This post is from my early days of teaching, and it’s crazy to see how nervous I was for this role. I wasn’t sure what kind of yoga sequence to create, or what to even expect.
I’m coming up on my first studio audition. I currently teach through the YMCA and at Maplewood Spine and Fitness, both 2x per week. I interviewed for both roles, and participated in some group ex classes, but never had to *audition* in that sense. And I have to say, it’s got me a little shook!
This studio is hardcore vinyasa, and I think most of my yikes-feels come from feeling a little under confident about my ability to sequence something challenging, rewarding, and ultimately spiritual in 10 minutes.
No pressure on myself, right?
I was beyond nervous to go to this audition. And it showed.
Designing a 10 Minute Yoga Sequence that Encapsulates Your Teaching Style
I feel like I’m over thinking it a bit, but it is a tall order. It’s only 10 minutes–only–but there’s so much I want to be able to convey. Understanding of anatomy. Ties to yogic philosophy and history. Mudras? Basic sequencing strategies. An arsenal of cues at the ready. Knowledge of form and how to give proper adjustments.
I have a test week at the studio during which I’m encouraged attend as many classes as possible to get a feel for how classes are run in terms of style and pacing, and overall feel of the studio. Luckily, at a weekend class, I got to meet the studio manager and the district manager (again, no pressure, right?) Since it’s the biggest thing on my mind, I asked them what kind of sequencing they like to see. Should I go overboard with super tricky balances and inversions? Keep it simple and to the basics? JUST TELL ME WHAT YOU WANT.
Obviously, I did not say the last part. But the answer I got from them was reassuring: just do what you would normally do in a class. Make it sincere and from the heart.
Yoga Journal includes even more advice along the same lines.
- Pretend like no one is watching or judging.
- Be mindful of words you use too much (for me? Slow breath in, even breath out).
- Use the tools that you already have as a yoga teacher: mindfulness, breath, maybe even bring in a mantra.
- And most important? PRACTICE.
So I’m cooking up something fun. One of my favorite flows to teach and see what variations my students take. It’s got a little balancing, a lot of warriors, and of course, everyone’s favorite: chaturanga. Slightly condensed, of course, so that there is a clear beginning, middle, and end. And hey: if it’s meant to be, it will be, right?
No pressure =]
SPOILER I did not get this gig! I was invited to re-audition, but opted not to. The studio vibe was not my vibe, and I didn’t feel like my slo-roll vinyasa style was appreciated.
Minnesconsin Yoga 