Francois Raoult, MA, E-RYT 500, C-IAYT is the founder of Open Sky Yoga Center and the CEO of Open Sky Yoga Therapy Training (OSYTT). Francois first felt the call to yoga at age 19, on the pilgrimage to India. Then, he toured Europe with an avant garde puppet theater and composed music for the plays. Franois began teaching yoga in 1975. A year later, he started training with the great yogi, Sri B.K.S. Iyengar. A graduate of the Ecole Nationale de Yoga in Paris and a certified Iyengar Instructor, Franois also has extensive training in meditation, Ayurevda and anatomy. Certified in Gong and Laughing Yoga, Franois completed the International Sound Healer program and received a masters degree in Ethnomusicology. Francois taught at Iyengar and Yoga Journal Conventions and initiated a back-care program at Highland Hospital in Rochester, NY. He teaches creative Teacher Training programs and yoga retreats worldwide.
http://www.openskyyoga.com/francois

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Opening Weekend: Key note address. Opening poses to begin a class. Lateral Standing poses. Ujjayi pranayama and Savasa- na. How to practice and teach with modifications and props
Standing Poses Part 2: Warriors and Rotations. How to acces and progress in forward bends. Restorative poses.
Pranayama and Sound The art of breathing. Kapalabati, bhastrika, ujjayi, viloma, bhramari. Chanting mantra and overtones.
Graduation: Synthesis of the Journey. Question / answer session. Written and teaching tests feedback. Graduation ritual.

Michael Amy, MSPT, E-RYT 500, OYI, C-IAYT is a Registered Yoga Teacher at Open Sky, and a licensed Physical Therapist with 20+ years of experience. Michael is an Opening Yoga Instructor for Adapting Yoga for Disability from Matthew Sanford's Mind Body Solutions and completed Essential Teacher Training with Francois Raoult, Relax and Renew certification with Judith Lasater. In addition, Michael has studied Pranayama with Richard Rosen and Fascia Release with Tom Myers. Michael synthesizes his knowledge of anatomy, physiology, neuromuscular function and the core principles of yoga and mindfulness to help students and physical therapy clients discover their inner sense of freedom and a sense of well-being. He teaches anatomy modules in yoga teacher trainings internationally and offers a variety of workshops including back care andadaptive/inclusive yoga.
https://www.michaelamyyogapt.com/

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Yoga Anatomy: experiential module discovering the intricacies of the bodily systems in relation to active and restorative asana.
Spine 101: an experiential module highlighting the anatomy and physiology of the spine through functional and developmental movement patterns, asana, and breath work.

Carla Anselm, RYT500, ERPYT, YAI500, began yoga training in 2001 at Shakti Yoga in NYC, and continues her education with Francois Raoult at Open Sky Yoga Center. She began teaching at Open Sky in 2004 after completing the Essential Yoga Teacher Training. Carla is an Advanced Restorative Yoga Teacher certified by Judith Hanson Lasater (2009) and has trained with various senior Iyengar yoga teachers. Carla is an experienced doula, teaches the Essential Prenatal and Postpartum Yoga Teacher Training offered by Open Sky Yoga Center and in Brussels, Belgium. She teaches all levels in weekly classes and various workshops at Open Sky Yoga Center.https://openskyyoga.com/teachers/

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The Backbends weekend will build on foundational principles developing range of motion, progression in strength and organ- ic mechanics in creative backbend asana sequences. We will learn how to teach, and resolve healthy active and passive spinal extensions in yoga asana practice and for life.
The Inversions weekend will focus on building skills to recognize healthy inversions and contraindications, create modifica- tions, and develop inversions in active and passive yoga asana sequences. Students will develop and strengthen their personal practice and learn how to offer a safe and challenging yoga inversion practice to their students.

