) per month

Requirements
Open to students of all levels. Beginners included.
The only requirement is maintaining a regular practice of a minimum of four times per week (3 Mysore classes, 1 led class) for the duration of the programme.
Note: this programme is required for any students wanting to apply for the Ashtanga Apprenticeship (assistant teaching) programme which will start in March 2024. However, participation in this programme does not guarantee a place in the apprenticeship programme.

Online Participation
Students living outside of Dubai can join this programme online. They will need to attend the online Mysore classes with Nea on Tuesday & Thursday mornings 7:30-9:00am, and a minimum of one online Mysore class (hybrid-style with shala) as well as the Saturday led class (8:30am).

The monthly Saturday workshops will be offered online, however students should endeavour to visit Dubai for at least three sessions if possible.

Please contact Nea directly with any further questions [email protected]

Theory lecture topics

  • History of Yoga
  • History and Methodology of Ashtanga Yoga
  • Intro to Yoga Sutras
  • Opening & closing mantras
  • Ayurveda for Ashtangis
  • Practice Wisdom from Patanjali

Practical Workshop Topics
These workshops will focus on thoroughly learning the asanas of the primary series including Sanskrit asana names, vinyasa count, alignment and modifications

  • Breath, bandhas & Surya Namaskar
  • Foundation Postures
  • Standing Postures
  • Seated Postures to navasana
  • Seated postures onwards
  • Urdhva dhanurasana and closing sequence

Students completing class and workshop attendance will receive a certificate of participation.

After practicing Ashtanga for a few years, I suffered a back injury due to my approach to practicing and prolonged working hours. At that time, I was convinced that I would never be able to practice at my previous level again.

However, I decided to enroll in Nea’s Ashtanga program, and throughout the six-month course, I was able to not only restore my practice but improve it beyond my pre-injury level.

Nea’s approach to teaching Ashtanga is gentle and intelligent, utilizing different techniques and modifications to approach difficult asanas until they reach their standard form.

Additionally, I’ve adjusted my practice to avoid forcing asanas and prevent further injuries.

It’s also important to note that the benefits of Ashtanga practice extend beyond physical improvements and include mental health benefits as well.

I highly recommend Nea’s program to anyone looking to either start or return to Ashtanga practice.

Ahmed A.

This programme let me deepen my practice in many ways. Throughout my three years of Astanga I have never been actually taught properly not just the postures themselves but the whole approach.

I got to know that doubting myself is normal, shortening practice is normal, having plateau and little progress is normal.

Like life itself Yoga journey is a winding road, and the most important is to show up, surrender and dedicate whatever time you have.

And if you do it really works.

Svetlana S.

I was very self conscious and reluctant to join not knowing what to expect and feeling like everyone else’s level would be better than me.

However, my teacher Nea was so gentle and kind to me during this whole program and never for a second made me feel less than anyone else.

Nea worked us hard during the course and taught us everything we need to know.

I cannot believe the progress I have had during this course and the immense knowledge I have now of Ashtanga.
It has truly been a life changing experience for me in which I am learning and will continue to learn.
I look forward to this beautiful journey unfolding before me.

Deena S.

I had the opportunity (and the honor) to take part in Nea’s ashtanga yoga appreciation course. It was really interesting to study in deep the different aspects of yoga, not only on a practical level, but also the history and philosophy which are the basis of this discipline.

It was very useful to go into detail about the different asanas and possible variations, it allowed me to better understand the meaning and purpose of each asana.

Facing the more theoretical part of history and philosophy made me understand that yoga is a holistic and immense discipline, ancient but applicable to the present.

It had an impact on me, on an inner level and that I’m trying to apply also in everyday life, in the way of approaching and facing life and what happens.

It was the beginning of a journey that I will continue with practice and study.

Veronica P.

PRICING

AED2950 FOR EARLY BIRD TIL JUNE 30
AED3500 AFTERWARDS

*Shala fee is additional.
For inquiries or registration please email [email protected]

ASHTANGA YOGA
APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMME

March – December 2023

A nine -month program to develop yoga teaching skills.

PROGRAMME

Teaching Skills Clinics; 

Practical three-hour sessions once per month, giving apprentices the chance to learn and practice key teaching skills (timing to be confirmed based on participant availability).
Topics to be covered and practised include;
  • Methodology for teaching progressively
  • Teaching one-on-one
  • Teaching guided classes
  • The power of words
  • The power of touch 
  • Modifications and use of props
  • Teaching ethics and professionalism
Assistant Teaching
  • Observing one Mysore class per week (March- April)
  • Assisting in Mysore class twice per week (one hour each) (May – December, July/Aug excluded)
  • Teaching approx. 5 guided classes for beginners (community classes)
Teaching Homework
  • From June onwards students will be encourage to find a private student and start teaching. Nea will provide mentorship in the form of monthly one-on-one catch ups during this period. 
Requirements
  • Three years of consistent daily Ashtanga Yoga practice
  • Participation in the previous Ashtanga Yoga Appreciation Programmes
  • Maintaining a five-day-a-week practice in the shala

Dates/Timing
Workshops to be held on Saturday per month (timing to be confirmed amongst group).

PRICING

AED8250
Monthly shala fee is additional.  
 
Email [email protected] to apply.