YOGA PILATES FUSION

A fusion class incoroprating vinyasa yoga, Pilates and somatic exercise movements to open,lengthen and tone the body. The class will leave you feeling relaxed and re-energised and is open to all levels.

Drawing on the principles of yoga, pilates, Alexander technique and contemporary dance, David demystifies these sometimes daunting techniques – his is a complete mind body workout which improves balance, aerobic fitness, coordination and muscle tone. Performed to music, with an emphasis on breathing and integrated, flowing movement, it is ideal for both beginner and those who have been learning yoga, Alexander technique, pilates or any other holistic techniques and would like a further challenge.

Professional dancers have long known of the benefits that yoga can bring to their dance routines, from balance and poise, to core strength and stability, yoga has such a beneficial effect that the two have been brought together by dance professional David Olton.

David’s creation has 4 distinct sections, starting with movements from tai chi, ballet and contemporary dance, where correct terminology and alignment from each discipline is used. This is followed by flowing yoga vinyasas and standing postures, with emphasis once again on correct alignment, to strengthen and lengthen the body.Next it’s onto the mat, drawing on pilates inspired core strength and ballet mat work to lengthen and tone legs, bums and tums. The fourth section is devoted to dance, in particular ballet and contemporary, where students learn plies and learn port de bras for alignment and a short ballet sequence before final relaxation.

DAVID OLTON

David trained at the Stella Mann School of Dance (ballet), The Laban Centre (contemporary dance) and received his yoga teaching diplomas with the International Yoga School (A.I .Y.S) and Sunra Yoga ttc.

David was chosen by Sky to teach yoga and Bollywood dance sessions on their new fitness TV channel. His work as a yoga teacher and dancer has covered every spectrum including television, film, and West End musicals. He also had his own slot as 'Master Yoga' on Channel 4's The Big Breakfast.

West End musicals he's been featured in include: Cats, Fosse (original London Cast) Fame, Bombay Dreams (original London Cast) A Chorus Line, Barry Manilow's Copacabana (original London Cast) Oh What A Night and Boogie Nights.

He has been featured in many newspapers and magazines and has also contributed yoga and dance related articles for Yoga & Health, Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire and Yoga magazine.

To join in a class, you only need be ready 10 minutes before the class starts. If you have Pineapple membership, you do not need to pay at reception.