Hi, I am currently finishing up my teacher training and am working on designing classes. What does everyone look for in a good class? Any particular types of themes that you enjoy working with?
Thanks!
I have been practicing for a long time so I look for teachers who can challenge me.
I look for a teacher who presents poses (s)he knows really well, who can express what off-the-mat yoga principles the particular asanas can help us observe. . . I’ve found it’s handy to have a class that will repeatedly return to a yama or a niyama through the class, reminding us students to be honest about how far we can go in a pose (for example) several times.
What I look for in a good class is:
-expert knowledge on the part of the teacher
-application of that knowledge (otherwise known as wisdom)
-ability to convey these two things to a variety of different listeners
-that conveyance articulated with simplicity, economy, compassion, and command language
-priority on short and long term safety of me as a student
-a living, on the part of the teacher, of what is being taught
-respect from teacher to student, thus from student to teacher
-humility and gratitude
There are two things I look for:
- Discipline - it seems that this concept is shun these days in most classes both by student and teacher.
- Joy - Most classes, both students and teachers seem sometimes too stern and serious, good heavens enjoy yoga!
I had a teacher that combined these two so effectively and I try to apply it in my own classes now.
Often your class will have a mix of skill levels, so to cater for everyone, start with a basic pose and then provide more advanced options.