Here are my top ten yoga teachers, not in any particular order….
1. John Scott - haven’t worked with him for a few years but was the gentlest, most inspiring introduction to ashtanga.
2. Gerry Kielty - based in Scotland. Iyengar-ish. Great on anatomy, on sequencing and on getting a very focused, calm atmosphere at workshops. Knows exactly what posture your body wants next.
3. Petri Raisanen - Finnish ashtanga teacher who gives workshops and retreats in US and Europe. Good on technique. Good adjustments. Great hair.
4. David Roche - American ashtanga teacher who taught in London. Dance background, very precise. Lovely calm presence at workshops. Great adjustments.
5. Christian Pisano - French Iyengar teacher. Very wise on anatomy. Strong workshops. Demanding in the best way.
6. Richard Freeman - a master. Reminds you to take pleasure in practice. Will always remember him murmuring “mmm, delicous!” while demonstrating sun salutations - as if he was eating ice cream.
Oh dear - there must be some women!
6. Dena Kingsberg - Australian ashtanga teacher. Lovely workshop leader. Great energy, kept a very focused workshop going.
7. Patthabi Jois - citizen of the world.
8. Maxine Tobias - one of the all time great Iyengar teachers. London based.
Thinking how odd it is that I don’t have more women - even though most yoga students are women and there are of course great women teachers. But maybe I haven’t been taught by enough women! Have heard that Donna Farhi is very good. Annie Pace? Shiva Rea?
9. David Swenson - travelling ashtanga teacher. Gentle, wise, and Texan.
10. David’s wife Shelley - they are a great team.
So, please post your own top ten! Always looking for great teachers, whatever form.
2 Comments
That is not only a cool idea but sooo helpful.
I too love John Scott..he is truly the Nureyev of Ashtanga ( Stings words i believe!)
I’m going to have to give some time to adding to your list, but thanks for that, i’ll be back later!
On reading your list, i must add the first yogini who comes to mind…Shiva Rea…she’s in my top 10 . She is the rock goddess of yoga…i love moving with her, and the people she has giving adjustments are just heaven…so gentle and precise and practiced.
Then there is Gurmukh who exudes a sense of reaching those higher yogic states of mind and being we all aspire too…if you are are expecting a baby or have one, she is your Earth -Mother incarnate..very authentic and inspirational on so may levels.
Both these goddesses have their homes in Los Angeles , but travel the world and are more accessible than you think.. why not try the dvd’s to start with.
I’d love to work with Beryl Brenda Birch and Donna Farhi, and then there are all these Vanda Scarvelli yoginis out there..i’m sure the list of amazing female teachers is endless…. these are the Big Names..we all know of the inspirational yoginis out there who teach us whilst remaining anonymous to the mass market place….let’s hear about them too.
Madge.
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