Style Spotlight: Align + Flow with Dana B
In conversation with Dana B:
In your own words, how would describe the style of your class?
In Align + Flow, I want to both open and strengthen the body. I use intentional sequencing that builds and gets more challenging, so we typically start very slow and gentle and gradually intensify toward more muscular effort, balance work, and postures that challenge the body. I like to allow time for dynamic movement and stillness so that students are able to focus on the body, the breath, and the mind. It's also really important to me to give options for students to do what is best in their bodies on any given day; I want people to have the freedom to make the choices that are most skillful for them in each moment, so we work with props and different variations of poses.
What do you like about teaching this style?
I love sequencing a class to build to a peak pose or to open/strengthen a particular sheath of the body. It's a fun challenge to think about what types of shapes will prepare the body for a specific posture and how to link them together in a flow that works well. I also like helping students find safe and smart alignment for their bodies that is rooted in classical shapes but can be adapted for individual needs. In an Align + Flow class, I get the opportunity to give lots of cues to help people tune in to their physical experience and work skillfully within the framework of the class.
What do you like about practicing this style?
When I started practicing yoga 20 years ago, vinyasa (or flow-style yoga) was my first love. Coming from a dance background in my younger years, I connected with the fluid movement and linking together of postures. I have always enjoyed the physical challenge of Align + Flow and the strength I feel in my body during this type of class, as well as the experience of breath-based movement. I love the way I feel when I finish an Align + Flow practice—energized but also calm and grounded. Over the years, I've added many styles of yoga to my practice, but I think I'll always love a good flow!
Why do you think students should practice this style?
Ideally, we all work to develop a balance of strength and flexibility in our bodies. Too much flexibility can lead to instability, and too much strength can lead to tightness and discomfort. Align + Flow offers an opportunity to build both strength and flexibility so we can feel our best. It's also a great style to not only learn alignment principles but put them into practice by linking postures together in a flow. Additionally, connecting breath to movement when transitioning between poses is a great way to focus on the breath and increase our capacity for full, steady breath cycles.
In conversation with Dana O:
How would you describe this style of class?
Align + Flow is a alignment-oriented practice that emphasizes the forms and actions within traditional hatha poses. This style of class links poses together in a flow-style, connecting movement with breath. Classes progressively and safely sequence towards more complex poses while spending a fair amount of time in each pose to refine and explore the poses in our own individual bodies.
Why do you practice this style?
I enjoy vinyasa style classes and love and appreciate smart and safe sequencing. This style of class at OTY, does just that! The pacing challenges me and allows me to be fully engaged in the poses. Some vinyasa classes move too quickly for my liking, so for me, Align + Flow is the sweet spot. It is a flow class that typically works towards a particular theme or peak pose and feels amazing in my body.