Christianne Asper-Contant, CAS, RYT 500, received her credentials as Clinical Ayurveda Specialist in 2003 from the California College of Ayurveda. Christianne's Yoga certifications include: Ayurvedic Yoga Therapy at the Sivanada Yoga Vedanta Centre, Relax and Renew with Judith Hanson Lasater PHD, and Advanced Teacher Training under the direction of Franois Raoult. Currently she conducts public Ayurveda workshops and is the director of Assisi Yoga, a program she established at The Assisi Institute.https://assisi-institute.org/about/

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AYURVEDA Designed to spark a curiosity towards practical application of the sacred knowledge of life- Ayurveda; this course will highlight the journey towards balancing Doshas , the three manifestations of all of life force. Structural principles of this ancient wisdom will assist students own recalibration process ,cleansing and rejuvenation. Topics include: The Three Pillars of Health; The role of the Five Organs of Perception in Dis-ease; Agni, optimal digestion; Ama, toxins; The 3 Gunas, Sattva, Rajas and Tamas as Ayurvedic Psychology

SONAM TARGEE MA, Ayurvedic Practitioner, has maintained a clinical practice combining Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine for 20 years. He is a member of the National Ayurvedic Medical Association. Sonam has studied extensively with Dr. Vasant Lad and is a graduate of the New England School of Acupuncture. He also is a long-time practitioner of yoga and T’ai Chi. http://www.ancientuniversalmedicine.com/

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AYURVEDA First lecture will cover the seven dhatus (the seven “tissue groups”) and the samprapti (disease process). Dhatus are linked by a flow of prana that can be adjusted via asana, pranayama, herbal remedies, and dietary regimen.
AYURVEDA Second lecture will cover self-care with many different ayurvedic practices, herbs, oils, and lifestyle adjustments. Herbal chemistry and remedies will be explored in a practical way.

DOUGLAS BROOKS Ph.d, is a professor of religion and chair of Asian Studies at the University of Rochester in Rochester, N.Y. One of the world’s leading scholars of Hindu Tantrism, he earned his doctoral degree from Harvard University’s Center for the Study of World Religions. In addition, he lived for many years with his Guru in India, receiving a classical Sanskrit education.http://www.rajanaka.com/

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Part 1: The Origins and Sources of Yoga (8000 BC to 400 AC)A clear historical understanding of the histories of yoga is vital to developing an appreciation of how we practice today. We will begin in Pre-Arya India considering both the Indus Val- ley and the proto-Dravidians of south India and then step into Vedism and its development into Brahmanism. Along side these developments that lead us to Hinduism are the so-called Strivers (Shramana) such as Buddhists and Jainas and others who are advancing the conversation and the seminal debates. How do Vedism and Brahmanism become “Hinduism”? How does yoga evolve from these sources? We will come to the edge of the commentarial traditions past Patanjali and towards the rise of Vedanta.
Part 2: Esotericism and Love (400 AC to 2020) The two most important developments in yoga—as it reaches its mature complexities—are Tantra and Bhakti, that is, the esoteric and devotionals traditions. We’ll create a chronology, as far as that is possible, but more importantly map out ideas, values, and practices. How do meditation, ritual practices, and other matters involving body, mind, and spirit develop and diversify? How do these traditions lead us to modernity? Let’s discuss women’s traditions, storytelling, temple traditions, and the evolution of practices such as mantra, mudra, and alchemy. Where do these ideas and values connect to our contemporary practices?

JOSEPHINE VITTORIA E-RYT 500, is the Founder of Yoga Essentiel and Oyeloria Jewelry in Montreal, Canada. Following the teachings of the Iyengar tradition, she studied since 2009 under the guidance of various senior Iyengar teachers and influencers including Judith Lasater (Restorative Yoga, Relax and Renew), Elise Miller (Yoga for Scolio- sis), and Bobby Clennell (author of The Woman’s Yoga Book). She graduated from École Satyam in Montreal and Advanced Teacher Training program with François Raoult. These experiences have influenced the way she understands herself and the world as well as the way she expresses herself creatively through her jewelry brand Oyeloria. Creating space, discovering self-awareness, and learning to let go are the fundamentals of her teachings. https://www.josephinevittoria.com/

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ASANA This module will cover the asana of the transversal plane, all rotation cycles including seated, inverted twists and re- view of standing parivrtta. We will also explore how to teach restorative poses.

