Maine Yoga Festival

Katonah Yoga® is a rich theory developed by Nevine Michaan and her teachers. It incorporates Hatha yoga, Taoist theory and sacred geometry. We use metaphor, props hands on adjustments to not only explore the shapes we look to embody through asana, but to recognize habits, patterns and blind spots that all mortal beings have.

For this workshop, Sarah will introduce the principles of the Katonah Yoga®️theory. We will explore how we use the metaphor of a body as a house as a tool organizing oneself in a pose both imaginatively and physically. The workshop will include lecture, physical practice, lots of hands on adjustments and will give space for Q&A. This workshop is appropriate for students, teachers and body workers alike.

Join Melora Gregory E-RYT 500 for a 4 hour Yoga Alliance accredited anatomy and alignment focused Teacher Training on Friday 7/25/25 1-5PM.

This workshop requires a separate ticket: click to purchase on Eventbrite
Option to purchase balls on site.

This training is composed of multi-layered modalities that combine some of Doug Keller’s movement and anatomy lessons, Tom Myer’s work into the myofascial lines of the body, my skilled BKS Iyengar Yoga teachers’ lessons, Yamuna Zake’s unique approach to bodywork, Liz Koch and Dr. Keneen Hope McNiven’s knowledge and insight of the emotional and mental connection to the psoas, and the unearthing of the Vagus Nerve. Though I am not a doctor or therapy professional these practitioners’ work has greatly influenced my teaching.

Students will physically locate the Core Thread or the bodies postural and energetic core, tracing bone, fascia, and muscles using Yamuna Body Rolling balls, and discuss its relevance.

Students will practice yoga cue’s that engage and release this inner thread, from the inner arches of the feet, the inner thighs, the psoas, the chest cavity and alignment of the neck and head at its deepest level.

Students will use the Yamuna balls to experience awareness of the adductors and the pelvic floor as we follow their connections to the psoas, lungs, and then up the spine to the head.

This primary axis in the human body, though physical can also be considered to behave energetically, as it is closely connected to the breath, and our emotions. The hip flexors (psoas), our prime movers, interface with the breathing diaphragm and lungs, this system is all designed to respond to stress.

Students will learn about postural imbalances that may result from trauma and stress and reveal ways to mitigate them. Explicit language of the fight, flight, freeze response is presented.

Students will also enjoy a guided nervous system reset, practicing restorative yoga postures and postures specific to restoration of and conditioning the psoas.

Students will discuss and synthesize the Central Nervous System and the Vagus Nerve as relates to yoga. Practice various ways to support and tone the function of the Vagus Nerve.

*This course qualifies for 4 Yoga Alliance CE hours: 3 Anatomy and Physiology hours + 1 Techniques, Training and Practice hour.

This workshop requires a separate ticket: click to purchase on Eventbrite
Option to purchase balls on site.

Kick off the festival in full color with veteran teacher Jacqui Bonwell as she leads Peace, Love & Leg Warmers—a 2-hour throwback yoga extravaganza where heart-opening meets hair-raising (yes, crimped hair welcome).

Step into a time warp of neon vibes, synth beats, and soulful movement as Jacqui blends her signature brand of powerful, purposeful yoga with the unapologetic joy of the '80s. Expect a dynamic and deeply grounding flow that reconnects you to your body, your breath, and your inner boombox.

From Madonna-inspired mantras to spandex-strong sequencing, this isn't just a class—it's a movement revival. Whether you're a seasoned yogi or just here for the leg warmers, come as you are and leave feeling like a spiritually aligned backup dancer in a music video of your own life.

Dress loud, breathe deep, and join us in the opening celebration that reminds us that the best way to arrive is with peace, love, and a little bit of shoulder shimmy.