Many students participate in a foundational 200-hour yoga teacher training to both develop and deepen a personal practice but may or may not begin to teach upon completion of a 200-hour program. Whether you have decided to teach or would prefer to continue deepening your own practice, our Advanced Studies in Yoga modules offer a continuum for those students seeking more practice, greater depth, and a broader teaching skill set, as well as the opportunity to further integrate what was offered in your 200-hour training. There are many students who choose to enroll in advanced trainings who never go on to teach, just as there are students from various schools of yoga study who come to specialty training modules ready to develop their asana practice, sharpen their ability to cue, assist, and mentor their students in practice. Our Advanced Studies in Yoga faculty are nurturing and fun, while providing challenge and depth in their programs. Each student, regardless of personal intention, is given the support needed to become a more dedicated practitioner and the guidance each student needs to hone their ability to practice safely and diligently, communicate clearly, see each student as an individual, and to integrate the principles of the 8-limbed practice in one’s life.

The Advanced Studies in Yoga program serves to ignite as well as deepen one’s exploration and understanding of Yoga.  Each of our training modules includes aspects of the below to ensure students have a well-rounded experience in time-tested curriculums that offer students valuable learning experiences and new skills to share with their students:

Techniques, Training, and Practice Teaching

Methodology

Anatomy & Physiology

Yoga Philosophy, Lifestyle, and Ethics

Practice Teaching

In addition to the above standard subject areas, Dragonfly Yoga & Ayurveda systemically weaves in the study of Ayurveda as a body, mind, and spirit medicine by offering the Ayurvedic principles through lifestyle and seasonal routines, meditation, diet, yoga asana and appropriate pranayama practice for each student. Katie is an Ayurveda Health Practitioner and has been leading annual retreats to India since 2016, allowing her teachings to be an even more integrated part of our training. Like Yoga, Ayurveda is a way of life.

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And the very cool thing is that the Dragonfly Yoga Advanced Studies Program includes entire weekend immersions in some of the most popular types of yoga including: Restorative Yoga, Yin Yoga, and a beautiful Thai Yoga Assisting Techniques module steeped in Anatomy and the Subtle Body, principles of Assisting students, and layering in of Sanskrit and Yoga Philosophy, meaning you leave the program ready to offer Restorative and Yin classes, as well as learn how to conduct private appointments with your clients and students to best serve their yoga mind, body, and spirit!

“The best investment I have ever made in myself. When I think of all I have learned… all of the anatomy, all of the philosophy, all of the connections with my yoga peers–I’d say this training is priceless. Kate is the best example of how to live your yoga.”  ~Grace

“This training came into my life exactly when I needed it. I had just finished my 200 at a different studio, but I knew I needed to come to Dragonfly and keep going. My son had just died, and the home I found at Dragonfly supported me when I was at my lowest. It literally saved my life.” ~Judi

“At first I thought this program was expensive, but then I priced out lodging, meals, commuting costs and travel time, and I realized I actually SAVED money and time (BTW, I had considered another well-known residential YTT, but Dragonfly was better financially for me)!” ~Diane

The following is a list of topics and modular trainings we offer at Dragonfly, both independently and as a part of our Advanced TT Program (300/500). 

• Advanced Asana: deepening our understanding of foundational poses, adding advanced postures, variations, modifications, intelligent use of props, as well as aesthetics vs. embodiment and appropriate alignment for each body, etc. Includes how to offer private yoga sessions for individuals and special populations
• Pranayama: A weekend dedicated to reviewing and learning the art and mechanics of breathing, including anatomy, subtle body, effects of various breathing exercises, and more.
• Meditation: Reviewing the difference between Dharana (limb 6) and Dhyana (limb 7) and exploring mindfulness, guided practices, and Heart Based Meditation as a personal practice.
• Bhakti Yoga, Mantras & Chanting: The Yoga of Devotion!
• Functional Anatomy, Subtle Body Anatomy (chakras, nadis, koshas), and Nervous System
• Art of Teaching: Finding Your Authentic Voice & “Taking Your Seat” as a teacher
• Art of Sequencing (preparing classes in advance and “on the fly!”)
• Art of Assisting: The “no correction” method; Thai assisting; working with private clients; how to “assist” both in person and online.
• Ayurveda Principles, Practice, and Self Care. Ayurvedic cleansing. Teaching Dosha-specific yoga classes. *Your lead teacher is a certified Ayurveda Health Practitioner, so this is more than just a cursory look at Ayurveda!
• Yoga Philosophy: Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, Bhagavad Gita, Hatha Yoga Pradipika, and Sanskrit 
• Specific Modules & Immersion weekends (some study areas subject to change w/ faculty): Heart Based Meditation, Yin Yoga, Restorative Yoga, Ayurveda immersion, Thai Yoga Techniques for Assisting & Supporting students.
• Personal “Dharma” & Mentorship Project: An opportunity for students to dive into a topic of choice, create a new workshop or class series, or deepen your studies in a specific area. Projects will be shared with peers.