Ashtanga Inspired Yoga for Indian Classical Dancers

About the workshop:

In this workshop, dancers will be introduced to asanas from the primary & intermediate ashtanga series that are focused on core strengthening, and improving hip and hamstring flexibility. Select asanas will be broken down, so dancers can understand the anatomy behind those postures, and how those asanas can contribute towards their dance goals. Dancers will also be offered modifications to make each asana accessible. The class will end with a small pranayama (yogic breathing) practice.

"Ashtanga Inspired Yoga for Indian Classical Dancers" is part of the Reflection, Healing & Movement" series. These programs take place in Studio 7, a fully accessible ground floor level studio.

About Anugraha Raman:

Anu is an Indian classical dancer and ashtanga yoga practitioner. She was first exposed to ashtanga yoga in San Diego, where she cultivated her regular practice at the Ashtanga Yoga Center directed by Tim Miller. More recently, she delved deeper into her own practice in a holistic training program led by Kino MacGregor.
Anu has been learning South Indian Classical Dance (Bharatanatyam) for nearly 30 years and North Indian Classical Dance (Kathak) for 4. Currently, she is continuing her Bharatanatyam training with Meena Subramanyam and learns Kathak from Neha Patel. Over the years she has been a part of many group productions and performances , performing at the Indian Fine Arts Academy of San Diego, Greater Boston Area and in virtual festivals. She curated Ananda: What brings you Joy, co-produced Samsara Nritya: Embracing Dualities through Indian Classical Dance., and is a part of community choreographic initiatives (NACHMO boston, aMaSSiT dance lab).
She believes that Indian Classical Dance can be accessible and relatable to a diverse audience. To this end, she has taken part in the Indian Raga fellowship program and led collaborations with dancers globally to create virtual content that is accessible to culturally diverse audiences. She is also the co-director of Boston Adavu--a community started in 2019 that fosters self-growth by welcoming Bharatanatyam dancers of all levels to come together and practice their basics and collaborate on artistic endeavors.
Her yoga journey has been mentally transformative for her and has physically helped her improve as a dancer. She hopes that through yoga she can empower others to understand their bodies better and preempt injuries, overcome mental barriers , and enjoy the little things in life!

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