What is Iyengar Yoga?
Iyengar Yoga is a methodical and progressive system developed and popularised by B.K.S. Iyengar through the mid and second half of the 20th century. It places emphasis on strong and safe alignment, as well as building up steadily towards more advanced postures and variations. This is a fantastic and well rounded practice for building strength, flexibility, and resilience – both physical and mental.
Intrigued by Iyengar principles? Explore them in depth in our upcoming Backbending Masterclass with Claudia Dossena this June!
About Iyengar Yoga
B.K.S. Iyengar’s method of practising and teaching Hatha yoga developed from a profound understanding of the subtleties of yoga asana. Concentrating on building strong alignment, Iyengar yoga ensures a strong, safe and progressive exploration of the asana (physical poses).
Props such as belts, bricks, wall ropes and blankets are used to help students perform the correct actions as they develop their practice. Classes tend to be slower paced, but physically demanding, with a focus on alignment and the transformational potential of the asanas.
Suitable for all, but particular attention to attending the appropriate level is recommended. The Iyengar Yoga levels are as follows:
LEVEL 1: A great place to start your Iyengar Yoga journey. Level 1 is perfect for beginners and those wanting to get back to basics. This level will focus on fundamental principles of posture and sequence. Please attend 6 months of Level 1 before moving on to other levels.
LEVEL 2: Suitable for those with 6 months+ attendance of Level 1 Iyengar. Classes will typically cover a wide range of postures including forward folds, back bends, twists, inversions and restorative poses.
LEVEL 3: These classes are challenging and typically include more advanced postures. Level 3 classes are suitable for experienced practitioners only.
Meet your Teachers!
At Yogarise Queens Park, we are lucky to have some of the best Iengar Yoga teachers in London. Read on to find out more about them!
Christian Di Giorgio
Christian discovered yoga in 2006 and within a year had quit a successful career in investment banking. Inspired by the mystery and beauty of the human bodymind, Christian deepened his yoga practice, becoming an Iyengar teacher in 2009. He is also a practicing osteopath having graduated with first class honours and winning awards for his clinical practice and research into the long term effects of Iyengar yoga. He is passionate about yoga and osteopathy and the structural and functional anatomy that unites the two. His classes are strong always packed with information. He cares deeply about bringing balance back to the body and improving and maintaining the health and happiness of his students. He is deeply thankful to his teachers Alaric Newcombe and Glen Ceresoli for inspiration and guidance over the last 18 years.
Christian teaches in Queens Park
Kate Rathod
Kate has been practicing Iyengar Yoga since 1996. Her teaching is clear, thorough and dynamic. She holds a Level 3 senior teaching certificate.
Kate teaches in Queens Park
Mirja Nissan
Mirja is a certified Iyengar™ Yoga teacher (Junior Intermediate 2). She found yoga on her first trip to India in 2002 and began teaching in 2011. Mirja’s teaching is truthful, creative and intelligent. Her daily practice of asana, meditation, pranayama and mantra chanting and her deep trust in the transformative power of yoga enable her to teach from the heart. Mirja teaches with precision and lightness, dedication and humour, encouraging students to explore yoga as a way to enhance awareness and understanding, and to find more freedom, ease, strength and balance in body & mind. Mirja believes that to be a good teacher, you must continue to be a good student, practise consistently with an open heart, and keep learning from your teachers, your students and yourself. Outside of yoga, Mirja holds an MA in Linguistics and Modern Languages and works as a self-employed conference interpreter and translator.
Mirja teaches in Queens Park
Vasili Eleftheriou
Vasili works as a development manager on construction projects and mentors aspiring project managers. His strong interest in self-development and personal growth has lead to qualifications in life coaching and astrology. Being a keen sportsperson through the years, he has experienced the connection between body and mind. He started yoga to help deal with his sporting injuries and in 2008 he was introduced to Iyengar yoga. This inspired him to become a teacher of the Iyengar way, which he teaches with enthusiasm and sensitivity to his students.
Vasili teaches in Queens Park
Claudia Dossena
Claudia discovered yoga in London in 1997. With early training in classical ballet and an interest in art and philosophy, she was drawn to the Iyengar method. Claudia qualified as an Iyengar Yoga teacher in 2006 and is currently a Junior Intermediate level 3. She feels deep gratitude towards all her wonderful teachers, especially her primary teacher, Alaric Newcombe who continues to inspire and inform her. Claudia has an energetic presence and her passion for the subject infuses her classes with fun.
Claudia teaches in Queens Park
Gulnaaz Dashti
Gulnaaz started yoga at RIMYI under the guidance of B.K.S. Iyengar, Geeta Iyengar and Prashant Iyengar in 1990. In 1998 she was granted a teaching position by B.K.S. Iyengar. She began teaching beginners at RIMYI and is now a senior teacher leading intermediate and advanced classes as well as assisting in the medical classes. We are thrilled to welcome her as a weekly teacher at Yogarise Queen’s Park.
Gulnaaz teaches Online
