Ithaca College

Level I-II
Wednesdays from 12:00pm – 1:20pm
Beginning September 5 – October 10 (6 weeks)

Level II-III
Mondays from 1:10pm – 2:30pm
Beginning September 10 – October 15 (6 weeks)

Yoga in this tradition is taught first at the level of the body awareness, then at the level of the breath.   Alignment of the poses based on scientific and anatomical principles as well as the individual’s capability are taught in detail. The proper use of props to support the poses which might not be possible for practitioners without their use is given.  Instructions are provided through demonstration as well as verbal instructions and physical adjusting (with student’s permission). James has studied Iyengar Yoga first in NYC with teachers Mary Dunn, Kevin Gardiner and then in India with the senior students of B.K.S. Iyengar--Birjoo Mehta, Jawahar Bangera and others.  He has made yearly trips to India for the past 17 years to immerse himself in study there.  Please do not hesitate to contact James (jeavenson@ithaca.edu) should you have any questions about the classes.  He welcomes those who wish to learn more about this unique practice of Yoga.  He has taught Yoga to physiotherapists in a clinical setting as well as to Indian movie stars, in addition to the students, faculty and staff at Ithaca College for over 18 years.  Find out for yourself what you have been missing. 

Description of Levels and where you might place yourself in the classes offered:

Introductory Classes – Currently there are no introductory classes held at Ithaca College.

Level 1 Classes – Beginners in this method of yoga where the basic alignment shape and dynamic of standing poses, proper sitting, twists, forward bends and supported backbends are taught in addition to the explanation of why consciousness is directed first to the body and then to the breath.  The rope wall is used extensively as well as other props like chairs, benches and straps to provide support and better learning.

Level 2 Classes – Refinement and practice of the above and beginning headstand (with the use of supportive props) and shoulder stand (inversions).  Principles of unsupported back bending are taught.  Pranayama is begun (breath practice).

Level 3 Classes – Longer holds of headstand and more complex inversions are practiced. Urdvha Dhanurasana is achieved with straight arms (meaning what Americans call the “full wheel pose” (backbend on your hands and feet).  Pranayama is deepened.

Level 4 Classes – Ability to hold headstand for 5-10 minutes independently and variations on headstand (twisting in headstand, for example).  Complex backbends are practiced.  Practices consisting of only pranayama may be practiced for 1 to 1 and ½ hours.  (There are no classes for Level IV at Ithaca College).