Exploring Inversions:

A Student Workshop & Teacher Training

by Danielle Gismondi

April 11 & 12

Join Danielle for this two-part offering that invites everyone into the student experience, with an additional training component for teachers interested in learning practical tools to support their students’ inversion practice.

On day one, there will be plenty of time to explore level-appropriate variations of headstand, handstand and shoulderstand, with space to ask questions and receive thoughtful, individualized feedback in a supportive workshop setting. On day two, certified yoga teachers can expect a training-style format that dives into specific techniques and drills, along with hands-on assists and verbal cueing, to better support students as they work with these poses.

Both days include partner work with consent, time spent exploring the history of inversions, and reflection on how these poses show up in modern yoga spaces.

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Overview

When is this taking place?

  • Student Workshop (day 1): Saturday, April 11 from 1-4pm

  • Teacher Training (days 1 & 2): Saturday, April 11 from 1-4pm & Sunday, April 12 from 10:30am-3:30pm

What is the cost?

  • Student Workshop: $65 non-refundable investment (Saturday only)

  • Yoga Teacher Training: $160 non-refundable investment (Saturday & Sunday)

    • We offer a lifetime 10% training discount for all PYC Yoga Teacher Training graduates

  • We are proud to offer 2 half scholarships as part of our ongoing work to diversify the Greater Portland yoga community. Please email jess@portlandyogacollective.com to inquire more.

Who is this for?

  • Saturday is for anyone interested in learning more about inversions, and having time and space to practice them in a safe and supportive environment.

  • Saturday & Sunday are for certified yoga instructors who want to gain hands-on skills and more verbal cuing to support their students in exploring inversions.

Content & Materials

Day One | 3-hr Workshop to Practice Techniques

  • “Why do we do inversions” mini-lecture

  • Warm-up and partner work

  • Practice level-appropriate variations of Headstand, Handstand and Shoulderstand

Day Two | 5-hr Training on Teaching Techniques

  • Teaching Headstand, Handstand & Shoulderstand

  • Practicing/Teaching Forearm balance

  • Practical cuing tips

  • How to scaffold shapes for more accessibility

  • Caring for the teacher’s body

  • Assessing risk

Trainings at Portland Yoga Collective prioritize a safe and nurturing environment for students to step into curiosity. Expect to participate in meaningful dialogue and engage in the courageous practice of teaching.

Teacher | Danielle Gismondi

While the western yoga landscape has shifted over the years, I bring a consistent and thoughtful approach to this numinous practice. My 20 years of teaching is bolstered by my curiosity of what happens when people put their collective attention in one place. As a student I enjoy an intelligent flow & spaciousness to pause; as a teacher I enjoy a room where students can laugh & not take themselves too seriously. I invite the reverent and the ridiculous, believing we need both to stay grounded.

Hear from Danielle on the inspiration behind this offering:

“Has your teacher ever said “Go ahead with an inversion if it’s in your practice!” and a few people actually do the inversion? What if it’s not in your practice, and you want a safe place to try?

Maybe you’re a teacher who wants to make time for these shapes in class but you’re unsure where to start, or it’s been more than a little while since you tried.

Whether you have lots of experience with inverting your body, or you’re just starting out, there’s a way forward for you in your practice.”

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