REBECCA HANNAH

@rebeccahannah_ presents

The Art of Flex-ability

Advance your backbends

15 Hour Teacher Training in Berlin

November 10|11|12 2023

with Rebecca Hannah
@rebeccahannah_

Flexibility is crucial to everything we do with our bodies. Understanding the theory behind the anatomy of backbends and different stretching methods for increasing spinal flexibility can assist in creating better experience of your physical practice.

This training is open to both teachers and students with an interest in flexibility/mobility training and how they can incorporate it into their practice and teaching.

Curriculum

During this training you will learn to build the strength, awareness and mobility to safely deepen your backbend practice. This course combines drills, assists and transitions inspired by yoga, contortion and dance that will:

  • support the development of a strong and solid backbend foundation

  • provide a wide range of tools and exercises you can incorporate to reach your backbend goals

  • break down modifications/advancements, wall and partner props and assists for each pose to incorporate into your backbend practice.

  • The anatomy of backbends including the role of the shoulder complex in backbending practices, how poses mimic shoulder actions, the involvement of large muscle groups and alignment restrictions.

  • Effective methods for addressing physical restrictions.

 About Rebecca Hannah 

Rebecca was introduced to yoga through physical theater and performance. As a performer she was initially attracted to the physical side of yoga and to how it could be used as a tool for creative expression. After her 200hr YTT in Hatha followed by an additional 200hr in Ashtanga Vinyasa, she discovered a passion for creativity in different styles of movement disciplines. This interest was channeled into further trainings, including 200hr of Yogic Arts with Duncan Wong (a fusion of martial arts, Thai massage and yoga), 50hr Tripsichore Yoga Choreography, calisthenics, and circus arts. Rebecca has taught worldwide, in over 16 different countries across four continents and has just launched her own Teacher Training ‘The Art of Flexibility’ which she is leading with Indaba Yoga, one of the top studios in London.

Rebecca’s intention as a teacher is to help students discover presence through play, teaching sequences that are fun, innovative, creative and smart. She believes in a strong focus on developing the strength to safely support flexibility, while using movement as a tool for mindfulness, communication, creativity and self-expression.

Schedule

FRIDAY - Focus: Waves and spirals

18:00 - 20:30 - Creative Vinyasa Master Class

Inspired by vinyasa yoga and dance, this class links breath to movement, helping you find your flow state and switch off from the chaos and stresses of modern day life. In this class, we will focus on the technique of spinal waves and spirals. We will explore how the spine is built to not only flex, extend, laterally flex and rotate: but also to undulate like a wave.

SATURDAY - Focus: Flip your grip

09:00 - 11:00 - Master Class

In this Master Class, we will explore the rotation of the shoulders when coming into flipped grip poses, including king pigeon, low lunge, bow, standing splits and dancer’s pose.

11:00 - 11:15 - Break/Coffee

11:15 - 13:00 - Drills and Skills

In this session, we will cover drills to work towards and improve:

  • Shoulder flexibility, including the correct rotation on the shoulders when approaching flipped grip poses

  • Alignment and modifications, including how to come into flipped grip poses both passively and actively

  • How to approach flipped grip poses using props, including straps, blocks and the wall.

13:00 - 14:00 - Lunch and rest

14:00 - 15:30 - Andrea - Shoulder anatomy:

  • Shoulder position for backbends

  • Importance of external rotation

  • Difference between external and internal rotation

  • How to make upper back bend

  • Psoas vs. shoulder complex

15:30 - 15:45 - Break

15:45 - 17:00 - Adjusting and Assisting

  • How to use the various techniques of assisting and adjusting, from verbal cues to directional signals to physical manipulation, in both a group and private class setting

  • The role of props as tools in adjusting and assisting

  • Adjustments and assists for king pigeon, low lunge, bow, standing splits and dancer’s pose

  • Self assists to reduce tension, improve alignment and support your body to release any physical tension from training, practice and every day life.

SUNDAY - Focus: Upper back and shoulders

09:00 - 11:00 - Master Class

This Master Class will use dance-inspired spinal waves, circles and twists to explore how to create length and strength in the spine, as well as how to perform fluid and graceful transitions.

11:00 - 11:15 - Break/Coffee

11:15 - 13:00 - Drills and Skills.

In this session we will cover drills for:

  • Upper back and shoulders.

  • Alignment and modifications for cobra, camel and wheel pose.

  • Fun transitions, creative sequencing and variations including camel to wheel, forearm wheel plus dropbacks

13:00 - 14:00 - Lunch and rest

14:00 - 15:30 - Andrea - Backbend anatomy:

  • Anatomical patterns in backbends

  • Different types of backbends

  • Importance of back extensions

  • Importance of lower body in backbending practice

15:30 - 15:45 - Break

15:45 - 17:00 - Adjusting and Assisting

Cobra, camel and wheel pose including wheel variations and dropping back.

In this sessions we will cover:

  • How to use the various forms of assisting and adjusting from verbal cues to directional signals to physical manipulation in both a group and private class setting.

  • The role of props as tools in adjusting and assisting.

  • Adjustments and assists for cobra, camel and wheel pose including wheel variations and dropping back.

  • Self assists to reduce tension, improve alignment and support your body to release any physical tension from training, practice and every day life.

 About Andrea Pehar 

Andrea has always been driven by movement. She has practiced different kinds of sports and dance before starting lifelong Yoga practice in 2015.

Andrea is a highly trained yoga practitioner, with a deep passion for the physical and spiritual benefits of the practice. She holds a 300-hour Jivamukti Yoga certification, as well as certifications in 75-hour Spiritual Warrior, 40-hour Yoga for Trauma, and Pranayama training by Eddie Stern. Andrea is also a Master Flexibility Trainer in training, constantly striving to deepen her knowledge and skills.

Andrea currently teaches Pilates and her own 'realignMethod', a method that she designed based on her personal need for enhanced flexibility training while practicing yoga - asana.

With a deep interest in body alignment, science breath and its benefits on the mind, and helping others unlock their potential, Andrea's creativity shines through in her teaching style and method. In her classes, you can expect a mindful approach to movement and an educational experience that will leave you feeling empowered and rejuvenated.

Whether you are a more advanced practitioner looking to further challenge your practice, or whether you are just starting out in your backbend journey, you will delve deeper into explorations that will support you notwithstanding your current level. The only requirement is coming with an open mind and a willingness to go outside your comfort zone!

Location

The training will take place at the beautiful Yoga Space of
Denizen
Köpenicker Str. 40, 10179 BERLIN

Price

450€ - Regular Price
400€ - Early Bird (until September 1st)

Limited spaces available
150€ - Non-refundable deposit to reserve your spot

If you have any questions, please contact juliette@yoga-breathwork.com