We offer highly qualified teachers in the following disciplines: - Yoga
- Meditation
- Tai Chi
- Pilates
- Dance
- Acting
- Singing
- Musical Theatre for:
- Corporatations
- Schools
- Homes
- Gyms
- Parties
What is Yoga?
Yoga means ‘union’. It is an age-old, time tested system comprising of both physical and mental exercises that aims to tone and balance the body and mind for a healthier and more aware self. Nobody knows its exact origin, but the first person to present the ancient tradition of Yoga in systematic way was the Sage Patanjali in India around 200 B.C.
In western society many people think of yoga as solely the concern of physical postures/asanas. However we believe the term yoga ultimately refers to a way of life that includes awareness of our mental tensions/stresses and knowledge of how to reduce/prevent them; breathing exercises, meditation and mental and physical disciplines. Yoga is a complete system for both mental and physical health and wellbeing. The Benefits of Yoga - Increases flexibility which can reduce aches and pains (important in today’s computer and TV based society)
- Increases strength, muscle tone and fitness and aids weight loss (combating the rising levels of obesity)
- Increases balance, coordination and physical awareness
- Encourages intelligent movement - awareness of posture and habitual patterns of movement that can lead to pain and injury as we age. Once we are aware of them we can improve/adjust our posture through the yoga postures and prevent any pain or injury.
- Encourages deep breathing which corrects detrimental habits and reduces fatigue, anxiety and stress
- Corrects posture imbalances by strengthening core muscles
- Tones and stimulates internal organs boosting the immune system, digestive system, endocrine system and nervous system which helps the whole body to function more efficiently
- Relaxation and meditation techniques increase concentration, focus and calm the mind
- Can be performed at any time, anywhere. It does not need a large space, or special equipment – just a mind and body!
- It's non-competitive aspect sometimes appeals more to some than competitive sports as each student develops at his or her own pace, testing individual limits and achieving goals in unique and healthy ways, which boosts confidence
- Is a fun, energetic and educational way for children and adults to get their daily dose of exercise.
Some styles of Yoga Ashtanga Focuses on 'vinyasa' (flowing movement with the breath) so you move continuously throughout the class and therefore it is more of a workout, which is why it is sometimes called "power yoga". Beginners classes will focus more on finding the correct postures. It follows a specific series designed to work, stretch and relax the whole body.
Hatha Meaning 'sun/moon' focuses on balacing the body and mind and on finding the correct posture. Each posture is held for longer so you can build up strength and stamina while toning the whole body. Pranayama (breathing techniques) are used throughout and meditation can be included at the beginning or end of the class. The sequence can be tailored to help the students' posture, or problem areas.
Sivananda Is based on 12 postures in a particular order that have been proven to work, strech and counter-stretch every muscle in the body. It is hatha based and therefore postures are held for some time.
What is Pilates?
Pilates focusses on the core postural muscles which help to keep the body balanced and which provide support for the spine. Pilates exercises teach awareness of breath and alignment of the spine, and aim to strengthen the deep torso muscles, engaging your core strength, helping to align and prevent any weakness in the body that can lead to injury.
What is Alexander Technique? The Alexander Technique teaches us how we move, how we stay still and how we breath. It works through re-establishing the natural relationship between the head, the neck and the back - the "core" of the body that supports the limbs and which provides the structural environment for breathing and for the health of the internal organs.
What is Tai Chi? This soft martial art technique has been found to have endless benefits to your overall health and wellbeing. Ideal for people who would like to become more focussed and patient in their attitude. Some call it a form of moving meditation, as focussing the mind solely on the movements helps to calm, controlled self defense.
What are the benefits of Dance? Stretch, get fit, happier and let off steam. Enjoy keeping fit without the dread of forcing yourself to exercise. Dancing is a great, funfilled form of cardiovascular exercise, helping to reduce the heart rate, lower blood pressure and cholesterol. It can burn as many calories as swimming or riding a bike and at the same time increases bone density. Endorpins (our "happy" chemicals) are released naturally as we dance and confidence is increased.
What is meditation? Meditation is a way to train the mind by teaching it to become very focused and aware of the present, not jumping around to what has happened in the past or what might happen in the future. It will help you relax and at the same time become more concentrated and clear headed. It developes self-awareness as the student begins to 'watch' their thoughts from the outside, allowing them to begin to understand what they really spend most of their time thinking about. It therefore works well to reduce stress by taking you 'out of the moment' and the issue that has been at the forefront of your mind is 'let go', and when you come back to it afterwards, if you need to, it does not seem so important. This in turn improves your state of mind and boosts confidence.
The Benefits of meditation Recent scientific studies have shown: - During meditaion oxygen consumption drops by 10 to 20% and it produces a deeper state of rest than sleep. In fact, 75% of insomniacs were able to sleep normally after they had meditated.
- Meditation is the only activity that reduces blood lactate, a marker of stress and anxiety.
- Meditation decreases the stress hormone cortisol and increases the happy, calming hormones melatonin and serotonin.
- Meditators secrete more of the youth related hormone DHEA, having on average 47% more. DHEA hightens memory, preserves sexual functions and helps control weight.
- Long term meditators experience 80% less heart disease and 50% less cancer.
- 34% of people with chronic pain significantly reduced their pain medication when they began meditating.
- Meditating is known to produce 'spontaneous remissions' in 10% of cancer cases, reduce psychosomatic illnesses, like psoriasis and reduce blood pressure. It is also a key component in addiction programs.
Enough reasons to start today! 
Etta in India
Photography by:
Oisten Thomassen
Vinita Davé
Verity Bell
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What We Offer 