Richard Rosen began his study of yoga in 1980 and began teaching in 1987 after completing a two-year training program at the BKS Iyengar Yoga Institute in San Francisco. He is the author of five books on yoga, the most recent being Yoga FAQ: Almost Everything You Need to Know about Yoga from Asanas to Yamas. He has also written numerous articles, book and video reviews for various magazines, including Yoga Journal, which for many years he served as a Contributing Editor. Since being diagnosed with Parkinsons Disease in 2002, Richard has worked individually with many people dealing with the same condition. Richard lives in Berkeley, California. https://www.richardrosenyoga.com/

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THE HISTORY OF TRADITIONAL YOGA (ca. 1450-1850) Origins of hatha yoga and the meaning of “hatha” • Significant traditional texts: Hatha Yoga Pradipika, Gheranda Samhita, Shiva Samhita • Evolution of asana from ca. 1450 to 1850 • Pranayama and body valves (mudra and bandha) • The Subtle Body • The Super-human Powers and Secrecy • The Yoga Life: Living Alone, Wandering, Silence • The Meaning of Liberation

MEG RUBY MA Mus., RYT200 holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Piano Performance along with Doctoral Studies at the Eastman School of Music. She a concert pianist, compos- er, and sound healer. Meg is a graduate of Open Sky Yoga, and completed her Sound Facilitator training at the Open Center in NYC. Her performances are a unique experience as she combines improvisation with classical music,electron- ics, ambient sound landscapes. She integrates into her work years of training in reiki, yoga, ayurveda, meditation, astrology, Continuum Movement, and various art therapies. Her work has taken her all around the world, from Carnegie Hall to the International Art therapy conference in Hong Kong, from Berkeley College of Music to Eastman School of Music. https://www.megruby.com/

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I. We will look at the science behind sound and how it affects our body/mind, environment, and the way we interact and communicate. What is Cymatics? We will discuss sound in embryonic development, how the inner ear works, the vagus nerve, sphenoid bone, etc. How sound affects general health, hormones, mood, brain health.. Various exercises will be given to experi- ence first hand the effects of sound.
II. We will look at specific sound and breath practices such as toning, chanting and Oming. Yogic breathwork and sound.
III. Introduction to tools used in sound healing, such as forks, bowls, and gongs. Learn how to develop your own daily prac- tice with sound and music. Learn what a sound journey is and how to create your own sound Journey
IV. How to use sound specifically in your yoga practice and yoga teaching. Learn to use sound with asana. Learn how to present sound in your classes.

CARL HOFFMAN PhD, E-RYT500 has been a yoga practitioner for over thirty years. His primary teacher is François Raoult and and he completed his teacher training with him in 2003. He founded Pinnacle Yoga and Yoga at Abundance in 2006. Carl has been interest- ed in Indian thought since his college days and studied Sanskrit at the University of Rochester and in Kerala, India. Other significant influences have been Judith Lasater, Frank Jude Boccio, and the Iyengar yoga institute in Pune, India, where he spent a month in 2009.https://www.pinnacle-yoga.com/

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Sanskrit is the language for most traditional yoga texts. A basic acquaintance with this fascinating language can enhance understanding and appreciation of all aspects of yoga: philosophy and ethics, asana, pranayama, and meditation. The Sanskrit course will cover Sanskrit sounds, the Sanskrit alphabet, formation and meaning of familiar yoga words and of several common chants.

JIM THOMPSON PT, RYT James is an African-American man who has centered his life around the practice of meditation, through the Rochester Zen Center. He was involved in the Roches- ter Martin Luther King Commission for a number of years. He and his wife Shirley are building a “Beloved Community” and dismantling the racist underpinnings of policing in Rochester, NY. He is a retired physical therapist who worked in devel- opmental disabilities. James has studied at Yoga at Open Sky with François Raoult since 1986.

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The interactive lecture “The Life of Awareness, Race, and Being Oneself” will address racism, diversity, social engagement in relationship to spiritual practice. Session will include a practical Introduction to Zen Meditation.