Our Beginner Track

To enhance your learning experience, the conference is sectioned into three tracks for beginner, intermediate, and advanced students.

The beginner track is for students with less than one year of Iyengar yoga or other method of yoga experience.

Each student will attend three classes each day and will be able to select their preferred classes and teachers during the online registration process. Tuition for the conference is $375. Fee covers three full days of activities, which include a total of nine yoga classes, as well as admission to the keynote presentation on Saturday and a panel discussion on Sunday.

Registration is now open for everyone!

A few full conference track spots remain available. Register now!

Conference Day Passes Now Available

To accommodate the needs of those who cannot attend the conference full-time, we have decided to offer passes good for a full day of classes on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday. The cost is $175 per day. Please note that a few full track conference registration spots remain available.

You can register for a day pass online by selecting the following options:

• Beginner, Intermediate, or Advanced Day Passes — Friday only
• Beginner, Intermediate, or Advanced Day Passes — Saturday only
• Beginner, Intermediate, or Advanced Day Passes — Sunday only

At this late date, given our need to finalize conference preparation and to cover our costs, we can NOT offer credit to currently registered participants towards the conversion of a full track to a day pass. We also can NOT offer credit to those who may have already cancelled toward the purchase of a day pass. We are making day passes available as a special offering for those who may be unable to participate full-time, to give them the opportunity to be a part of this historic, community-building event.

Please note that the purchase of day passes are nonrefundable. Payment by credit card only. Register now!

Friday Schedule

Standing Poses

• 7:30 am – 9:30 am
  • Victor Oppenheimer
• 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
  • Laureen Rueckner

Special Topics

• 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
  • Core Strengthening with Roni Brissette
    Abdominal yoga asanas help to improve all poses and will even make you stand taller! Learn a series of “core” strengthening poses to make your body strong. This class is not appropriate for menstruating women.
  • Seeing Bodies with Victor Oppenheimer
    The class will introduce the art of observing bodies in yoga poses. We will observe class members in Tadasana and other postures and learn how to see postural and alignment problems as well as how to suggest corrections. Focus will be on understanding our observations and their relative importance, possible origins, and communicating the potential consequences to others.
  • Reaching the Light Within: Transformation through Asana with Liz Owen
    BKS Iyengar teaches us finds peace and one feels the joy of life. How? Yoga poses open the body and mind on every level. Self-understanding is revealed and becomes fertile ground for self-transformation, where one finds harmony and happiness. We will explore how asanas guide us into a life of vitality, health, and peace in heart and mind.
  • A Tadasana by Any Other Name with Mary Reilly
    The rich imagery and powerful symbols that are embedded in names of asanas can link practitioners to a deep and personal experience. Sometimes the name even gives a clue to important actions in the asana (cobras do not have arms!). We will explore these connections in a collection of asanas and begin to investigate the continuing symbolic connections between poses in basic categories (such as forward bends). Material will be drawn from the Iyengar’s writings and from the mythic and symbolic lore of India. All levels welcome.
  • How to Teach Philosophy in Your Classes with John Schumacher
    Students come to class for lots of different reasons, and in the beginning, it’s not often for yoga philosophy. How do we teachers introduce them to valuable yogic concepts without turning them off? How do we inspire them to dig below the surface and discover the philosophical seeds from which the practices grow? In this class, we’ll examine a few of the ways you might begin to incorporate philosophy skillfully into your teaching.
  • Alignment and the Asymmetric Body with Karin Stephan
    Karin will present various diagnostic techniques on how to see and understand The Asymmetric Body. She will teach simple tools which will allow students to quickly grasp their own asymmetric body patterns and will present a number of practical solutions using the asanas to work through and with these misalignments. Participants will leave with a much deeper understanding of the patterns in their body and a much deeper insight on how to re-establish the balance and harmony within and how to avoid injury in the future.

