Intermediate with Jennifer Brilliant
Jennifer Brilliant Studio
732A Carroll Street, between 6th and 7th, Park Slope, Brooklyn
Mon 9:30 AM to 10:45 AM
Intermediate
www.jenniferbrilliant.com

Monday morning classes in The Slope. Senior teacher, Jennifer Brilliant’s cozy home-based yoga studio is located on a quiet side street in the heart of bucolic Park Slope. The small studio is something of a secret institution, frequented by dedicated locals and intrepid Manhattanites (who followed her from Om, where she used to direct the teacher training program). Brilliant has a friendly, urbane approach and tremendous stores of yoga knowledge; no matter where you’re coming from–beginner, advanced, apprehensive, slightly injured–you’re in good hands.

The Monday morning intermediate class is a challenging, deliberately paced combination of innovative sun salutations (to warm up), held standing poses, and a perfectly sequenced set of shapes based on the week’s focus–inversions, arm balances, backbends, twists, etc. With her eagle eye, Brilliant spots the most subtle corrections (“move your left eyebrow toward your earlobe”), and pushes students out of their lazy zone–though she’s never overbearing. And, especially for shy students, doesn’t put any one on the spot.

Alignment is always emphasized but so is kinetic awareness. There is very little yoga philosophy; and no chanting beyond the opening and closing “om.” This is a very physical oriented, almost clinical style of practice.

You come out feeling calm, strong, and open, which is a fantastic way to start a busy week.

The clean, brightly painted studio holds about 12 students comfortably. Most, are regulars. New students are quickly made to feel like regulars. All props are provided, very well maintained, and included in the $20 drop in rate. The price is a little steep for a single class, but there are discount series cards available, and competitive given the wealth of experience and ultra personal attention that Brilliant brings to her teaching.

Special props to the studio for offering a variety of family-yoga classes, including a dedicated class for pre-teens and teens (there isn’t a better time to have a practice than those rocky “golden” years of semi-youth).

Jennifer Brilliant Yoga, 732A Carroll Street, between 6th and 7th Avenues, www.jenniferbrilliant.com, class price is $20 cash or check which includes mat. A pretty walk from many subways. Intermediate Class is 9:30-10:45 on Monday and Wednesday mornings.