Sunday, September 25, 2011

Kirtan & Kripalu: Celebrating our 1-Year Anniversary!

Ganeshers pull a perfect crescent moon!

Story, photos and video by Lynette Chiang
(Teaching Mondays & Fridays @ YoGanesh)


PHOTO GALLERY of the Workshop and Party

It's been many crescent moons and sun salutations since we first opened our little door on 7th Ave exactly 12 months ago - and we were delighted to celebrate with some of our best friends in true YoGanesh style.

Devarshi Stephen Hartman makes you "love
your butt and back."
First, YoGanesh co-founder and Andrew Tanner took time out from his new role as the Director of Professional Trainings, Kripalu Institute, to host a special 2-hour workshop. We were also honored by the presence of the Dean of the Kripalu School of Yoga, Devarshi Steven Hartman, who taught the first half of the workshop. Devarshi gave us a flavor of the Kripalu style - six spinal exercises to limber up that part of our bodies that chiropractors make a living from.

"People think yoga is all about the limbs, but a healthy spine is key," he said.

He then took us through some chiropractic spinal flexions and extensions, as well as some delightfully grueling moves reminiscent of Pilates. One that cracked us up called "public toilet asana" - a chair pose variation - with your butt well and truly off the seat!

Andrew Tanner taught the Hatha Vinyasa second half, and those who know and love his evocative and meditative teaching style were treated to a really great sequence of advanced poses.

VIDEO:  Andrew teaches Koundinyasana


Signature Andrew Tanner moves include one of his favorites, Koundinyasana, ("technically not that difficult") plus Feathered Peacock, Scorpian and a flat out lizard pose (one day we'll get our chests on the floor...). See above video.

Moves are afoot to create a Kripalu teacher training in NYC at YoGanesh, which is very exciting for all concerned. Please contact us if you are interested in this program.

Three legged down dog.

After the workshop the food came out and the party began, with a Kirtan by YoGanesh front desk gal and yoga teacher, Kristin Mirabelle, John Kazar on percussion and singer Ashni.

L ro R: singers Ashni and Kristin Mirabelle, and John Kazar on percussion 

Later, we were thrilled to have Nahdi Devi and her beau Gabriel grace us with a harmonium and percussion:
Yoga teacher Nahdi Devi and Gabriel

 
Have a listen! 

 Even Jeff of Sacred Spaces NYC who built the studio, was present. His company has a lot of experience building yoga studios, retreats and other "sacred spaces." Did you know that the walls of YoGanesh are especially clad in non-toxic clay to give you the healthiest environment possible, considering we're in the middle of Manhattan!  Read about clay walls here.

Thank you to everyone who came along, sang, danced, taught, did asana, moved furniture, brought food and ate it - we hope to see you in class soon! Most of all, thank you Norma Kerner for providing such a generous and beautiful studio.

Remember, we're still very small, and we really need and appreciate your word of mouth recommendation to your friends, co-workers and and family (if you have any in Manhattan!) to keep yoga affordable.

Please make sure you pick up some of our vibrant new class cards when you next visit, to give to everyone you know.

Namaste!

More photos on the YoGanesh Facebook page

Masterful instruction includes knowing how to do asanas safely - including protecting the knees! 


Sunday, September 18, 2011

Welcome to The YoGanesh Blog

We've been so busy getting our studio humming along in its first year we're just getting around to our blog. Thanks for your patience and check back soon! Meanwhile, please join our Facebook page and see you in class!
Namaste, the YoGanesh team.

PS: Saturday Sep 24th, 4-6pm - come to our Kripalu workshop ($20 donation appreciated) and then stay on for our 1 year Anniversary Party Potluck, 6-10pm!