dance

I Hope You Dance

May 24, 2012

Posted by Sharon

Yoga Matrika now offers two very unique classes that are not traditional yoga or, at least, different from what you might expect from a yoga class. In my discussions with some students in the community recently I have heard comments that reflect some fear of trying these different classes and the fear seems to be based entirely on the names of the classes. These classes both have some dance terms in their names and it seems as though the idea of dance is terrifying for many adults. It seems to me that it might be helpful to think about what yoga is and put these “dance” classes within the context of traditional yoga philosophy.

At first glance, or perhaps even after some deeper consideration, classes with names like “Yoga Dance” and “Yoga Booty Ballet” may not seem like real yoga classes. Yoga is sitting around on the floor chanting Om or doing downward facing dog or back bends or sun salutations—-right? So, what is the relationship between dance and movment that is not asana-based and yoga? I invite you to consider the definition of yoga provided by Patanjali in his Yoga Sutras:

1.2

yogash chitta vritti nirodhah

Yoga is the control (nirodhah, regulation, channeling, mastery, integration, coordination,
stilling, quieting, setting aside) of the modifications (gross and subtle thought patterns) of the mind field

yoga = of yoga, union; literally, to yoke, from the root yuj, which means to join; same as the absorption in samadhi

chitta = of the consciousness of the mind-field

vritti = operations, activities, fluctuations, modifications, changes, or various forms of the mind-field

nirodhah = control, regulation, channeling, mastery, integration, coordination,understanding, stilling, quieting, setting aside of

If yoga is the control of the modifications (movement) of the mind away from the constant distraction of the hamster wheel of your mind activity (you know, what happens when you sit down to meditate and you are immediately flooded with memories, your to do list, picking your toes, plans for the future—all at the same time!), then these classes that require focus on creative movement, sensation in the body and intention are most definitely yoga. While we may have come to equate the practice of asana (physical postures) with the defnition of yoga, the truth is that many different things can, by Patanjali’s definition be yoga.

Dance is the loss of inhibition—-it is letting go, in this moment, of concerns about how you look and allowing your body to respond to the rhythm of the music and to the pleasures of the movement itself. Dance is an invitation for breath to move not only in and out of the body, but through every cell of the body as you enliven your limbs and the extensions of your spine. Dance is not some tortured experience of your memory of some fall social gathering in a church basement. That memory is exactly the mind-stuff that holds you back from the liberation that you are likely to experience in a yoga-based movement or dance class. This is not about uncomfortable shoes, clammy hands or a date with two left feet and a bad attitude. This is not about you feeling uncoordinated—-this is about allowing yourself to explore pleasure through movement.

All of the fears that you have about trying a new type of class or about dancing are sourced in the movements of the mind—–and these mental gymnastics are what keep you from living fully. If you have these mental movements in response to the idea of taking a movement-based yoga class, I encourage you to see them as just that—-mental movements. Do not allow them to control your decision—–try the Yoga Dance class you are so curious about! Try the Yoga Booty Ballet class! What is the worst thing that can happen? What is likely to happen is that you will be nervous and for the first few minutes of class, you may question how you got yourself into this ridiculous situation. While you learn the movements and try to find your ground in the first few minutes of class, you may feel clumsy or like you don’t know what you are doing. Then, you will begin to focus on what is happening in the moment as you become immersed in the activity. Slowly, slowly you will release your commitment to the movements of the mind and engage with the movement of your body, the sounds of the music, the feeling of breath and—–all of a sudden, you are doing it and it is yoga. After class, you will feel centered, open and liberated—–not just because of the joyful nature of the class, but because you did not allow the movements of your mind to stop you from giving the class a try. You tried it and you survived and nothing bad happened—–as a matter of fact, you think you’re going to come back next week!

I really hope you give our two movement-based yoga classes a try. They are a wonderful and fun way to improve the health of your body, heart and mind. These classes will also help you expand your definition of yoga as you strengthen and tone the body. When can you take these wonderful classes this summer?

Monday Evenings
7:30-8:45 pm
Yoga Booty Ballet (YBB) with Aleta Howard

Tuesday Evenings
7:30-8:45 pm
Yoga Dance with Alexis Shaw

Written by Sharon Rudyk, owner of Yoga Matrika. If she can do it, so can you!

