Grounded Growth Yoga Class Descriptions

The aim of yoga is to bring both the body and mind into a state of well-being. Yoga class is a time to connect with ourselves, cultivate gratitude, and open to the life force energy around us. 

ALL CLASSES stretch, strengthen and stabilize the body along with enhancing body and breath awareness. And in all classes, students develop at their own pace, modifying poses as needed.

These are Hatha Yoga classes influenced by Iyengar method attention to alignment. Classes often have some vinyasa sequences (a flowing series of postures such as Sun Salutations).

The BEGINNER CLASS is for complete newcomers to yoga as well as experienced practitioners who would like to enrich their understanding of fundamental yoga postures. Classes begin with gentle stretches and yogic breathing, move into classic yoga postures, and end with deep relaxation. Clear guidance about alignment principles is given. Postures can be modified to meet the needs of individual students in the class. Props such as yoga straps, blocks and bolsters are used.

The MIXED LEVEL CLASS welcomes students of all levels who have some experience with yoga. It is similar to the Beginner class in format and in the attention to alignment and breath. Some more challenging postures are practiced in this class, according to the abilities of students in the class.

RESTORATIVE YOGA is offered the 3rd Sunday of every other month from 5:30-7pm (in place of the beginner class). Restorative Yoga is a gentle style of yoga that is practiced with the support of blankets, bolsters, blocks and chairs so that your body can release deeply into the poses. Restorative yoga allows a profound letting go of tension and discovery of inner peace and vitality. It is accessible to students of all levels of experience and fitness, and a great way to re-start if you have not exercised in a long time. Enrollment is limited in this one class to insure that everyone has enough props. Advance registration is highly recommended.

NEW! TODDLER YOGA*
A playful yoga adventure where children aged 2-4 gain body awareness and stability through yoga poses and movement games. Children will draw, sing, hear stories, imitate animals and use their imaginations to invent their own poses. All children must be accompanied by an parent or caregiver.
Dates: E-mail dannadurga@aol.com for dates of next series
Location: The Hebrew Institute of Riverdale, 3700 Henry Hudson Parkway
Rates:             try before you buy trial class: $15 for first session only
                        full 6-week session $90
                        pay by session: $25/class
                        plus $10 material fee
* this course is being offered through The Hebrew Institute's Chavaya program. To register, contact the Hebrew Institute 718-769-4730

MOMMY and BABY YOGA is geared toward Mommies and babies 4 weeks to crawling. *The Mommy & Baby class is discontinued until further notice due to low attendance. If you are interested in resuming a Mommy & Baby class please email Danna to let her know the time you are interested in! dannadurga@aol.com

What Students have to say about Grounded Growth Yoga classes:

While I am by no means an expert in my yoga practice, I have taken many different yoga classes and Danna's is by far my favorite.  Her calm, genuine demeanor and individual attention make the class a true atmosphere for 'grounded growth.'  I highly recommend it for any level of experience. -Caitlin

Danna's class has revitalized my energy in so many ways. Her gentle, direct approach has made me aware of how much positive change can occur through subtle adjustments of the body. She helps create spaces during, and lasting long after each class, where  mind, breath and body align in ways benefiting myself and others. -Marie

Class with Danna is a space and time where I find peace and stillness of mind and body. Sometimes peace is in the initial or final relaxation, during the process of refining the effortlessness needed to achieve a pose through Danna's guidance, or simply just breathing and rooting during the class. Danna has a very gentle though firm way to connect you with the pose and help you relax. Since I started her classes I am feeling myself more relaxed and in touch with myself. -Milena

Since I had cataract surgery, I have been suffering from headaches, a stiff neck and shoulder pain, in particular after working at the computer. Danna’s yoga class was recommended to me by a friend, and I’m so grateful for that wise suggestion, and especially to Danna for her gentle step-by-step instruction. Yoga makes all my suffering go away.  After Yoga, I feel good and very refreshed---no more pain---what a wonderful feeling!
- Miyuki Westchester County, NY

Since joining Danna's class almost a year ago my yoga practice has changed dramatically.  While I used to be more concerned with "achieving" full poses/postures right away, Danna places a stronger emphasis on doing the asanas safely and effectively.  I have also learned to better incorporate deep breathing and a hightened state of mental/emotional awareness.  As someone who came to the class with an injury, I have also benefitted from some individual instruction which would not have been possible in a larger class. -Shara

This is my first time practicing yoga, and I am so glad, I'm learning it with Danna, she is very patient, she remembers if anyone in the class has some sort of difficulty.  She is very hands on, I like the fact that it is an intimate environment.  I really love to attend the classes and get away from my madness at least for an hour and half on Sunday mornings. -Kathy Bronx, NY, Attending since August 24, 2008

Danna's approach is gentle and individualized, and I never felt that the class was beyond my grasp. I find myself looking forward to each class for the relaxation and peace of mind it brings. -Carol

I love Danna's class. It relaxes my mind and makes my body flexible. Each class is different, Danna always introduces something new. -Irina Bronx, NY , Attending since 2007

I finish the class feeling completely different than I started. There is no more tension in my back after work for the next few days. -Marta

I sleep so well at night when I regularly attend your yoga series. -April Bronx, NY, Attending since May 2006

Home | Yoga Class Schedule | Bio | Yoga Links | Recommended Books on Yoga | Yoga Links | FAQs | Contact

digital media design www.aprillombardi.com