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with Alison West and Kaitlyn Hipple

 

See what others say by scrolling to the bottom of this page.

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Guests include

Leslie Freyberg (Sanskrit)

Bob Gilbo (Philosophy)

Hae Soo Kim (Pregnancy and Menstruation)

Brette Popper (Self Practice, Restorative, and the Business of Yoga), 

Laurel Beversdorf (Anatomy)

 

Registration Deadline and full payment due:

Thursday, September 12, 2019

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Early bird deadline: 

(Full payment with Early bird discount)

Monday, June 24, 2019

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Payment plans available.

Email about options.

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Please read the requirements below.

 

They include a Level 2 audition Class + application,

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You must take 10 alignment Level 2 classes by Friday, September 13, with Alison West 

(up to five may be with Kaitlyn Hipple if this is not possible)​ 

Start taking these required classes now!

Please note: they will be away for some of the summer.

(Alison is away June 1-22 and July 24-September 1. So start taking your classes now!)

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200-Hour Fall Teacher Training 2019 (Part I of 500TT 2019-2020) Schedule

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The YU 200/500TT begins August 15 with one-month of at-home study

and written homework in preparation for the

in-studio part of the teacher training.

 

Studio sessions begin September 13.

The 10 pre-requisite classes take time and can begin now.

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In addition to Asana and Weekend intensives, 

all Monday nights for the duration of the teacher training   

September 16 - December 16, 2019

5:30-9p​

 

Asana and Weekend Intensives Schedule

Fridays 5-8pm; Saturdays and Sundays 8:30a-6p

 

Sanskrit Weekend: Saturday-Sunday, September 14-15 (9a-5p each day)

8-day Asana Intensive: Friday September 20 - Friday, September 27 (8:30a-5p each day & 8:30-7p 9/27)

October 4-6 (Friday - Sunday)

October 18-20 (Friday - Sunday)

November 15-17 (Friday - Sunday)

December 6-8 (Friday - Sunday)

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+ Eight YU Level 2 Alignment Classes with Alison or other designated teachers September - December (included in cost of TT)

 

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Important Dates and Requirements

 

• Registration Deadline and Full Payment Due:

Thursday, September 12, 2019

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• Early Bird Deadline: (Full Payment required for Early Bird discount)

Monday, June 24, 2019

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• Requirements before the start of in-studio training sessions September 13:

Application + Audition class: any regular class with Alison West or other designated teachers.
10 Level 2 alignment classes with Alison West or other designated teachers. 
 

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Recommend the TT to someone and save $200 on yours.

 

The YU 200TT is a requirement for Part II of 500TT and the Yoga Union Therapy Training.

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Live your passion! Change your life!

Dollar for dollar, hour for hour, this is an amazing value for the quality you will get.

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“If anyone is contemplating a teacher training, Alison West’s Yoga Union Teacher Training is the absolute best in NY! Cannot recommend it highly enough…”  

Caroline Andrews, FB  2014

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"Outstanding teachers, who are thorough, with very high standards, and available for personalized attention, direction and support whenever it's needed. I highly recommend this program. I have learned (and continue to learn) so much about yoga and about myself as a direct result of this program."

Jamison Steinke, 2017

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Celebrating Twenty Years of Teacher Training

Thirty-two Years of Practicing Yoga

Twenty-seven Years of Teaching Yoga

 

“Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate.” - Carl Jung

 

ALISON WEST, assisted by Kaitlyn Hipple,  leads this widely acclaimed “Gold Standard” (TONY 2007) YOGA UNION® TEACHER TRAINING for qualified applicants. The powerful Yoga Union® Trainings give you a thorough foundation for outstanding, safe, and effective teaching, while allowing you to discover your personal direction both as a teacher and a person. If you are curious to learn as much as you can about your own practice and the larger tradition of Yoga, this program provides a structured, rigorous and enjoyable learning environment designed to accelerate this process. It may also be taken for personal enrichment if you do not have a sure desire to teach. This 200TT lays the foundation for successful participation in Part II of the 500TT. Explore the full scope of yoga as a physical, philosophical and spiritual practice with its deep application to your whole life.   

