Join David Swenson for a full weekend of workshops across Down Under School of Yoga studios.
See all workshop options, locations & prices below.
Ashtanga Basics: Exploring the FUNdamentals
Friday, March 22
7:15-9:15pm • Boston - South End
This class is an introduction to Ashtanga Yoga open to all levels of experience or lack there of. The building blocks of Ashtanga Yoga will be explored through what David refers to as The Five Elements of Practice; Breath, Bandhas, Drishti, Asana and Vinyasa. After the short discussion David will conduct an introductory flow through an abbreviated sequence from the First Series. This is a great way to gain a taste of Ashtanga under the guidance of one of the world’s most renowned and compassionate instructors.
If you are curious to know more about this dynamic and flowing system then come and join David for a fun, flowing, user-friendly adventure into the basics of Ashtanga Yoga.
*Cautionary Note: You might actually enjoy it!
Cost: $55
Fully Led Primary Series: Dancing with the Breath in a First Series Flow
Saturday, March 23
7-8:45am • Harvard Square
This class is designed for those already familiar with the First Series of Ashtanga Yoga yet it is open to all levels of proficiency from the daily-practicing aficionados to the novice fit-it-in-when-I-can weekend warriors and everyone in between. The class will be conducted like a choreographed dance flowing all of the way from the opening sun salutations to the closing savasana. David will spend time at the beginning of class to introduce alternatives to some of the more challenging asanas as well as offer user-friendly vinyasa options. Class will be followed by an open discussion allowing students to ask David questions about any topics of interest.
Cost: $50
Flying, Floating & Handstanding: A fun-filled exploration of vinyasa & arm-balances
Saturday, March 23
1:30-4pm • Porter Square
One of the greatest challenges of the Ashtanga flow is the vinyasa. In this class David will break the vinyasa down into its basic components in order to explore techniques for creating greater lightness and efficiency of practice while using less effort to achieve greater ease.
In addition to vinyasa the class will also explore elements of handstands and arm-balances. It is common to feel intimidated or even frightened by balancing on our hands. David will address this issue and offer practical methods of approach to allow for greater confidence and ability that can be carried away and applied within a personal practice. There will be partner work as well as individual techniques offered. There is always plenty of laughter and fun as well as a depth of information in David’s classes. All levels may attend even if you have never done a handstand before. Alternatives are always given.
Come and Experience the Joy of Flight!
Cost: $60
Breath, Bandhas & Pranayama: Exploring the Subtle yet Powerful Internal Realms of Energy
Saturday, March 23
6-8pm • Newton
Our first act of life as we enter this world is to inhale and our last act before departing is to exhale. Breath is our most elemental form of life and unites all of humanity yet we think little about it. The ancient yogis gave it great thought and in so doing developed intricate methods of harnessing breath to gain control of the mind and to see the world with greater clarity.
This class will delve into the realms of specialized Yogic Breathing as well as the subtle and highly misunderstood internal energy valves known as Bandhas. There is much confusion surrounding these mystical tools and the part they play in the regulation and control of pranic flow. David will share information he gained directly from K. Pattabhi Jois as well as a series of practical exercises he has developed himself to assist the practitioner in gaining a greater understanding of these subtle yet powerful energy gateways of yoga. David has an amazing ability to convey complex ideas in simple terms. All are sure to leave with new insights and useful tools for personal practice regardless of their system.
Come and Feel the Prana!
Cost: $55
Fully Led Primary Series: Dancing with the Breath in a First Series Flow
Sunday, March 31
7-8:45am • Brookline
This class is designed for those already familiar with the First Series of Ashtanga Yoga yet it is open to all levels of proficiency from the daily-practicing aficionados to the novice fit-it-in-when-I-can weekend warriors and everyone in between. The class will be conducted like a choreographed dance flowing all of the way from the opening sun salutations to the closing savasana. David will spend time at the beginning of class to introduce alternatives to some of the more challenging asanas as well as offer user-friendly vinyasa options. Class will be followed by an open discussion allowing students to ask David questions about any topics of interest.
Cost: $50
*These workshops are not eligible for the 20% YogiPass discount*
For all workshops, please bring a yoga mat (rentals are available for $3 any of our studios)
About David Swenson
David began his journey of Yoga in 1969 when he and his brother Doug practiced in a small park at the end of their street in Houston, Texas. There were few sources for yoga at that time so they practiced from whatever books they could find.
In 1973 David discovered Ashtanga after he met David Williams and Nancy Gilgoff in Encinitas, CA. In 1975 David and Nancy brought K. Pattabhi Jois to the U.S. for the first time and Swenson was fortunate enough to be there. He then initiated studies directly with the master. He made his first trip to Mysore in 1977. David is one of only a handful of Westerners to have learned the full Ashtanga system including all of the asana sequences and pranayama as originally taught by K. Pattabhi Jois.
Today David is recognized as one of the world's foremost practitioners and instructors of Ashtanga Yoga. He tirelessly travels year round to teach and offer workshops. His courses are presented in a supportive and compassionate fashion making it accessible to all levels of practitioner to participate.