Open University Fall Schedule
Dance, Fitness & Health

Ashtanga Yoga - Beginning
Ashtanga Yoga – Continuing
Ashtanga Yoga – Mysore
Belly Dance – Level 1
Belly Dance Fundamentals (Shawsville)
Hoop Dance
Sunday Evening Dance Workshops
Couples Massage
Kickboxing Conditioning Blast
Pilates Express
Qigong
Qigong of Thought and Speech
Step Aerobics
Tai Chi - Beginning & Continuing
Taiji for Beginners
Taiji Form and Weapons
Tai Chi for Beginners - Shawsville
Yoga – Advanced Beginner
Women’s Body Toning
Zumba

Ashtanga Yoga
Ashtanga Yoga is a flowing series of poses, taught in the tradition established by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois and continued by his grandson, Sharath Rangaswamy. These led classes will follow the primary series sequence and teaching method developed by Pattabhi Jois as taught in the Ashtanga Yoga Research Institute, Mysore, India.

Karen Cairns teaches the Ashtanga Yoga classes. She 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 from 2002-2008, both in the USA and Mysore, India. Karen’s most recent trip to India was the summer of 2009.

Ashtanga Yoga - Beginning
This is a set series of poses meant to be learned slowly. Ashtanga is both aerobic and weight bearing and therefore has many benefits physically and emotionally. The primary series of ashtanga is called “yoga chikitsa” or yoga therapy. Please dress comfortably, bring a mat, and a small towel (if you would like to use it as a “prop”). $50

Dates	Day	Time	Location
9/6-10/18*	6 Sundays	4-5:30pm	Y Center
10/25-12/6**	6 Sundays	4-5:30pm	Y Center
*No class 10/4
**No class 11/22

Ashtanga Yoga – Continuing
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. Please check with Karen prior to enrolling at karen.cairns@gmail.com. $50 for each 6-week session or $10 drop-in fee to instructor.

Dates	Day	Time	Location
9/6-10/18*	6 Sundays	10:00-11:30am	Y Center
10/25-12/6**	6 Sundays	10:00-11:30am	Y Center
*No class 10/4
**No class 11/22

Ashtanga Yoga – Mysore
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 per class, drop-in only, payment to instructor.

Belly Dance – Level 1
This class is an introduction into 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. Ages 14 to adult. Taught by Jennifer Speiden. $50

Dates	Day	Time	Location
9/7-10/12	6 Mondays	5:30-6:30pm	Y Center
10/19-11/23	6 Mondays	5:30-6:30pm	Y Center

Belly Dance Fundamentals - Meadowbrook Center, Shawsville
This class is an introduction into 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 Jane Hellman. For Ages 12 to adult. $50 (6 weeks) $42 (5 weeks). Members of the Waldron Family YMCA will receive a 25% discount on the classes below. Please call 961-9622 to register if you are a member.

Dates	Day	Time	Location
9/10-10/15	6 Thursdays	7-8pm	Meadowbrook Center
10/22-11/19	5 Thursdays	7-8pm	Meadowbrook Center

Hoop Dance
Hoop Dance Level I is an introductory class series designed to teach the basics of hoop dance. Instructor Becca Imbur will guide students to focus on strengthening the core as well as mastering moves on the waist, chest, hips and hands. Participants will learn dance combos that will allow for further exploration of this unique dance. The small class size allows ample time for one-on-one instruction. For more information about hoop dance, please visit www.wildearthhoops.com. Hoops are available for participant use for duration of class series, but bring one along if you have one. Becca is a Certified Hoop Dance Instructor. When not teaching NRV locals the joy of hoop dance, Becca performs all over the southeast including light and fire hoop shows with her all female fire troupe, SparkFusionFire. $60

Dates	Day	Time	Location
9/3-10/22*	6 Thursdays	6:45-8:15pm	Y Center
10/29-12/17**	6 Thursdays	6:45-8:15pm	Y Center
*no class 9/10 &10/1
*no class 11/19 or 11/26

Sunday Evening Dance Workshops
Join the Y on Sundays this fall as we host a series of dance workshops in the Stuart Event Room at the Y Center. The workshops will highlight different style of dance each week including Country Waltz, Ballroom Dance, Cha-Cha, Mandara and Flat Footing. Join us in this opportunity to share in friendship, learning and dance. Children10 and up. $60 for all 6 workshops (see details below) or $12 per individual workshop.  Fee is per person.

