Ashtanga Yoga Room is headed by founder Melanie Fawer who first introduced this method to the New Orleans community in 1997. Newly home in 1997 from her initial two trips to Mysore, India, where she learned the Ashtanga Method, Melanie was eager to share what she found with others. In the last 20 years, Melanie has refined her teaching knowledge and continues to study and grow through her practice and other healing modalities.
Anatomy and Alignment
Knowledge of the human body and proper anatomical alignment are imperative to safe teaching and to teaching to all levels. All AYR teachers are graduates of either a 200 hour and/or 300 hour RYT level training with Melanie. These trainings bring in an outside professional in anatomy and connective tissue. As well, all AYR teachers assist and study with Melanie on a weekly basis.
Props
Props are wonderful tools to assist in learning. From a block to level your hips or a bolster to help you sit upright comfortably, the studio makes use of a wide array of bolsters, blocks, straps and ropes to call upon as needed to support your practice.
Adjustments
Adjustments are integral to Mysore style. Their purpose is:
1) to correctly and safely anatomically align a student;
2) to align students without taking them away from the focus of their breath and dristi;
3) to allow students to safely feel a posture more deeply without taking them past their mental, physical or emotional edge.
All teachers at AYR are trained in giving safe adjustments and are instructed to always check in with each student to make sure they are comfortable receiving adjustments. Students should say if they are in any way not comfortable or feel unsafe while receiving an adjustment. No student is required to receive adjustments to take a class at AYR. While adjustments are integral to the teaching, they are not necessary for study or progress.
Open and Ongoing Dialogue
Mysore Style allows for a true teacher student relationship to manifest. As bodies open and unfold, this can be accompanied by emotional, mental or spiritual insights and expression. We hold the space sacred and safe for our students and encourage an open and ongoing dialogue during class as it pertains to their sense of safety and well being, as well as outside of the practice studio. The staff of AYR teachers is small and we stay in communication with each other about our students to best serve you and your needs.
