Class Descriptions

White Orchid Yoga emphasizes the traditional Ashtanga yoga style developed by our teacher, Sri K. Pattabhi Jois. We offer a variety of styles:

• Mysore Style
• Half Primary
• Full Primary Series
• Power-Full Vinyasa
• Gentle Yoga
• Restorative Yoga
• Community Class
• Vipassana Meditation
• Yoga and Mindfulness for Children

Mysore Style

Levels: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

The most intimate, personal and developed way of practicing yoga is also the most traditional, time-honored and historic method. The “Mysore Style” method is named after the city where our teacher Sri K. Pattabhi Jois lives and teaches, continuing this teaching style from his teacher Krishnamacharya. In this special class, you learn to take individual responsibility for your yoga practice and develop a deeply trusting relationship with your teacher. It is perhaps the only way that the more advanced asanas or postures can be learned safely, with proper skill and dedication. By committing yourself fully to one yoga style, one teaching method and a regular practice, you open the door to deeper levels of your body, mind, and spirit.

In the space between the teacher and student, learning happens. In the Mysore style method of practice, you have the unique opportunity to experience this level.

We request that new students without a regular Ashtanga practice (having the primary of part of the primary series memorized) commit to at least one month.

• Watch ‘What is Mysore About?’ with David Keil.
• Text courtesy Miami Life Center. Used with permission.
• Please read about Mysore etiquette before attending. No Mysore classes on New and Full moons. Check our Moon Days page for more information.

Half Primary

Levels: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

This 90 minute class will focus on the first half of the Ashtanga Yoga Primary Series. More time will be used in these postures to allow integration. Each class will include Sun Salutations, standing sequence, seated postures typically to Navasana, introduction to back-bending and the full closing sequence.

Full Primary Series

Levels: Intermediate, Advanced

When you’re ready for the full Ashtanga experience, this is the class for you. This dynamic sequence opens new dimensions of the mind-body-breathe connection, you will begin to move into a direct experience of the flow of the practice. With careful emphasis on the traditional vinyasa method, this class presents the full Ashtanga Yoga Primary series. It is taught only by people who are qualified, and will keep the integrity and purity of the practice. Prior yoga experience and proficiency of a high level of athletic conditioning recommended. Be prepared to sweat.

Power-Full Vinyasa

Levels: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

This open-level powerful vinyasa class will strengthen, purify and tone the body, linking the breath with movement, challenging and conditioning with a dynamic sequence of postures. Come and feel the power!

Gentle Yoga

Levels: Appropriate for All Levels

Gentle yoga is structured around rejuvenating and healing the body. This class is for those who want to take it a little easier. Alignment principles, gentle breathing techniques, and basic poses will be taught at a slow pace for all levels. As in all classes, modifications will be made, as needed for each student so everyone, regardless of age or physical ability, will feel the benefits yoga has to offer.

Restorative Yoga

Levels: Appropriate for All Levels

Restorative Yoga is a practice for everyone, young and old, active and inactive, stressed or depressed, over-tired or over-stimulated.  This therapeutic and gentle practice focuses on the restorative and renewing nature of yoga in a supportive nurturing environment.  By turning your attention inward, you release deep tension, relax completely, release tension and restore energy.  Restorative yoga is a passive yoga practice with long holds and little movement that allows your muscles to relax deep into the core of your being, mentally, physically and emotionally.  The practice is done on the floor or chair seated or lying while supported with props and each posture is held 3-5 minutes allowing for an internal shift of letting go and surrender.  Restorative Yoga has been shown to reduce the effects of stress-related disease and beneficial for hormonal imbalance, anxiety, depression, immune and digestive dysfunction and much more.  It is for those times when you feel weak, fatigued or stressed from your daily activities.

Community Class

Levels: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

This gentle, all levels flow is practiced by candlelight. It is a perfect way to finish the weekend, feeling refreshed and relaxed for the upcoming week. This is a donation class to benefit local charities.

Vipassana Meditation

Levels: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Come for an hour of formal Vipassana style of non-sectarian, seated meditation practice. Shamatha-Vipassana,meaning “calm-abiding and insight” is a simple yet profound meditation technique and a method for the cultivation of mindfulness. A regular seated meditation practice can be a powerful complement to the practice of Ashtanga yoga. Students who are new to the practice of meditation should arrive 15 minutes prior to the session for basic instruction on the method of Vipassana. This session is offered on a donation-basis.

Yoga and Mindfulness for Children

Levels: Grades 1-3
Levels: Teens & Tweens

Children’s yoga is a wonderful way for your child to experience the beneficial practice of yoga. This playful and joyful approach will introduce fun-filled sequences for children to develop strength, coordination, flexibility and also build self-confidence and positive body awareness.

Mindful meditation, breathwork and relaxation techniques will be interwoven throughout the class to help reduce stress, relieve anxiety, and improve attention and concentration. Yoga is a discipline that can lead a child on the path toward a calm balanced mind. The skills learned in your child’s yoga practice will be integrated into their everyday world.