with Sarah Powers
This is, without a doubt, the best ashtanga yoga video I have come across.
Sarah Powers leads the entire primary series in a yoga studio with a class
of about 25, all at various levels. She begins with the invocation, so
those who have trouble with that can zoom ahead. She says to prepare
yourself for a special time, and she is so right. Sarah leads the class and
will do the occasional pose herself, especially ones that are more
difficult. She gives alternatives for many poses, including ones which can
stress the knees, toes and hips. As far is the infamous ashtanga jump
throughs she also gives wonderful advice and pointers. During the class it
is wonderful to see her giving adjustments and encouragements to those who
need it. Just when you think you can't go on anymore she tells you why you
should. Her focus is not just on the pacing, which is rather slow and is
often held longer while she adjusts students, but also on proper alignment
and safety. She makes me feel very comfortable doing these poses while
simultaneously encourages me to work hard. This is not an easy thing to
capture in a video!
Her students are at various levels in their practice, but it is a joy to see
both beginning and advanced students in the same class, working at their
appropriate level. The students in this class ask her questions quietly and
with respect, so different from David Life's workshop! This is not a
polished video as far as production goes, but it's not bad. People come and
go through a door with squeaky hinges; there is lots of outside noise
creeping in and the sounds of children playing, but to me it adds to the
quality of practice.
For anyone interested in practising ashtanga yoga at home, you need this
video. (It is available at ashtanga1.com.)
Fran Goldsmith
3/16/01