Moving versus holding

​I have just got back from some exciting updates in New York City. 
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About eight years ago we left NYC to make our home back in Bristol, and while we have been back to the city in between, I have not had chance to reconnect with some of the most respected teachers I know. But this all changed this week when I was able to study once more with Hilary Cartwright and her ‘yoga for dancers’ work and with Noako Robbins in ‘Gyrokinesis®’.

Both techniques were developed in tandem and from the same source. Over the years there were some changes in emphasis between both techniques, but the underlying principles stayed largely the same.  Hilary’s yoga for dancers is based on hatha and kundalini yoga, working on sensory awakening, breath work and associated movement. Gyrokinesis® has similar qualities to yoga and tai chi, and can be augmented by use of a chair to make it more accessible to those with limited flexibility.

Both techniques were developed by dancers for dancers, but you don’t have to be a dancer to do them! What can be gained by non-dancers is a sense of grace and fluidity which is often what's missing from a regular yoga class.

What makes these techniques different from other forms of yoga? Movement. While other forms of yoga link the breath with moving between postures, in these techniques the body is in almost constant motion, moving seamlessly through postures with an emphasis on ‘moving strength’ rather than ‘holding strength'.

What to expect from a class? Usually we start seated, waking up the senses and stimulating the body though self massage. The work is concerned with the muscles and the bones, but also the other systems of the body such as the nerves and visceral organs. Energies of the subtle body are the focus and while this may be elusive to the consciousness at times, energetic awareness and sensitivity develops. Plus you get super strong though the hips, pelvis lower belly as all movement is motivated from within those lower structures.

I have been teaching these diverse forms of yoga for years, and previously ran a teacher training facility in NYC. I loved getting reacquainted, updated and re-certified in these techniques and look forward to bringing them to the South West. I will keep you posted when classes and workshops come online and can offer experience of these techniques privately - great Xmas gift idea!

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with Hilary Cartwright

with Naoko Robbins