Open University Spring Schedule
Health, Fitness & Dance

Belly Dance Session III
Wednesday Morning Yoga
Wedding Dance Workshop
Ashtanga Yoga – Beginner Level 
Ashtanga Yoga – Continuing Level
Ashtanga Yoga – Mysore-style class
Couples Massage
Fitness for New Mommies
Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate
Laughing Yoga Workshops
Maintaining the Brain  
Meditation and Yoga
Prenatal Fitness
Qigong of Thought and Speech
Sensitivity Training for Senior Care 
Tai Chi – Beginning & Continuing
Taiji Silk Reeling, Qigong, and Partner Training
Taiji Form and Weapons
Women’s Body Toning
Belly Dance – Level I
Zumba

Belly Dance 
This class is an introduction to the theory, style, and fundamental moves used in belly dance. Participants will learn slow, smooth moves as well as fast, rhythmic isolations that will help improve flexibility, strength, coordination, body awareness and confidence - all while dancing and having fun! Students should bring a bright hip scarf, if possible.  Taught by Jennifer Speiden. Classes meet at the Y Center. $34

Session	Dates	Day	Time
Session III	4/27-5/18	4 Mondays	6:00-7:00pm

Wednesday Morning Yoga
This class will blend learning basic postures with awareness on alignment, breath, and deep relaxation with a progression into moderately advanced standing and sitting poses and backbends. We will develop an awareness of synchronization of breath with movement.  The classes will end with 15 minutes of conscious relaxation (Shavasana).  Noelle Dijoud graduated from the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health in Lenox, MA in 1994. Classes meet at the Y Center in the Dance Room.  Session I - $50, Session II - $42

Wedding Dance Workshop
Nationally recognized dancers Pam Weaver and Ken McCleary will lead this 3-hour workshop specifically tailored for wedding couples to learn basic steps, timing, presentation, and grace on the dance floor. Submerge yourself with other wedding couples and build your confidence on the dance floor. Open to all levels. Registration is limited to 12 couples, so register early! $30/couple
 
Pam and Ken have been competing in USADance competitions since 2001 working their way up from Bronze to the Championship level. They have participated in numerous regional competitions and in the USADance national competition five times. They hold the following titles in the Senior Division:
South Central Regional Latin Champions (2008)
Southeast Regional 10 Dance Champions (2007)
Southeast Regional Latin Champions (2007)
National USADance Championship level – fourth place in Latin (2008)
Smoky Mountain DanceSport 10 dance and Latin Champions (2009)

Dates	Day	Time	Location
5/17	Sunday	12-3PM	Y Center Stuart Event Room

Ashtanga Yoga Classes
Karen Cairns is a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) with Yoga Alliance at the 500-hour level.  She has studied ashtanga since 2001 with Laura Spaulding, a teacher authorized by Pattabhi Jois, as well as directly with Pattabhi Jois every year since 2002, both in the USA and during four trips to Mysore, India.  Karen’s most recent trip to India was summer 2008.

Ashtanga Yoga – Beginner Level 
Ashtanga Yoga is a flowing series of poses.  These classes will follow the primary series sequence and teaching method developed by Pattabhi Jois, Ashtanga’s living master.  This is a set series of poses meant to be learned slowly.  Ashtanga is both aerobic and weight bearing and therefore has many benefits both physically and emotionally.  Please dress comfortably, bring a mat, and a small towel (to use as a “prop”). Instructor Karen Cairns, a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) with Yoga Alliance at the 500-hour level, studies every year at Pattabhi Jois’ studio in India.  Classes meet at the Y Center. $50

Session	Dates	Day	Time
Session I	1/25-3/1	6 Sundays	4:00-5:30pm	FULL
Session II	3/15-4/19	6 Sundays	4:00-5:30pm

Ashtanga Yoga – Continuing Level
This is a led Ashtanga class for students who have already taken the beginning class with Karen or who have studied Ashtanga with another qualified teacher.  In this class we will work on more difficult poses up to Navasana and on the full closing sequence.  Classes meet at the Y Center.  $50, 6-week session or $10 drop-in fee to instructor. Please Note: 5/10 & 5/17 classes will be held at 4:00-5:30pm.