• 12:30 pm – 2:30 pm
  • So You Want to Learn Inversions with Gloria Goldberg
    Appropriate for teachers and students. A sequential approach to learning the inversions through sirsasana.
  • Teaching the Introductory Syllabus with Dean Lerner
    This class will help you organize and conceptualize the teaching of our Introductory syllabus of postures. Emphasis will be on transmitting a good, fundamental framework of knowledge for practice and inspiration to progress. Open to Iyengar yoga teachers in training and above.
  • Principles for Healthy Knee Action with James Murphy
    Asanas which support proper alignment and function of the knee joint. Modifications of common asanas will be taught so they can be done safely.
  • Menopause: Asana and Pranayama Practices with Lois Steinberg
    Help is there for women who don’t breeze through menopause! Structurally adjusting the body in standing, seated, inverted, back and forward extending asanas as well as seated and lying pranayama may benefit symptoms women experience during the transition to the end of menses and beyond. All practitioners, including men, are welcome.
  • The Most Important Slokas of the Bhagavad Gita with Patricia Walden
    In this class, participants will explore verses from the Bhagavad Gita, an ancient text of India that are relevant for those practicing yoga today. Students should bring two commentaries of the book to class.

Inversions/Pranayama/Restorative

Each class has a restorative theme. In the intermediate and advanced classes, inversions may be included, however no headstand or shoulderstand will be taught at the beginner level. Pranayama will be taught in each class appropriate for the level of students attending the class.

• Beginner Pranayama (BEG): Reclining pranayama practice for students just begining or with no regular practice.
• Intermediate Pranayama (INT): Seated pranayamas for those with some home practice and up to two years experience.
• Advanced Pranayama (ADV): Seated digital pranayamas for those with a regular practice for two or more years.

• 12:30 pm – 2:30 pm
  • Jarvis Chen (BEG)
  • Peentz Dubble (BEG)
• 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm
  • Gloria Goldberg (BEG)
  • Linda DiCarlo (INT)
  • James Murphy (INT)
  • Victor Oppenheimer (INT)
  • Kathleen Pringle (INT)
  • Mary Reilly (INT)
  • Janice Vien (INT)
  • John Schumacher (ADV)
  • Lois Steinberg (ADV)
  • Patricia Walden (ADV)

Saturday Schedule

Seated Poses

• 7:30 am – 9:30 am
  • Roni Brisette
  • Karin Stephan

Special Topics

• 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
  • Use of Props to Educate with Gloria Goldberg
    Props are “meant to ignite the fire of intelligence.” BKS Iyengar Yoga Sutra I.20 indicates that our real props in Yoga are faith, valor, memory, keen intellect and power of absorption. Patanjali also indicates that Samadhi has support (sabija) and non-support (nirbija), why not asana and pranayama? Asana with the support of props (sabija) benefit in two ways: extension and relaxation simultaneously. Props lessen the struggle and give right direction and correct sensitivity to learn to do without (nirbija).
  • A Matter of Balance with Dean Lerner
    Inversions are cornerstones to a balanced yoga practice. Learn principles and practical specifics to strengthen, stabilize, refine and bring ease to your inverted postures.
  • The Philosophy of Yoga with Manouso Manos
    Included in this presentation of yoga philosophy will be a discussion of the five elements, the five sheaths, the three gunas — clues given to us from Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras.
  • Why Twist? with James Murphy
    Learn the whys and wherefores of twisting in asanas. Study principles and put them into practice in a variety of postures and orientations. Experience how twists take you deeper into yourself though observation and reflection.
  • Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras: How to Begin Studying Them with Karin O’Bannon
    Atha, The way to begin is now. The first four sutras hold the germ and the gem of Patanjali’s teachings through the Yoga Sutras. Tada, Then we proceed.
  • Gentle Iyengar Yoga with Laureen Rueckner
    Iyengar yoga can be a very strong practice which might challenge athletes as well as the young and fit. It also lends itself well as a practice for those starting yoga later in life or who for any number of reasons prefer a less strenuous practice. This class will incorporate the different families of poses (standing poses, twists, balances, etc.) in a way that makes them accessible to all. Through the use of props and careful attention to alignment, learn how this art of Iyengar yoga allows each individual at any age or level of fitness to experience and benefit from “skill in action.”
  • Establishing a Personal Pranayama Practice with John Schumacher
    Pranayama is a powerful and profound practice. It is also remarkably rewarding. Most students find it difficult to begin, and even more to continue. In this class, we’ll examine the prerequisites for doing pranayama, the obstacles and ways to overcome them, and basic strategies for getting started.
  • Helping Common Conditions in a Regular Asana Class with Lois Steinberg
    Knees, low back, neck and shoulders are typical problems student present to teachers in a general yoga class. Integrating these students in the class is possible when you can help them to rest the injury and support the poses so there is no harm. Open to Iyengar yoga teachers in training and above.
  • Seeing Clearly with Janice Vien
    BKS Iyengar states how his asana practice has changed over the years, “I use to play and now I stay”. In this class participants will be asked to “stay” in a seated posture. We will discuss sutras relative to quieting the mind. We will then practice the art of sitting in silence, dhyana practice. Please bring a translation of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras to class.
  • Basic Adjustments in Basic Asanas with Patricia Walden
    A skillful adjustment can help your students experience the essence of a pose. In this class, you will refine your observation skills: the basis of adjusting. You will understand what parts of the body need stability, in order to receive the adjustment. You will learn several methods of adjusting. For teachers who have passed the Teacher in Training level and above.
  • Blood Pressure Class with Joan White
    This class is based on the classes used for a study done at the University of Pennsylvania on borderline high blood pressure. Basic information on high blood pressure and the sequence that was used in the study will be presented. The suggested home practice will be discussed.