 

Alison West’s high-wattage training offers a systematic approach to the practice of asana and pranayama with a grounding in both anatomy and the philosophical tradition of Classical Yoga to ensure a sound and meaningful foundation. You will focus on the immediate importance of asana and pranayama without forgetting the ultimate goal of the practice–union, in a way meaningful to you.

 

The YU TT limits enrollment, to guarantee that participants receive individual attention and plenty of teaching practice. This allows you to effectively teach a class with the ability to observe and adjust your students by the end of the program.  Even if teaching is not in your plans, your own practice will go through marked transformation in the process of learning to teach others.

 

Teacher Certification is dependent upon satisfactory completion of all requirements.

 

Each day includes asana practice, class instruction in the subjects listed below and teaching practice.

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200 HOUR PROGRAM

• Fundamentals of a sound Asana Practice and Principles of Action and Alignment

• Principles of Observation and Analysis of poses, with modifications and variations

• Principles of Prop Use

• How to Self-Practice

• Principles of Safe, Ethical Teaching

• Fundamentals of Pranayama

• Yoga Philosophy including the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, the Sankhya Karika, history, and discussion

• Fundamentals of Anatomy

• Subtle Anatomy (Chakras, Nadis, Koshas, Shariras)

• Fundamentals of Kinesiology

• Fundamentals of Yoga for Pregnancy and Menstruation

• Fundamentals of Restorative Yoga

• Two-day Sanskrit immersion with Leslie Freyberg of the American Sanskrit Institute

• Fundamentals of Meditation

• The Business of Yoga and How to Become a Successful Teacher

 

 From the very beginning fifteen years ago, daily teaching practice has been one of the cornerstones of the YU Teacher Training.  Surya Namaskar is the fundamental vinyasa practice and it is covered in detail with variations, building confidence and the ability to see students in motion and adjust on the go.

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YOU CAN EXPECT

• to come away with the ability to teach a solid alignment basics class, with language and adjustments suitable to that level, including a flowing Surya Namaskar, the foundation of all vinyasa teaching.

• a rigorous and therefore rewarding program that includes regular homework (reading, writing, self-practice/exploration, and teaching practice) 

• to learn basic anatomy and kinesiology, especially its application to yoga, for a deeper understanding of the poses including how to modify them and prevent injury.

• to gain a meaningful understanding of one of the central texts of Yoga, the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali.

• to experience the vibratory quality of Sanskrit through the alphabet and mantras.

• to deepen your own practice through class, observation, and self-practice.

• clear feedback on your teaching that gives you a good sense of your strengths and weaknesses and helps you move forward in a positive direction.

• to get to know and study with some of the best teachers in America.

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200 TT REQUIREMENTS

(in addition to application and pre-TT requirements below)

• You must complete all in-studio sessions listed on the above schedule (Monday evenings and intensives). Note: if there are scheduling conflicts, some modifications are possible.

• Daily self-practice of asana, pranayama and meditation and a log of this in Google Doc form.

• Take a minimum of eight classes, at least 2 times per month, at level 2 or above with Alison West (included in the cost of your TT).

• Assigned reading, written homework, and asanas/sequences for self-practice.

• Final written exam plus group and individual teaching practicums.

Note: Yoga Union reserves the right to withhold certification in the event that not all requirements are fulfilled or that the work fails to meet the YU standards for the 200 TT.

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APPLICATION

• Have at least three years of regular practice and be now at the intermediate level (understanding of standing poses and the ability to hold the poses, all basic backbends, full headstand for at least 5 minutes in the center, and full shoulderstand for at least 10 minutes in the center, unless you have specific issues contra-indicating these poses)
• Written Application

• Interview with Alison + audition class with Alison (Level 2 or higher) or designated Alignment Yoga teacher.  If you are unable to take any of these classes, you can schedule a private session with Alison. If you live out of town, send a video of your practice to Alison West, alison@yogaunion.com.

