Weekend of Workshops
with Leslie Kaminoff
15th – 17th December

During this weekend of workshops Leslie will lead participants in asana and breath practices, as well as discussion and lectures, with a strong focus on personal inquiry.

The Diaphragm

Dispelling Myths and Misconceptions About Yogic Breathing

Friday 15th December: 6.00-8.00pm
£50 or £225 for full weekend

 

There is perhaps no structure in the human body whose function is more widely misunderstood than the respiratory diaphragm. The diaphragm has been mislabelled in anatomy books, mislocated in people’s imaginations, and misunderstood in terms of its three-dimensional action. Using a unique blend of props, animation, x-ray footage and imagery, this workshop will leave you with a vastly deeper appreciation of the form and function of this amazing structure.

 

You will never think, feel or talk about breathing the same way afterwards. Be prepared to have some of you basic assumptions about breathing deeply challenged, and find more opportunities for freedom and possibility.

Bones, Muscles and Structural Diversity

Saturday 16th December: 12.00 – 2.30pm
£50 or £225 for full weekend

 

This visually-rich workshop will present a wealth of evidence that confirms the absolute uniqueness of each individual. From the shape of our bones, to the tapestry of our myofascia, we will explore the inner landscape of our singular structure and function through asana and vinyasa. We will explore how each individual has a different experience of basic poses, how to confidently lead a group class while allowing for these differences, and suggest simple breath and alignment modifications that can make practice safer and more effective.

Reimagining Alignment

Saturday 16th December: 4.00 – 6.30pm
£50 or £225 for full weekend

 

This highly interactive workshop relies on students to bring questions about their own asana practice and teaching language. Leslie will promote an experimental, experiential atmosphere of inquiry regarding the teaching of alignment, safety and effective cueing of asana.

 

The session begins with an historical and anatomical perspective on the subject and functional definition of alignment. Then, an exploration of the uniqueness of human structure will lead to the understanding that “asanas don’t have alignment – people have alignment.”

 

Starting with clear, simple principles that govern musculoskeletal function, Leslie will help you put your asana on a solid foundation literally from the ground up (and from your head down). Topics include:

  • The fundamental importance of proprioception and interoception
  • Functional principles of alignment
  • Breath-centred, anatomically-based cueing
  • The relationship of bandha to support and movement
  • Why instructions like “tuck your tail,” “lengthen your spine,” “square your hips” may be doing more harm than good, and what kind of language to use instead
  • The use of gazing (drishti) and imagery to foster increased neuromuscular integration

Warrior Series

A Hands-Free Vinyasa Practice

Sunday 17th December: 12.00 – 2.30pm
£50 or £225 for full weekend

 

If you like a strong, flowing, breath-centred yoga practice, but have done more than a few too many down dogs, up dogs and chaturangas, then this is the class for you.

 

This practice-heavy workshop will lead you through a specially-designed vinyasa that strongly works the legs and moves the spine in all possible directions, all without putting any body weight on your hands.

Arm Supports Reimagined

Sunday 17th December: 4.00 – 6.30pm
£50 or £225 for full weekend

 

In the grand scheme of sequencing the skill acquisition of asana practice, Leslie considers arm-supported asanas to be intermediate level skills. He will explain the anatomical basis of this view, and propose a radically different method of entering into these challenging poses by working with the spiralling lines of myofascial support in the arms while preparing the upper extremities to support our body weight through open kinetic chain movements.