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Ange1a — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 10:59:57 CDT

Yoga and Circus Yoga for Children, Adults and Families

Namaste and Welcome

You have reached the website of

Angela Savory
BSc (Hons), MA, BWY Dip, RCYP

Yoga Teacher

Certified by The British Wheel of Yoga & The Prison Phoenix Trust

E-mail: handinhandyoga@gmail.com

I'm a yoga teacher living in London, Ontario, Canada and on this site you will find information about:

My teaching schedule Updated 14th October 2009
Birthday parties
Waiver forms
The benefits of yoga
My yoga qualifications
How I came to yoga
My teaching approach
My teaching experience
Links

My Current Public Teaching Schedule

Ange1a — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 10:57:53 CDT

On this page you will find the following information:

Fall 2009 class schedule
How to register for classes
Additional Information - this section includes details of: Hand in Hand Yoga Studio Location; Class Payment and Refund Policy and the Waiver Form Policy.
Class Descriptions (Note: not all these classes run regularly but it will give you an idea of the classes I do run if you wish to contact me about teaching classes)

Please note I now also offer private yoga classes. Private rate for adult sessions is $50 an hour. Private rate for family yoga (adult and child) is $30 an hour. Please contact me if you are interested in scheduling a session.

FALL 2009 CLASS SCHEDULE

Classes at London Public Library Central Branch: GENTLE YOGA FOR SENIORS 60+

Time/Dates: 10.00 - 11.00am, 28th September - 9th November 2009 (6 week series). Please note that classes are being held on a Monday and there is no class on Thanksgiving (12th October 2009).
Location: Central Library, Dundas Street - see: www.londonpubliclibrary.ca for more details
Cost: $30.00 (for the 6 week series)
Registration: Registration begins 1st September 2009. Register in person or by phone (Telephone 519 661 5122). Payment required at registration. Click on this link to the program details on the library website: http://encore.londonpubliclibrary.ca/iii/encore/record/C%7CRg1000008%7CSseniors+yoga%7COrightresult?lang=eng&suite=pearl
Please bring a yoga mat or towel to class and anything else that contributes to your comfort.
Any questions? Contact London Public Library for questions relating to registration (Telephone 519 661 5122). Contact Hand in Hand Yoga for questions related to yoga teaching (Telephone 519 433 6802).

Fall Classes at Hand in Hand Yoga Studio:

Wednesday - Gentle Yoga
Both classes are suitable for seniors or anyone who would like to take some time out to nurture themselves

Wednesday Morning:

Time/Dates: 10.00 - 11.15am, 28th October - 2nd December 2009 (6 week series)
Location: Hand in Hand Yoga, 716 Maitland Street, London
Cost: $48 for the 6 week series (this works out at $8 a class). Payment can be made in 2 parts if you wish (e.g. 2 payments of $24). Cash or cheques accepted. Please make cheques payable to Angela Savory.
Registration: Contact Hand in Hand Yoga to register: 519 433 6802
Yoga mats, blankets, blocks and bolsters are provided at the studio; you may bring your own mat if you wish to (although mats are available too) and anything else that adds to your comfort.
Drop-in's are welcome but please call in advance to arrange due to small class size. Don't just turn up because if there isn't space, you won't be able to get in!

Wednesday Afternoon:

Time/Dates: 2.00 - 3.15pm, 28th October - 2nd December 2009 (6 week series)
Location: Hand in Hand Yoga, 716 Maitland Street, London
Cost: $48 for the 6 week series (this works out at $8 a class). Payment can be made in 2 parts if you wish (e.g. 2 payments of $24). Cash or cheques accepted. Please make cheques payable to Angela Savory.
Registration: Contact Hand in Hand Yoga to register: 519 433 6802
Yoga mats, blankets, blocks and bolsters are provided at the studio; you may bring your own mat if you wish to (although mats are available too) and anything else that adds to your comfort.
Drop-in's are welcome but please call in advance to arrange due to small class size. Don't just turn up because if there isn't space, you won't be able to get in!

