Alison Waldman - Yoga And Dance

Offers online services

About

**Availability for virutal lessons during COVID-19 is open!**

I'm a body positive yoga teacher and wellness educator for nontraditional students and spaces in Washington, D.C. I am certified in Accessible Yoga and work with people across ability, range of motion, illness, and other limitations. This includes wheelchair and chair yoga, bed yoga, and gentle full body flows.

Read more about my teaching philosophy at http://www.alisonwaldman.com/philosophy.html.

My classes promote accessible, portable, and practical yoga - how to incorporate both postures and yoga philosphy to serve the body and the mind on and off the yoga mat (or chair).

I am RYT-200 Yoga Alliance certified and a community partner of the Yoga and Body Image Coalition.

I promote accessible spaces and experiences free of judgement and expectations, and focus on movement as an avenue for empowering people and communities of all shapes, sizes, and abilities to be curious and knowledgable about what they have available them. This is a tool that we can utilize in every moment - not just in yoga.

Highlights

Hired 3 times

1 employee

7 years in business

Serves Washington , DC

Offers online services

Social media

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Reviews

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Katy H.

I came to Washington in August for a year-long teaching assignment. I used Lessons.com to try to find a place near my apartment where I could take yoga classes. There are, of course, many places in the city where I could do that, but I had some particular needs that led me to look at private lessons as a starting point. First, I am a novice, having taken only some beginner classes at my work and the local YMCA in my home-town. Those were enough to make me want to get better and to practice more regularly, but also to know that I needed more instruction. Second, I am 62 and starting to feel some aches and pains, especially in one of my hips. That meant I wanted to start slow and work with someone who had experience working with older and less agile students. Alison has been the perfect instructor for my needs and I have continued lessons since August and will do so until I have to leave in May.

Alison has the right combination of expertise and teaching skills. She understands the body and how it moves and she understands how to be encouraging and challenging at the same time. Working with her one on one has allowed me to improve my form and knowledge of yoga significantly, and I now feel more confident about joining a group class, which I plan to do this month. I also have far less joint pain, especially in the hip that was bothering me. Plus, she has taught me the stretches/poses that will help me when it starts to ache and I do them regularly on my own. Even once I start taking group classes, I plan to keep my weekly lesson with Alison until I have to leave. As I told her one day, “This is the best $75 I spend every week!”

January 19, 2020

•Hired on Lessons

Frequently asked questions

What is your typical process for working with a new student?

**VIRTUAL CLASSES AVAILABLE DURING COVID-19**

Our first consultation together is complimentary to determine if we're a right fit. From there, if we'd like to continue working together we agree upon a rate and set a schedule.

Before we meet, I also like to get to know the new student via a couple email exchanges or short phone call to identify some details like type of session, number of participants, length, and frequency - as well as any limitations or injuries to consider.

What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?

- Yoga Alliance Certified RYT-200.Certification includes Yoga Nidra, Yoga for PTSD, Prenatal Yoga, and Chair Yoga.

- Certified Accessible Yoga Teacher. This includes wheelchair yoga and bed yoga (https://accessibleyogatraining.com/)

- Resident Movement Artist and yoga teacher at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital

Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.

During COVID-19 I offer virtual lessons beginning at a rate of $60/lesson. Lessons take place over video conference (we'll work out the tech logistics together!).

How did you get started teaching?

My yoga and movement practice blossomed from two decades of professional dance training, and my journey as a teacher from seeing a need for a shift in the public perception of yoga, and welcoming spaces for people of all ages and abilities to discover a safe and sustainable movement practice for their bodies and lifestyles.

What types of students have you worked with?

I have worked with aging populations, people with chronic pain neurological diseases, people and in wheelchairs, faith communities, doctors and nurses, CEO's, corporate and nonprofit work teams, and small groups.

I work exclusively with 50+ folks in private lessons.

Describe a recent event you are fond of.

Are you curious about yoga, but unsure where to start? Did you feel clueless and clumsy in your very first/only yoga class? Do you feel your body type, age, attire, gender expression, or ability limits you from feeling free and joyful with yoga? You’re not alone.

Join Shaw Yoga instructor and body positive teacher Alison Waldman for an introductory workshop designed to help every body type gain confidence and agency in a yoga practice. The series covers props; yoga class formats; foundational poses; yoga terminology; plus cultural and historical context and how to benefit from yoga off the mat.

This workshop provides a unique opportunity to experiment with yoga in a safe and judgement-free space. Each session includes tools for visual, linguistic, and physical learning. Great for total beginners and the yoga-curious, experienced practitioners craving basics, and anyone who has yet to find a comfortable expression of yoga for themselves.

What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?

Look for someone with specific experience teaching students of your age/ability/level. Be sure they are asking the right questions about any pre-existing conditions, injuries, or concerns about starting yoga or dance.

What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?

What are my goals for starting this lesson?

If I'm new to this kind of class - what are my fears or limitations about it?

How much time per day, week, or month can I realistically commit to this?

Is this a lifestyle change, or just for fun?

Services offered

Yoga

Wedding Dance