All 6 Dance Workshops

Dates	Day	Time	Location
9/20-10/25*	Sundays	Varies, see below	Y Center

Country Waltz
Come out and learn folk, or “turning” waltz, an informal dance often done at contra and square dances. It’s good exercise and can be quite beautiful. $12

Date	Day	Time	Location
9/20	Sunday	6:30-8:30pm	Y Center

Ballroom Dance: Waltz
Learn the basic steps and techniques of dancing with a partner during this workshop. You will walk away wanting to dance away the night! $12 per person.

Date	Day	Time	Location
9/27	Sunday	6:30-8:30pm	Y Center

10/4 No Dance Workshop, but be sure to check out the YMCA Book Fair this weekend at the Y Center!

Cha-Cha
Join award winning dancers Ken McCleary and Pamela Weaver for this introduction to Latin Dance. You’ll learn beginning Cha Cha, a Latin dance technique renowned for its exotic and mesmerizing movement to music with rhythmic beats. $12 per person.

Date	Day	Time	Location
10/11	Sunday	6:30-8:30pm	Y Center

Mandara - Dances of the Middle East
Energize your body, educate your mind and have fun while learning dance movements from the Middle East. In this unique, multi-cultural program Danielle and Jennifer of Mandara Dance Company will share with participants the backgrounds, histories and several moves from the dance styles of raqs beledi and sharki (The Middle East), dabke (Levant) and Turkish Romany (Turkey).  Please join us in dancing together as acommunity celebrating these enriching dance forms. $12

Date	Day	Time	Location
10/18	Sunday	1-3pm	Y Center

Flat Footing
Flat footing and clogging are both forms of rhythm-based traditional Appalachian dance, usually done to old-time and bluegrass music. Get a taste of the elements of both to give you the basic movements and rhythms you need to join the fun at bluegrass and old-time music events such as the Old-Time Jam at Gillie’s; the Floyd Jamboree; Merlefest and everywhere else you hear toe-tapping fiddle tunes. $12

Date	Day	Time	Location
10/25	Sunday	6:30-8:30pm	Y Center

Hoop Dance Workshop
An introductory workshop designed to teach the basics of hoop dance. Instructor Becca Imbur will guide students to focus on strengthening the core as well as mastering moves on the waist, chest, hips and hands. For more information about hoop dance, please visit www.wildearthhoops.com. Hoops are available for participant use for the workshop, but bring one along if you have one. $12

Date	Day	Time	Location
11/1	Sunday	6:30-8:30pm	Y Center

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, 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, and a 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

Dates	Day	Time	Location
10/30 & 11/6	Fridays	6:30-9:30pm	BRSMY	Name of 2nd student

Kickboxing Conditioning Blast
This 55-minute workout combines boxing, kickboxing and basic body conditioning moves to music. This is a challenging workout with drills, combinations and strengthening exercises will help tone muscles and burn body fat. Taught by Sarah Burnett. $30

Dates	Day	Time	Location
9/1-10/6	6 Tuesdays	6:30-7:30pm	Y Center

Pilates Express
This 45-minute lunchtime class will teach you the fundamentals of Pilates and concentrate on building core strength and flexibility. You’ll lengthen and strengthen the body with an emphasis on building core muscles and improving flexibility.  Sarah Burnett is a certified Pilates instructor and has taught Pilates for over 6 years.  Bring your yoga or exercise mat.  Level:  Beginner to Intermediate.  $30

Dates	Day	Time	Location
8/31-10/12*	6 Mondays	12:00-12:45pm	Y Center

*No class 10/5

Qigong
Qigong (pronounced chee-gung) is a 5000-year old practice of healing through balancing the body’s energy system. The practice of qigong includes directed meditations and exercises using gentle movement, breath, and visualization and sound to increase the flow of “qi” or energy through the body. Qigong has been used to increase flexibility and balance, assist with weight management, reduce anxiety, reduce pain, and heal the spirit. Qigong is increasingly being offered in integrated clinics and wellness centers throughout the United States. Qigong can be done standing or sitting and is accessible to all ages and to those with physical challenges. The beginning class is open to all. The continuing class will focus on several qigong forms complementary to those taught in the introductory course including the five animals and the six healing sounds. This course is open to those who have been introduced to any form of qigong or tai chi. Carol McNamee has studied with several qigong masters and has been facilitating practice and healing groups since 2006. Classes will meet at Willowbank Creative Center. $35

Session	Dates	Day	Time
Beginning	9/23-10/14	4 Wednesdays	9-10am	Please call 961-9622 to register
Continuing	10/28-11/18	4 Wednesdays	9-10am

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. $5 suggested donation to the YMCA per class to instructor.