HOW TO REGISTER FOR CLASSES

For classes at Hand in Hand Yoga Studio, contact Hand in Hand Yoga, Telephone: 519-433-6802 or Email: handinhandyoga@gmail.com Please also see the details below relating to class payment under 'Additional Information'.
For classes within London Public Library Service, please contact the relevant library to register for the class or series you are interested in attending.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Hand in Hand Yoga Studio - is located at 716 Maitland Street, London. Yoga mats and blankets are provided at this location so there is no need to bring your own unless you wish to.
Class Payment - Payment for a series adminstered by Hand in Hand Yoga is required in advance (unless indicated) and there is a charge of $20 for NSF cheques. Please make cheques payable to Angela Savory and mail to Angela Savory, Hand in Hand Yoga Studio, 716 Maitland Street, London, Ontario, N5Y 2W1. Should a class not run, your payment will be returned to you; otherwise class fees are not refundable. Programs run within London Public Library Service are administered by the Library Service and individuals should contact them regarding program registration, terms and conditions.
Waiver Forms - Everyone who registers for Hand in Hand Yoga's classes must complete a waiver form. This is a requirement of Angela's teaching insurance cover but it's also good practice; it makes her aware of any health conditions you may have and enables her to plan classes with your health needs in mind. Any information that you provide is kept strictly confidential. Please click on the links below to download a copy of the relevant waiver form and bring a completed form with you to the class you are attending:

Adult Yoga Class Waiver Form	To be completed by all who register for the adult gentle yoga classes and senior's classes
Children's Yoga Class Waiver Form	To be completed by all who register for the children's yoga classes and the circus yoga classes
Family Yoga Class Waiver Form	To be completed by all who register for the yoga for pre-schoolers and their caregivers classes and the family yoga classes

CLASS DESCRIPTIONS

Please note: only the scheduled classes (listed at the top of this page) are running at this time (June/July 2009). However, the list below gives you an idea of the range of classes that I teach. If you have a group that would like to experience any of these classes, please contact me; I am happy to teach privately arranged group sessions.

Adult Gentle Yoga (all ages) - A gentle yoga class which is suitable for complete beginners as well as those with prior yoga experience. We will practice simple movements, breath awareness and relaxation.

Gentle Yoga for Seniors 55+ or 60+ and the Seniors Siesta! for seniors 55+ - Very gentle yoga classes especially geared to the needs of seniors. If you've ever wanted to try yoga this is an ideal opportunity. We will practice simple movements, breath awareness and relaxation. The classes are suitable for complete beginners as well as those with prior experience

Circus Yoga - Ever wanted to run away and join the circus? Come and try Circus Yoga! A fun filled hour of hatha yoga, circus skills and imaginative games. Each week we’ll practice yoga and a combination of different circus skills; spinning plates, peacock feather balancing, juggling scarves and juggling balls. For children 6 years and up. Accompanying adults can, if they wish, stay during these classes and take part in them too.

Yoga for Pre-Schoolers (3-5 years) and their Caregivers - You don't have to twist yourself into knots for this yoga class! Renew yourself, connect with your child and get creative! A playful yoga session for you and your little one with a little bit of art thrown in.

Children’s Yoga (for children aged 6 years and up) - A playful yoga class incorporating rhymes, songs, stories and games around the yoga postures and breathing.

Family Yoga - Come and spend a bit of quality time with a family member! Family yoga classes are structured like children's yoga classes with more emphasis on fun partner poses, interactive yoga games, breathing and relaxation. Suitable for children 5 - 12 years (and older if they are interested). Adults can be as old as they like! Leave with a relaxed body and a smile on your face.

The Benefits of Yoga

Ange1a — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 16:22:40 CST

The word 'yoga' comes from a Sanskrit word which means 'to join' or 'to yoke'. Practicing yoga can bring body, mind and spirit together in a state of balance and harmony. Life becomes much more enjoyable when we are truly relaxed and living in the present.