Keynote Address

Iyengar Yoga and the Power of Intention
by John Schumacher

Why do you do yoga? Your answer to that question defines your intention and forms the foundation for your practice. In his keynote, John will talk about his experience with Iyengar Yoga and how he has addressed this question in his own teaching and practice over nearly four decades. This will be a springboard to examine what the power of your intention might mean for you in your life and to the evolution of the broader yoga community in the years ahead.

Inversions/Pranayama/Restorative

Each class has a restorative theme. In the intermediate and advanced classes, inversions may be included, however no headstand or shoulderstand will be taught at the beginner level. Pranayama will be taught in each class appropriate for the level of students attending the class.

• Beginner Pranayama (BEG): Reclining pranayama practice for students just begining or with no regular practice.
• Intermediate Pranayama (INT): Seated pranayamas for those with some home practice and up to two years experience.
• Advanced Pranayama (ADV): Seated digital pranayamas for those with a regular practice for two or more years.

• 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm
  • Liz Owen (BEG)
  • Mary Reilly (BEG)
  • Jarvis Chen (INT)
  • Peentz Dubble (INT)
  • Dean Lerner (INT)
  • Lois Steinberg (INT)
  • Gloria Goldberg (ADV)
  • Manouso Manos (ADV)
  • Joan White (ADV)