Cardio Yoga

January 23, 2012

Posted by Sharon

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I am absolutely delighted to announce that Aleta Howard will be joining the Yoga Community and offering her unique YBB (Yoga Booty Ballet) classes starting February 2nd and through the spring. What is YBB? On the schedule, we are calling it Cardio Yoga. If you think that “yoga” means traditional asana, then you might feel that YBB is more of an exercise class and wonder what it is doing on a yoga studio schedule.

Well, first of all, YBB combines some elements of Hatha yoga that will be recognizable to yogis who do have experience with more traditional yoga classes that are based on asana. Second, YBB includes yoga kriya from the Kundalini tradition and the creation and support of a personal intention is an important part of each and every class. Third, what is yoga? While this is a deeper issue that would require both a lifetime of examination and certainly a much more respectful examination than I can offer here, I would like to suggest that expressing the body with joy, opening and strengthening the heart and learning to hold an intention through an activity are most certainly yoga. It may not be what you have come to expect, but it might be just what you need!

Here is the official description of Yoga Booty Ballet from the creators of this style:

Yoga Booty Ballet is a fun, sexy and spirited workout that will leave you feeling refreshed and inspired. Work your body, engage your mind and lighten your spirit as you practice this East-meets-West amalgam of meditation, cardiovascular dance, ballet, Kundalini and hatha yoga.The results are immediate and long term. Students consistently complete class feeling better about themselves than when they arrive.
The meditation element serves to focus busy minds as well as awaken dull ones. The dance portion improves cardiovascular endurance, promoting weight loss and improved body composition. The ballet section increases strength and agility, building muscle and bone density. The yoga sections promote flexibility, balance and inner wellness. Classes are fun and easy to follow, designed to draw out individual self-expression in a comfortable, non-competitive environment.Various dance styles explored include jazz, hip hop, burlesque, Latin, Bollywood, go-go, and more.

Really, try one of these classes, at least once. For those readers who know me, you know that I am both directionally challenged and learning patterns of body movements is difficult for me. The first time I tried Aleta’s class, I was really nervous because I was truly afraid that I would get lost and not be able to fully participate. About 10-minutes into class I was having the time of my life. I was smiling and moving and sweating and truly enjoying the music and the joyful movements. Was I going right sometimes while everyone else went left? Yes, but, the truth is that it just didn’t matter. Aleta does not even suggest that there is a right or wrong way to do anything and she provides enthusiastic support for participating in this class in whatever way you are able. Once I released the pressure I was putting on myself through my own ego, this is when I started having fun.

Yoga Matrika provides a non-competitive and intimate environment where you can feel safe trying something new. If I didn’t think that Aleta was wonderful or that these classes weren’t a fabulous addition to our current offerings, then I wouldn’t be putting them on the schedule. Especially if you are looking for a class that will help with weight loss or weight management or you need to combine your yoga with your cardio workouts, then you are going to love this class.

When can you try our new Cardio Yoga classes with Aleta?

Friday Night Yoga Dance Parties

Friday, January 27
7:00-8:15 pm

Friday, February 24
7:00-8:15 pm

Friday, March 23
7:00-8:15 pm

Thursday nights, Starting February 2, 2012
5:30 to 6:45 pm

Saturday afternoons, Starting March 3, 2012
12:00 to 1:15 pm

Classes are $15 to drop-in or you can use your current class package. Packages are 4-classes for $50 or 8-classes for $80. We also offer a discounted student package of 5-classes for $35. Please enroll online to save your space. These special classes are going to be very popular and you don’t want to miss out!

Posted by Sharon Rudyk, Director of Yoga Matrika, an intimate space for yoga and healing work in Squirrel Hill, Pittsburgh, PA. Come join us!

Creative Thursdays at The Mat

September 23, 2010

Posted by Sharon

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Thursday is shaping up to be a very creative day at The Mat! Located on Wilkins Avenue in Squirrel Hill, Pittsburgh, Yoga Matrika offers great yoga, pilates and mediation classes and now creative play, creative movement and a knitting group. We are an inclusive community and all of our classes are offered on a contribution basis. Come and play with us on Thursdays!

