Our Approach
About The Yoga Room
We are the oldest Ashtanga yoga studio in New Orleans, founded in 1996 by Certified Ashtanga Yoga Teacher Melanie Fawer. Housed in a newly renovated historic building in uptown New Orleans, The Yoga Room offers Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga classes in an airy studio with large windows that let in a gentle breeze from the Mississippi River. We have a shower available for anyone’s use.
The Yoga Room is a sanctuary for a lifetime of self-study through the ever unfolding nature of yoga. Certified and trained in India by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, Melanie sets the standard for classes at The Yoga Room. All teachers have studied extensively with her and practiced for many years before starting to teach yoga to the New Orleans community.
What is Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga?
Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga is a flow of sequenced postures linked together through breathing, alignment, gaze, and internal locks. It is an energy generating practice that cultivates a meditative experience and a natural self-practice.
Our studio focuses on the teachings set forth by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, Melanie’s teacher since 1994. While there are six series of postures in Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga, each building on the other, the invigorating primary series in the core of the practice and the focus for most students.
Ashtanga Yoga is suitable for anyone of any age or experience level, and our Mysore style classes promote a safe and hands-on approach to learning yoga.
What is a Mysore Style Class?
In Mysore style classes, you will learn a sequence of postures from the Ashtanga Primary Series. Our yoga instructor does not lead the class; rather, he or she works with you one-on-one, offering adjustments, variations and new postures as you progress through the series.
At The Yoga Room we recognize that everyone has a unique body, and that no one class can possibly fit the needs of all. We celebrate this rainbow of individuality by offering Mysore style classes, where students of all levels can explore yoga in one room together.
What Can I Expect in My First Month of Mysore Style Practice at The Yoga Room?
In your first few Mysore classes, we will start teaching you a small sequence of postures, modifying poses to meet your needs and teaching you the breathing that accompanies each movement.
At first, you will receive the most attention from the teacher and your class will be shorter than more experienced students because you are learning the Ashtanga Primary Series. Over time you will become familiar with the practice and we will introduce you to more challenging poses progressing you through the series, all at your own pace.
Your practice will grow until you arrive at a point where you can practice Ashtanga anywhere, all on your own. This is what we call “self-practice,” and it’s one of the ultimate goals of Ashtanga yoga.
Every single Ashtanga yoga student walked into a Mysore style class one day knowing nothing. We all began practicing Ashtanga yoga with a teacher who gradually taught us postures in accordance to our needs, building each posture on the other and preparing us to go deeper into our breath. So much of yoga is just showing up to “meet the mat” and welcoming in the benefits.
I Don’t Know the Primary Series. Can I Still Come to Mysore Style Yoga?
Yes! This is the purpose of Mysore style class and the perfect place to learn yoga because you receive so much one-on-one attention. You will learn the Primary series safely and at your own pace.
If you’re still unsure about what Mysore style is, you are always welcome to observe a class before beginning. You can even check out a class the same day you plan to begin. This is what Melanie did when she began and she fell in love with Ashtanga before she even hit the mat!
I’ve Practiced Yoga, But Never Ashtanga Yoga. What Unique Benefits Does Ashtanga Offer?
As an experienced practitioner, The Yoga Room offers you a unique opportunity to receive one-on-one attention with each pose and to practice at your own breath rate. We will guide you as you learn new and challenging poses and monitor your form in traditional poses.
What Can I Expect to Gain After My First Mysore Class?
When you leave your first Mysore class at The Yoga Room, you will have the seed of your own practice, a deeper state of relaxation and awareness, and a more grounded sense of self.