Sunday Schedule

Backbending Poses

• 7:30 am – 9:30 am
  • Jarvis Chen
  • James Murphy

Special Topics

• 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
  • Learning Arm Balances with Greg Anton
    Sutra II.46 tells us that asana is perfect firmness of body, steadiness of intelligence and benevolence of spirit. In this class we will work on the foundations necessary for arm balances. This includes the hands, wrists, arms and shoulders. By building strength and stamina the asanas can be performed with a feeling of firmness, steadiness, and endurance in the body.
  • Principles of Sequencing with Jarvis Chen
    When we practice asana, the poses that we do are not random or arbitrary. A well constructed sequence takes into consideration the geometry, physiology, and psychology of the asanas and how they relate to one another. It brings about changes in the body and helps the intelligence to penetrate inwards. In this session, we will explore the basic principles of sequencing in the Iyengar method, and discuss how to integrate these principles into our personal practice.
  • Living Practice: Inspiration from the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali with Peentz Dubble
    Discover how to deepen your yoga practice “off the mat” by integrating wisdom from the yoga sutras into your daily life. In this class, we will “unpack” some of the yoga sutras relating to the yamas and niyamas which provide us with ethical guidelines helpful in living our lives with meaning and purpose. We will also look at the major sutras relating to yoga practice, such as the sutras on Abhyasa and Vairagya. How do we apply these to every day life circumstances? The format of this class is discussion. Please bring a translation of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras to class.
  • Let Your Padmasana Blossom with Dean Lerner
    Yes we can … develop a strategy and means to develop your padmasana. Learn poses and sequencing to help make this pose come true for you. Not recommended if you have current knee injuries.
  • The History of Yoga with Manouso Manos
    Presented by a senior Iyengar teacher this class will delve into the history of yoga. Yoga’s roots as well as the recent history of yoga will be discussed.
  • Asana as a Vehicle for Transformation with Karin O’Bannon
    Many of us come to yoga anticipating the physical benefits of asana. In Iyengar Yoga we find not just the physical but the emotional and intellectual rewards that open us to the exploration of our soul.
  • Seeing Bodies with Victor Oppenheimer
    The class will introduce the art of observing bodies in yoga poses. We will observe class members in Tadasana and other postures and learn how to see postural and alignment problems as well as how to suggest corrections. Focus will be on understanding our observations and their relative importance, possible origins, and communicating the potential consequences to others.
  • Understanding Scoliosis with Kathleen Pringle
    Scoliosis is a condition where the spine appears to have a side to side curve in the spine. This curvature may develop as a single curve (like the letter C) or as two curves (like the letter S.) When the spine curves, a rotation of the vertebra and the rib cage usually occurs. Understanding where your spine curves and how your vertebra are rotating will help you understand how you need to adapt your yoga practice. We will look at the dynamics of the major patterns and how to elongate, strengthen and de-rotate your spine for your particular pattern.
  • The Important Principles of the Iyengar Method with Mary Reilly
    Describing Iyengar yoga only as “done with attention to alignment and with the use of props” does not do justice to this rich tradition. This class will outline the various ways attention and consciousness are trained toward one pointed concentration in the body. Working from the foundation of the poses, linking within the pose and from pose to pose, understanding the difference between movements and actions, are a few of the areas which will be addressed, (all of which will be done with attention to alignment and some with the use of props!)
  • Establishing a Personal Practice of Asana with Nancy Turnquist
    Ideal for beginning as well as intermediate students interested in establishing or reinvigorating a home practice of asana. You will learn several short sequences designed to build will and stamina for practice on one’s own.
  • Emotional Healing with Patricia Walden
    The Iyengar method offers a wide variety of tools and principles to treat psychological and emotional problems. In this class you will learn to work with depression, anxiety, and anger by using asana, pranayama, and yoga philosophy to understand and overcome the kleshas. You will learn how to integrate yoga into a broader holistic framework.
  • Shoulder Class on Rotator Cuff Recovery Work with Joan White
    In 2005, Joan severed her supraspinatus which resulted in surgery. In this class participants will explore various shoulder movements and learn how to safely use their shoulders in various asanas. Joan will include work given to her by the Iyengars but will concentrate on the principles of working with shoulders.

Panel Discussion

An Intimate View of Iyengar Yoga

Students will have the opportunity to hear from a panel discussion with senior teachers Patricia Walden, Manouso Manos, Mary Reilly, and James Murphy, moderated by Joan White.

Inversions/Pranayama/Restorative

Each class has a restorative theme. In the intermediate and advanced classes, inversions may be included, however no headstand or shoulderstand will be taught at the beginner level. Pranayama will be taught in each class appropriate for the level of students attending the class.

• Beginner Pranayama (BEG): Reclining pranayama practice for students just begining or with no regular practice.
• Intermediate Pranayama (INT): Seated pranayamas for those with some home practice and up to two years experience.
• Advanced Pranayama (ADV): Seated digital pranayamas for those with a regular practice for two or more years.

• 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm
  • Laureen Rueckner (BEG)
  • Nancy Turnquist (BEG)
  • James Murphy (INT)
  • Kathleen Pringle (INT)
  • Lois Steinberg (INT)
  • Karin Stephan (INT)
  • Manouso Manos (ADV)
  • Karin O’Bannon (ADV)
  • Mary Reilly (ADV)
  • Joan White (ADV)

Frequently Asked Question:
Should I select the beginner track or the intermediate track?

Our general guideline for deciding which track is best for you is based upon how long you have been studying yoga. However, intermediate students should be practicing Sirsasana (headstand). If you have been studying for more than one year and have not progressed to practicing Sirsasana then we recommend that you select the beginner track.

NOTE: Teachers, classes, dates, and times are subject to change without notice.