Among other benefits, the practice of yoga:

Stretches and tones muscles
Develops strength and flexibility
Enhances respiration
Improves blood circulation
Massages internal organs
Promotes a healthy nervous system
Stimulates the functioning of the glands
Helps the body relax
Calms the mind
Reduces the effects of stress

For children, yoga can also:

Promote healthy breathing patterns
Instil good postural habits
Develop focus, concentration and self awareness
Foster imagination, creativity and self expression
Show them natural ways to relax
Provide playful, non-competitive fun!

For families, yoga classes are a wonderful way to strengthen the connection between adult and child through partner poses, yoga games, breathing and relaxation. Parents and children, grandparents and grandchildren, caregiver and child ... family yoga offers something for everyone.

My Teaching Experience

Ange1a — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 16:07:31 CST

I have experience of teaching yoga in a wide variety of environments; workplaces, schools, community centres, libraries, detention centres and addiction support centres. Whatever the environment, I am happy to bring yoga to you!

I have a particular interest in teaching yoga to those less fortunate than myself which is why I undertook training with the Prison Phoenix Trust who train teachers to bring yoga and meditation into the prison environment. For three years I was fortunate enough to teach yoga to people within such an environment. One of the many beautiful things I discovered from doing this was how much I loved teaching loud interactive classes with a fair degree of spontaneity thrown in!

That experience and a conversation with a colleague about teaching yoga to children encouraged me to explore my deepening interest in teaching children. In 2005 I undertook Level 1 Radiant Child Yoga Program training with Shakta Kaur Khalsa. This experience confirmed for me how much I wanted to share the gift of yoga with children, something I began in 2006, primarily through the library system. Since then I have also undertaken the following additional training:

These courses, together with my growing experience of teaching yoga to children, continue to grow me as a teacher. Shakta Kaur Khalsa expressed it best for me when she said "children are big souls in small bodies." All the people who take part in my classes, young and old, continue to be my biggest teachers on this wonderful journey.

Yoga Resume
I have attached a pdf file of my yoga teaching experience for those who wish to find out more about my background experience. This link has temporarily been removed.

My Teaching Approach

Ange1a — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 16:05:52 CST

Adults
You don't have to turn yourself into a pretzel to take part in my classes! Anyone of any age and health can benefit from yoga; postures can usually be modified to take into account individual health problems and the benefits of learning to breathe deeply and relax fully are numerous. Even if your movements are severely limited you can still benefit from the breathing exercises and from learning to relax.

I teach a gentle style of yoga which focuses on moving with the breath. My class philosophy emphasizes kindness and acceptance; treating the body with kindness and accepting how you are in the present moment. I was first drawn to yoga for the enormous benefits it gave me in terms of calming my mind and relieving mental stress. The mental benefits of yoga still draw me more than the physical benefits. I am more interested in how your spirit feels after practicing yoga rather than whether you can touch your toes! That said, I tailor my teaching to the needs of the individual and I am happy to teach more physically demanding classes where appropriate.

Children
Playfulness, fun, self expression and the power of the imagination are some of the main elements I emphasise in the children's classes I teach. I think everyone learns more when they are having fun and nowhere is this more apparent than when teaching children.

Depending on the age of the children and the theme of the class, yoga classes for children weave rhymes and songs, stories, games and imaginative play around yoga breathing and postures. Children also get the opportunity to learn some circus skills in the circus yoga classes I teach; juggling with scarves and balls, spinning plates, balancing peacock feathers on their bodies as well as experiencing a range of fun activities which combine circus and yoga, such as scarf yoga and group partner yoga.

For more information on circus yoga follow this link which will take you to the wonderful people who trained me. If you look at their photo collection, please note that I currently choose not to do the group acrobatic movements in my classes!

Family Yoga
I particularly enjoy teaching yoga to adults and children together and in these classes my focus is on strengthening the bond between adult and child through fun activities and yoga practice.

How I Came to Yoga

Ange1a — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 16:03:37 CST

I became interested in yoga after experiencing panic attacks in my early thirties. The yoga breathing practices (known as pranayama) helped to calm my mind and the yoga postures (known as asanas) helped to release tension in my body. I also learnt to meditate which has taught me compassion and self-acceptance. All these practices turned my life around. Little did I realize after taking my first class that this one small step would lead me on a journey to become a teacher myself! Over the years my respect for the benefits yoga can impart and the life changes it can lead to has grown enormously and I feel privileged to share this wonderful practice with others.