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REGISTRATION AND PRE-TT REQUIREMENTS

• Upon acceptance, take 10 Level 2 alignment classes before the start of the TT September 13. At least 5 must be with Alison West,  June 1-22 and July 24-September 1. The other five can be with Alison or Kaitlyn. Kaitlyn will be away August 10-17, + a week TBD in July or August.
  If you are not at level 2, you need to progress to that level in time to audition in a level 2 class and take 10 level 2 classes before the start of the TT.

• Secure your place with a non-refundable $500 deposit (details below).

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REQUIRED READING AND MATERIALS

• TT Manual will be provided after registration.

• All other books and materials must be purchased by participants and are not included in the cost of the TT. 

• A list of required reading will be provided upon registration.

 

IMPORTANT DATES

Registration Deadline and Full Payment Due: September 12
Early Bird Deadline: June 24 (Full Payment with Early Bird discount)

 

COST

• There is a non-refundable deposit of $500 to secure your place. Full prices below include your deposit.

• Early bird by June 24: $3600 (payment in full); after June 24: $3900, due by September 12. 

• Payment plans are available for $4100. Deposit is still due by September 12. Design a plan that allows you to pay in full by February 28, 2020.

• Payment can be made over the phone by credit card, or in person by credit card, cash, or check. You can also pay through PayPal for an extra 3% fee.

• No refunds after September 12, other than emergencies.

• Refer the 200hr teacher training and receive a $200 credit towards your own 200TT. 

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PREVIOUS YU TT GRADUATES 

Amy Matthews (The Babies Project and co-author of Yoga Anatomy), Stephanie Sandleben, Meg Walsh Sinkel (The Shala),  Deborah Wolk, Brette Popper of YogaCityNYC, Katie Jehenson, Michael Hayes (Buddha Body Yoga), Kristen Davis (Yogasana), Marisa Sako (Kula Yoga),  Jodie Rufty (Yoga Works), and many more!

 

WHAT OTHERS SAY 

"Yoga Union’s 500-hour Mandala of Yoga was my first yoga teacher training program, and after much shopping around, I am very glad that I chose this one. The asana teaching was intelligent, clear and safe, the philosophy teaching was outstanding, and the anatomy teaching was thorough and practical. Additionally, the emphasis on yoga for back care was invaluable, especially considering the growing demand for yoga as a means to address back issues. An expert in her own right, Alison West also brought in outside experts to teach workshops on Philosophy, Anatomy, Meditation, and Sanskrit, which provided a fresh perspective and a deeper understanding in these areas. Alison, Kaitlyn and Kristin are truly inspiring as yoga teachers and practitioners. Their endless energy and commitment to the students made it virtually impossible for us not to succeed. They would continually encourage, challenge and motivate us while reinforcing key principles and concepts until we were able to demonstrate our understanding of the material. The 200-hour teacher training program was excellent; however, I am glad I continued with the 500-hour program because it gave me time to apply and absorb the material, deepen my knowledge and gain valuable teaching experience under the guidance of the teachers. While I realize that the learning has just begun, upon completion of the program in May 2017, I feel well-equipped to impart to others what I have learned and experienced in my own body. More than that, obtaining certifications in both Slings & Ropes and Basic Back Care (included in the 500-hour program) gives me a significant advantage as I begin my career as a yoga teacher. I am happy to say that as of June 2017, I am already teaching several classes per week, and I am enjoying every minute of it! I highly recommend the Yoga Union 500-hour Mandala of Yoga Teacher Training Program to experienced yoga teachers, aspiring yoga teachers, or those wishing to deepen their practice." JAMISON STEINKE, 2017

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"Alison West’s “Ivy League caliber” yoga program is not a typical teacher training—nor should it be approached as such. It’s a robust pedagogical course intended for serious yoga practitioners who crave intellectual rigor—consider it “yoga graduate school.” Regardless of previous training or experience, all students should start at the program’s beginning to learn Yoga Union’s highly sophisticated and unique parlance. While previous trainings can be informative, few, if any, programs in the country provide the depth that this one does, so it’s best to “start fresh,” so to speak. All facets of the yoga practice are investigated—Sanskrit, chanting, literature, history, anatomy, alignment, prop use, the mind, the body, and, of course, teaching practice. This program is renowned for a reason and graduates are equipped to contribute to the yoga world in numerous ways, so look no farther than here—it’s time and money well spent."  MICHAEL LASKARIS 2015

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Yoga Union is the gold standard for teacher training.  Over the course of the training, I developed strength and a deep, physical understanding of asana, a love of Indic philosophy, and received an excellent introduction to Sanskrit. pranayama and restoratives.  This alignment based program teaches the comprehensive use of props to both heal and prevent injury, as well as how to safely adjust students.  I teach Kundalini Yoga and the training has been invaluable in addressing correct alignment, and practicing yoga with injury or limited range of motion. 

