I have been practicing Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga since 1993 and teaching since 1997. I have a background in massage and healing and I bring this experience and knowledge to my adjustments and teaching. My main teacher is Hamish Hendry who I assisted from 2003 to 2010. I have also studied with Shri K Pattabhi Jois in Mysore and Nancy Gilgoff.
I currently teach the morning self practice at The Life Centre Islington.
In Febtruary 2013 I am teaching a Yoga Alliance Teacher Training Course at Swan Yoga in Goa. The course will be Hatha and Ashtanga. For full details see below under "Training".
Daily Morning Mysore Style Self Practice at The Life Centre Islington
I teach the morning self practice at The Life Centre Islington Monday to Friday 6.30am to 9.30am.
For those of you that don't know: self practice is not a led class. You come and do your own practice in your own time. The teacher (me) gives guidance and help where needed. This means you go at your own pace and get the help you need. It's a beautiful way to practice and an amazing way to start the day. The class runs for 3 hours and you can arrive and leave at any time within that time. Don't worry if you can't remember the sequence - I am there to help you. There is no need to be intimidated or scared of self practice! You don’t have to be a super-yogi or remember everything. ALL levels of experience and knowledge are welcome.
The Life Centre is one of London's most prestigious yoga centres and is really beautiful - check the website.
Other Classes
Ashtanga Classes
I am teaching at Globe House, Crucifix Lane, London Bridge on Saturday 19th May, 14th July and 15th September.
Classes are: Morning Self Practice 8-9.45am, Beginners/General Level 10-11.15, Full Led Primary 11.30-1pm
Website: www.globehouse.org/No need to book just come!
Yin Classes
Saturday 19th May - The Life Centre Notting Hill - 15.30-17.00
Friday 13th July - North London Buddhist Centre - 15.00-16.30
Friday 13th July - The Life Centre Islington - 17.45-19.15
Saturday 14th July - The Life Centre Notting Hill - 15.30-17.00
Saturday 15th September - The Life Centre Notting Hill - 15.30-17.00
Workshops
Adjustment Workshop: adjusting backbends and handstands
I am teaching a one day adjustment Workshop this summer with Norman Blair. We will be covering various poses from the Ashtanga Vinyasa Primary and Second Series with a special focus on Backbends and Handstands For more information or to book contact me by email or phone (07787 791 249) or check Norman's website http://www.yogawithnorman.co.uk/
Venue: Globe House, 2 Crucifix Lane, London Bridge, London
Website: www.globehouse.org/Date: Sunday 23rd September 2012
Time: to be announced
Cost: to be announced
British Wheel of Yoga
I am teaching two workshops at the British Wheel of Yoga London Yoga Festival this year on Sunday 17th June. The first is 'Yoga of Awakening" and will be Yin Yoga, followed by Yoga Nidra then Pranayama and Meditation 9.45-11am. The second is 'Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga: a womans' perspective' here I will focus on core strength and moola bandha 4-5.30.
Date: 17 June 2012
Venue: City of Westminster College, 25 Paddington Green, London, W2
Website: http://www.bwylondon.org.uk/festival.htm
Yoga Holiday
This years yoga holiday at Yoga Rocks was amazing. For a write up see the Yoga Rocks website at www.yogaholidaysgreece.com/retreats/events/melanie-cooper
I'll post dates for next years holiday as soon as posible.
Other Yoga Teachers/Centers
My Contact
xmelaniexx@yahoo.co.uk
Cool Yoga Stuff
Some old footage of advanced practitioners being taught by Guruji:
Derek Ireland was one of the first people to bring Ashtanga to the UK. He was my
teachers teacher:
Krisnamacharya taught Sri K Pattabhi Jois and B.K.S Ivengar:
Kino MacGreggor has lots of clips on YouTube giving tips on difficult poses
Drawings of the primary series
: http://www.astangayoga.co.nz/resources.html
A website with lots of info and articles - including some by me.
www.worldyoganetwork.com
Cool Stuff
I have just finished writing a book about teaching Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga. The book is aimed at new teachers but would also be interesting to yoga students.