Waiver Forms

Ange1a — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 16:02:21 CST

Waiver Forms - Everyone who registers for my classes must complete a waiver form. This is a requirement of my teaching insurance cover but it's also good practice; it makes me aware of any health conditions you may have and enables me to plan classes with your health needs in mind. Any information that you provide is kept strictly confidential. Please click on the links below to download a copy of the relevant waiver form and bring a completed form with you to the class you are attending:

Adult Yoga Class Waiver Form (to be completed by all who register for the adult gentle yoga classes, senior's yoga classes and teen yoga classes)

Children's Yoga Class Waiver Form (to be completed by all who register for the children's yoga classes and the Circus Yoga classes)

Family Yoga Class Waiver Form (to be completed by all who register for Family Yoga classes)

Birthday Parties

Ange1a — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 16:00:21 CST

I'm often asked whether I do Circus Yoga children's birthday parties.

The answer is YES! I am happy to come to your birthday party and teach some Circus Yoga and, if you are interested, I can add in a craft activity as well for an additional charge.

I also offer general hatha yoga birthday parties. These fall into two categories;

Parties that incorporate traditional children's birthday party games with a yoga twist (for example, a yoga version of pass the parcel where every time the music stops the children unwrap a layer of paper off the parcel and do a yoga pose).
Parties that are specifically tailored to a theme of your choice.

The fees for birthday parties are as follows:

Circus Yoga Birthday Party - Minimum charge $50 for 8 children or less. More than 8 children attending? Each child over the 8 costs an extra $5. For example, 10 children would be $60. Maximum 15 children (if you wish to invite more than 15 children please contact me to discuss this).

These charges cover a 1 hour session - if you would like me to stay longer at your party (for example, to do an additional craft as well as the Circus Yoga), please contact me to discuss the details and costs.
If you would like to have a craft and the Circus Yoga all included in a 1 hour session this is possible although please bear in mind that this will allow less time for the yoga depending on the craft activity selected.
I require waiver forms to be signed by the parents of all the children who are taking part in the party. These need to be given to me in advance of the actual day. This is required by my yoga teaching insurance coverage.
If you would like to book a party, I require a deposit of half the cost of the party to secure the booking. The remaining outstanding balance can be paid to me on the day of the party.
Please contact me for further details - Email: handinhandyoga@gmail.com

Hatha Yoga Birthday Party incorporating traditional children's birthday party games with a yoga twist - fees and booking details as per Circus Yoga Party.

Hatha Yoga Birthday Party specifically tailored to a theme of your child's choice - the cost of these varies according to the preparation work involved. Contact me for further information; as a general guide the minimum fee would start at $70 and may go higher depending on the work involved.

Birthday crafts - I am happy to add in a birthday craft at an additional cost. For example, making juggle balls which the children can then juggle with and take away as a party gift. Further details on the crafts available (and the costs associated with them) will be posted here in the near future. In the meantime please contact me if you are interested in this option.

My Yoga Qualifications

Ange1a — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 15:33:52 CDT

I discovered the relaxing benefits of yoga in 1992 and began teaching it to others in 2000. I undertook 4 years of study for my Yoga Teaching Diploma with the British Wheel of Yoga (BWY) and I have also undertaken additional studies with the Prison Phoenix Trust.

The BWY is recognized by the Sports Councils as the governing body for yoga in Great Britain and the Diploma is recognized by all UK Education Authorities and Health Authorities that have incorporated yoga into their rehabilitation programs. My 4 years of study with the BWY encompassed: anatomy and physiology, hatha yoga asanas, pranayama, mudras and bandhas, yoga philosophy, meditation, mantra and teaching safely.

I emigrated from England to London, Ontario, Canada in January 2002 as a result of my husband's new employment. This move has broadened my experience of yoga by enabling me to explore a range of different teaching styles. I am especially interested in those approaches that focus on internal awareness of the body.

For more details on the people and organisations I have received training from since moving to Canada please see My Teaching Experience.