Step Aerobics
Stepping incorporates a low impact workout that delivers an overall leaner body while targeting a healthier heart. Cardiovascular Intervals on and off the step are incorporated into routines. This is a fun and effective workout for all fitness levels. $35

Tai Chi - Beginning & Continuing
Instructors Jim Lawrence and John Pollard continue a 23-year tradition of offering Tai Chi through the YMCA Open University. Jim is a building contractor and has taught Tai Chi for 16 years, and John is an engineer who has taught for 14 years. Tai Chi is a Chinese movement system for enhancing health, balance and inner strength. Slow and gentle movements are combined with focused attention to promote overall well being.

Tai Chi for Beginners will concentrate on Tai Chi principles and instruction in the “24-Style” Yang Short Form. $106

Dates	Day	Time	Location
9/21-12/7	12 Mondays	5:30-6:30pm	Northside Presbyterian

Continuing Tai Chi is for those students who have completed the “24-style” Yang short form and wish to further develop their skills through continued practice and instruction. $106

Dates	Day	Time	Location
9/21-12/7	12 Mondays	5:30-6:30pm	Northside Presbyterian

Taiji for Beginners
This 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. $60

Dates	Day	Time	Location
9/5-10/17*	6 Saturdays	11-11:45am	Y Center
10/24-12/5**	6 Saturdays	11am-12:30pm	Y Center
*no class 10/3
**no class 11/28

Taiji Form and Weapons
This session will focus on Chen style Taiji Saber. The choreography is similar to that shown here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5p0GSrt_h0
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. $80

Dates	Day	Time	Location
9/5-10/17*	6 Saturdays	11-11:45am	Y Center
10/24-12/5**	6 Saturdays	11AM-12:30pm	Y Center
*no class 10/3
**no class 11/28

Tai Chi - Meadowbrook Center, Shawsville
Instructor Matthew Komelski will guide you into a place of harmony for body, mind and spirit. This course is open to all levels (ages 10 and up) 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.; Matthew Komelski has studied the martial arts both in the US and abroad and completed his MA in Asian Studies doing interdisciplinary studies in the martial arts through the University of Hawaii. $43 for five weeks. Members of the Waldron Family YMCA will receive a 25% discount on the class. Please call 961-9622 to register if you are a member.

Dates	Day	Time	Location
9/8-10/6	5 Tuesdays	6:30-7:30PM	Meadowbrook Center
10/20-11/17	5 Tuesdays	6:30-7:30PM	Meadowbrook Center

Yoga – Advanced Beginner
This class will blend learning basic postures with awareness on alignment, breath, and deep relaxation with some progression into standing and sitting poses and backbends. We will develop an awareness of synchronization of breath with movement. The classes will end with conscious relaxation (Shavasana). Instructor Noelle Dijoud graduated from the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health in Lenox, MA in 1994 and has been teaching ever since. Classes will meet at The Yoga Studio, 2001 S. Main St., Suite 2 Colony Park in Blacksburg. $50

Dates	Day	Time	Location
9/2-10/7	6 Wednesdays	5:30-6:45pm	The Yoga Studio
10/14-11/25	6 Wednesdays	5:30-6:45pm	The Yoga Studio

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. $35 for 6-session classes; $27 for 5-session class.

Dates	Day	Time	Location
9/1-10/6	6 Tuesdays	5:30-6:15pm	Y Center
10/13-11/17	6 Tuesdays	5:30-6:15pm	Y Center
9/4 – 10/9*	5 Fridays	12:00-12:45pm	Y Center	Class Canceled
10/16-11/20	6 Fridays	12:00-12:45pm	Y Center
*No class 10/2

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, 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. 4 week session, $24. 6-week session $36.

Dates	Day	Time	Location
8/26 – 9/23*	4 Wednesdays	5:30-6:30pm	Y Center
10/7 – 11/18**	6 Wednesdays	5:30-6:30pm	Y Center
*No class 9/16
**No class 10/21

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Questions? Send us an email or call 961-9622