Session	Dates	Day	Time
Session I	1/11-2/15	6 Sundays	6:00-7:30pm
Session II	2/22-3/29	6 Sundays	6:00-7:30pm
Session III	4/5-5/10*	6 Sundays	6:00-7:30pm

Ashtanga Yoga – Mysore-style class
In “Mysore-style” classes, the teacher does not lead the class.  Each person works at their own pace, building their own personal practice slowly.  When you reach an asana that you cannot do, the tradition is that you stop.  Your body is not ready for that pose yet.  The teacher is present to guide you individually in your practice, assist you by giving adjustments, and help you learn the Ashtanga sequence.  This is the traditional method of learning and teaching Ashtanga.  This class is for students that have taken beginning Ashtanga with Karen or who have studied with another teacher and know the initial asanas for the sequence. $10 to instructor; drop-in only. Notes: 5/9 will be Yoga Nidra (Deep Relaxation class). There will be no classes on 4/23 or 4/30.

Couples Massage
This is a light-hearted, engaging introduction to Swedish massage for couples or friends who want to learn massage. Tod Whitehurst and Victoria Stone, certified massage therapists, will demonstrate techniques for relaxation and increased circulation, some ways of easing head, neck, back and sinus pain and relaxing the hands, forearms, feet and legs. Then partners will exchange bodywork with assistance from the two instructors. Techniques will be practiced in chairs, working on massage tables and with adaptations for use at home. Bring 2 sheets, a pillow, blanket and wear comfortable, easy-to-move-in clothing. Massage cream is furnished.  Students should purchase The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Massage (ISBN 1592575870) by Victoria Stone.  The book is available for purchase at the Blue Ridge School of Massage or online.  $85/couple

Fitness for New Mommies           
This class provides tons of fun for mom and baby while providing a good workout.  We will incorporate dance, singing, and exercise as we interact with our little ones and build muscle strength.  This class is designed for moms with babies 4-12 months.  Taught by certified aerobics instructor Hila Gur-Yaary.  Classes meet at the Y Center. $30                                           

Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate
Goju-Ryu Karate is characterized by a variety of hand techniques, low kicks, balance, strong stances, and controlled breathing, making it a powerful, close-in self-defense curriculum.  Students are taught that we “learn fighting to avoid fighting.”  This class is open to beginners and experienced students 12 years old to adults.  The class uses a belt ranking system, with students given the opportunity to test on a regular basis.  Classes meet at the Y Center. $68 for Session 1, $80 for Sesssion II.                             

Laughing Yoga Workshops           
Laughter Yoga combines unconditional laughter with yogic meditation. Unlike other forms of yoga, there are no poses.  Anyone can laugh for no reason, without relying on humor or jokes. Laughter is simulated as a body exercise in a group and soon turns into real and contagious laughter. There are many physiological and psychological benefits of laughter including lower blood pressure, T cell production increase, reduced depression, boosted endorphin levels, lowered stress, and creativity increases. Take one, two, or all four workshops! Led by Tod Whitehurst. Workshops meet at the Y Center. $12 per workshop.

Maintaining the Brain
This class will discuss the expectations and realities of how a mind changes as it ages. The group will explore dementia and its signs, as well as studies on ways to sharpen the brain. Participants will review and practice physical and mental brain-strengthening exercises. Additionally, the impact that diet, sensory input, and health can have on the brain will be discussed. Taught by Su Clauson Wicker. $30

Meditation and Yoga
This class will help you reduce stress, bring balance and harmony to your body, and gain a broader understanding of our shared human condition. Yogic exercises and a daily practice of meditation techniques for suppleness, relaxation, and illumination will be covered. This is not a gym-style yoga class. Instructor Jeshua Pacifici has practiced and taught yoga and meditation for over 30 years. He has studied and practiced Ashtanga Yoga from a Tantric Yoga Master in Bengal, India. $20

Prenatal Fitness           
While the weight and center of gravity of pregnant women keeps changing, we will work on strengthening various parts of the body.  We will also cover special exercises to strengthen the pelvis and prepare the body for delivery.  Taught by certified aerobics instructor Hila Gur-Yaary.  Classes meet at the Y Center. $30

Qigong of Thought and Speech
Qigong (chee gong) can be loosely translated as energy work. Qi (energy) underlies both physical body and the mental body. Meditation and exercises are well known forms of Qigong. In this class we will discuss how Qi shows up in everyday thought and speech. By harmonizing our thought and speech with internal and external Qi, we can connect deeply with the internal power that is here to help us live our lives more fully. This is an ongoing discussion class open to all ages and skill levels. Join the class anytime. Taught by Douglas K. Lindner. Classes meet at the Y Center. $22