It is soon to be published by Yoga Words
Watch this space!
I have written several articles published on the World Yoga Network.
When yoga makes you angry
Is this spiritual?
I am very excited to be teaching on a Yoga Teacher training course in Goa
The course will cover teaching Hatha and Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga
The dates are 28th Jan- 3 March 2013
I have been teaching on teacher training courses in Goa for around 6 years. It is always a very special experience. Students have a chance to deepen their practice and knowledge of yoga in a hugely supportive environment. India is always an experience and for most people over the years, the teacher training course has been life changing, life enhancing and a way to learn about yourself on many levels. THIS IS NOT A HOLIDAY! Be prepared to work hard. But also be prepared to reap the benefits...
The course includes:
Anatomy and physiology. This is taught by Stuart Girling. Stuart has been practicing yoga and doing bodywork for many years. Stuart makes anatomy accessible, interesting and relevant to your yoga practice.
Philosophy and History of Yoga: Some of this me and Laura will teach. Some will be taught by Gyanmitre who is a Swami from the Bihar School of yoga and runs Swan Yoga and some by Emil Wendle. The Bihar School of Yoga is an authentic highly respected Indian Yoga school. Emil Wendle is an inspiring and hugely knowledgeable teacher.
The other topics will be taught by me and Laura. We have both practiced and taught yoga for many years. We are both dedicated to our practice and teaching but we both come from a space of humour and common sense. We both believe very strongly in giving people the knowledge and tools they need to work in a way that is safe and enjoyable but challenging and transformative.The other topics include:
Teaching methods
Asana and pranayama practice and teaching
Class sequencing
Ashtanga adjustment
Teaching Ashtanga led classes and Mysore
Also included in the course is an Introduction to Ayurveda.
For a full description of the course and how to apply, please check the website of Bristol City Yoga www.bristolcityyoga.net/ Teacher-Training/india-course
If you would like to email me you can contact me at xmelaniexx@yahoo.co.uk
The course is residential and will be held at Swan Yoga in Assagao, Goa. Swan Yoga is a new retreat centre. It is in a quiet, clean and peaceful corner of Goa but the bright lights of Anjuna and the beach are a 10/15 minute scooter or taxi ride away. Their website is www.swan-yoga-goa.comSome photos of the teacher training I taught on last year at Brahmani Yoga are in the Media Section at the bottom of this website
One Week Ashtanga Vinyasa Adjustment Workshop in Bristol
This course is suitable for any students of Ashtanga Yoga keen to really understand the principles and practices of the system. Through the course you will gain insight into both theoretical background of this method, but also of how to work with your body through the sequence in a way appropriate for you. This course is also suitable for yoga teachers who want to gain hands on experience in adjusting the postures of the primary series. Students applying to this course must have a regular Ashtanga Practice and be competent in the Primary Series up to Navasana (half primary).
In addition to the week-long intensive you will be required to complete pre-course reading, written homework, video diaries and two essays focusing on the practice of Ashtanga. This course is accredited by Yoga Alliance and can count toward certification at both 200 and 500-hour level.
Some comments:
"Brilliant quality of teaching, this course provides a full and thorough training for anyone that would like to teach Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga or deepen their own practice." Caroline, Intensive student 2009
“Top class teachers sharing their years of experience in a patient and generous way…. Teacher training at it’s best.” Amanda, Intensive student 2009
"The hand out materials were exceptional- well written and of real practical use."
''A highly practical course that will deepen your knowledge of the primary series, improve your self practice and prepare you to teach and adjust the series'' Lucy, Intensive Student 2011
Venue: Bristol City Yoga (this might possibly change to London)
Website: www.bristolcityyoga.net/Teacher-Training/ashtanga-intensive-level-1.html
Date: 22 - 28 October 2012
Cost: £575