Alison, Kaitlyn and Kristen are devoted teachers.  They are inquisitive, patient, and supportive.   I recommend this training wholeheartedly for both teachers and yogis who want to deepen their practice. LIZ DALTON, 2016

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Alison, thank you for leading with such strength, clarity, generosity and integrity.  I am a better teacher because of your masterful teachings.  My experiences in this YUTT deepened my understanding of alignment, sequencing, and what it means to respect the wisdom of Yoga and to respect ourselves as teachers and students of Yoga. 

To those interested in teaching, YU's TT will prepare you to teach with intelligence, confidence, and a comprehensive understanding of alignment and sequencing. Alison is a teacher's teacher truly. I've been studying with her for years, assisted her Yoga for Scoliosis class for over a year, and completed her 300/500hr training.  I always leave her class feeling inspired and as though I've participated in a brilliant experiment with a master scientist.  The way she analyzes poses and all aspects of Yoga is with the spirit of a great explorer, and one who deeply cares about her students and how to best serve them.  She is thorough, leaves no stone unturned, and shares what she discovers with lightness, humor, and skill ... she and her team exceptional teachers, including Kaitlyn Hipple and Kristen Woods, will teach you to learn basic principles in order to understand the "why" behind what you're teaching and to see and teach your students with clarity ... preparing you to see unlimited possibilities and to be an adventurous intelligent explorer yourself. 

 

On another note, during my training, I injured my knee in a skiing accident and Alison and the team were incredibly compassionate and supportive.  They bring such respect, generosity, and skill to all of their teachings and to the way they connect with students.  It's a community of practitioners who walk the walk of this path with depth, sincerity and lightness.  It's been a joy and I'm grateful to be part of it. DEANNA SIDOTI, 2017

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"This Teacher Training has been one of the most delicious, rigorous, challenging and rewarding experiences of my life. I am changed person and will and will be applying the principles and teachings in all aspects of my life in order to evolve as a yoga student, emerging teacher and human being.[..] Thank-you so much.” N. GOLDSTEIN, New York City, July 2010.

 

“I’ve known Alison for almost fifteen years as both a teacher and a fellow Astanga practitioner. Her insight and experience single her out as one of the most highly regarded Yoga instructors in New York City.” WILLEM DAFOE, New York City, March 2007

 

“Alison, and her impressive guest teachers, present an enormous amount of material expertly and concisely. Be prepared to work hard, and grow even more.  I can’t recommend her 200-hour TT enough.”   MEGAN MOOK, RYT, 2009 Winter TT

 

“The TT course was great; more than I expected in every sense!  Alison West is an inspirational teacher and leads the course in an extremely thorough fashion, along with other wonderful visiting teachers.  I would highly recommend anyone dedicated to yoga to do this course, whether it is with a view to teaching or to intensify their own practice.   SIOBHAN O’CONNOR, 2009 Winter TT

 

“The Teacher Training was comprehensive! I will be processing and returning to what I have learned for a long long time!” ALANNA BARRETT, 2009 Winter TT

 

“Alison’s Teacher Training was one of the most in-depth and empowering trainings I have ever had!” SARAH NIELSEN, Certified Massage Therapist and Yoga Teacher, 2007

 

"If you are a yoga instructor who feels a bit insecure about alignment and anatomy, this would be an amazing training for you! It is rigorous and intense but totally doable for everybody. I strongly recommend it."  XIMENA ROJAS

 

"It's been 13 years since my TT with Alison West and I still use the knowledge and skills I learned from her every time I teach or practice!"  JESSICA LUNT

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