Session	Dates	Day	Time
Session I	1/20-2/24	6 Tuesdays	6:30-7:30pm
Session II	3/3-4/7	6 Tuesdays	6:30-7:30pm
Session III	4/14–5/19	6 Tuesdays	6:30-7:30pm

Sensitivity Training for Senior Care
Are you caring for an elderly family member or friend? This workshop will help you better understand what those in your care are experiencing. It will explore how the brain and aging affects functioning. Students will have the opportunity to discuss challenges they face related to the care of others. Taught by Rhoda Janosik, L.C.S.W. $35

Date	Day	Time	Location
4/16	Thursday	7:00-9:00pm	Y Center

Tai Chi – Beginning & Continuing
Popular instructors Jim Lawrence and John Pollard continue a 20-year tradition, offering Tai Chi through the YMCA Open University. Jim is a building contractor and has taught Tai Chi for 12 years; John is an engineer at Virginia Tech who has taught for ten.

Beginning classes will concentrate on Tai Chi Principles and instructions in the “24-Style” Yang short form. Continuing Tai Chi is for those students who have completed the “24-Style” form and wish to further develop their skills. **Prerequisite: Students wishing to enroll in the second 6-week session only must have had instruction in Yang style Tai Chi in the past. Classes meet at Northside Presbyterian. $90, 12 weeks; $45, 6 weeks.
*(no class 3/9)

Taiji Silk Reeling, Qigong, and Partner Training
This new morning course is open to all levels and will focus on the foundations of Taiji (also known as Tai Chi) mind-body training through simple static postures, silk reeling energy work, Taiji walking, and gentle partner training. The reported benefits of regular training in these exercises includes improvements in strength and balance, as well as added resilience to stress and disease. Taught by Matthew Komelski. Classes meet at the Y Center. $60

Session	Dates	Day	Time
Session I	1/20-2/24	T & F	7:00-7:45am
Session II	3/17-4/21	T & F	7:00-7:45am

Taiji Form and Weapons
The YMCA welcomes back Zhang and Hu Laoshi from Heilongjiang Province in North Eastern China.Matthew Komelski is teaming up with them to teach this session focusing on Chen style Taiji fan choreography similar to that shown here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xlH0oHtbYs
This class is open to those with prior experience in Taiji, martial arts, dance, or other activities that involve complex choreography. Those without prior experience should consider enrolling in the Taiji Silk Reeling, Qigong, and Partner Training for one or more sessions.Classes meet at the Y Center. $80

Session	Dates	Day	Time
Session I	1/20-2/24	T & F	7:00-8:30am
Session II	3/17-4/21	T & F	7:00-8:30am

Women’s Body Toning
This class is specifically designed to tone, shape, and strengthen various body parts. Care will be taken to work on the tummy, thighs, butt, arms and more. Muscles are defined without adding bulk. Join certified aerobics instructor Hila Gur-Yaary for this fun, energetic class. Classes meet at the Y Center. $30

Session	Dates	Day	Time
Session I	1/27-3/3	6 Tuesdays	5:30-6:15pm
Session II	3/17-4/21	6 Tuesdays	5:30-6:15pm
Session III	4/28-6/2	6 Tuesdays	5:30-6:15pm

Belly Dance – Level I
This class is an introduction to the theory, style, and fundamental moves used in belly dance. Participants will learn slow, smooth moves as well as fast, rhythmic isolations that will help improve flexibility, strength, coordination, body awareness and confidence - all while dancing and having fun! Students should bring a bright hip scarf, if possible.  Taught by Jennifer Speiden. Classes meet at the Y Center. $50

Zumba
Zumba fuses hypnotic Latin rhythms and easy to follow moves to create a dynamic workout system that will blow you away.  The name Zumba is derived from a Colombian word meaning to move fast and have fun.  Join Steven Trotter, a certified fitness instructor, as he leads you in this fun, enjoyable class that will have you moving to the music until you're sweating off the pounds.  $30

Dates	Day	Time	Location
1/28-3/4	6 Wednesdays	5:30-6:30pm	Y Center	FULL
3/25-4/29	6 Wednesdays	5:30-6:30pm	Y Center

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