Each moment rushes from all sides rushes to us the call to love.
We are running to contemplate its vast green field.
Do you want to come with us?
This is not the time to stay at home,
But to go out and give yourself to the garden.
The dawn of joy has arisen,
And this is the moment of union, of vision. ~ Rumi

Creative Thursdays stars with a Creative Flow class for adults. Bobbi teaches this creative yoga class from 8:00 to 9:15 am that includes everything you love about yoga and also provides opportunity to move, sway, jump and roll by adding creative movement into the flow. Absolutely no experience is required. This is an especially great class if you ever find yourself worried about doing the asana “right” as it frees your mind and body to the potential of creativity in the poses.

Starting on October 14th, Malke Frank will be facilitating a Creative Movement class for toddlers ages 1-3 from 11:30 to 12:15 pm. Spontaneous movement is the dance of childhood. Through creative movement, a child becomes aware of the various parts of the body. With this awareness comes both a sense of being comfortable with themselves and the security to explore more movement. Another facet is the development of basic locomotor (walking, crawling, running, galloping, etc.) and non-locomotor movements (bouncing, swinging, pushing, stretching, etc.) Beginning with these and progressing to concepts of space, tempo, and rhythm, the child has the opportunity to discover and explore her/his own uniqueness and creative possibilities. Sounds, too, are an integral part of creative movement. The children have themselves – their hands and feet, fingers, elbows, tongues, voices, etc. – as accompaniment to their movement. Percussion instruments and listening to the sounds of nature add another dimension to the exploration of sound. In a non-judgmental atmosphere which encourages spontaneous and imaginative expression, a child can gain self-esteem and self-confidence.

The Matrika knitting group, which is open to everyone who loves to knit or crochet or embroider or any kind of project you can carry around in a tote meets to Sit & Knit on Thursdays from 11:30 to 12:45 in the Peace Room. Yes, children and infants and any other person in your care are absolutely welcome. We have tea service, but ask that you bring your own mug.

Starting on October 14th, Malke Frank will be facilitating an open-concept Creative Play group for all ages from 2:30 to 4:00pm. Just drop-in during this time and enjoy our open space for creative play. Malke will provide scarves, bean bags, musical instruments and other materials for creative play. We have books, puzzles, wooden animals and other games too. If you would like a cup of tea, please bring a mug. You are also welcome to bring peanut free snacks and we just ask that you not offer your child dried fruit (raisins especially) in the studio as they seem to be the only snack that is near impossible to remove from the floor. Parents and caregivers will enjoy the great adult company too!

September 18, 2008

Posted by Sharon

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While I have always harbored a love of dance and desire to move with grace and agility, my body has not been the most cooperative vehicle for bringing this love into fruition. I love it, but I can’t seem to get it right. I know this about myself and this awareness has served me well. Once, I went out on a date with a (seemingly) wonderful man who suggested that, on our next date, we go swing dancing. I confidently swung my hair aside and smiled to say that I thought it would be fabulous. Inside, I was already frantic thinking about how I could learn how to swing dance in time for whenever this next date would be. The next morning, I had already signed-up for swing dance lessons and went every night that week to a local club that offered nightly lessons and live music. As Mr. Wonderful never called me again, it turns out that I had an infinite amount of time to learn, but my fear of even the possibility of dancing led me to an immediate obsession with the task. The good news is that I learned to swing dance and enjoyed many fabulous nights of music and movement. The bad news is that I never again met a man that wanted anything more than a second date who thought swing dancing was more fun than a root canal.

All this to say that I love dancing. So, this fall, I decided to add some dance inspired classes to the Yoga Matrika schedule. Mindful movement is therapeutic and Yoga Matrika is delighted to offer a Thursday morning Yoga Booty Ballet class with Aleta and a Thursday afternoon Yoga Inspired Modern Dance class with Mercedes. Get your body moving, heart pumping and limbs shaking and expand your idea of what is possible with your body and mind. Try these new classes and let these new skills inspire your practice. You never know what a little dance might bring into your life!