Yoga is an ancient science of wellness, born and developed in India. Recently yoga has become trendy in the west, with many different forms of yoga taking hold. Dancers have also experienced the benefits of practising yoga, such as increased flexibility, strength, muscular improvement and increased mindfulness, leading to increased focus and concentration. It may be difficult to decide which form of yoga to try first, as their are many techniques and different practices. It can depend on many factors, such as your goals and body's needs, as well as the matter of personal preference about what you enjoy the most.
Hatha yoga includes flowing posture sequences, but mostly concentrates on maintaining classical yoga postures. Practising Hatha can develop muscular integration, a healthy balance of strength and flexibility, breath awareness and mindfulness, whilst maintaining a balance between stillness and movement.
Vinyasa yoga styles - such as Ashtanga, Forrest, Power and Vinyasa Flow - are perhaps the most popular in Western culture. These forms also appeal to dancers because of the continuous flowing movement quality. The form can also challenge dancers to further develop skills such as coordinating breath more naturally with movement, and being more mindful of the body, meaning practitioners can learn new ways of understanding the body and how it moves.
Bikram or hot yoga, taught in a set sequence of 26 postures, is similar to other Vinyasa forms but takes place in a room heated up, sometimes to over 40 degrees. It is important to stay hydrated as the body will lose lots of water, so take in lots of fluids before, during and afterwards. The added heat is thought to flush out toxins from the body, as well as allowing for greater flexibility.
Yin, restorative and gentle forms of yoga promote physical relaxation, breath awareness and greater mind-body connection. The gentle stretching and tissue release of these forms can be extremely beneficial for dancers, and can help break up lactic acid and scar tissue. Postures in these forms can be held from two to five minutes, often supported by props such as pillows, blocks and straps.
The yoga culture
Yoga is an ancient science of wellness, born and developed in India. Recently yoga has become trendy in the west, with many different forms of yoga taking hold. Dancers have also experienced the benefits of practising yoga, such as increased flexibility, strength, muscular improvement and increased mindfulness, leading to increased focus and concentration. It may be difficult to decide which form of yoga to try first, as their are many techniques and different practices. It can depend on many factors, such as your goals and body's needs, as well as the matter of personal preference about what you enjoy the most.
Hatha yoga includes flowing posture sequences, but mostly concentrates on maintaining classical yoga postures. Practising Hatha can develop muscular integration, a healthy balance of strength and flexibility, breath awareness and mindfulness, whilst maintaining a balance between stillness and movement.
Vinyasa yoga styles - such as Ashtanga, Forrest, Power and Vinyasa Flow - are perhaps the most popular in Western culture. These forms also appeal to dancers because of the continuous flowing movement quality. The form can also challenge dancers to further develop skills such as coordinating breath more naturally with movement, and being more mindful of the body, meaning practitioners can learn new ways of understanding the body and how it moves.
Bikram or hot yoga, taught in a set sequence of 26 postures, is similar to other Vinyasa forms but takes place in a room heated up, sometimes to over 40 degrees. It is important to stay hydrated as the body will lose lots of water, so take in lots of fluids before, during and afterwards. The added heat is thought to flush out toxins from the body, as well as allowing for greater flexibility.
Yin, restorative and gentle forms of yoga promote physical relaxation, breath awareness and greater mind-body connection. The gentle stretching and tissue release of these forms can be extremely beneficial for dancers, and can help break up lactic acid and scar tissue. Postures in these forms can be held from two to five minutes, often supported by props such as pillows, blocks and straps.